I Love Bread But It Will Make You Fat

I love bread. So much. I could eat bread all day. Homemade rolls are the best. Too bad they make you the size of a bowling ball if you eat too much of it.

Anyway so this week was not a super eventful week. We do service at this place called the salt mine every Tuesday and Thursday morning. The Salt Mine is a Christian organization that helps people out with food and things they need. We hand out food to people sometimes as service and help out the pastor whose name is Stephen. It's ok, sometimes I like it sometimes I don't, mostly because the missionaries who work too with us there all think they are 2cool4school and don't talk to me. Punks. I will break their kneecaps in less than two seconds.

It's been a long week of self discovery and pondering the meaning of life. I think I had an existential crisis this week. Sister Morrison is great. I love her. But she is not the most considerate human being, and kind of hurt my feelings a lot this week. She is used to getting attention from everyone and anyone around, and when she doesn't get that attention she does everything she can do to get it, even if it means ignoring her companion for the entire week every time we are around missionaries. She's kind of a cliquey person. I talked to her about it and she said she was very sorry and we ended up hugging. So at least she's easy to talk to about issues and doesn't get defensive. We are both 19, we both have been out almost eight months, and our birthdays are in June. So one is definitely not better than the other. I love her dearly and I am glad I am her companion. I've learned a lot from her. Ive learned how to stand up for myself and not take rudeness from anyone here in Lincoln as well.

My mtc companion sister singer is serving around me. She is great, not gonna lie. But she can be very rude and mean. I don't think she likes me haha. She for some reason has been incredibly mean to me lately, and I straight up told her to quit and that what she says to me is mean. She was kind of shocked but she shut right up. Just a couple of things I've been dealing with. 

Cliques don't go away when you become a missionary. Just FYI. Be different. Be weird. Don't ignore people. It's rude. 

So funny story, we went tracting Friday morning right? It was my turn to do a door approach (which by the way I'm getting better at) and I knock on the door. A lady answers, takes one look at us, and says "No thanks, I'm Mormon." And slams the door. What. We stood there for ten seconds trying to process what happened. Lady, did you not see our nametags? What kind of Mormon are you? So there's a new one we haven't heard yet. 

Another interesting story, so this lady we tracted into and picked up as a new investigator is named Jackie. She apparently can't decide what religion to join so she wants us and the Jehovah's Witnesses to come to her house at the same time and debate over which religion is better. She also says the f word every five seconds. How about nope. Get thee hence. There's just a couple of my experiences with tracting this week.

So a friend of mine sent me an email this week that talked about redwoods, and how tall they are and how their roots are intertwined to keep them in the ground. Our roots in the gospel need to be the same way. That got me thinking about the California Roseville Mission song. It talks about redwoods since there are redwoods in Northern California. Yes, we have a song, and it's the best mission song in the world. Allow me to show you why: 

Master thou hast called,

In answer I have come,

To mountains high and redwoods tall

Master thou has made me

A messenger of light.

Bringing joy to one and all 

My commission in California 

To the Roseville mission to do thy will

Master I will strive to do it well

Master here I am

A steward unto thee

 And reverently thy love proclaim 

Even through the thorns

The roses can be seen

As hearts will open to thy name 

My commission in California 

The Roseville mission To do thy will

Master I will strive to do it well

Like the mighty redwoods with their roots that intertwine 

The spreading of the gospel of thy children I will find

The secret of the mountains like the rock on which I stand 

I'll share them with my neighbor and then with them

Take thy hand! 

My commission in California 

The Roseville mission to do thy will

Master I will strive to do it well!

Oh my master I will strive to do it well!!! 

I play this on the piano all the time and we sing it all the time. It's so powerful when a bunch of missionaries start singing it. I love music so much. Our mission song trumps all other mission songs, just saying. Thank you Sister Brimhall for that email about the redwoods and your life, it was awesome! You and your family are adorable. 

Ok so the greatest thing of all human history has happened. Leonardo DeCaprio finally won an Oscar. I asked about him tonight and my ward mission leader told me. The world can end now, he finally got one. For the worst movie ever, granted, but he got one. 

