Friendly, Familiar, and FANTASTIC!‏

I can't express how much I love being here. People say all the time that "my mission was the hardest thing I ever did, but it was so rewarding," etc. etc. I mean, yes you have to be dedicated, and work hard to be exactly obedient, but its not hard when it's all about loving people! I have no problem loving people. And if you love someone, you want them to be happy, so ultimately, a mission is bringing people to happiness. I love it!

This week was wonderful! On Tuesday we found one and a half potentials in this nice little neighborhood. The first one was sort of stand-offish at first, but I told him I liked the outside of his house and he got talking about how he made it himself, but it's not finished yet. We chatted with him for a few minutes, gave him a card, and he said he'd call us when he got back from vacation in a few weeks to have us help him with his house. We really hope he calls! That will give us something to do to get out of these skirts! ;) His name is Mardi. He's a great man. The next potential, the "half" potential, talked to us for a good 30 minutes about some crazy visions he had.  It was interesting... We told him we'd love to talk to him and he invited us back. So he's a "half" potential, but maybe we'll get to teach him a bit. His name is Chuck. I really look forward to meeting with the two of them again!

That night, we got to go to the Harmony Ward Laurel's activity. Actually, we WERE the activity. They have Elders in their ward, so we were asked to go instead. They had all written up 5 or more questions about missionaries and the lifestyle and such, and we got to go talk to them about it and bear our testimonies about it all! It was one of the highlights of my week. They were all such sweet girls!

A mom of one of the Laurel's made us this lovely Sister Missionary Cake!

Harmony Ward Laurel Activity

Last Sunday we had retried a family that Sister Major had tracted into the week before I got here named the Rodriguez's, and the mom answered the door. Her name is Meg, and she is one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever met. Their whole family is. We gave her a Book of Mormon and challenged her to read it. We set a return appointment for Wednesday, and when that appointment rolled around, we had a great time with them. We didn't really teach a lesson, but we talked a lot about the Book of Mormon, the Holy Ghost, and baptism. We "soft-invited" them to be baptized, but the dad (Jose) said that they had already been baptized in the Catholic church and they didn't see a need to be baptized again. They are the happiest, kindest, most wonderful people! It's hard to show them that they are missing something when they are so comfortable with where they are at. The youngest son, Daniel, who is 8 years old, had a question for us. He had read the passage we gave Meg (Moroni 10:4-5), prayed about it just like we challenged, and he wanted to know what sort of a sign he would receive to know if it was true. We told him about the Spirit and that he would probably just feel peaceful or calm. Meg asked him how he felt after he prayed, and he said he felt calmer and more relaxed. Sister Major and I were doing a celebration dance inside. It was cool. We have another appointment with them this Thursday to teach them more about the Gospel, so more of an actual lesson, and talk more about what they're reading in the Book of Mormon. I can't wait!

We got Caroline's Valentine's gifts! We were both very happy. :) Thank you dear!

Sister Major and I holding Caroline's Valentine's Package

Has anyone ever played "Rummikub?" It's SUCH a fun thinking game! We played it with a member in the ward after we had dinner with her. She's 79, so I asked her if she ever played Aggravation, and she said of course! Her house reminded me of Grandmother and Grandfather's house in New Orleans, that's why I asked. But yeah, Rummikub may be my new favorite game to play with elderly people. Sister Major and I get pretty intense. ;)

Sister Taylor told us last week that we were the highlighted companionship for our Zone in Mission Leadership Conference and that our Zone Leaders said that we are "ripping it up!" So that was nice. Hopefully, we will continue to do just as well if not better and better every week!

There is this familiarity that I have with the people here. Mostly the investigators, or the people we meet out on the streets or tracting. I talked last time a little bit about that Godly love that I can feel for these people, but it goes beyond them. I RECOGNIZE them. I remember some lessons in Sunday School about going on a mission to find your old friends from the pre-existence and bring them back to Christ, but that has become such a reality to me now. I could comprehend it then, but to actually experience that familiarity with these people is something else entirely. I love them all so much! With an eternal love that must have existed before this Earthly life. Why else would they seem so familiar to me? It's been an absolutely wonderful feeling, and it's not temporary. I recognize almost everyone we talk to! I love it! I love this work so so much, and I am more and more grateful every day for the decision I made to serve. Till next time!

Sister Guilott

Sister Major and I in our car

Finally.....PICTURES!!!!!

Hello!  

We finally got pictures from Nicole!  She had a few issues getting her camera to download. She looks wonderful.  

Sister Guilott and her MTC Companion Sister Maughn

Sister Guilott and Sister Francis

Arrived in Vancouver to SNOW

Snowed in but can still spread the word!

