The Evil Was Hushed!

My Cameron GOLDEN Throne!  Nothing like going back to your first apartment!  Can I bring this chair home??

What's up!   This week has been great. Sometimes I get so frustrated because I cant get all the information I want too from a week of work into a little email. But, I will do my favorite parts.

Well, we had 2 exchanges with week and 2 district meetings we needed to be at. First exchange was with the Newmark sisters, I was able to go there and train in Newmark. It was a successful and spirit filled exchange. The next exchange was SUPER SPECIAL to me it is hard to put into words, I got to go to Cameron! My first area, where it all started 18 months ago. I don't know what I did right, but The Lord must love me enough to put me as STL over Cameron and Albany, two places I love so much.

Visiting with the Ourth Family!

Sister Jensen

Who can forget TRAVIS!!

Tawny (investigator from Cameron)

Love Cheryl!

We had some amazing experiences with our investigators this week. Tina is progressing so well and is so prepared by the Lord to move forward, I have seen the reality of what having the spirit can do to change the entire aspect of a family and the home they reside in. I have seen a change in Tina's family. in her, and in the overall spirit that is felt in her home, and she notices it too. That is nothing short of the converting power of this gospel. This week as we sat down to teach L3, she brought up baptism and she said, "Sisters, I want to know so much more but yet I truly feel a sense of urgency to do this, I don't want to wait too long to get baptized, I might miss the boat!" And I sat there and I thought, what an amazing women with such faith. Do we worry about missing the boat? or do we procrastinate until the boat has left and we are drowning to catch up? Tina is preparing for baptism on the 19th of September, and her daughter Ana wont be too long after. I love this family, they will probably be the last family I get to teach and hopefully see them enter the waters of baptism.

One of my favorites quotes!  I love to see how accepting the gospel changes individual lives!

I would like to share a sacred experience this week that overcame me. I have been out for 18 months this coming week and I think I finally learned the true power and reality of my calling. It was about 8:45 one night and we had a strong prompting to go see an investigator right then, and we had about 15 minutes left of our night. So as we got there, we pulled up and instantly we could tell she was in a bad situation. Their were about 20 rowdy, drunk teenagers outside her house and she was trying to get them off her property. They were her daughters friends, we said a quick prayer and got out of the car. As we walked up, the smell of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes was almost unbearable. We walked right past all of them and didn't say a word, although we could see all eyes were on us, but we went straight to our investigator, and she just was speechless. She has had a very rough life and is trying to turn it around, but cant seem to get away form her past. She had taken her night medicine and was drowsy, and these kids pounded down her door to wake her up. We took her by the arm and walked her inside her house, still completely ignoring the situation going on around us. We prayed with her inside her home and bore testimony that everything would be okay and told her to go to bed. As we opened the door to go back outside, I heard fighting, I heard cussing, I heard things I haven't heard in awhile, but I hadn't stepped out the door yet when I heard this, "Please stop, the Mormons are here." And we took one step outside the door and I again heard from a different voice, "Yo, everyone, the church Mormons are here, stop yelling." And we were completely outside when we heard it one more time, "Stop talking like that, The Mormon Missionaries are literally HERE." And all the sudden, it went quiet. A hush literally fell over the whole place and they turned to look at us. 3 of us standing there, proud to be disciples of Jesus Christ, they knew exactly who we were and what we represented, and they KNEW what they were doing was wrong, all because Mormon Missionaries walked onto the premise. At that moment the spirit said one thing to me, "the evil is hushed, you can move forward." We proceeded to our car, and the foulest one of them all said, "We are sorry. You ladies have a good night." I sat in the car and I talked with my companions and we realized whose work we were truly about. As we are worthy, the evil can truly be hushed. I saw it in reality and I will never forget it. I am a missionary, I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is his work, and there may be evil, but I know that the Evils of the world can be hushed as we understand who we really are, and we help others understand who they can be.

I am so grateful for this gospel. I know my savior and I love him. He is at the head of this church, he is at the head of our lives, or at least he should be. May we all better declare ourselves as disciples of Jesus Christ in a world that surrounds us with evil. May we understand that not only our fears can be hushed, but so can the evil around us as we stay close to the Lord and understand who we truly represent. 

Can we expect to walk on hot coals, and our feet not be burned? 

Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child.”― Leslie Gould

I hold this time sacred, I know whose work I am about, as we all are. I pray this week you will come to understand who you really are, and act according to that knowledge.

 I love you.

Xoxo Sister Flink

Heeyyaa Mom.

Repainting the house?! Finally! Next thing is that gross green carpet from the 80's. hahaha! That's awesome though! Whose coming home? I don't know what you're talking about.

