Livin the Dream

                              BEST LIFE EVER!   I really am so happy here.  

So I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!  Before we get into the really good stuff, I have a funny story.  A couple districts were doing temple service on thursday.  When you picture temple service, you may picture pleasant, smiling old people in white clothes.  When I picture temple service, I picture a million sweaty missionaries in gym shorts pulling weeds.  Haha we love it though.  So we were weeding, and it was hot as the blazes as usual.  I was going about my weeding business, but then I experienced something strange.  I felt something moving down my forehead, and I asked the sister with horror: "... is that a drop of sweat?!"  They confirmed, and I couldn't believe it.  They all laughed at me because I was telling them that that was literally the first time in my entire life that I have sweat enough for it to run down my face.  It was the grossest thing of all time.  Typical Florida, and typical Hna. Allred. :)

Here is something great about being a missionary: you have to talk to everyone.  I love talking to everyone. :)  This week, we were tracting a street and saw a family moving things around their garage.  We offered them service, and they were very nice but declined.  We waved and left, but then I told Sister Ward that I really liked them and we didn't even offer them a chance to hear our message, and we had to go back.  She didn't really love that idea, but I told her I would do the talking if she was embarrassed.  We went back and talked to them about Christ and our message, and they said we could come back to teach them more!  Those have been the miracles we have witnessed this week.  We have finally been finding "potential investigators."  That just means people who might become investigators, who we have taught a bit but don't know if they are committed yet.  Last Monday, we knocked on 5 doors all day.  Three of them became potential investigators.  We are learning to be bold and invite people to learn more.  Most of them are nice about it, and quite a few agree!  There is so much peace that comes from knowing you gave them a black-and-white opportunity to accept the gospel.

Earlier this week, we found A. and L. outside playing basketball.  We got an appointment with them, and taught an awesome lesson about the Restoration.  The Spirit was very strong.  We hope to meet with them this week once they figure out their work schedules.  A. is 16 and L. is 18, and we really think L. would be baptized.  He wants so much to be a disciple of Christ, and it is cool to find someone so young like that.  Please pray for them - they are the most promising people we are teaching right now.

We are going to start teaching a man and his family from Iran this week.  He has been taught all the lessons and has a baptism date already.  Iran?!  Yes, Iran.  Maybe I will pick up some Farsi. :)

Being a missionary is awesome.  I love love love it and everything about the Gospel.  I challenge everyone to be a positive influence for everyone you meet this week.  Smile, wave, be polite, anything.  It makes such a difference, and it is what Christ would do.  That is what we get to do as missionaries.  Be like Him all the time.  Serve, love, teach, and work work work!  I love it.

Mom, there is a sister here in the ward who is taking care of me and Sister Ward.  Like, she bought us CD's and gives us furniture for our apartment and shops for us.  Her name is Sister Swasey and she is the ward mission leader's wife.  Her daughter left the week after I did, so she says taking care of us is like how she feels she takes care of her daughter.  I thought you would find peace in that. :)

I love you all.  The church is true!  Miracles happen!  There is no such thing as a dead area, only dead missionaries.  Olympia West is coming to life, slowly but surely! 

Love, Hermana Kara Allred

The Olympia Ward missionaries

The weeks are marching on!

It has been another great week here in Orlando Florida.  Here are a couple more fun Florida FAQs:

- There is no neat little grid system like in Utah.  The roads are all helter-skelter and named cool things.  For example, there is Jaffery Ct., Barrymore Ln., Pineapple Dr., etc.  The street we live on in our little apartment complex is Boca Chica circle.  I think that is totally pretty, but then this morning I was thinking and it occurred to me that Boca Chica literally means 'mouth girl' in Spanish.  .... Not so pretty.  Awkward.

- There are a ton of thunder/lightning storms.  Apparently I was subconsciously freaked out by these, because I had a nightmare that we were with the Crane family driving around in a lightning storm and I was praying my guts out that we wouldn't die.  But they are actually really fun to be in, if you are inside. :)

So there has been another experience this week that can be labeled: #OrlandoFloridaMissionProblems (the boys will understand.  It is akin to #FirstWorldProblems).  Our air conditioner broke!  Haha just like our microwaveable eatingware mishap, I felt so funny complaining about the heat when missionaries in Panama are hacking through the jungle with a machete.  But it was still uncomfortable nonetheless.  Sister W. is dying, and I am totally laughing.

Here is something else interesting about Florida:  People in the south go on and on about how Florida really isn't "the south."  (.... though I have heard it is really hick up north)  However, Orlando is very much a part of the Bible belt!  I didn't know that before I came here.  I think we have only talked to 3 people who claim no religion.  We run into 7th Day Adventists, Methodists, Lutherans, Catholics, "Non-Denomonational" Christians, Baptists, you name it!  It is different, because you aren't introducing Christ to people -- you are changing their perception of Him.  One of our problems is that Jehovah's Witness missionaries will knock a neighborhood right before we do, so people get irritated.  Other than a million billion Christians, we have encountered several Hindus, Buddhists, and we always know when we are at a Jewish door because they have a tiny box with a scripture in it on the doorframe.  

