Taking the Lead

Sister Tanner started off her week with Zone Conference in Madison, WI. She had such a great time, and got to see many of her missionary friends from the MTC. After Zone Conference, it was time for Missionary Exchange. Usually the Junior Companion (Karlie), goes to the new area with a Senior Missionary, and vise versa. Instead, they did it the opposite this time. Sister Tanner, and a different Missionary went back to Prairie du Chien. The new Sister had never been to the area before, so Sister Tanner lead the way. She drove them back, and showed her around. Meanwhile, Sister Newton (Karlie's companion) stayed in Madison with another Sister. Sister Tanner was so nervous to be "taking the lead with everything" for the first time. She did amazing though! Fortunately, they have a device called TiWi. It is an electronic for your car that will yell at you if you are going over the speed limit, or driving aggressively. If you listen to the device you won't get "Yellow Dotted." If you receive a yellow dot, you lose your driving privileges while on your mission. Anyone who knows Sister Tanner well, will know this device is a necessity in her life! =)

During the missionary exchange, Sister Tanner learned a lot. Being with a new missionary made things very different, and at times more challenging. These challenges however, help her grow more every day. She realized how grateful she is to have such an amazing companion, Sister Newton. They have so much fun together, laugh, sing, and find the joy in everything they do, while being obedient and working hard. Sister Tanner says they will be best friends even after their missions are over. Sister Newton is such a loving and kind person. They are both so lucky to be each other's companions.

During Sister Tanner's time with the new missionary, they were able to tract and find a new investigator, and a potential investigator! They both seemed very interested in the church. Sister Tanner even has a lesson with one of them this week! How exciting!

After the missionary exchange ended, Sister Tanner drove back to Madison, WI. The new missionary that she had been working with complimented her on what a strong missionary she is. She couldn't believe she has only been in the field 3 short weeks. The entire experience really boosted her confidence in herself as a missionary. She is so excited for everything to come! The Zone Conference and Missionary Exchange even closed with exciting news! The Stake President announced that DALLIN H. OAKS is the apostle coming this Saturday! He will be speaking at the All Mission Meeting in their area.



This is amazing news! Sister Tanner cannot wait to meet him and hear him speak! It was also announced that in the next transfer there will be MANY new Sister Missionaries coming to their Mission District. This means that some of the Sisters will be trainers even after just 6 weeks of being in the field. Sister Tanner thinks this may be why she was asked to go back to Prairie du Chien on her exchange and "take the lead" this week. Maybe she will be one of those Sisters who will be trainers very soon!

On Friday, Sister Tanner and Sister Newton taught 2 lessons to different investigators. At one of the lessons, the couple invited the Jehovah Witnesses over so that they could "Bible Bash" with one another. Luckily, Sister Tanner's dad has "bible bashed" with the Jehovah Witnesses a few times growing up at the Tanner home. So this came as no surprise, and didn't scare her at all! She taught the Restoration to them, and the entire home was filled with the spirit. The woman even cried because she was so touched by the spirit. She is even going to start reading the Book of Mormon. Sister Tanner and Sister Newton taught so well together, and were completely in synch with one another.

On Saturday, the Sisters made a cute dinner calendar in hopes of getting a dinner once in awhile! They put Enos 1:4 on the calendar which reads, "And my soul hungered and we knelt down before our members and we cried unto them in mighty hunger and we did desire to teach them." On Sunday, everyone laughed at how cute the calendar was! Also on Sunday, 5 investigators came to church! How exciting! The Sisters are really working hard out there. In church, they taught about the new familysearch website. One of the investigators was so impressed with it! He even logged in and found out that his Grandfather's temple work is already all done. He can't wait to learn more with the new website!

Sister Tanner has grown so much this week, and we are all so proud of her. She says thank you to everyone for all the supportive letters and emails. She loves each and every one of you!

 

Program from the Prairie du Chien Branch, representing the Sacramento Temple for Sister Tanner.

Tornado

What an exciting week Sister Tanner has had! It amazes me at what she has accomplished in such a short period of time.  She says, "This is probably the best week so far on my mission." On Wednesday, she braved her first tornado! It hit the small town of Prairie du Chien. Luckily, the Sisters were out of town at a district meeting when it occurred. She said that she has never seen weather so scary in her life. That night, they came back to their apartment and saw the entire street torn apart. Trees had fallen over on homes, leaving many destroyed. The tornado had come right through their street, and lifted right before her apartment complex. The lord must have been protecting them! The following day, they helped as many people as they could. They moved branches, helped with yards, and shared the gospel with many people whom they never would have otherwise been able to talk to. The lord really does work in mysterious ways. Apparently, this is the worst tornado the town has ever seen. Sister Tanner was even able to save a few baby birds that were hidden in a fallen tree.