The airport will be great. Kendra emailed me this week and I told her to come as well, Make sure to get a hold of Cydney Burton and tell her the dates as well. 

Week was good, busy, and a little rough. We had 2 exchanges and 2 district meetings because we had to inspect all the Sisters Area books and go through everything they've put into the system. and then I only cried myself to sleep a few times this week after I left Cameron and realized how this is all coming to an end. I am a bit of an emotional wreck, not a wince of trunkiness, everyone who asks me if I'm leaving im still in complete denial. It's probably not healthy but oh well.

I will include details in my weekly email and I will probably send a letter home to write down all my woes.

I love youuuu!

Sister Flink

The Darkest Of Nights See The Morning, But Who Will Rise On Up And Seize The Day?‏

Be-YOU-tiful!  This MOM loves this sweet misionary!

First off, I hope you all know that you have played a significant part in my life and in the person I am today. I love you all and THANK YOU for being apart of my life and my mission.

This week was great, crazy, and a little hectic!  But there is always time for a SONIC stop enjoying slushes with the RS President! We are having a blast!

We are currently transferring our paper area book and paper records to our Ipads and so everyday this past week for 2 hours we sat at the church and transferred teaching records and information. It was a little exhausting and tedious. But its amazing to see the Lords work going forth stronger than ever with technology!

Area Book time!

We had lots of great appointments this week and our investigators are progressing well! We are still trying to build up the area and our teaching pool but we are working a lot with members and doing service. This week we went on exchanges with the St. Joe sisters and it went great!

Ariel!  She is from Cameron, MO (my first area) and is coming to YSA!

I would like to share two experiences this week that touched my heart (among the many)

First, Barbara Willoughby ~ 80 year old widow that lives here in Platte City. We received a voicemail from a sweet lady telling us that she got a text from us (which we never texted her) that Sister Missionaries were still in the area and we needed to come see her. We called back, not knowing who she was or how she had contact with the Sisters and set up a time to go see her. Friday morning we went too see this sweet lady and as we sat down in her home, the spirit overwhelmed me and told me, "She just needs company. You need to just lighten her day with a smile." And the more she talked, the more and more she talked about her husband passing away and how lonely she was. How it had been 6 years and never seems to get easier, especially at night or holidays. How her kids are busy and have their own families, and nobody comes to visit. This sweet women put her head in her hands and started to sob, she said, "Oh sisters, will you PLEASE come see me once a week. I am so sad." And my eyes filled with tears as I began reflecting up on my own family and my heart was depressed at the thought ,"I am going to miss special moments like this where I know I am exactly where I need to be, and I have my nametag to prove that we are here to help." Then clearer than day, I thought of what Elder Clarke said to us in a Zone Conference, he said, "Many of you worry about going home. Let me tell you the secret, take care of the widows and the fatherless and you will ALWAYS feel like a missionary." That was an answer to my prayers and the spirit is real and our Heavenly Father is so aware of our struggles and concerns.  He knew Barbara's sorrows and he sent us! He knew my sorrows and he sent the Holy Ghost to bring things to my remembrance, He knows US. That moment, that work, was not about baptizing or tracting or preaching to people on the street, it was about looking at daughter of God and helping her feel loved!   That is exactly what God needed us to do.

Second Carol ~  I would like to bear my testimony and my witness that I know the Book of Mormon is true and is truly the word of God. We volunteer at a place called Hillcrest and we help with the children's clothes. As we were folding clothes one of the workers came up to us and said, "I need to talk to you before you leave." and we thought we were in trouble! Well as we started to wrap up and get ready to leave she started to walk us out. She said, "I went to temple square this last week in Salt Lake City, and I talked to sister missionaries just like you! They gave me a book of Mormon and I've been reading it. I feel the spirit when I read, I need you to teach me more." We met with her on Thursday night and answered her questions and she will be at church this next Sunday. All because of a book that helped her feel something different, it truly is the word of God. As Jeffery R. Holland says, "No wicked man would write such a book as this, and no good man would write it, unless it were true, and he were commanded of God to do so."

The Book of Mormon along with prayer can change a life, can transform a heart, can open a mind to glorious truths and knowledge about the Savior Jesus Christ.  It has done that for me!  Please make a concentrated effort this week to be in the Book of Mormon each day, to study the word "which healeth the wounded soul."

My Sisters of Platte City!

I love you All. T-3 weeks and I will be able to tell you that myself.

Have it a great week.

Sister Flink 

Hey MOM!

Well, only 3 more P-days, pretty scary right? Yes, super weird. Exciting for you, not sure how it is on my part yet! I am embracing it, but there are days when I am ready to be home. That's for sure, but I love this work. 