Because of all of this religious hubbub, we have had some interesting experiences!  Here is one I love:  We were at the gas station, and just held the door open for a man who was pushing a cart.  We smiled and probably said something too.  He said, "Are you all Christians?"  And we said, "Yes!  We are actually from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!" And pointed to our nametags.  He replied, "Oh I didn't even see those - I just knew."  That happened another time with a woman outside of her house.  Even though there is some tension between religions, I love that people can tell we are followers of Christ.  We wear His name on our chests and we wear it in our countenances - or at least we should.  "Christianity" is an interesting uniting force.  We love to talk to people about how Jesus has blessed their life, and they love to share.  I am glad to have the tools to receive a full knowledge of who He really is - a lot of other people don't understand that fully because they don't have the gospel.  A lot of times people won't pray with us or listen, but will accept our picture of Christ.  A lot of people here love Him and try to follow Him.  It is apparent very quickly what people are Christians at heart and what ones that just claim to be.

So with all of this Christianity, we were surprised yesterday to have an interesting encounter.  A man called us from across the street, asked if we were ministers, and said we could talk to him.  As a missionary, this is kind of always a weird situation.  They could either hate your guts and want to bash you, or they could be that miracle person who really has been waiting!  Haha so you always have to check, and we did.  He was a very devout Muslim, and pulled out fact after fact and analogy after analogy to prove us wrong.  He spoke of Christ with respect as a prophet, but insisted that we were brain-washed and He was not the Son of God.  We listened, (we didn't really have a choice... he wasn't letting us talk) but my heart started burning with testimony.  We know so much more about the Creator of the Universe.  Prophets are good, but He was so much more than a prophet.  Before Abraham was, He was.  He Atoned for our personal sins and for the fall of the earth itself.  He is all-powerful and all-loving.  He helps us in times of need.  He guides His church, succors His people, and speaks to us through the scriptures.  He lives, and I know Him.  I felt sad for this man who didn't.  I love being able to stand up for Him and live my life 24/7 for Him. That was a good experience for me because I was reminded of why I am here and Who my Master is.

I love this mission stuff.  I love seeing someone open a door and loving them for no particular reason.  I love complimenting people on their yards and houses and seeing them smile.  I love offering to help people with the things they are doing and seeing how someone who would have sent us away without a blink or smile will open up to us and send us away laughing and with a wish for a good day.  I love being around missionaries where this is all we do, every day.  How joyful to be involved in such a great work.  

My challenge for everyone this week is to read a Chapter of the Book of Mormon every day.  Most of you are probably doing this already.  Here is why I have been thinking about it. First, we have been visiting with a less-active member named Sister F.  She is wonderful.  She hasn't been to church in years, but called us and asked us to get a triple-combination for her - she wants to start reading again.  Our Elder's Quorum president was inactive before, and he said what got him back on track was reading the Book of Mormon again.  It shocks me and makes me kind of sad to hear people say that they only read the Book of Mormon all the way through for the first time right before they left on their missions.  Read that Book.  Love that Book.  I testify that there is a power that comes into your life when you read it.  I have seen it in mine.  Good luck. :)

I love you all so much.  I love learning how to be better and learning more about being an instrument in the Lord's hands.  I love testifying of things I know are true and love so much.  Thanks for being the best family ever.

Love, Hermana Allred

Week Two in the Campo

So missionary work is fun and hard at the same time!!  There are two things that are the hardest for me.  The first is that missionaries never rest.  Even when we aren't doing big missionary things, we are being watched for our time all of the time, either by members, investigators, people in general, or just the Lord.  We can never, ever let our guard down and always need to remember Whose name we wear.  That is awesome, but also very tiring.  Haha and yes, mom, you can make fun of me for this, but the hardest thing for me is getting up.  Every single morning I wake up and think I can't do it anymore because I am so tired.  I tell myself, "16 more hours before I can sleep again...."  Haha that is horrible, but don't worry, it fades throughout the day and I am always surprised when it is evening again.  Basically, I am becoming a runner.  Haha not really, but we run on treadmills at the gym in our complex and I almost like it.  haha I like it enough to do it at least. 

