Staying in PRAIRIE!

Transfer time is here again, and Sister Tanner is happy to be staying in Prairie du Chien with Sister Asper! The next transfer is Halloween. Sister Tanner will for sure be in Prairie du Chien until then. That means at least 1/3 of her mission will be served in Prairie. She knows that the Lord wants her there for a reason, and its exactly where she is supposed to be. She also said she wants to cry as she realizes how fast time is going!

 

Their week started on Monday as they enjoyed their P day by going to the local gym to play ping pong. Sister Tanner loves it! Afterwards they had a lesson with the young man who is just getting back into Church. They taught him about the power of the Atonement. He has been reading the Book of Mormon, and Sister Tanner said you can just see a change in him. "His countenance has changed", she said. After their lesson they enjoyed a yummy dinner and a game of ping pong against the young man, to show off their skills. The Sisters lost by only 1 point, which is a huge improvement!

Tuesday, the Sisters had a District meeting. Following that, they went to a new member's home to help with the Garden. They had dinner with them, and discussed them going to the temple for the first time to do their family's work. Sister Tanner has truly sparked a desire for them to not only do their family Genealogy, but to also go to the temple and do the work for them. She also encouraged them to try to read their scriptures for at least 10 minutes every day. The positive example she is to these new members is admirable.

Sister Tanner and Sister Asper were able to spend time volunteering at Bargain Boutique on Wednesday. They love the time they are able to spend there! Afterwards, they had a voicemail from the Mission Office saying they were on their way for a surprise apartment inspection! Luckily, the Sisters keep their apartment spotless so everything was fine! When they came to inspect they said, "Everything looks perfect! Now where are we taking you Sisters out to dinner?" How sweet! What a great surprise to their day!

After their weekly planning on Thursday, one of the branch members called to tell them that a friend of hers needed some help. They were told that she was moving stuff, and so the Sisters changed into their "grubbies", as Sister Tanner puts it. When they arrived, it seemed like an entire community event! It was a flood relief event for the people of Boscobel, which is a part of their area. The Sisters were so glad that they were asked to come. They were able to help a lot, by packing clothes into boxes for the people of Boscobel. Afterwards, the lady in charge talked to the girls and thanked them for all of their help. She was so impressed with them, and said everyone recognizes them as "girls bringing people closer to God". They were able to talk to her a bit about the Church and what their mission is all about. The woman will definitely be calling them again for future charity/relief events!

Friday was a bit of a tough day for Sister Tanner. Their goal was to visit all of the less active members of the Branch. But it turned out that NO ONE was home! Sometimes this happens, but Sister Tanner never gets discouraged! The Senior Mission couple took the Sisters out for dinner to end their day on a better note. They even brought Sister Tanner a cd that she has been wanting! Some of the Elders burned it for her! So sweet! It made her day, and she is so happy to have some new music to listen to! Music brightens any day for her! If any of you have any great Church music recommendations, please leave it in the comments below! Thank you so much!

Saturday is when the Sisters received the news that they were staying in Prairie du Chien together! YAY! The majority of the day was spent trying to meet new people, which was a success! They met a few potential investigators which was amazing! Afterwards, they attended a party for one of the Branch members. They just received a Foreign Exchange student from China! They had a welcome party in his honor! After the party, Sister Tanner and Sister Asper went with one of their Branch members to visit some inactive members whom she visit teaches.

Sunday was a wonderful day! The investigators whom are friends of members of the Branch, came to church! They even brought food for the Church potluck after. They had amazing talks in Sacrament Meeting. The inventor of Apples to Apples spoke along with his daughter. They spoke on making choices and choosing the right. It was perfect!

 

Relief Society also seemed perfect for their investigators as well. The potluck after was a great way for them to visit with each other a bit more. The woman asked them if they are similar to nuns, or if they can marry and have families. Sister Tanner explained that their mission is a short period of time in their life where they choose to serve the Lord and live only for him during that time. She explained that Apostles pray about where they will go. She was so impressed and responded with, "So someone here needs you to bring the Gospel to them!?" Sister Tanner was thinking, "Yea, YOU!". They scheduled a time for this week to meet again, and even want to feed the Sisters! Some of the branch members thought they were members that had just moved in, because they seem such a fit for the Gospel. They can't wait to attend Church next week as well! I can't wait to hear more about this family and their journey to the Gospel. Sister Tanner describes them as "future Kingdom Builders". "I am so excited to continue teaching them. The Lord really does prepare people for the Gospel, and working with the Members is the best way to find them!", says Sister Tanner.

Some days it might seem tough for Sister Tanner to get ahold of the people she wants to teach, or meet with. But the hard times are all worth it when they get to see a Family grow in the Gospel. Sister Tanner is accomplishing so much! Not only is she sharing the Gospel with everyone she can, she is also getting to participate in so many good causes, like the Flood Relief event. She is embracing every opportunity in Prairie du Chien to share the Gospel and bring happiness to everyone she can!

"I just love love love this work! I am so blessed to be here doing the Lord's work. I love you all so much! Hold strong to the Rod! Love, Sister Karlie Marie Tanner"

Thought I'd share a little LDS humor with you all. This reminded me of Sister Tanner!

"What Faith Can Do"

This song reminded me of Sister Tanner. She has such steadfast faith in the Gospel and in her work as a Missionary.

Sister Tanner had a productive and positive week in Prairie du Chien. "The work is finally hastening, and she can see the fruits of her labors", as she puts it. Their week started on Tuesday, by visiting with one of the women whom they have been teaching. She is leaving, and also going through a hard time in her life. The Sisters have been such a positive influence on her life. She started crying when she realized that Sister Tanner would not still be in Prairie du Chien the next time she returns. Sister Tanner was so touched, and will miss her very much. After saying their goodbyes, the Sisters returned home to amazing news! A member of their branch, who is a wonderful Member Missionary had invited her friends over for dinner. She was able to talk with them, and they are ready and wanting to learn more about the Gospel. Sister Tanner and Sister Asper are ecstatic!