Bear lake sounds fun! Im ready for some good adventures like that. Im sure it was a blast! 

I GET TO KNOW BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE BECASUE I CANT BE THERE, YOU HAVE TO EMAIL ME AS SOON AS SHE KNOWS. I get special privileges'! Frist, I don't get to be there, and then second, I don't get sushi, so I get the first email telling if its a boy or girl. No exceptions!

IT'S A GIRL!  

I had an experiences i'll share later that made me ponder and think about sweet Grammy.  I cant wait to just spend time with her!

I told Dad he only has 4 more P-days to email m! Last week and he didn't send me one, I'm not letting him miss one week until I come home. You better text him and tell him to get ON IT.

Glad you got an extra phone call, good thing I am one of presidents Favorites! :)

Love you Mom!

PS - Update from Sister Flink's MOM!  I was at work this week and got a surprise call from Nikki! We just needed to chat, with permission for President Vest, about her return home!  I was so excited!  Nikki told me to DELETE the number!  I did AFTER a min or two!  I am probably going to get in trouble, but I HAD to do it!  Just had too!!  

I got disciplined!    NO MORE MAMA FLINK!  I DID  hit delete immediately!  

XOXO Sister Flink

How To Even Start With A Week Like This One....‏

Dear friends and family-

The headline of this email should explain it all. It has been one crazy week and I'm not sure where to start, so I'll just start. It has been a whirlwind of emotions.

Don't Hate me.....So MOM!  I tried to extend my mission, but don't worry....this is all President gave me!

Tuesday- Exchanges with the Leavenworth sisters, I got to be here with Sister Davis! (My baby!) and I had such an amazing day just watching her and the missionary she has become, she has grown so much I was literally so proud of her. Tears just streamed as I talked with her and told her how far she has come, she is a powerful servant of the Lord with an unshakable testimony that she bears with conviction and surety. She is training a new missionary and kicking Leavenworth's butt! Proud trainer moment!

Wednesday- MLC. Started at 8am and ended at 5pm, long day but incredible. Sometimes spiritually draining is worse than physically draining, and then I sit and think, this is the most amazing exhausting in the world, when else am I going to be able to feel like this again?

Thursday- CRAZINESS. During weekly planning Sister Guido and I felt inspired to call a set of sisters to see how they were doing because we felt like it had been awhile since we had talked with them last. As they picked up the phone, we could tell something was instantly wrong. They proceeded to tell us that Sister Toutai was going home on medical release and they found out the night before. We called President to see if we could go help them pack their bags and cope with the situation and he told us to zoom over there. We did, and we rain to their aid. They were not in a good place and they were super upset. We then got a call telling us that Sister Crockett would be coming with us to be our companion for 5 weeks until transfers. With all the emotions and high stress, we took them to the Elders to get a blessing. We helped them pack their stuff and clean their apartment and they stayed the night with us at our house.

Preparing for Trainings!

Friday- Zone training. As Sister Training Leaders we conduct half the trainings with the Zone Leaders, and with all the crazy things happening, we woke up Friday morning stressed out of our minds because we had not prepared our trainings yet for the missionaries. So as we drove Sister Toutai to the mission office to catch her flight, we prepared our trainings on the way. I am so thankful for the spirit and our savior Jesus Christ who helps us when we feel like their is no possible way. We said goodbye to Sister T, shed a few tears, and then hopped back in the car and sped to Platte City and walked in right as Zone Training was starting. Feeling unprepared, I pleaded for help. It went well, thank goodness for the Holy Ghost, I was able to accomplish something I was so inadequate for.

Saturday- Kristen got baptized in OP2 and I was able to go back for it! I taught her most of the lessons and was able to find a member ride to take us. It was so special and she was glowing, I realize over and over how much the Lord has blessed me and brought unto us success in his vineyard. The work is real, it is so powerful and life changing, their is truly nothing like it. We tried to finish weekly planning but did not get to it when our phone was blowing up with confusion about where Sister Crockett should be serving, with us or with another set of sisters. So we spend all night trying to figure out with the AP's what would be best, and we are drained.

Sunday- We got up and we had a meeting at 8:00, after the meeting we drove 45 minutes to drop Sister Crockett off with some other sisters so she could go to her ward. We drove back and made it in time for sacrament, and then after headed straight to YSA ward. Drove back again to pick up Sister Crockett and then finished the night out strong tracting.