 

 

Friday was a very special day for Sister Tanner. She met with a couple whom the woman is an inactive, and her significant other is investigating. She taught them about the restoration, and they were truly engaged. The man committed to baptism on June 29th. Sister Tanner said, "He is like a sponge and just soaks everything in that we tell him. He had read the BOM before our lesson and had a few questions on how the church started and we were like, 'that's exactly what were going to talk about today'. He's so excited to get baptized." It is amazing how much she is touching other people's lives.

Saturday, the sisters had their very first dinner appointment! How happy and thankful they were! Things are definitely different than in California. The Sister Missionaries clean up and do dishes after their dinner. They did not mind, and probably would have cleaned the entire house. They were so grateful for the yummy pot roast and potatoes.

This Sunday was fast Sunday, and Sister Tanner's best day on her mission so far. She was able to fast, and bear her testimony. It was amazing for her to hear the branch members testimonies. Two of them even bore their testimonies about the Sister Missionaries. How special! Sister Tanner was able to read the June Ensign. It is all about Families this month. She encourages everyone to read it! There is a specific talk  by James E. Faust titled, "Dear Are The Sheep That Have Wandered." She encourages parents to read it. It's an amazing talk! "To those brokenhearted parents who have been righteous, diligent, and prayerful in the teaching of their disobedient children, we say to you, the Good Shepherd is watching over them." -James E Faust.

Sister Tanner and her companion met an amazing family on Sunday night, while outside. They loved the Sisters, and agreed to attend church next Sunday. They were even excited about what they could bring for the potluck afterwards. Sister Tanner kept telling herself, "I love being a missionary." "It was a great day to be a missionary. I absolutely LOVE this work. Yes, there are hard days where we see no success in our tracting or contacting efforts. We start to question if we are being the best missionaries we can be and then there are days like yesterday, or when *** (name not used) accepted to be baptized that makes every door we tract that seems pointless, it makes it all worth it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to do the lord's work, especially now. I know there is a reason I am here, with Sister Newton and in Prairie du Chien. The Lord needs us here together right now. I feel so privileged to have the time we get to study the scriptures everyday. I have learned more than I ever have this time reading the BOM (Book of Mormon). I have grown such a strong testimony that every word I read is true. And every word is written for us and to guide us today. I am so grateful for the BOM and the strong spirit that is always there every time we read from it with our investigators or tracting."

Sister Tanner is so exciting for the coming week! She has Zone Conference, and Missionary exchange. She also has her 6 week training on Wednesday, even though she hasn't been out 6 weeks! In a few weeks, it will be Mission Conference. One of the 12 Apostles is coming, and she gets to meet him! Can't wait to find out who it will be!

Sister Tanner is so grateful for all of your prayers. She feels the blessings of them every day! What a wonderful week it has been for her!

 

 



"How Much Can One Heart Take"

Sister Tanner has had yet another amazing and eventful week! Her companion and her have asked a family to be baptized. They are in the process of praying about it. They are an amazing family, and love having the sisters over. The spirit is working in amazing ways, and she can feel it every time she teaches them.

The Sisters also had the opportunity to volunteer at Bargain Boutique again this week. They were working on purses this week. They had Karlie use her FIDM skills by doing the displays, and determining the prices for each bag. That same night, Karlie and her companion helped out at Activity Days. They were doing modest glamour shots for their activity. Karlie and her companion were able to do the hair and makeup for the girls. The girls just loved the sisters! The pictures turned out great, and the night was so much fun! Karlie is being able to use so many of her skills in beauty and fashion while being on her mission. The young girls must love her and look up to her so much! They think it is amazing that she is from California and went to Fashion School!

The Sisters were able to meet with many potential investigators this week. Many people were able to meet up with them, since the Sisters don't have miles left to drive their car. They are so grateful. And also so grateful for being fed a few times this week!

Sister Tanner met with an inactive couple this week. She invited them to go to church, and they accepted. They came last Sunday and loved it! They said that they want to continue to come back every week. That is so amazing! Also, an investigator that they cannot meet up with (lives too far to walk, and they don't have car miles) called the Sisters and told them she misses them. They invited her to church, and she also showed up!

Monday (Memorial Day) was proselyting day. The Sisters walked over 12 miles that day. Everyone they came in contact with was so nice, even if they were not interested. They taught a lesson to a family who is investigating the church that night. The family has been holding family prayer every night. The children love it. It touches my heart knowing how Karlie is truly blessing these family's lives, and being such good examples for the children.

Sister Tanner found out this week that near her area is where the Lamanites had buried their weapons. They have been dug out, and a historical landmark is now there. They are going to go see it next week on P Day!