Awesome Trainer Sister Major

I'm Here!

First, I must apologize for not writing last week. Our P-Day in the MTC was on Tuesday, and we flew out Tuesday morning so we had to skip one. But they're on Monday's now so I will be sure to write on the same day as all the other wonderful missionaries in the world! The MTC was incredible, and it was kind of hard to leave it. The whole 13 days we were there we were excited to get out into the real world and put to action what we've learned, but then when the moment finally came to leave the MTC, we all panicked that we didn't know enough! The MTC was a 13 day experience that will always be dear to my heart. I have officially decided that when I get home I shall teach there. :)

I arrived in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday morning at around 10 a.m. and met the Mission President and his wife waiting for us just before baggage claim. President and Sister Taylor are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. So sincerely kind and loving for all their missionaries, and simply the sweetest people! From the airport, Sister Maughan and I rode with President and his wife to the mission office, where we had sort of an "orientation" until around 4. Then a bunch of missionaries from the area came to take us with them to practice "OYM's" (Open Your Mouth), which is basically just inviting any random person to act on something. So giving out a pass-a-long card, bearing testimony and inviting them to do something, etc. I went with a trio of Sisters (Spanish speaking Sisters mind you), and since there were four of us, we split up. I went with Sister Ramos to an old apartment complex that I assumed they had been to before. Alright. This is where the story takes off.

Sister Ramos told me to feel free to teach in English, and she would just translate, but that of course made me SUPER nervous! I thought we were practicing OYM's, not actually TEACHING anything! So we knocked on a door and a tiny older lady peeked through her curtains at us, Sister Ramos crossed her fingers, and the door opened. The lady invited us in and started talking really fast in Spanish. All I understood was that she thought we looked pretty and that she was making homemade tortilla's and we were welcome to have some. I quietly said, "Mi nombre es Hermana Guilott," and she replied something long and fast in Spanish. That was embarrassing. Anyway, we sat down and her and Sister Ramos talked for a bit, but eventually she got up and went into the kitchen. While she was gone, a younger man came from the bedroom and sat down in front of us and started talking to Sister Ramos about "Jesu Cristo." Hey! I know that one! We were so excited that he knew about Jesus Christ, so Sister Ramos began talking to him about... Well something about the Gospel. Then she turned to me and asked me to give my piece. I had NO clue what she had already said, so I started talking about the Book of Mormon. That it is the direct word of God, that it is an answer to prayers, etc. etc. As Sister Ramos was translating, he kept looking at me, so we asked him if he spoke English, and he DID! Oh thank goodness! We taught him in English, and to keep a long story short, after asking him what he would do if Christ knocked on his door and asked Pedro (that was his name) to follow Him, what he would do, and he said he'd follow Him, the lesson took off. In the short 15 minutes we were there, he committed to a return appointment on Friday before he goes to church on Sunday (which he also committed to), reading some verses in the Libro de Mormon we gave him with a pass-a-long card as a bookmark, praying to know if the words of the Book are true, and he committed to be baptized on February 22nd. ...WHAT?! I was the one who extended all those invitations (not all at once, nobody panic), and he was so ready! After we had taught him about baptism, he was so excited to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be made clean. It was such a wonderful experience! After we left, Sister Ramos kept saying, "Oh Sister! That was a miracle! You were the miracle they needed! I can't believe that happened! Oh Sister! Oh Sister!" I was confused. Isn't that what ALWAYS happened in the mission field? Apparently, some other Sisters had been teaching the nice little woman MONTHS ago, but she had stopped letting the missionaries in. She would peek through her curtains, then lock the door. This was the first time in about 8 months that she had opened the door, and they had never met Pedro before. Isn't is crazy how the Lord works? It was quite the experience for the first 15 minutes of my mission. :)

After going out with the missionaries, all the newbies were dropped off at the Mission Home for dinner (that's also where the new Sisters would be staying for the night). We ate a wonderful dinner, had a "get to know your President" devotional thing, and went to bed a bit early. The next day we met our Companion's and got assigned to our areas. My area is called Lacamas Creek, and it is BEAUTIFUL! My companion is Sister Major! She is Isaac and Kylie's cousin! Isn't that fun? She's absolutely amazing, and I couldn't have asked for a better trainer. We get along wonderfully, and we work really well together. :) Oh I love me my Sister Major! We are living with a member family in the Lacamas Creek Ward, Vancouver East Stake. The Combs family are who we are living with, and they are great. We live in the basement apartment of their beautiful house, and boy are we grateful for their hospitality.