We had a good day Sunday. We are having this less active family come to church after like 10 years, oh my gosh it's amazing. We are still trying to figure out juggling two wards. We have investigators in both wards, and it's stressful on Sunday because we can't be to both sacrament meetings at once. But it's good, I'm still taking the sacrament twice every Sunday so it's awesome. 

We had a little miracle happen Saturday night I forgot to mention. So this guy we tracted into, Frank, called us. We had given him our number two weeks ago. Holy Hannah Montanna we flipped out. He told us he was really interested and wants to meet with us. This. Never. Happens. He said he feels positive when he is around us. THERE IS A GOD AND HE LOVES US. That's my spiritual message for the week. 

Today for pday we are going outside where there is no wifi and playing kickball so I probably won't be emailing much today. I actually hate kickball because I suck at it but I'm forcing myself to play because I don't grow if I don't push myself. Plus I'm trying to be more social and not hate human contact. I am probably going to accidentally kick someone in the shins. All the elders are are INCREDIBLY and DISGUSTINGLY athletic. Punks. Forget them and their athletic abilities. 

Pray for me. I'm gonna die, most likely. Sports are of Satan and I hate them. 

I LOVE YOU ALL GO HUG A HUMAN. 

Love,

Sister Ginn 

Blank Title

I couldn't think of a good title for my email this week. I'm super tired as I am writing this so this email will probably make no sense whatsoever.

Ok so transfers happened, and all the people who ignore me either went home or left, and then people I've already served around replaced them! So it's a win win for me. I am so excited to see the people I've served around. Elder Bergener is one of them, I served with him when I was in Corning. I freaking love that elder. So there's that and it's been great.

This week has actually been an ok week despite being homesick. Sister Morrison and I were really homesick transfer Tuesday. I hate transfer Tuesday. It was hard to know that the missionaries in our zone were on planes that very second to go see their family. It was hard for me because two of those missionaries were going home to North Carolina, and I wasn't one of them. But that's ok, we got over it and we decided to work hard this whole week. Because of that we found four new investigators, all of whom want to be taught the gospel. Boom. Thank you Heavenly Father for finally allowing us to find those who need to be taught. Tender mercies, y'all. They're real.

Sister Morrison and I have a good relationship. I am glad I am staying with her for another transfer. Yeah she is kind of mean when she doesn't get her way, but at the same time she is one of the most social people I've ever met. I am learning not to focus on the bad parts about a companion. I am focusing on the good they do and the positive influence they have on me. This week with talking to people I have been better, we actually had a good conversation about tracting and how we both need to work on it. So yeah it's getting better. I am fast approaching my 8 month mark. W00t! Holy cow.

Friday was district meeting, and we talked about the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. We came up with a list of questions of the soul and found answers to those questions using the Book of Mormon. It truly can knock any question out of the water. Read it, and you will know if it's true or not. I can promise you that.

We had a lesson with our investigator Tito. We taught about the Book of Mormon and how important it is. It was an amazing lesson, we really felt the spirit. Tito promised us he would start to read the Book of Mormon, and he told us he believes that everything we have taught him is true. We are so pumped, we are going to try to put him on date this week. Wish us luck!

We picked up an investigator who is 9 years old. Her name is Lylee.

Her family is less active, but she wants to be baptized. It's a good opportunity to teach her as well as her family and figure out why the heck they aren't coming to church.

Gosh I love less actives. I just love everyone.

Saturday was awesome because I GOT TO SEE SISTER MCQUAGGE!!!! She is one of the members I got close to when I was in Tempo Park. I LOVE that woman SO MUCH. UGH. She took us out to eat. Oh my gosh I adore her. You get so close to certain people, holy cow.

Sunday was easily the best day of the week. We had all of our progressing investigators come to church and some of our new investigators come as well. It was kind of stressful because from the two wards, 2 investigators came in each. I played a special musical number in the 3rd Ward, the restoration medley, and I am so glad I did because two less active families who we have been working with came to church. The King family and the Stone family both had not been to church in years, and they came on Sunday. I made both families cry when I played the song. The spirit of music touches everyone, and I am so glad I can share that talent. I love playing the piano so much, and I am so sorry I didn't practice more when I was home. I am going to push myself even further and harder when I get home on the piano. If I can help people feel the spirit like that, then I need to become a professional pianist.

