TRANSFERS AND LOTS OF LOVE

HI YALL!!

Forgive me for not writing much the past couple of weeks. Today's email will be a little bit longer to make up for it! :)

TRANSFER UPDATE: Sister Weiler and I will be staying in Filer!! Thank goodness, because we are just getting to know the area!

So you may remember that guy we told you about, our new investigator that we met while we were looking for directions. The three investigators that we have found while being here have all up and moved without telling us... what the heck people. Do you not want to be happy? hahahaa Satan works so hard on people. Once we meet them and they feel the Spirit, he swoops in and causes some huge life change to happen. But I know we left a good and lasting impression! Sometimes, we just plant seeds for other missionaries down the road.

Last week I talked a little bit about how I've become a bit obsessed with studying. Alma 34 is one chapter i've been thinking a lot about recently. It talks about the infinite sacrifice of our Savior. The Savior of the world performed a sacrifice for us that is unending, unlimited, and infinite. It covers all. And as we turn our hearts to Him, we will be able to partake more fully of the JOY that comes from using the Atonement as described in Lehi's vision of the tree of life. 1 Nephi 8 has been another huge focus of this week. As we partake of the Atonement and allow it to strengthen us and uplift us, through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in faith, we are filled with pure joy and a greater desire to share it with all those around us.

If you've ever felt discouraged, read 2 Nephi 4. This has become another one of my favorite chapters in all of the Book of Mormon. Nephi teaches us what we can do when we become discouraged. Verses 15 and 16 talk about studying and pondering over the scriptures. Verses 19-21 say we must trust in the Lord. In verse 24, Nephi exhorts us to engage in mighty prayer. Verses 28-30 talk about how we can rejoice if we build our foundation on the Savior. And then in verse 32, it talks about how we must humble ourselves and repent. If we follow this pattern, we truly can rejoice and be uplifted!

My heart is filled with so much gratitude today. Not only for the scriptures, but for the members here in our area. We have been blessed beyond belief. Anything that we have been in need of but didn't have the means to get it, has been provided for by the members. I am so grateful for the support we constantly have here and my love for these people is unreal. They are constantly looking outside of themselves to bless the lives of those around them and listen and ACT on the promptings of the Spirit.

One of those families is actually the the Koyles, who we are currently teaching the wife:) This week at their lesson, we taught them the Word of Wisdom lesson. Because God created us and blessed us with a physical body like His, we are expected to live a health code He established. AND THEY WERE SO ACCEPTING OF IT! It was awesome to see how they truly desire to follow the Savior and live the commandments established by His mouthpieces- the prophets.

We have a potential investigator our in the Hollister Branch!! We met with a less active lady, given as a referral from our dinner appointment on Saturday. Her daughter is not a member and was asking us a ton of questions about what we did as missionaries. We talked about our purpose and how we bring others truth that could make them happier. As I thought about that experience the next day in sacrament meeting, I was overwhelmed again by the JOY that is a direct result of seeing the progression of those around us as they come unto Christ. That is what brings us true joy!! I am so grateful for the joy I feel each day as I myself partake of the Atonement and help others do the same!! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!

xoxo
Sister Boyce

FILER

HEY FAM AND FRIENDS!!

Another week down here in Filer! It is really kinda scary how fast this transfer has gone by.

So I have a problem. I'm a little bit addicted to studying. Specifically studying the Book of Mormon. That thing is a GEM!! If you haven't read it, read it. It will give you more hope for a brighter future and peace to be able to endure whatever you may be facing now. And all because it is centered on the Savior Himself. Something I've been thinking about a lot recently is Alma 34. If we repent, we each as individuals fit into God's plan. It is individualized for each of us as we choose to repent.

Love you all!

xoxo
Sister Boyce

Just a little taste of Filer

HEY FAM JAM!!

Sorry I didn't put together an email last week. Time totally slipped away from me! But I want to update yall on life here in Filer:)

Monday nights, missionaries have always had dinner with the Templemans. They are an older couple in Filer that were in the young adult branch FOREVER. They are so fun and have college age kids running through their house all the time. You'll be hearing a lot about them I think hahahaa

In our district meeting on Tuesday, we had a training on listening and asking inspired questions. Right after our meeting, we went over to have a lesson with Sister Chavez who is a less active member and recent convert of two years. In that lesson, the Spirit was so strong, and we were able to ask the right questions for her to increase her understanding and faith in Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the tools we have been given as missionaries that help us to bring the Spirit with us more strongly everywhere we go.

Something I've been thinking a lot about this week is how the Holy Ghost works with each of us. We had an excommunicated member in one of our wards get baptized again this last week. This process has taken him 16 years. We were talking with him about how the gift of the Holy Ghost has been working with him this last week since the confirmation. He said sometimes he doesn't know when it is his own thoughts and when it comes from the Spirit. I love Moroni 7:13, 16-17 along with President Hinckley's advice: "That's the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God. If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil... and if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you. You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit- that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is the Spirit of God." Sometimes we don't always know for sure, but if it is good then it is of God. And sometimes we don't recognize that the Spirit guided us to action until after it has happened. I am so thankful for the influence of the Spirit in each of our lives and am thankful for the mission rules that help us missionaries have it with us as much as possible.

