I am completely overwhelmed..

by the love and spirit of this holiday season... The Season to REMEMBER... remember our Savior Jesus Christ. I have been studying.. In the Book of Mormon recently.. and realized.. the people that were affected by the famines and wars where the ones that forgot there Savior.. Nephi counsels them to never forget the Lord. I was thinking to myself.. "How often do I forget the Lord?" It is a question worth pondering.. "How often do we forget the Lord?" It may not seem very often.. but.. How often do we feel like we can accomplish things on our own, or we are to busy to pray.. or read and study the scripture? It is so important for us to rely on our Savior.. In every thought, in every action. He will lead the way for us.. If we Remember
and follow Him. Those of us who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... even covenanted to ALWAYS Remember Him. This may be my new years resolution.. to Remember more fully my Savior in all things.

So for the Miracles this week:

We had a really good appointment with our investigator Arlene. She is a neat lady and has been reading the Book of Mormon a lot.. every time she talks about it she tears up. She told us she knows it is true and that she wants to be baptized! :) It is so incredible to see the spirit work in peoples lives..

Sally another woman we have been meeting with has been also studying the Book of Mormon a lot as well.. She really desires to come to church.. so first of the year she said she would be able to! We had a member lined up to come teaching with us .. she let us know that her little girl would be coming with her because she forgot that she got out of school early that day... come to find out Sally's grandchildren got out of school early too! The two girls were the same age in the same grade at the same school in classrooms right next to each other! They played and had a good time while we were teaching the lesson! :) It was a miracle.

We stopped by a less-active member of our ward (who I have stopped by at least 7 times since I've been in this area and never found her home) She was HOME! We weren't able to speak to her long but talked to her daughter who lives with her. She was really interested in learning more and so we talked to her all about the BOM and invited her to church! She said she would like to come! I love when I am able realize.... that we are going to places sometimes not for just the people we plan to see.. but for all those in our path.

Also... Yesterday at church there were 4 less-actives and 3 investigators at church! 2 of the less-actives are ones we have been working with! It was pretty great to be able to see them there and I know the spirit was just so strong during the Christmas program.. ... It was the best birthday present ever... :)

I have just recently decided to start reading the BOM over I am excited about it and I am learning a lot.. I got a new blue book.. and Iam highlighting... the verses that have to do with "OUR PURPOSE"... faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost, and enduring to the end... I'm also highlighting... warnings, and blessings.. and references to the Atonement... The book is new to me.. I love it! I get excited ever day to read. I was thinking about the things we learned in our Zone Conference this week it was all about the Book of Mormon.. We talked about how it is KEY in our conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how without the Book of Mormon we have no religion! But Luckily we do have it .. and we can read about it ponder and pray about it every single day! So I asked myself the question... "Do I believe that the BOM is true?" YES.. the answer is yes.. So now I am pondering everyday when I read.. "Why do I need this book in my life every day?" "Why is this book true?" It is changing the way I think and they way I study the Book of Mormon. I am on my journey of figuring out why I need the Book of Mormon.. I know that I need it.

I love this Gospel.. Yesterday.. we sang in the choir.. we sang the song "Because I have been given much" Which was the same song that was sung at my mission farewell.. It brought me to tears to think about the words. "Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord, I'll share thy love again, according to thy word. I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed: Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed."

That is why we are here... to try our best to show Heavenly Father our thanks to him for all that he has given to us.. Which is so so much. Incredible... So Incredible.

I LOVE YOU ALL! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Sister Kaitlyn Pallas

I am so grateful for you all!

It is quite an experience being away from home around Christmas time. I don't really know how to describe it or explain it. BUT just know that I am learning a lot. There would be no better thing to be doing then serving the Lord, as I am away from my family and friends this year. I have thought a lot about my Savior lately.. about His life, His sacrifice, His example, and His Love. I am so grateful for Him. I am grateful that I wear His name over my heart everyday.

So some updates:

It is really cold in Pennsylvania... mostly lately.. it has been around 35 degrees outside. The humidity makes it like freezing. But.. Luckily I have one of the best dads in the world, he really took care of me while I was preparing for my mission and bought me a giant black marshmallow for a jacket that keeps me so cozy!

It has snowed about 3 times.. little snow flurries.. I really enjoy them a lot... because my companion Sister Soolefai gets really excited! (Being from Australia and seeing snow for the first time)

The other day I was studying about PEACE... It was just what I needed to study that day.. (Everyday I am more and more convinced that Heavenly Father knows exactly what I need and all of us need and will guide our thoughts and our actions... IF we let Him.) I asked myself the question.. How do I gain greater peace in my life? This is what I came up with... keeping the commandments, giving service, caring for family and friends, and sharing the gospel. The last one I liked pretty well... seeing is I'm blessed with the opportunity everyday to do just that... and what is the gospel really? ... GOOD NEWS, PEACE, HOPE.. LOVE. All the good stuff! Just do it... share the gospel of PEACE..