We actually have only had about a day to be out and about since we've been here, because it snowed. A LOT. And whenever it snows here, all of Washington shuts down, and President tells us it's not safe to drive our cars. That wouldn't be a big deal if we could walk places, but we live far far away from the rest of the ward and it would take us a very long time to get anywhere on foot. We live in the woods. It's magical. :) The snow was truly a blessing in disguise though, because I have been super sick with a nasty cold all week. There is no way it would have gotten any better if we had been outside. Heavenly Father knew that I needed to be trapped indoors to work on getting better. It's amazing the things that happen that are obviously His hand in our lives. It has been nice to be able to stay inside and work on getting better while we study diligently and do our best to stay focused on the work. Today is the first day that the roads have been safe enough for us to get out. Sister Combs took us to our dinner appointment last night, and we got a bit of tracting done after dinner, but other than that, we haven't really been able to go out. We did get a new investigator last night though! Her name is Meg, and she is a very sweet lady. She's married and has two sons, all of which seem very interested in what we have to say, and it seems that they will be very receptive to the Gospel. Meg is reading the Book of Mormon, and we have a return appointment for Wednesday!

Nothing has brought me more joy than serving the Lord. I know that this is long letter, but I had to tell you as much as I could in the short time that I have today. I am so grateful to be out here in Vancouver serving my Father in Heaven daily. Bringing these people to the knowledge of the Gospel of our Heavenly Father is blessing so many people, and that has been made so apparent as we have been striving to find His children who are prepared to receive it. I can not fully express how much I love these people, but I love being able to feel this Godly love for every person I meet. This mission is already incredible, and it's only been a week! AND we've only gotten out for a few hours, but I can already see the blessings that come from being here. I love this Gospel, and I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Till next week!

Sister Nicole Guilott

Arrived in Vancouver Washington!

Hello! It's Nicole's mom today. Sister Guilott only got one Preparation Day while in the MTC.  She was up at 2:30 a.m. on Monday to leave for the airport at 4:00 a.m.  We got to talk with her briefly before she left while she was at the airport and she sounded so happy and excited.  She loved the MTC and is excited for the next chapter in her mission.  Today we received a wonderful letter from her Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Taylor. We are thrilled she has such awesome people to watch over her. 

First day in Vancouver with President and Sister Taylor

There were 13 missionaries in the group that arrived today: ten Sisters and three Elders.  Love how happy and excited they look. 

Looking forward to next week when we can hear from our missionary!  We are proud of her and even though we miss her, we are so happy she is serving a mission and loving it.

First Week!

Oh my goodness. I'm a missionary! The feeling here at the MTC is absolutely incredible and I can't even begin to describe the immense amount of knowledge that I have soaked up in just the first 6 days. It's weird to think that I only have 7 more to go and then I'm in the field! Our flight to Portland, Oregon leaves on Tuesday morning, so this will be my only P-Day in the MTC, our next one will be spent on a plane! My companion is Sister Maughan (pronounced like a Jamaican saying, "Hey 'Mon!") from Highland, Utah and she is simply amazing. I feel like we have been best friends since the beginning of time, and I've only known her 6 days. It's been such a blessing to have a "normal" companion. I know that without her as my first companion, the MTC experience would have been a bit more of a struggle for me. The food is basically rancid, but we're all hungry so we eat without complaint. :) Our teachers, Brother Trone and Brother Neeley, are spectacular, and I am so grateful every day for the genuine love they have for us and for the dedication they have to teaching us and preparing us for the field. Our district is made up of 6 Sisters (and we're all roommates!): Myself and Sister Maughan, Sisters Shmoekel and Depew, and Sisters Owens and Pedersen. They are all such sweet sisters! We are so blessed to be in a district with each other. Our zone is currently just our District and a District of Elders, 3 of which are going to our mission, and the other three are going to Oklahoma. They're all really wonderful as well.

The first day or so we just sort of got in the swing of things. Going to class, taking notes, attending orientations, and getting used to the food. But since then we have met with four different investigators: Joe, Bryce, Latoya, and Andy. Joe is played by Brother Neeley and is our main focus for progressing investigators. We meet with him just about every day. Latoya is our TRC investigator, which means she may not be Mormon, but she is still an actor and comes here to help us learn. We know that Latoya specifically is a real investigator, which makes us super excited to teach her! We've only had one lesson with her so far, but we have three more for tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. There have been times when Sister Maughan and I have felt discouraged, but after leaving our first lesson with Latoya, something was ignited inside us and we felt ready to teach the world! There really is no way to describe the feelings that come over us as Sister Missionaries here in the MTC unless you have experienced it yourself. On Thursday, Sister Maughan and I were made "Sister Training Leaders" for our Zone. Which basically means that we are Zone Leaders who focus only on the Sisters. The other District of 4 Sisters and 4 Elders that were here as our Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders left this morning for their missions, but 2 more Districts are coming into our Zone tomorrow. One of which is 6 Sisters again. That means we will be in charge of our own District, the new Sister District, and some random District of Sisters in a different Zone that don't have an existing District of Sisters to be their Leaders. Isn't that wonderful? I love serving people, so the opportunity to be in this position is such a wonderful blessing! AGH! So many blessings!