I had an "I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY MOMENT" this week. I don't even remember who it was with or where we were, but this lady was talking to us about what we do as missionaries and I was filled with the greatest gratitude and love for the gospel and the opportunity I have to share it each day. This gospel is what makes me so happy and I love sharing it ever day.

Elder Bean says hi. He's the coolest ZL.

Love you all!! Hope you are finding joy in every step of this crazy journey we call life! :)

Lots of love from Filer, Idaho!!
XOXO
Sister Boyce

Opening our Mouths

HEYO!!

So this week is another quick emailing session. It has been a CRAZY P-day, but I promise next week I will have my full time on the computer.

This week we got lost. Actually we get lost on the daily here because our GPS isn't updated and I haven't quite figured out Filer's dang grid system yet hahahaa SO we were lost and it was about 830 at night. And there were these two guys standing outside their house smoking. Looked kinda sketch not going to lie. But I learned so much that night. We pulled over and asked them for directions. As we got talking with them, we asked how long they had been in the area and told them we had only been there for a couple weeks. We asked if they had ever seen missionaries before and one of them said he hadn't. He moved here 8 months ago from Missouri and was going to church there but hadn't found one in Filer yet. (SCORE!!) We talked about our purpose as missionaries and we asked if he would want to know more- if he would want to strengthen his relationship with God. He said he would like to and gave us his number...

The story continues... but until next time, just remember that God puts people in your path for a reason. And He has promised that as we open our mouths, they will be filled (D&C 84:85). Ask yourself everyday why God would put you next to the person you are standing in line next to at the store, or those that you meet on your way to work, or seriously anyone in your sphere of influence. There is a reason.

Love you all so much!!

xoxox
Sister Boyce

FILER

Hi Family!!

This week has probably been the most chaotic of them all!! Our area covers 3 wards in Filer and 2 branches: Hollister and Jackpot, NV!!! It is the largest geographical area to cover in the mission and whitewashing with all outdated information has been nothing but interesting, confusing, and frustrating. But we have seen so many blessings, especially from the members, since being here.

This one has to be really short today, so I will expound next week, but I already know I am going to LOVE this area!! The two Elders that left, one came out with me and the other came out with Sister Merrell. So super fresh, but some of the kindest Elders I know.

Just remember that through it all, God has a plan. Every situation and every experience is part of His individual plan for you. He never meant it to be easy. He never wanted it to be easy. We wouldn't grow or achieve the potential to become like Him without these experiences. And when it gets rough, we just have to "Look to God and live" (Alma 37:47).

I LOVE YOU ALL!! I am so grateful for yall and for God's plan for all of His children.

XOXO
Sister Boyce

This is one you're gonna want to read...

HI FAMILY!!

Today's the day! The sun is shining!! It's transfer Monday! ... IT'S TRANSFER MONDAY!??!?!

Since it is MLK day, most libraries are closed. So instead of getting the transfer emails, we got calls from the Zone Leaders this morning!

AND ON WEDNESDAY IM GOING TO FILER!!

Oh man, I had so many mixed emotions. I was super nervous before the call came, but had so much peace when I found out what would be happening. Sister Merrell is staying here in Mountain Home with most of the district (which makes me kinda sad just because I love these kids and have major FOMO hahaha). I am sad to leave this area and the people here that have become my family, but I am really excited to start fresh somewhere! Filer is in the Twin Falls South Zone, but borders the Mountain Home district so I won't be going too far hahaa :) And we are going to be whitewashing (or pinkwashing haha) the area!! My companion is kinda new too. She was here for a while and then went home for medical reasons, but is coming back out! Her name is Sister Weiler and I'm not sure where she is from... But from what I've heard, she's super cool. So I'm stoked out of my mind. It will be an exciting transfer!!

Something's been on my mind a lot recently. We were studying the commandments and the laws that have been given to us by God, including the 10 Commandments, the Law of the Fast, the Law of Tithing, the Law of Chastity and the command to study the scriptures and pray everyday. To some, it may seem like a lot of restrictions or rules. But we cannot receive the blessings that God so wants to give us unless we are living the way He has commanded us. God's commandments are evidence that God has not abandoned us- evidence that He loves us and knows what is best for us. By living the way He has asked, we can have a greater portion of His Spirit which can help us to feel of His love more readily and more frequently. If we choose not to follow the laws He has set for us, we limit our own agency and deny His blessings.