John 14:26-27 "The comforter, which is the Holy Ghost the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you my Peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

D&C 6:36-37 "Look unto me in every thought doubt not fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven."

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have PEACE. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of GOOD CHEER; I have overcome the world!"

It is in Our Savior that we find peace in our lives.. in the gospel of Jesus Christ.. we can find real JOY!

Jesus

Others

Yourself (learned this from my mom.. her favorite word is JOY!!)

May we all remember our Savior.. at this special time of year!

Sister Kait Pallas

D+C 78:19 And he who recieveth all things with THANKFULNESS shall be made glorious:

and the things of this earth shall be added unto him even an hundred fold, yea, more.

Doesn't that just make you want to be grateful and thankful all the time! When I was studying about Gratitude this week I happened upon this scripture.. It made me think about how my prayers are with my Heavenly Father.. I asked myself if I was thanking him enough for all the many wonderful blessings and miracles that I have experienced in my life. So.. I challenge you all.. to think about your prayers... are you thanking Heavenly Father enough for the wonderful things in our lives.. and... Then when I looked back at the wording of this scripture.. receiveth ALL things.. The good the bad the hard and the easy. EVERYTHING. Lets just say.. It became one of my goals this week.. to offer more prayers of gratitude. Once you start.. you can't really stop, it is an incredible thing.

Just so you all know.. Pennsylvania.. is really cold in November.. in case any of you were wondering.. but I am surviving the madness of the cold weather. I will just tell you that Hot Chocolate.. is like my new favorite drink, actually hot chocolate and MILO.. (some sort of Australian hot coco.. that is great, thanks to Sister Soolefai!) And.. I love blankets, jackets, thick tights, leggings, thermals.. gloves.. etc.. Thank goodness for them! :) The funny part about this is that.. it is only November.. and there isn't even any snow on the ground yet! :)

I wanted to share just a few quick experiences that happened this week.. So we were walking down this street in Downtown Norristown.. and this little boy walked up to Sis. Soolefai and I.. and he said... "Will you guys give me some Sugar?" Sis. Soolefai said.. "we don't have any sugar.." and then he proceeded to give each of us a hug. So.. we then walked away... and Sister Soolefai said.. I don't have any Lollies.. (candy) ... I was cracking up.. because.. he obviously didn't mean candy.. haha... but he was a sweet little boy. As we were walking back up.. we watched him chase down anyone and everyone in his path to give them.. some sugar.. (Hugs) :)

For a more serious experience.. We went to visit the family .. that we are teaching.. We were asking how they liked church? We asked if anything happened that they weren't expecting if they had any questions.. etc.. The only thing that they said that they didn't expect was to be so welcomed at a church. It was incredible! They said they felt so much peace as they were there! It is just incredible what the spirit can do for our souls! :)

Call me GRATEFUL this week.. because that is what I am! I am so grateful for My Savior Jesus Christ.. and for Our Loving Heavenly Father.. for the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Lords Kingdom on the earth today! I am grateful for my loving family and all of you! Happy Thanksgiving!

Sister Grateful.. Pallas

Psalms 100:3-5 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with Praise: be thankful unto him, and his blessed name. For the lord is Good: his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations.

And of course I can not forget the most incredible woman I know in my life.. My Mother.. it is her Birthday on Thanksgiving this year so I cannot forget to wish her a Happy Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER! I love you so much!

The miracle I have been praying for...

for a long time happened yesterday.. We were able to have a family that we are teaching come to church!!! It was incredible! They are the sweetest people ever.

This week I have also had my testimony strengthened of planning well, and being at the right place at the right time. We had a referral to stop by, they of course weren't home but, as we were walking down the side walk we started talking to a woman that had met with missionaries about a year ago. It was incredible, we are meeting with her tomorrow night! I just know that Heavenly Father wanted us there for a reason! Another experience this week we were on our way to an appointment.. we were a little bit early so we were just talking to people on that street.. there was a guy sitting on his porch.. we ended up talking to him for quite a while and found out he has been going through some faith trying experiences and he said he felt like he needed to read.. we were able to set up an appointment and I was able to give away the most precious gift ever, The Book of Mormon. After we prayed and left.. we stopped in a little side street and said a quick pray to Heavenly Father thanking Him for allowing us to meet this special person! The appointment we were on our way to fell through... but something I will never forget as we were walking back on the other side of the street, there was the man we had talked to fully immersed in reading the Book of Mormon. A picture in my mind that will never be erased. I know we were there for these people. Heavenly Father is guiding this work. I feel just so blessed that I have the opportunity to be apart of it!