Sister Tanner's testimony grows every day. She is so thankful for the temple, and encourages everyone to go as often as they can. Here is an excerpt from her email, "I love you more than words can describe and I can't wait for the day I get to be with you again. But I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be and I'm so grateful for this opportunity to do the Lord's work. My calling is so special and I try my best everyday to try and magnify my calling and be the best missionary I can be. This is the hardest work I've ever done but it's all worth it. After a long day of walking, teaching one single lesson where the spirit speaking through my mouth makes the whole day worth it. This work is so important and I feel so blessed to be able to do it! I love every minute of it, even when I feel like my feet will fall off! Have a wonderful week and never stop loving others and being an example in your own way!"

 

Here is a song that Sister Tanner heard this week and loved. It's written about Emma Smith.

"How Much Can One Heart Take"

Never had an ordinary day
You never lived your life in an ordinary way
For everything you loved you paid a price
But you couldn’t let the world see you cry

Never had a moment of peace
You never felt the sunlight when the worries set you free
Everytime your life turned a page
It seemed like your heart might break

With the world on your shoulders
When the nights have grown colder
You seem to weather every storm with a queen’s grace
When you lost your husband
When you bury your children
I’m sure the angels stood in reverence
As you prayed
How much can one heart take?
How much can one heart take?

Never had a day to call your own
When so many needed your warm heart as a home
Whispering a mother’s lullaby
As you sat alone by the fire

With the world on your shoulders
When the nights have grown colder
You seem to weather every storm with a queen’s grace
When you lost your husband
When you bury your children
I’m sure the angels stood in reverence
As you prayed
How much can one heart take?
How much can one heart take?

With the world on your shoulders
When the nights have grown colder
You seem to weather every storm with a queen’s grace
When you lost your husband
When you bury your children
I’m sure the angels stood in reverence
As you prayed
And I’m sure your heart breaks
When some people still say
Somewhere down the line you lost your faith
How much can one heart take?
How much can one heart take?

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE du Chien, WI

Sister Tanner arrived in Wisconsin on Tuesday May 14th! On her way from Utah to Wisconsin, she met a man at the airport. She ended up giving him the first discussion, and a Book of Mormon. She almost missed her flight, but it was all worth it because he seemed very interested in the Church.

Last few days at the MTC.

When she arrived in Milwaukee, the Mission President and his wife were there to greet them. She already loves them so much! They drove her to the mission home, which was gorgeous. That night all the Sister Missionaries were able to stay there. She received her new Companion, who is from Utah, sings really good, and is Gluten free (just like Mom). She adores her! Her first area that she is assigned to is in Prairie du Chien. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Milwaukee. The Mississippi River runs thru the small city, which boarders the State of Nebraska. Karlie says, "I am seriously in the middle of Nowhere, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it." I'm sure its a huge culture shock, having been in San Francisco and Sacramento for so many years. Here is a picture of the small town of Prairie du Chien.

 

Sister Tanner says, "Everyone calls it Snow White land because there are so many animals like Bunnies, birds, and Rabbits."

 

Her companion and her, do have a car. They only are able to drive it a certain amount of miles per week. The drive from Milwaukee to Prairie du Chien already maxed out those miles for them. So it was straight to walking for Sister Tanner. Not to bad of a deal, considering the Mississippi River is only 1 block from her apartment.

 

Thursday it was straight to Missionary work for Sister Tanner. Her and her companion spent Thursday and Friday visiting with investigators and LARC (less active recent converts). In one particular visit, the lady told them she was going thru an awful and difficult time in her life, and that they had visited her at the most perfect time. Sister Tanner says there have been a lot of "perfect timing moments."

 

Sister Tanner and her companion grocery shop and make their own dinners. She said eating healthy with her "gluten free" companion has really helped her. Plus they get so much exercise from walking! It's truly amazing how much these Sister Missionaries do!

 

On Saturday, the Sisters were able to Volunteer at a Thrift Store, which is something they have been doing for years. Even their apartment has been lived in by Sister Missionaries since the 90's. Also that day, they did service at the Branch President's home. He is on crutches at the moment. So they helped plant a vegetable garden and did yard work for him and his family.

 

Sunday was her first Sunday in the Branch. The ward has about 20 members, 4 youth, and a one page ward roster. She is inspired by how much room for growth they have! 3 investigators even attended church this Sunday! She can't wait to spread the gospel to even more people in this town. Her testimony has grown so much. It makes me cry just reading her letters. I know she is already touching lives and its been only one week. A family that she is teaching, is going to be asked to be baptized. I can't wait for her next letter, and to see what they said.