I made breakfast for all the missionaries in our apartment complex this morning. I made crepes for everyone. I can't play sports worth a crap, but at least I can cook and play the piano.

Also, birthday shoutout to one of the most amazing people that have ever lived, George Washington. It's his birthday today. He's probably having a blast up in heaven with all his founding forefather friends.

I love you all so very much. I would not be Caroline Elizabeth Ginn without you people in my life. You are all so dear to me. Have a great week! <3 p="">

Love,

Sista Ginn

Tracting and Knocking but Not Finding and Not Teaching

Well hi.

I am Sister Ginn.

I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I teach about Jesus Christ and help others to come closer to Christ.

Would you like to learn more?

*loud slamming noises of doors*

Fine, no salvation for you, buddy.

Story of my life.

That's basically my week. Nothing of significance happened at all. All our set lessons cancelled on us. Just a normal life in the day of a missionary.

We are having an all day mission temple trip on April 11th, and in preparation for that we are reading the entire Book of Mormon from the beginning as a mission before that. We are supposed to underline all references to the savior and his atonement in it. So far I have really been able to feel the spirit by doing that. I really like knowing that the whole mission is doing it too.

I found out a few days ago that my reputation in the mission is being the "cute sassy short chick with mad piano skills". I approve.

We had zone meeting this week with the whole zone. It was the last zone meeting before transfers. We talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon in our teaching and how it's through the Book of Mormon that people become converted. Cause it's true. When people read the Book of Mormon, they begin to feel the spirit. When they pray about it, the spirit tells them it is true. The Book of Mormon is essential in the conversion of a soul. Remember that when you are reading it for yourself. Reading it every day will truly help you to fight against Satan who is this huge bully of life. It can protect your family from bad things. I know this. I have seen the power that this book has because it is of God. Gods power cannot be matched. I know this book is true. I feel it. When I hold the Book of Mormon I feel like I am holding a friend. That is like my relationship with God right now.

It's amazing what seven months can do to a person who serves a mission.

Friday I got to see an investigator from Citrus Heights. His name is Roy. He was coming to Lincoln and I was soooooo pumped to see him.

It's so weird to see and have all these relationships with people all at one time as a missionary. I still can't comprehend it. I talk to people all day long. I form relationships with people 24/7. What. What even am I doing? I still have no clue. I'm just listening to the spirit and following the lord. He is my light. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my savior.

Sister Morrison and I are staying together by the way. Transfers are this week and we got the email telling us we are staying in Lincoln 3rd and 6th. I'm so excited because this upcoming transfer is going to seven weeks long instead of six. If I was with any other companion for this up coming transfer I would probably want to strangle them and throw their body in a ditch. So I'm glad it's sister Morrison. I love her <3 a="" and="" are="" be="" bored="" by="" change="" changing="" crap="" day.="" different.="" do="" getting="" going="" her="" home="" i="" in="" is="" it="" lincoln="" m="" missionaries="" most="" much="" nbsp="" now.="" of="" out="" p="" re="" really="" s="" scare="" so="" some="" the="" things="" though.="" to="" training="" transferred.="" used="" very="" we="" weird="" when="" whole="" wonderful.="" zone="">

The elders in the mission are amazing. Some of them are like my brothers. I've never had brothers, but they show me what it's like to have that. Especially Elder Forson, the black elder of the CRM. He is one of my best friends. He really helped me out this week with some discouraging thoughts I had. I am so glad he lives in D.C. because everyone else lives in Utah and I will probably never see them again after the mission, but I'll see Elder Forson. East coast man. Gotta love it.

Sunday was an all regional stake conference for the western part of the US. Elder Renlund spoke to us about how we need to respect others beliefs, but at the same time do not be scared to state your belief.

Be bold in what you believe in, but be loving about it. Don't be scared to stand alone. I need to follow that counsel, especially when other missionaries are being idiots and I don't want to be apart of it.

Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovers, and happy Discount on Candy day to all the single people. Eat as much chocolate as possible to fill the void of loneliness. It works, trust me I know what I'm talking about.

Also random side note I found out my companion hates the way I do door approaches; she didn't tell me to my face but she's been telling everyone else. Don't you just love that? Yeah I'm not great but she's not the best at them either (great way to boost my self esteem right?), so what did you people do who served missions? What were some ways you saw that succeeded so I can do a great door approach and mentally tell my companion to stick it? Answer at your leisure. I get tongue tied sometimes because I get nervous to talk to random people, so sometimes there are silences, which is the part she hates. She doesn't really let me do door approaches, and I didn't know why until now.

Forget that, I do what I want because I know it's the best I can do.

Don't let people make you think there's only one way to do things.

There are PLENTY of ways to do stuff. Be yourself and do the best YOU can do.

- Sister Ginn 2k16

I love you all so very much. You are the best people in my life, all of you reading this. If you aren't reading this I still love you, it's ok that you ignore my emails. You'll be held accountable for it one day at judgement though <3 just="" p="" saying.="">

I LOVE YOU GUYS PEACE OUT GIRLSCOUT

love,

Sister Caroline Elizabeth Ginn

Investigator named Roy

She has my heart!

Squishy faces

Beautiful horse

Cool negative

Two Exchanges This Week

So yes I went on two exchanges, and not that they weren't fun or anything, but I'm done with exchanges until next transfer.

This week went by so fast. Where is the time going? The highlight of my week was we had interviews with President Marston. Let me tell you a bit about our interview.

We were supposed to come up with a goal and a scripture to back up that goal that we wanted to accomplish in the next six months. My goal was to be more confident in myself and to have more charity and love to everyone I meet, even if I don't know them. I want to be more bold, but loving at the same time. My scripture was Isaiah 41:10 (go look it up). President Marston told me that as I develop this goal, I will be better prepared to train and be a sister training leader. He told me I was staying in Lincoln for a while, and he hinted that I might train here soon. Sister Morrison and I are staying together another transfer. President likes to tell everyone what is happening next transfer. We also discussed some things I've been struggling with and he told me to "stand tall in the gospel and it'll be fine." I love him so much, he is the greatest man in the universe. I am so grateful to be here with President Marston. We visited for over an hour. He loves talking to the missionaries.

I went on an exchange with Sister Trease, another sister in Loomis which is right next to Lincoln. She is exactly my height except she's cuter. I love her. We had a lot of fun. I got to drive around my area and get to know it better, so I am not as lost anymore. I like Lincoln because it's small. I love small areas.

Ok so here is the best news I've heard my entire mission: When I was in Tempo Park with Sister Hodge, we found this investigator named Dominique. We talked to her several times, and I gave her a Book of Mormon and challenged her to read it. That was the first Book of Mormon I've ever given away. So fast forward 17 weeks from when I left. I went on an exchange with someone named Sister Taylor, who is currently serving in the tempo park ward. We came out together. She tells me that Dominique is meeting and taking the discussions with the sisters AND SHE REMEMBERS ME AND TALKS ABOUT ME ALL THE TIME. WHAT.

THE. FREAK. I almost died I was so happy. She apparently loves what the sisters are teaching her and she is progressing towards getting baptized. I'm gonna cry. I never hear about the fruits of my labors.

Hearing this proves that serving a mission is worth it. Got that? It's worth it people. SISTER HODGE IF YOU ARE READING THIS GUESS WHAT, WE AREN'T FAILURES IN TEMPO PARK.

We had district meeting this week,  and three of the missionaries go home in a week. They talked about their missions and shared their favorite memory with us about their missions. It was interesting to hear their experiences. It made me realize that's gonna be me in less than a year now. I hit my 7 month mark today. 11 to go. So I better make the best of the time I've got left, cause I only got one shot at this 18 months thing and I can't screw it up.

Sister Morrison and I get along swimmingly. We're really sarcastic to each other and we pull pranks on each other all the time. An elder gave me a nerf gun so I shoot it at her all the time. I've made her fear coming out of the bathroom now and it's great.