So this week, some great and not-so-great things occurred.  Mom, you were right about the diversity down here.  I don't know if I mentioned this in my last email, but I have talked to people from Thailand, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Mexico, China, Brazil, Italy, Africa, Germany, and India (I am pretty sure India at least.... we run into Hindus all the time).  It is so interesting to see all of that here, and a lot of fun too.  We have been tracting a lot because we don't have any investigators really.  It can be really fun because I like talking to people and I think Orlando is beautiful, but it really hurts my feelings when people are mean.  I understand that not everyone wants to hear our message or talk to us, but it really bothers me when people are just rude.  I will have to get better at not letting that get me down.

Funny story!  We were tracting and saw a police car cruising around, then he saw us and used his big megaphone thing to call us over.  Haha someone in the neighborhood had called the cops because there were burglaries lately.  It was hysterical.  The cop was practically embarrassed to even have to check us, because  we were two young girls in skirts.  Haha he basically told us we would receive blessings for what we were doing while he was running our profiles.  Good ole' Americans, always calling the cops.  Haha that's what happens in these nicer neighborhoods.  The Elders here are totally jealous that we get to tell that story to everyone.  Also, we ran into a mail lady who said, "They have girl mormons now?!"  And told all her mailman friends.  Haha I laughed at that.  

We have been trying to be more inspired in our tracting.  We try to choose streets that are inspired, and it pays off!  On one street, an 18-year-old answered the door.  His name was John, and when we asked if we could pray with him, he said that he had been praying to get closer to God.  We told him that our message was the answer to his prayers, and taught him the first lesson on his doorstep.  He agreed to meet with us again and read the Book of Mormon, but it was a bummer kind of because we had to refer him to the YSA missionaries.  But it doesn't really matter, as long as he hears the message!  

We actually got to teach a few lessons this week.  We taught one to a man named Frankie, who was found by the Spanish Elders.  It was such a good experience to talk to someone about the Restoration and feel my testimony be strengthened.  He is a super cool guy who knows God is involved in his life.  I hope that he gets baptized, but I am not sure if he will meet with us again (I basically hope everyone will get baptized....)  :)

You know, the work is hard.  I am trying very hard to not compare myself and be a consecrated missionary.  I like walking in the humid heat, and even being rejected sometimes, because that is what happens when you are a disciple of Christ.  I walk with Peter and the Apostles, Joseph Smith and the Pioneers, and Christ himself when I am rejected for His sake.  How exciting that we all get to be disciples together.  

I am trying to love, learn, grow, and be patient with myself.  I was reading this morning in first Nephi 17, where he builds a ship.  What stood out to me about this story was that when he was commanded to build this ship, he didn't snap his fingers and have a ship ready.  He mad fire, he found ore, he made tools, he asked for help, and over time he built the ship.  That helps me as a missionary, because sometimes I get discouraged because I am not the perfect missionary.  Then I remember that it takes time; that I need to make tools and use them so that I can build myself into the person I need to be.  I try to make a little goal every day that makes me better, whether it's not resting when I'm not supposed to or focusing more in study or praying for more focus.  This week, I challenge you to pick one little thing and work on it every day.  We will build ourselves into who we need to be!

I love you all so much.  Have fun at Bear Lake!! :)  Have the best week ever. :)

All my love, Hermana Kara Allred

The Jungle Cruise, Kenny Chesney and some Classic Moments

I love you all!!  I am here in Florida, so far from you all!!  But it is so fun.  Let me tell you all about it (if Silas reads this, just know that this is exactly what all of us wanted from you.... that you still have yet to give us).  

Florida is awesome.  I was kind of surprised to see what little things were different, even though we are still in the same United States.  For example:

The grass is weird.  Like, it is all crabgrass.  And people have it for their lawns, but no one walks on it with barefeet or sits on it because it is hard and spiky and chalk-full of bugs.  The only real lawn I have seen is in front of the stake center.

There are tiny lizards everywhere, and I love them!!  Haha they just scurry across the sidewalk and on people's houses and stuff.

Every morning, it smells like the Jungle Cruise.  Or Pirates of the Caribbean.  I can't decide.  Haha I think it is the humidity.  I am still slowly and surely re-learning how to breathe, and the native Floridians love to laugh with me about it.

Everyone has huge cages over their backyards.  Seriously.  Like, massive cages that cover their lawns and pools and stuff..... it is totally weird, but I think it's to keep out the bugs.  So strange.

The trees have Spanish Moss growing all over them.  Like, classic Bayou trees.  I will try to send some pictures - I absolutely love them.

So anyway, the plane ride was awesome.  All the missionaries were laughing because I was so very excited to be flying.  It was a blessing because I had the windowseat and when I wasn't chatting the ear off of Alex (the non-member college kid who got placed smack in the middle of all the missionaries), my face was right in the window.  It was so fun.  And I gave Alex a Plan of Salvation pamphlet and made him promise to read it.  Haha he thought we were funny and was really cool.

