Exchanges and Making Friends :)

Dear Friends and Family,

When your companion is a leader you get to go on lots of exchanges. This week I went on three. Two of which, I stayed in my area, and the other, I went to Durham. We had interviews with our Mission President and his wife. That went well, and they were kind enough it give us a ride afterwords, so we wouldn't have to walk as far as we were planning to in the rain. They are pretty great! The exchanges were fun. I love these girls. The work is going great! 

One of our referrals, was a sweet older lady who had ordered a Book of Mormon. When we called her to see when we could bring it to her, she said she didn't want a Book of Mormon. She wanted a Bible. So we told her we could bring her a Bible. Then when we went to her house, and gave the Bible to her, and she had asked us what the difference was, between the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We were able to teach about the restoration, and we ended up giving her a Book of Mormon as well. She agreed to meet with us again. I'm excited to teach her. She sounds like she has been humbled in her life and is ready to learn. She just wants to be very careful though. Which is fine. She sad she will be praying about the Book of Mormon, and the Restoration, which is exactly, what we want her to do! :)

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

Sister Burdette D&C 84:8

Sister Steanhoek

Sister Carlile. Alma 29:9-10 &Alma 36:24

A "Package" of fun.

*A "Package" of fun, is a reference to the phrase, A "Barrel" of fun. The word fun can also be thought of as work, since missionaries have "fun" working and seeing the progress of their teaching to those they serve, love, and teach.* - Shelby

Dear friends and family,

It's been a good week. We have some investigators praying about baptism dates. So we are praying for them to get answers. We've been working a lot on contacting referrals this week. I'm amazed at how cheap gas prices are right now. 

Also, one of my friends sent me some goodies that really made my day. 

We had a lesson with a family who have been investigating for a long time, and they told us what some of their concerns were. I thought of the same scripture that the church member who had tagged along with us, had also decided to share with this family of their troubles. Great minds think alike. It was great! I think it helped them. All we can do is offer the knowledge we have, and invite the investigators to act in faith, and to find out for themselves, if what they are learning is true. The investigators who I had mentioned earlier, are currently praying about baptism, and they have loved learning about this topic so far. 

I love being a missionary. Sometimes it can be really hard. During one of our lessons this past week, someone had asked if we (missionaries in general), have ever felt stressed or overwhelmed. I answered quickly by saying, "Yes, but it's worth it." She didn't think that missionaries were ever stressed about anything. But this is work. It's not easy being on the go all the time. Missionaries get rejected a lot, and than having to bare the things that are deepest in your heart to complete strangers all day, and every day. When you are a missionary, you tend to be putting yourself into other people's shoes a lot as well. But it is worth it because some people listen, and their lives will never be the same once their hearts have changed for the better of what our message had to offer. They are happier, and we are happier for having been able to help. No matter how hard it is. We are helping people come closer to God, and his beloved son, and we know that these people can live with them in the life to come. We bring peace, comfort, hope, love, and a warning, to those who will listen and learn from us, and other missionaries who share the same message. 

The church member said something that had touched my heart. There was no need to doubt what she had said, because I knew the it was true. The member's words went something like this,

"The goal isn't to become a better person, it's to live with God forever!!!"

I know that this goal is true, and that it can bring many of our brothers and sisters together with us, as possible. That is my testimony of the week! I know that God love's you. You are his child. You lived with him before this life. He has prepared a perfect plan to help us learn, grow, and to be able to return to live with him. We have left our families, friends, work, school and everything else to tell people about it. We have seen the blessing of the restored gospel  and want you to have them too. I love you very much. I hope you understand that my boldness comes from my love. 

This is why I'm a missionary. I can't believe how little time I have left. Of course I will always share the gospel even when I'm not a full-time missionary anymore. I look back on my life thus far. I have grown a lot, and I still have a long way to go, but I love God, and I have tried to show him my love in the way that I have been living...by being a good example to those around me, as well as taking good care of myself.

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

I got a package from my friend!

Much, Much, Love (Part 2)

Dear friends and family,

~ Happy Valentine's day! ~ 

How are y'all doing? I'm grateful that the buses were still driving today. When things get icy here things usually close down. It was snowing this morning and it's been raining off and on. We share the car. so we don't have it right now. We want to the mall this morning. There wasn't very many people there. 

Some of the stores were closed. But it was nice to look around. 

We are doing well. We had a neat experience this week. We found 3 investigators who are related in one way or another, like a kinship. I hope they all stay interested in learning more about the gospel. I'm reading in Alma chapter 48. This chapter talks about what it's like about being men (or women) of God. I've really enjoyed reading that chapter. 