Though it feels like we've been here for months, I have been learning so much and I wouldn't mind staying here for much much longer than just two weeks. I wish there was a better way for me to completely put into words how I feel about being here, but just know that it is all only good things! I consider myself blessed to be having such a wonderful experience because I know that for some, the MTC is difficult and very overwhelming. But not for this Sister! I am doing my best to be like a sponge and suck up as much information as I can while I am here, and for me, that has not been stressful at all! Like I said, I feel extremely blessed! My first week has been absolutely amazing, and the progression I have already made and the many ways that I have already grown are innumerable and unbelievable! I am so glad that I made the decision to serve a mission. I don't think I've ever made a better decision in my life, and I can't wait to see what the rest of my stay at the MTC brings me! I love this Gospel and I know that God lives and loves us each individually as His children. He knows me perfectly, and I know that I am where He wants me to be. I couldn't be happier. Till next time!

I love you all!

Sister Guilott

One Day More

Looks like this is it. I enter the MTC tomorrow which makes this my last post. (My lovely mother will be posting for me for the next 18 months. Isn't she a gem?) Speaking of my mother, I wanted to dedicate my last post from home to my family, the people who I will be leaving for 18 months to serve the Lord. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without my family. My wonderful sisters, Emily and Caroline, have both helped strengthen me and have been such a beautiful example of pure goodness and joy. They are so sweet and genuinely kind hearted toward everyone around them, and they know how to have a good time. :) I love them dearly, and it will be hard at times to be away from them, but I know that my dedication to serving my mission will bless them. My Dad is the kindest and most spiritually in tune man I have ever met. I am so grateful for the example that he has set for me in leading me to make the right decisions, and teaching me to love and understand the Gospel and the effects it has on my every day life. He is an amazing father, and I am so grateful for him. And finally, my Mom. She is my absolute best friend, and there is no way I would be where I am today without her. She has been by my side during every trial and triumph, helped me know which path to choose and how to succeed, and simply loved me with an undying and incredibly loyal love that I will be forever grateful for and mindful of. She is my biggest fan, and I am who I am today because of her love and her example.

Family is the most important factor in this life and on into eternity. With the power of the Gospel, we have the privilege of being with them forever and ever, for this life and beyond. This is one of the greatest gifts that God has blessed us with. I cherish my family, and I know that serving a mission will bless them. I am so grateful for them and for the love and care that they have showed me throughout my life.

"You don't choose your family.

They are God's gift to you."

-Desmond Tutu

I couldn't be more excited to enter the MTC tomorrow and begin my 18 month adventure! I know that this Gospel is true, and I know that if you pray and "...ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." -Moroni 10:4. God hears your prayers and will always answer you. He knows me personally and perfectly, and He knows that Vancouver, Washington is where I am supposed to be. I love my family. Including God. He has supported me through everything, and I know that He will be close by my side the entire time I am serving. I love this Gospel. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His Atonement and for the love and understanding that I feel from Him daily. I am excited to serve in the Washington Vancouver Mission, and I can't wait to get started!

2 Weeks Till I Go

Woah. It feels like time has been moving so slowly as I've been counting down the days until I enter the MTC, but all of a sudden it's almost here! I leave in only 14 days. That's exactly two weeks from today. I have gathered all the necessities and am ready to go! Now all that's left is my farewell on January 19th, and then I'm off! Woo-hoo!!!

My dear friend made this video for me back when I opened my call, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. I'm so grateful for the friends and family that I am surrounded by. Who love me and support me and will always be there. I love you guys! The song I picked for the video is by my favorite LDS Musician, Hillary Weeks. It's called "Come Take Your Place," and truly is a wonderful song. Everyone should take a listen to miss Hillary. She's phenomenal.

Well, there ya have it! I think I'll post one more time before heading out on the mish, but never fear! My dear mom will be taking over when I leave. I hope everyone had a splendid Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I can't wait to see what the Holidays will be like in the mission! AAAHHH!!!