We've been working with this less active family called the Morrill family who are all so amazing. The moms name is Briyl and she is single and takes care of her six kids all by herself. She was baptized at 8 and knows nothing about the church and only one of her kids is baptized. We had a family home evening with them at a members house and it was a miracle because that is the first church related thing we could get the family to do since Briyl was baptized. Tender mercies exist and always tell the lord how grateful you are for them.

The church is true. I know it is. Reading scriptures every day really puts a new perspective into your life. It's enlightening.

I hope you all have a good week. Make sure to smile at people, cause that really makes a difference.

Also I hate meetings.

Love

Sister Ginn

Caroline and Sister Trease did exchanges this week together

Did exchanges with all of these sisters

Super smily

The district in Lincoln before transfers

Hello my name is Sister Scary!!!!

I Am the Awkward Third Wheel

So you know the kid that was in high school that hung out with your group of friends because one of their friends was cool so everyone hung around the cool one while the other kid just shadowed that person and no one talked to them? Yes that has literally been me my entire life and still hasn't changed and probably won't change until the day I die. I'm just not cool enough to be in a group of 19-20 year old missionaries either I guess.

I really get along great with stoners, I've noticed. I don't know what that means but you know what, stoners need Jesus too.

So this week was speedy Gonzales, I don't even now what happened oh my gosh. We taught and tracted and taught and tracted some more. Once again, tracting is not the most successful way to do missionary work.

The good news is we had more lessons with less actives and recent converts, my favorite type of missionary work.

One evening we went to contact one of our investigators, and he wasn't home. We tried this less active across the street from him, and they weren't home either. I said a pray out loud that we would be able to contact our investigator soon as we got back into our car, and not two seconds later our investigator pulled up into his driveway. We got out and talked to him and scheduled a less for him later that week (and it was a bomb lesson btw). So his name is Tito Togar. He is from Liberia, Africa and he has the coolest accent ever. He wants to be baptized really bad and has been listening to the lessons for only a couple months. Who knows, maybe this might be my first baptism, knock on wood.

Ok so we have District Meeting every Wednesday right? You would think because it's every Wednesday that it would be ingrained into a 17 month out district leader right? Wrong. Our district leader completely forgot it was Wednesday so we were all at the church for an hour waiting for him to show up. He finally arrived and apologized profusely and we talked about villains and superheroes for the rest of the time. That might seem pointless to you, but it gives me comfort because even though I screw up all the time and I am incredibly awkward, I would never forget that it's district meeting.

Sunday was Stake Conference in Lincoln, and it was my first stake conference I've been to as a missionary. An area of the seventy, Elder Dube, came and spoke to us. We had an 8 o clock meeting with just him and recent converts, investigators, and less actives where they could meet him personally. It was awesome, Tito came and since Elder Dube is from South Africa and Tito is from West Africa , they could understand each other and he was able to answer Tito's questions. After the meeting Elder Dube pulled us and Tito aside and spoke to Tito personally. He bore his testimony to Tito and said that as long as he listens to the missionaries, he will be blessed and being baptized is the best decision he can make. I GOT TO SHAKE ELDER DUBES HAND LIKE THREE TIMES. That was the closest I have ever been to an area seventy, he actually talked to me and said, "Thank you Sister." It was like talking to a rockstar. I was internally screaming the whole time but I kept my cool. Elder Dube gave a conference talk back in October 2013.

Go watch it or read it. It's amazing.

K I'm off to go do P-day stuff. I love you all and the church is true.

Yeah I might not be the coolest or most interesting of people. I might not be included in the "cool crowd" but who cares, cause when Jesus is on your side nothing matters anyway. My job here in life is to comfort the lonely and less fortunate. I can do that because I know exactly how it feels to be lonely and less fortunate. I just know I have a father in heaven who loves me and I need to tell people that.

I love you all. Please keep me in your prayers, I need it. Talk to you soon!!

Love,

Sister Ginn

Flowers from our ward mission leader!

I like jumping in puddles!