I hope my family is doing alright today. I love y'all. I'm fine. I get to go see the Willow Tree in June. Love y'all.

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

Durham Zone sorry you can't really see the back row.

Sister Fagergren and I 

Everything is wet and icy today.

Thoughtful Quotes and Much, Much Love

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

I hope y'all are going well! It's been a good week. We keep getting lots of referrals, which is exciting! We have a car every other week. When we don't have a car, we ride the bus a lot. Chapel Hill has a great bus system. It's a college city. UNC (University of North Carolina) is a big deal here, like BYU is in Provo, UT.  

I love y'all and hope you are doing well. I am starting to realize that the end of my mission is really getting closer. I have mixed feelings about it. I miss my family and friends. I miss some things I can't do right now. But I don't want to get trunky as they say. I love my mission! I love serving and teaching. I love helping people understand the gospel of happiness and God's love. I love seeing people change their lives for the better. I want to stay focussed and dedicated to the end. I love what I'm doing! Chapel Hill is a great area! Here's some fun quotes..

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache." Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"You have the Savior of the world on your side. How can you fail?" Gary E. Stevenson

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead." Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"Of this Be sure: You do not find the Happy Life you make it." Thomas S. Monson

"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Through we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight." Gordon B. Hinckley

"Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you. Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen." D&C 27:15-18.

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

Getting ready for Valentines Day

Memory Lane

Dear Friends and Family,

So I was Transferred back to Chapel Hill. I started my mission in Chapel Hill 2. Now I'm over Chapel Hill 1 & 2. It's been crazy! I love Chapel Hill but it's been a bit of a shock to be sent back. When I was transferred out I didn't think I'd be back again during this mission. My new companion is Sister Fagergren. She's great! We had an exchange already. I went to Durham with Sister Steenhoek. She's a sweet girl! 

I got bit by a little yap-pie dog. 

It was barely anything, since the dog was so small. I think my new blister on my foot will take longer to heal than the dog bite, and I'll have to get new tights. Oh well. It's been great being back in Chapel Hill, and really weird at the same time. I've seen so many people I've loved this week. It's been great! I love y'all so much!!!!

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

My Companion Sister Fragergen and I

An Icy Winter.

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm getting Transferred again! It's crazy! I'm leaving my 6th area. But Sister Hesen will be training a new missionary, one of the 2 new sisters. It's a small group for Sisters this transfer. It is kind of funny, because this whole district I'm leading, will soon be training other missionaries as well. 

*By the way one of the Elders got cut out of all the district Photos. The person who was taking those pictures thought it was funny...

There has been a lot of ice this week and a little snow. It is not safe to go out because of all the ice. So this has been a weird week. But it gave me a lot more time to pack than usual. I love Southern Pines. It sad to leave. I only have 3 transfers left. That is so weird. I'm going to miss people here. I hate leaving, but I love going to new areas. It's a very mixed emotion. When I arrive home in about 4 months, it will be hard for me to stay grounded in one area for a long time. I don't know how I'll be able to deal with it, but I have time to figure it out. 

I love being a missionary!

Sister Hesen will be a great trainer. We will see where the Lord sends me next. Sister Hesen told me that since there are 3 zones that are English speaking, and we realized that I have not been in those particular zones yet, so we will just have to wait and see. I love y'all!

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

Updated Posts.

Dear Friends and Family, (January 11th 2016)

So, I have been asked to explain a little more about, 

~(The Book of Mormon Challenge)~ 

~*{IN}*~ previous letters, I hadn't told you exactly what this challenge is...this challenge was presented to me at the beginning of my mission. I have been taking it slowly in part, because I'm not a really strong reader, and I have the desire to get a lot out of my personal studies. So, here's how to begin the Book of Mormon challenge...

Your testimony will continue to grow as you begin this serious study of the Book of Mormon Challenge. Write your testimony in the front of your copy of the book, and then as you read it cover to cover, mark the fallowing in different colors. 

• References to God
• His words
• His attributes
• Doctrines and principles (this does not include the applications of such)
• Missionary references and stories (including faith, baptism, repentance, the gift of the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end, calls to repentance and so forth...

• Feel free to look for other things as well, however, you may want to just do these ideas first, before adding more, so you won't get confused. 

• When you finish, be sure to write your testimony once more, but in the back of your copy this time. This way, you can compare your testimony to the one you wrote in the front of the book, before you began the challenge. 

As I have mentioned earlier, I have been taking my time, by reading slowly, so I can remember what I've read, and then apply what I've read and learned into my life. I just finished studying Alma chapter 24. I love the Book of Mormon so much. It is the word of God I know this. 