I hope all of you are practicing how to be grateful, this week.. because you know next week .. you'll need to be professionals at being grateful! :)

I am grateful for all you who remember me in your prayers and pray for the missionaries and pray for all of God's children who know not God. (Alma 6:6)

LOVE YOU ALL!

Sister Pallas

Norristown: The Heart of Montgomery County.. Where you Belong....

This week.. has been pretty incredible..

It was not a normal week in the mission. Sister Reynolds and I were blessed with the opportunity to attend a Leadership Training for 2 days! It was so incredible. I felt the spirit so strongly, it made me so grateful for the privilege it is to be here in Norristown PA serving a mission! I am grateful to have been called by a Prophet of God to help build up the Lord's Kingdom here. To be able to share with people something that is so special and important .. I am SO grateful for the Book of Mormon.. What an amazing record it is to help us become more like our Savior and help us feel the spirit and love from our Heavenly Father when we faithfully study, read, and ponder with our hearts. It was amazing to be at the training and to learn from our Mission President and other faithful servants here in the PPM (Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission) So.... because of this great training we were able to attend we had to cram a lot of appointments in our week.

As always.. Miracles... So here is the best one..

We were stopping by a woman in the ward and we had been trying to stop by here a few times before but we were never able to catch her at home! ... But third times the charm! We stopped by this past week and we were able to visit with her for awhile! The best part about it was we knocked on her door and she started to cry.. She said I just barely finished praying when you two knocked on my door! It was pretty incredible! She is from Scotland and is such a sweet woman. It really showed me that Heavenly Father is in charge of this work.. and we will be where we are supposed to be if we are in tune with the spirit.

So many changes as well.. they come with missionary work.. Transfers were this week and Sister Reynolds had to leave me. It is amazing to be able to learn so much from the different sisters that are here and to be able to become such good friends.. so.. on the bright side of things.. the good ones have to go so you can continue to meet those wonderful people. So now I am blessed with the opportunity to serve with Sister Soolefai. She is from Australia, born in New Zealand, and is Samoan. She is fantastic already!

Another great thing we were able to do this week was spend our P-day in Valley Forge Historical National Park! It was incredibly beautiful and I enjoyed the day very much.. me and my camera had a party! It was amazing to be there. So much history took place.. we are so blessed to be in this country!

I love you all .. I am grateful for all your prayers and support!

also.. I am a good pen pal.. 124 Mill Grove Dr. Norristown, PA 19403

LOVES.. Sister Kait Pallas

PICTURES!!!

Sister Soolefai and I! :) (new companion)

Elder Belnap and sisters :)

Pictures taken at Valley Forge Historical National Park. SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

Can I just tell you all that....

Life is full of surprises. Things come at you that you never expect. Especially in missionary work I have seen and experienced things I never ever would have in my life unless I came here. It is amazing to me to recognize all that I am learning.

This week I was studying scriptures on Enduring to the End! Which.. I have found to mean in my life :persevering continuing on resolutely in spite of difficulties. To be steadfast, faithful and determined till the end. As I'm sure all of you know that life is sometimes not easy.. and enduring isn't the easiest task.. but when we continue and are faithful we are blessed.. Heavenly Father is aware of each of us individually. He loves each of us more then we can comprehend. He will bless us for our efforts to CONTINUING to Endure..

1 Nephi 13:37 "And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost and if they endure to the end they shall be lifted up at the last day and be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb: and whoso shall Publish peace, yea, tidings of great Joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be."

Doctrine & Covenants 14:7 "And, if ye keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

The blessings.. are there. It is amazing how much our Heavenly Father loves us.. so much that he has provided us this amazing gospel help us in our ups and downs of life and when we are faithful.. we will have JOY. (Joy has become one of my favorite words as a missionary.. because Joy is so much more then happiness.. and plus.. it reminds me of my sweet mom every time I hear it.)

This week I was also studying about how important it is to have a: Sincere Heart, Real Intent, and Faith in Jesus Christ in all that we do. In Moroni 10:3-5 it promises us if we read the Book of Mormon with those things.. we will receive the Holy Ghost and he will testify to our spirits that it is true.. but when we decide to do anything in our lives... we must have a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in our Savior... I think these are the things that will help us always endure and accomplish the righteous desires of our hearts!

Update:

Ria and her family came to the ward activity this past week!! SO GOOD!!! Her 3 boys were adorable, her husband was so kind. So we are going to be teaching them all this week!

LOVE YOU ALL!!

Sister Kaity Lady