Which brings us too today.... The mission came to get Sister Crocketts stuff and in the middle of moving it, President calls and says, "Never mind! I don't want her with the other sisters, I want her with you. Take her stuff back." So... We did. and here we are! In a trio and hopefully things will settle down. We aren't sure how being Sister Training Leaders in a trio will work, or exchanges but we will make it work. As my good old dad says, "Its all good in the gospel hood."

Sorry this email isn't super spiritual this week, their is SO much going on!

Real quick, Thursday night when the Platte Woods sisters were staying with us, we were all up talking (probably later then we should have been) and the security system alarm starting going off. And that only happens if someone is trying to break in, and the members we live with were out of town. So we all freeze, and start running for the closet. I grab the phone, we lock ourselves in this tiny closet with the alarm is going crazy and we are all thinking we are about to die. Sister Guido's like, "Call President!" "Call Bishop!" "Call some members!" and then the only smart one goes... "Call 911 you idiots!" So we called 911 and they told us that cops were already on the way.. and the lady asks about us and I say, "We are Sister missionaries for our church." (I wanted those to be our dying words, just in case) and she says, "can you walk upstairs and let the police man in?" "Uh... NO! There's someone up there! Why would you even say that" So here we are... 4 sister missionaries, in a closet, pajamas, and looking for whatever weapons we could find around us. Sister T found a metal hanger, I found nail polish remover to splash in their eyes, and Sister Crockett found herself some tweezers. (sounds funny but we were terrified, okay) Except we have Sister T who is a huge Tongan from the Hood of LA and will fight off everyone for us. The cops come in and of course they send the old man cop who like donuts and is barely awake. So we have two cops going up the stairs with guns in hand and then 4 Sister Missionaries tip toeing up the stairs in the single file line right behind them. Along the way I picked up a 10 pound weight just in case. They checked the whole house and their was nobody there, we kept saying, "did you check this? what about behind that dresser? the closet?" and I'm pretty they wanted to kill us. Then the neighbors started showing up to make sure everything was okay. I would love to say it was the highlight of the week but we've had so much going on that it was just another thing that happened!

The four Sister's that almost died!  

Hey!  Mr. Police, don't leave us!

To close, on a spiritual note to that story, I want to testify of the power and influence of the Holy Ghost. As we were talking, the most clear and distinct impression came to me, "Go set the alarm and make sure the doors are locked." and I ignored it, and again it came. "Go set the alarm Sister Flink." and I kind of sat there, and it came again stronger than ever, "GO set the alarm now." And I jumped up and grabbed my companion and set the alarm and rechecked all the doors. The situation happened about 30 minutes later. And as we were hiding in that closet, 4 sister missionaries kneeled down and prayed like we have never prayed before. We were shaking, we could barley speak, and yet we pleaded for protection and guidance to know what to do. I know God heard our prayers that night, I know he protected us. I know he is aware. I don't know what would've happened if I wouldn't have listened, and Im grateful we did not have to find out.

We will be in a trio for the next 4 weeks, and it will be great. I love you all, make it a great week.

XOXO Sister Flink

God Has A Sense Of Humor Everyone!

Good to be back! Not super good because time is flying and its already another Monday, but good to update you on the dream life as a missionary.

NO!  NO!  NO!  We don't want to leave each other!

Our sick CRIB!  So Spoiled!  

Getting ready to head out one last time as a great companionship!  Saying our good-byes to a great area!

When the Transfer Call comes, Good-byes are always the hardest!  I will miss these families so much, but look forward to seeing them again in 6 weeks before I head back home to UTAH!

Bye to Valerie Cates from OP2

My Dream BABY!  I love him!

Bye to the Giroux Family

Bye to Amber!  

So.. I got transferred this last week and it was completely unexpected! I got put into a new area for my last 6 weeks, and I had only been in OP2 for 6 weeks as well. Sister Coats had been there for 6 months and she had already said goodbye to everyone and when we got the call I think our jaws dropped faster than we could listen to where I was going. I am now in Platte City, Missouri with my new companion Sister Guido. (THE GWEEDS). Continuing to serve as a Sister Training Leader and covering the Platte City Ward and the Platte City/Liberty YSA ward. When I pulled up at transfers I saw President Vest walking towards me and I thought, "Oooh he's gonna get it." and he said, "Sister Flink! Before you say anything you need to know the Lord NEEDS you there!" and I just shut my mouth right then. I said, "Well, can you tell me why?" (silly question of me) and he said, " Of course not, but you will know soon enough." and I smiled and said, I will do my best! Heavenly Father is keeping me on my toes, he's not letting me get comfortable, there's too much to do and so much time to do it!

Elder Kaafi

Elder Fishehateu

Sister Coats and Sister Bott!  I love them!  

Sister Bott,  Elder Kaffi, and Elder Fishehateu

Sister Harris

She heading home- Sister Hunt!

