February 27, 2017 Officially in the field!

Hello everyone!

This week has been crazy. With so much to do, it has been hard to find time to unpack and realize that I am in New York! Things here are not how I pictured them, but in a good way. Church is not like it was in Utah, there was maybe 20 people who attended, but two of them were investigators who we taught on Saturday. 

My first day officially out of the MTC and in the mission field, I committed someone to baptism with my new Companion Sister Stowell!! It was truly amazing, the promise in D&C was correct,  my joy was great when the person, Danielle, said yes to being baptized in July. 

Most people out here in Hamilton have at least on pet, but that at least gives us missionaries something to start a conversation with someone out here. The work is going well, the field is white- I just have to learn how to fully thrust in my 'sickle'. Over the period of about 4 days, we have found about 5 new potentials and confirmed three visits from a few other potentials, so this week has the potential to be very good ;)

I KNOW that this church is true. In even just a few days I have already seen miracles happen, and watched people soften there hearts. One that stands out in particular, was on Friday. Sister Stowell and I had planned the entire day, but our service opportunity finished early, so instead of walking home we both felt like maybe trying a potential who we could not seem to get a hold of the past few days. We walked over- they happened to be outside playing and were very willing to let us come back and teach the family on Monday! The mom, Kiera and her husband Jim, plus two children will hopefully be taught the restoration tonight, and be willing to let us come back 

I have been studying and learning so much more than I thought possible, even in the MTC. The world is so much different and unpredictable than I thought. But, I know that everything happens for a reason. Nothing in life, nothing in history, could ever stop the progression of this gospel or the spreading of the glad message that Sister Stowell and I are sharing. 

Something to think about- we are all children of our Heavenly Father. We all came here for a reason, and Heavenly Father wants us all to return to him. ALL being the key word. There are people who you associate with who are waiting and willing to listen to a message of hope, peace, and pure love. Isn't it interesting that the Savior, the perfect example said "Love everyone". Loving those who are different is difficult. But one way to become more like the Savior is to truly love and not judge those around us. I think if each of us prayed and asked for Charity towards others, we would have no fears about being rejected by them or talking to them- because we see there worth and love them. 

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called by God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I am like Moroni when I say that I will not deny the Christ, for I have felt his love and support more than ever these past few days. I know he lives. I know he loves me and everyone who has/ will live on this earth. I know he answers prayers. And I know, that being a missionary is one of the most divine callings anyone could strive to be worthy of.

I hope and pray that you all will continue studying and praying, for I know that it will lift your spirits and bless those around you.

Have a wonderful week, and continue Smiling!

Sister Elgaaen

 

Sister Elgaaen & Sister Stowell

Sister Elgaaen & Sister Stowell in Utica

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You should really read this book!

 

February 22,2017 Safely in Utica

Dear Brother & Sister Elgaaen,

 

Your daughter has arrived safely in the New York Utica Mission. She had a full day of training today was assigned a wonderful companion Sister Stowell and departed for her first area.   Sister Elgaaen will e-mail you Mondays, that is their preparation day.  President and Sister Rogers will take very good care of your daughter.  We look forward to having her serve in the New York Utica Mission.  Please feel free to contact the Mission Office if you have any questions. Attached are some pictures for you to enjoy.
 

Her Address will be:

66 Utica St. #2

Hamilton, NY 13346

Thank you for all your love and support.

 

 

Sister Call

Mission Secretary

New York Utica Mission

(315)736-2308

2010410@ldschurch.org

 

 

Katelyn with President & Sister Rogers

 

Katelyn with Trainer Sister Stowell

Feb 14, 2017: The Holy Ghost is the True Teacher

​Hello Family and Friend!

This week went by twice as fast as last week. 

Some of the things that were really emphasized during the many meetings, classes, and teaching practices was- I am NOT  the teacher. No matter how unique my way of sharing the gospel, no matter how much I pray, I will never be the true teacher. The spirit is. My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ, only the Holy Ghost can confirm that what I am saying is true. Is that fact not amazing? If in the Church when we teach or give a talk, would the lessons not be smoother and the messages more clear If we realize that- without the Holy Ghost, nothing is being taught. I find that amazing. If you think about it, when you are baptized you are PROMISED to have the Holy Ghost with you always. Not when he feels like being with you, always. This means that if you live worthy of having the spirit with you, whenever you are in a situation where you bare testimony, or you need guidance/ comfort/ cleansing/ conformation- you have a member of the Godhead who will help you.

I know that is true. It amazes me how often I can feel his guidance just at the MTC.

Time is flying by, but it is comforting to know that nothing can stop Heavenly Fathers plan from happening. There is no worldly thing or disaster that could put a stop to what has been planned to happen. Everything is for a reason- even if you are unwilling to step back and look for it, there will be nothing that takes place that was not meant to happen. This time on earth is to learn and prepare to live with a loving Father who watches and cheers for us every day. Heaven is the goal, and Jesus Christ paved the road which we must follow if we want to make it there safely.

Talking about the Atonement with people who barely understand who Christ is, is different. But it is amazing how fast they are able to have faith and believe that what me and Sister Thomas is saying is true. When ever we start talking about Christ, the spirit always floods the room. 

I know that Jesus Christ, my brother and Savior, died so that I can return to Heaven. He did it for everyone who ever lived and will ever step foot on the earth. It was out of Love that he suffered and paid for all our sins. Without him we would never make it back to our Heavenly Home. He did it for EVERYONE. Remember that the next time you think about judging someone or deciding to pull someone down instead of pull them up. Heavenly Father knew that life on earth would be hard. That is why he sends his angels to go and lift and bring joy. YOU are an angel. YOU are someone who can go and lift someone up and let them know that they are priceless. Christ paid for our sins, therefore everyone on earth is of worth- it is my job as a missionary to invite others to come unto Christ, but it is all our jobs to Love one another. 

Because it is Valentines day this thought works great ;)

I know that this Church is true, I know that Joseph Smith did write the Book of Mormon, and if anyone wants to draw closer to Christ they can by reading that book. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for ALL his children, and he desires for ALL his children to return home to him.

Have a wonderful week!

love, Sister Elgaaen​

 

Katelyn and MTC Companion Sister Thomas

Heart Attacking Doors at the MTC

New York here we come!

Sisters heading to the  New York Utica Mission lookin' Stylish!

 

 

Feb. 7, 2017: Sharing the Gospel--How Great Will Be Your Joy

Hey family and friends!
     This week has gone by. I am loving the MTC! There is SO much to
learn and do that I hardly have time to miss my old way of life. Today
all of the Sisters in my District bought matching shirts that will
arrive next week, maybe we will get pictures before the end of next
prep day.
     One of my favorite things I have done, besides going to the
temple, is teaching the investigators. So far Sister Thomas and I have
only taught three: Cole, Carol, and Kaelin. The MTC does not let you
know if the people you are teaching are real investigators or fake,
but we LOVE our investigators! Teaching them, the gospel just helps me
realize that this church is true. If I, an imperfect and mortal being,
can love Cole, Carol, and Kaelin this much... imagine how much love
Heavenly Father has for them and all of you. It is heart warming.
     I have mastered saying the Restoration in about 30 seconds, and I
know that everything that happens on this earth is for a reason.
Nothing can stop Gods work from progressing, and there is no time
during Heavenly Fathers perfect plan that he would leave us alone
without revelation from a prophet.
     I know this church is true, and I know what I am doing is the
right thing for me, and any other worthy church member.
    I love you all!!!
Remember to pray and never doubt that you are loved by a King!

Love, Sister Elgaaen

Sister Elgaaen with MTC Companion Sister Thomas