That is why we as missionaries invite people to ACT. To come unto Christ by living the commandments that God has set for us. There is no other way to know for yourself!! If you are unsure if God exists, then try living as He has directed. Asking why we have to live a certain guideline established by Him will do very little for you until you try it out for yourself and experience the blessings that come. The Spirit will bring pure joy. It will bring peace of mind. It will help us to understand that we have a greater purpose in this life.

Remember that God loves you and He has a plan for us! He has set the way for us to live so that we can return to live with Him if we are obedient. God bless you all.

LOVE YOU! Thanks for reading and supporting me in all I do! Your constant prayers are needed out here!

XOXO
Sister Boyce (:

^^Here's a pic from our last district meeting. Imma miss these fools.

NEW YEARS REVIEW 2 - more pictures!

Ready or not, you get more pictures today:)

^^This was our quaint little street at Sister Parsons after the first snow... normally this is all they get for the year. BOY. WE WERE ALL IN FOR A TREAT.

^^We then all got an ice storm... I've never really seen anything like it. The snow was dusty and straight ice. but it wasn't dense so it stuck to literally everything. We were having a hard time seeing the divide between the sky and the trees.

 ^^And then we got more snow. (Mom I thought you'd appreciate this picture with the barn :))

 ^^The first weekend in December we were hosts for the Creche event!! They have nativities set, filling the cultural hall, and the chapel was open for people to listen to the musical performances. IT WAS AWESOME!! We definitely got into the Christmas spirit:)

 ^^This was one of my favorite nativities. We had them from ALL over the world, but this one was straight from Bethlehem. Pretty cool to see how people in every nation come together at this time of the year to worship the Savior and celebrate his birth.

 ^^Sweet Sister Parsons is so old. So we did some service and helped her put her Christmas tree up!! She wanted a picture of us and the tree but I think she got more of the ceiling than the tree hahaha we love her:)

 ^^MOHO DISTRICT 2.0!! Never a dull day with these crazies. This was our last preparation day before transfers and we always get together to sing the favorite hymns of the departing missionaries.

 ^^We went to the Sister's place for breakfast the last morning together. I LOVE MY MTC COMP. I miss Sister Miller a lot. We learned so much together and she taught me a lot. I will forever be so grateful for her.

 ^^Then we had to say goodbye to our favorite Poly neighbors. They did so much for us while we were at Sister Parson's house. They truly emulate selfless service and are such good friends. (Plus Brother Chung Hee makes some of the most BOMB food:))

 ^^MOVE OUT. man if Sister B's house wasn't just right down the street there is NO WAY we would have made it hahahaa

 ^^This is what we get to look at as we drive to Twin :) an hour and a half of so much beautiful Idaho scenery. This sure isn't Boston, but I guess I'll settle. :)

 ^^This was at the Mission wide Christmas devotional!! TOO FUN! This is my first district leader, Elder Leon from Peru!! He goes home this transfer and is SO AWESOME!! I feel privileged to have served with him my first transfer in MoHo. :)

 ^^And this is my trainer, Sister Anderson! :) Man, I miss her!!

 ^^So, hi. Sister Merrell and I are the same person... obviously we had to get a jumping picture for our Christmas card:)

 ^^This is Sister B's. She literally lives in a life size vintage doll house. I told her I'm going to come back and buy it from her:)

 ^^Sister Merrell after playing in the snow:)

 ^^Kay the next three are pictures of my current district which also happens to be my favorite so far:) We are somewhat dysfunctional so these describe us perfectly hahahaa

 ^^This was after we went caroling as a district on Christmas morning:)

 ^^hahahahahahahahahhahahaaa that's our district leader, Elder Lee in the middle of the parking lot. That's immediately what he did when we said we were going to do a funny picture hahaha. Oh my stars, I'm like crying laughing so hard as I write this hahaha

 ^^We got to spend Christmas dinner with Sister Parson's family and the Chung Hees. It was so fun to spend it with people who have become my family. Whenever we do dinner, Brother Chung Hee brings an extra uke so he can teach me and we can play:)

 ^^And we had to get a pic in our ugly Christmas sweaters we bought at a thrift shop here in town hahaha MAN I LOVE THIS SISTER:)

 ^^and this district is the chillest. We set up tables and chairs all over the gym and had nerf wars!!! These Elders turned into 5 year old boys real quick that day hhahaha IT WAS SO FUN!! (also don't laugh. I can't mug.)

^^and to end this crazy picture chain, THIS. IS. GRACE. She was baptized and confirmed this weekend. She's 14 and the sweetest girl. Her mom is a member of the church, and she has been waiting for approval from her biological dad to be baptized. This day was so special for her as she was finally able to make promises with Heavenly Father that would bless her entire life. She is a gem and has so much light about her. We love her and are so excited for what this means in her life!

^^THIS IS ON SUNDAY AT GRACE'S CONFIRMATION!! (ignore how tired i look... we had ward council that morning hahaha)

Love, Sister Boyce