I have received a revelation from God's Holy Spirit, testifying to me that the Book of Mormon is true. I have seen it change the lives of so many others, for the better. People have sacrificed so much, so that we may read these words and learn of God. Try it. 

Read the Book of Mormon. 

Pray about the Book of Mormon. 

You'll know too.

This has been a great week. I was able to go on an exchange in Pembroke with Sister Higbee. It was nice to be back for a little while. I love Pembroke so much. I miss those I used to teach. 

I didn't get to see many people I knew there this time, but it was a good exchange, and investigators were found in both areas that day. Miracles do happen while missionaries go on exchanges. I love being a missionary. Sister Hesen is great! We are working hard and doing good. 

I love all y'all!

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

Dear Friends and family, (January 4th 2016)

The leaders of our mission have been changing the amount of time missionaries are staying at the MTC, so...I'll be returning home a week later than what was scheduled. The date is now June 08, 2016. So I get an extra week on my mission.

This has been a good week. We found some great new investigators that we are really excited about. We are also excited, as we meet with investigators who are reading the Book of Mormon, I know it is true and my companion and I are getting excited about seeing the progress the investigators have been receiving. I love teaching the gospel. I've been asked to give a talk in Church next Sunday. I've given a talk in most of my areas.

So, I'm getting some practice with public speaking. I've always kind of struggled with talking in front of groups. It interests me as I check the tracking experience I've had on my mission, and to see how far I've become. 

We met a Bible basher who was trying to convince us that we believe that God and Jesus are the same person when we don't. It's frustrating when people tell you what they think is right about a religion, when they know absolutely nothing at all...then you try to tell them what you truly believe in, and they either don't listen, or that person just has a hard time fully understanding the things you know, verses what they know. Some people just want to argue. I've met a fair share of those types. Also, a random sweet lady who we meat tracking the other day, didn't want to listen to us, but was nice enough to give my companion and I scarfs. It was a hot day in December but it was sweet, besides, it's the thought that counts right? Plus, it's starting to get cold now. Someone sent me cookies this week. I hope y'all had a great New Years. I's crazy to think about how little time I have left for my mission. Part of me feels like I will just be a missionary forever, but I have about (149+7) 156 days left of my mission. I was only counting to see how many more days I have to study the Book of Mormon challenge that Elder Bednar encouraged us to do.

Experience before I go home. I'm in Alma right now. If I read a Chapter a day I have 28 extra days so I think I can do it. I love Sister Hesen. I'm so glad we got to be companions again. The time we meat for Church has changed with the new ward. Of course I've changed the time I go to Church many times this year. But it's interesting how this makes it easier for some to come to Church and harder for others. But Church isn't about what is convenient. It's about what is right! But that is hard for some to understand. I know the gospel is true. That is why I am our bring as many as will listen the good news. 

So here's the story of how we found two of our new investigators. We got a Bible referral from the Church for a man. He lives on the far side of our area so we called first and set up a time to bring it to him. He asked us to pray for him and we set up a time to meet with him. When we came he invited his wife to join us. They told us about a really bad car accident that they were in several years ago. It's a merical that they are alive. Ever sents then they have been seeking for God. A few months ago they got "Saved" at a Baptist Church but they still feel like something is missing. We interdused them to the Book of Mormon and taught them about the restoration of the Church. 

They were very receptive and agreed to read, pray, come to Church and meet with us again.I love this work. I love helping people find what is missing and come to know God and there Savior a little bit more a little at a time. I love being a missionary. It's a lot of hard work but it's all worth it. I want you all to know that I love you and care a lot about you! An other investigator we found by calling people who used to meet with the Missionaries. It was exciting that when we came to meet with her she had a very well loved Bible in her hands ready for us to teach her.she's a sweet lady with a lot of faith. I love hearing about people's lives and how God has lead them and strengthens them. Have you made goals for the new year? It's crazy that I'm going home this year. I love you!

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway

Dear Friends and Family, (December 28th 2015)

So last Monday our trio was broken up. Sister Spring got transferred. It was sad to say good bye so soon. We loved our trio! But Sister Hesen and I had a great Christmas! It was great to Skype home! Even Thought it was hard to hear everyone and it was short. But is was very sweet. I love my family so much. It's hard to be away from them but a small sacrifice for the medicals I've seen in NC. I am very grateful to the family who had us over on Christmas. There are so many people who have graciously allowed me and my companions in there homes to teach and serve them and I am grateful to them all. But expeshely to those who let us in on a night we don't proselight, still feel us and help us contact our family through there electronics and time. We've done a lot of tracing the last few days. It's nice how a lot of people are hope now.

Sincerely,

Sister Kimberly Galloway