 

She says that everyone has really strong "accents". But they all tease her about being from California, and about how strong her accent is. I think that's too cute! Thank you to everyone who is sending letters and emails to Sister Tanner. Your love and encouragement is what gives her the strength to be there and do the Lord's work.

 

Karlie and her new companion in Prairie du Chien.

 

 

 

 

 



Janice Kapp Perry??

Monday night we were able to hear from Karlie! She called home while she was at the airport. She is doing amazing! She was able to travel with her companion, which I'm sure made her trip much better. The highlight of her week was getting to meet Janice Kapp Perry, who taught them at church on Sunday. Most of you who grew up in the church, probably are familiar with Janice Kapp Perry. Growing up in the Tanner home, we were CRAZY about Janice Kapp Perry. We always performed her music, listened to her songs on CD, and overall loved her talent! So the fact that Karlie got to meet her, was very exciting! She had a performance of a song she wrote for Sister Missionaries. Karlie said it was amazing and everyone was touched! She wasn't able to find out what the song was. So instead I will share her favorite Janice Kapp Perry song.
"As Sisters in Zion. We'll all work together. The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek. We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor. We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak. "
"We are as the Army of Helaman. We have been taught in our youth. And we will be the lord's missionaries to bring the world his truth."

I thought that song was so fitting. That's exactly what Sister Tanner is out there doing. We haven't received any emails or letters from her this week, since there was no P day for her. But I know she is out there, "bringing the world his truth."

SISTER TANNER

 
 
 
 
Sister Tanner's first email home was so exciting to receive! She is having an amazing time! She said that the saying, "If you just make it to Sunday, you'll be good" is so true. She's in classes about 14 hours a day, and is learning a lot. She says that Sundays are "the best!" On fast Sundays, (which was this past Sunday) it is MTC Mission Conference. The MTC Mission Presidency and their wives give the talks and teach. In her district meeting, her companion and her gave the lesson on Faith. It went very well! She said it was the first time that she felt like a real missionary. The MTC Mission President came to her branch for Sacrament meeting, and she was able to bear her testimony with him there.
In her zone, there are 3 districts. All of the sisters and some of the elders are going to Wisconsin after the MTC. She was able to meet Chad Lewis (NFL player and RM). She learned a lot from his devotional.
Karlie says thank you to all those who have sent her letters and wrote her on www.dearelder.com. She says that every single day she receives so much mail, and feels so loved. She hopes to eventually be able to write everyone back.
Karlie loves her companion so much! She keeps saying how much she reminds her of Tamera, and how funny she is. A sister from Elk Grove is there with her as well, Jackie Milligan. She said how great it is to have a friend there with her.
She is already teaching 2 investigators. One has progressed so much, and has already committed to baptism. She just finished teaching him the Plan of Salvation. The spirit is so strong when she teaches, and she can't wait to grow as a missionary. One night she fell asleep, and when she woke up, James 1:5 came to her mind. She ended up using it in her lesson while teaching the investigator. She was worried about not being a good enough teacher, but the Lord makes up for anything she lacks. Prayer has been her best missionary tool. Chad Lewis told the Missionaries, "No matter what language we are or aren't learning here at the MTC, we are all learning the language of the Spirit."
Mikayla, whoever and wherever you are. Karlie was so touched by the letter you wrote her. She wanted me to thank you for reaching out to her. It's amazing how much of a missionary Karlie already is, even through her social media and friends she has yet to meet. She loves you all!

Sister Tanner and Sister Reese (companions)

Fashionable Sister Missionaries

Karlie and her friend Alex

MTC Tradition where they lick the Orange Tree =)

In class with the girls

Karlie and Gloria

Provo Temple

Companions

Karlie and Gloria

Elder Josh Davis

Milwaukee Bound

Sacramento Girls going to Milwaukee

Working on their Fitness

 

Sharing the Gospel, and looking beautiful while doing it.

 

James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newbie makes an entrance at the MTC

Karlie entered the MTC on Wednesday. She was greeted by her friend Gloria, who hosted her in and made her feel instantly welcomed and at ease. In her first letter home, she talks about how she received her nametag, which we are all dying to see pics of her wearing! She has an awesome companion, Sister Reese. They get along really well and have a lot of fun. Life in the MTC is very busy, with lots to learn. The spirit is so strong for Karlie, and she just wants to teach already! The best part of her letter was hearing how on her first day in the MTC, she fell down a flight of stairs right in front of all the cute Elders. Karlie definitely knows how to make a grand entrance! I'm sure she is already putting smiles on everyone's faces! Can't wait to hear more from her!

Karlie visiting BYU right before the MTC

Café Rio

Saying Goodbye to Mom

Last pic with Dad

And she's off! Her friend Gloria sweetly greeted her as host!