Elder, Elder Hayes, Sister Hunt - Homeward Bound!

Sister Olesen

Sister Hansen

Elder Bateman

Elder HUNT from Kaysville UT!  Diane Worthen's Nephew!  Joyce Worthen's Grandson!  

 Sister Flink sent this to Diane Worthen to pass on to his family! Diane sent it to me!  (Nikki's MOM)

Elder Sanger and Companion

My MTC Companion and Northridge Knight FOREVER friend- Sister Mancell

I love this Sweet Sister!

Elder Roberts

Bye to Elder Edginton, Beckstead, Sanger, and Kilpack

Said goodbye to some of my greatest friends! Sister Hunt, Sister Harris, Sister Taylor, Sister Hansen, Elder Bateman, Elder Fishehateu, Elder Hayes all went home plus lots more!

My new companion is CRAZY and I love her to death. She is from Simi Vally, CA and is the cutest, loudest, and best Italian woman, she's been out for 16 months. We laugh a lot and in the words of one of my favorite missionary friends he said, "I hope you and Sister Guido are doing well in Platte City! It's complete nonsense that you were put together, but the Lord has always seemed to know what he was doing before so I guess we'll trust Him on this one." That should explain everything about our companionship. Haha!

My New AWESOME Crib!

The wards in which we serve are great, I love being back in a small town. Platte City is about 3,000 people and I love me some good old country folk. I have had some tender mercies I thank the Lord for everyday, being a Sister Training Leader is a blessing and even more than ever to me this transfer. We are privileged to have stewardship over the 6 sets of sisters, three of them being the Cameron sisters, Albany sisters, and The Leavenworth sisters. The tender mercies are that I started my mission in Cameron, Served and trained Sister Davis in Albany, and now get to be Sister Davis's Sister Training Leader as she serves in Leavenworth. I will get to do exchanges in those places and see the people I love, and be connected with those places that are so special to me. The Lord loves me so much! Maybe that is Presidents hint of, "You will know soon enough."

I have built eternal friendships and moments that are engraved in the depths of my heart. The savior has changed me from the inside out and I am so grateful I am not the same person I was 17 months ago. The is the ultimate refiner, only as we accept his will and let him do the refining.

I was able to go back to Overland Park for Ambers Baptism this Saturday and witness her special day! That was so exciting for me, I was so sad I was going to miss it. It was beautiful. I was able to help her after and as we walked out of the font into the bathroom I said, "Amber, how do you feel?" she looked at me with new eyes and said, "I feel clean. I feel ready for a new life. I also feel cold!" The simple joys of the gospel is what we take for granted. Those little moments that we catch of glimpse of the pure love of Christ and the simplicity of the gospel to make us happy.

Amber's Baptism Day!  What a great day!

To close, I want you all to know I love you. I also want you to know I love my sacred calling, I love this work and I know how important it is. I am so excited to one day be a real member missionary, there is a reason why once we feel we finally have missionary work figured out, the Lord sends us home, its because that's where the real work takes place, in our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. But for now..

"Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done."

I hope you all know that God loves you, and he loves you now. He is not waiting to love you before you overcome weaknesses or temptations, he is not waiting to love you until you become your best self. He loves you now, infinitely. The creator of life and light wants to see us succeed and help us along every step.

I am about his work, and I love him and I love his son Jesus Christ.

Press forward in the cause of truth. Stay strong, be bold, and laugh your guts out along the way. (Tender, I know)

XOXO, Sister Flink

MOM!

I just flooded your mailbox with pictures, transfers are always the best. I said goodbye to sooo many people going home and I feel like I know nobody anymore in the mission. All my friends have left, in the next 2 transfers their are 90 missionaries going home including this last transfer that just happened. And all the seasoned missionaries are leaving, they are struggling to find leadership. Most of the missionaries that are training right now have only been out 6-12 weeks.

Its been a crazy week! I can't believe I got transferred, President and I talked for awhile at transfers and he said again, "I can trust you with anything and everything in this mission. So you need to go here." No complaints. just makes me sad that I will hardly get to really know anybody before I leave, I didn't get to know very many people in OP2 either but that's okay. the Lord just wants me to make an appearance apparently!

Amanda Hedricks is the one who has sent you pictures lately, she lives in OP2 so you won't get those anymore, I'll find someone who will.... maybe.... you can wait 6 more weeks. ;)

Sister Guido is great! I knew here just from being in the mission, I actually went on exchanges with her last year on Halloween day when I was in Indian Creek. She's awesome!

I love you mom! Enjoy the pictures!

I'm SOOO Tired!