When I got here, we were picked up by the Berry's and taken to the mission home.  We kind of got to relax, and we had a little fireside and interviews with the President.  They made me feel so loved and at home; they are such Christ-like people.  I didn't realize that mission presidents don't put in papers or anything, they just get called.  That is a lot of faith!  It was interesting being with the English Orlando sisters.  I really like them, but it was weird because out of the 21 missionaries, I was the only weird one who was speaking Spanish and didn't know anyone.  I joke because I am the weird, Spanish-speaking, brand-new, 19-year-old missionary. It is fun. :)  The English sisters made me laugh because they were like, "Oh!  I almost forgot what is was like to eat real food!" or "Wow, real beds!" or "I really missed listening to music!"  And I literally laughed to myself because they had been at the MTC for 12 days.... Pobrecitas. ;)

The next morning, they took us to the church for orientation and to meet our trainers.  They brought all of them in and we had to guess whose ours was.  I was first, and I said it would be easy because I would just look for the Spanish nametag...... then they said that there wasn't one.  So my trainer, Sister Ward, is an English-speaking missionary!  With no Spanish experience.  Ok, that was a lie, she took one year in middle school.  Haha but we are learning together!!  The trainers they were inspired to have weren't Spanish-speaking!  A cool testimony-building experience was this, though:  Sister Pike came with us on Monday, and she took 5 years of Spanish and left to Orlando the same day as me.  There is a reason I am speaking Spanish here, even if I am not using it now!  So in accordance with my English trainer, we got assigned to an English area: Olympia West.  Let me tell you a few things about Olympia:

1. It is basically in Orlando, but also covers a few suburb-ish cities.  I think our apartment is in Ocoee.

2.  Our area is half of the Olympia ward.  There are 2 Elders on the more dangerous side of the ward, and so we meet together with the Ward Mission Leader and stuff.

3.  This is the first time they have had sisters in, like, forever.  Years.

4.  The temple is in our area!!!!  What a blessing.  We pass it all the time and it is oh so beautiful.

5.  Olympia is RICH.  Like, one of the very nicest parts of Orlando.  We thought I would be serving in the ghetto?  Wrong.  Haha Tiger Wood's wife lives here, Shaq O'Neil used to have a house here, Britney Spears lived here once, and Kenny Chesney is currently living somewhere in our ward boundaries (boys: "It's gonna be a Kenny Chesney Christmas this time of year!"  I think of that every time).  So.... surprise!

6. It probably takes 12ish minutes to drive from end to end, so it is pretty small.

7.  There is a member here whose name is Rachel McMurtrey, and she used to dance at Timpview with Lori.  There is also a member who used to live in Marissa Stevens' ward (Marissa - do you know the Ogdens?  Haha she was talking about the Juchaus and stuff.... small world).

8.  I met the ward mission leader's daughter at the MTC, which was also kind of weird.

So basically, it is a lot of fun.  Let me now tell you about Sister Ward:

She is from Payson, Utah.  She is beautiful and has really long, blonde hair.  We get along great and she is an awesome trainer.  She is new to the area too, and since they just split it, we are technically "opening an area."  That basically means that we just start from scratch and had no investigators and stuff.  It has been interesting to figure things out together!

Ok, now for some classic missionary moments.

Sometimes, I am just walking down the muggy, Florida streets and I feel classic.  Also, things happen that are especially classic!  Like the following:

Someone asked us if we were like nuns.  Classic.

We go knock doors.  We are those people that parents tell their kids to avoid, or remind them that they are Christian before we start talking to them.  Haha Classic.

My legs are covered in mosquito bites and a really, really gross red ant bite.  Classic.

Tried to find a less-active apartment forever in the Florida rain.  Classic.  Haha it is so much and so fun!

Ok, here is a classic story (sorry this email has been so not-spiritual.... but I knew mom would kill me if not!  haha):  We were tracting on a street called Tallowtree.  We were having no success, and we were going to finish up the houses on the street and then call it good.  At the last house, a Latino man opened the door.  Sister Ward started talking to him, and then he said, "Sorry, I don't speak English - Habla Espanol." And started to close the door.  I then piped up in Spanish that I spoke Spanish, and proceeded to tell him who we were and why we were there.  He said that we could come back when his whole family would be there on Saturday, and I set a date and time with him - all in Spanish!  We had to refer him to the Spanish Elders, but it was awesome to know that the Lord could use me and my Spanish, even in an English area.  The last house on the street.  Classic. :)

All in all, I love being a missionary.  It is so very hard, but also so very fun.  I love this work.  We have two boys we are teaching who are really interested in getting baptized, Matthew and Alex.  Alex was literally begging his parents to let him get baptized.  I don't have much time, so I will write you about them.  Pray for them and their mom, please!  It is cool to be here as a real missionary.  I love you all and pray for you every night.  The church is true, and this is His work!  Please keep praying for me too.

Love, Hna. Allred