On Wednesday, Sister Tanner had Zone training. The meeting was on increasing their faith, and not loosing hope on finding people to teach. Sister Tanner said, "I had this DUH lightbulb moment, that I just have to be true to the faith that I have, and Heavenly Father will bless me after the trial of my faith." It's amazing what faith can do! Just like what the song says above. After the meetings, the Sisters were able to go on splits with one another. Sister Tanner was able to work in Madison with another Sister. That means a busy day full of appointments, because that city has so many people yearning to hear about the Gospel! She loves being in Madison! At one appointment, she met with a man who is investigating the Church. He is so prepared, and already planning his baptism! He told the Sisters that he wants to tell his children and grandchildren about the gospel, "because the whole world needs to know." Sister Tanner said, "That's exactly how we feel! That's exactly why we are here!" What an amazing moment for him to understand the importance of Missionary work. The Sisters also were able to visit and teach a Muslim family. It was fascinating for Sister Tanner to learn more about their beliefs as well, and how differently they view Jesus Christ than we do. She did not know much about it beforehand. After their meetings, they went to Church and taught a lesson for the Young Women's Mutual night! Sister Tanner loved working with the Young Women, and hopes to serve with them more one day. When their day was completed, they spent the night in Madison with the other Sister Missionaries. She loved all the Sisters, and loved working in the city that day!

View of Madison, Wisconsin

 

Thursday was a very special day, because Sister Tanner got to see Sister Newton, her first companion! The Sisters drove to the city of Oshkosh for the 6 week new Missionary/Missionary Trainers meeting. It was so exciting to be in the trainers meeting with Sister Newton, as not too many weeks ago Sister Newton was training her! They missed each other so much, and had a great time being able to spend the day together! They will definitely be best friends after their missions. After their amazing meeting, Sister Tanner and her companion celebrated Dad's Birthday by going to Chipotle for the first time there! They found one on their drive home! Yum! =)

 

 

Sister Tanner has been feeling prompted that she needs and wants to volunteer at Prairie Maison, which is nursing home near them. After praying about it, she feels like she really needs to be there. So on Friday, her and Sister Asper went and took a tour there! She was able to talk to the Activity Coordinator, and got the OK to do crafts, sing, and talk with the residents. She is so excited! They are planning on having Sister Asper play piano, while Sister Tanner sings. They are all religious there, so the Sisters are allowed to perform hymns! She has an amazing feeling about this, and feels as if opportunities to share the Gospel will come through this.

 

Saturday was spent at a going away party for one of their Branch members who is going into the Army! Afterwards, the Sisters worked on their weekly planning. They currently have a Zone Vision, which are the goals for their Zone. And a District Vision is in the works. So Sister Tanner thought it would be a great idea to create an Area Vision for more area specific goals. They prayerfully made one, and she is so happy about it. Some of the goals they created are high, but she knows they can be achieved. She also thinks it will be helpful for her companion in case she is ever transferred.

 

Sunday was the best day of her entire week! "Seriously amazing", she said. One of their inactive members surprised them and everyone else by attending church! Sister Tanner had prayed that morning before church that some of their less active members would have a desire to attend church, and one of them came! "The power of prayer is REAL", she said. So incredible! Then after Church, the Sisters went to one of the Branch member's homes for diner. It is the family whose friends want to learn about the Church. They were at the dinner too! Sister Tanner said it went amazing! The family is so prepared for the Gospel, and have been searching for a Church. The spirit was so strong during their lesson about the Restoration. They even read a little of the Book of Mormon with them. They committed them to read and pray about it. The member whose home this was at, was so essential in the lesson. She explained how the Gospel blesses her family, and how important that is. They seemed very family oriented which is exactly what the Gospel in centered around! The lesson was amazing, and the Sisters can't wait to meet with them later this week!

 

When the Sisters returned home, they had received a text message from a number they did not know. It ended up being a guy they had met and gave a Mormon.org card to. They give out these cards everyday all day with their number on the back. No one has ever called or texted them from that, until now! He is interested in learning about the Church, so they set up a meeting with him this week! Sister Tanner was so excited, she said she was jumping up and down in their apartment!

 

This week was so successful for Sister Tanner. Her faith in God's work is incredible. Even when times get rough, she just tries even harder. She knows that miracles can truly happen, and she just has to have faith that she can achieve her goals as a Missionary. And she will!  The song above has a wonderful message about faith, "When the world says you can't, I'll tell you that you can. I've seen dreams that move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling. And I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered. Broken hearts become brand new, that's what faith can do." Such a wonderful message of Faith! Here is Sister Tanner's testimony for this week.

 

 

 

"We are seeing the harvest of our hard work. People are prepared in this area. I kept just praying for Heavenly Father to help me keep faith that we will find them and some days, I wanted to say "never mind, no one is prepared in this area" but I KNOW there are and that the trial of my faith is over. The fruits are here and the work is moving forward. I am soooo very grateful for all your prayers. I feel them and I know that miracles happen. Heavenly Father's timing is everything and I am sooo excited to be able to teach these people and continue to do the Lord's work. I feel more and more everyday like I am forgetting about myself and truly doing the work Heavenly Father needs me to do. This work is incredible. I am so blessed to be apart of it. I love being a missionary. It's the best thing ever. I am so grateful for the strengthening and enabling power of the Atonement that helped me endure the trial and the feeling of discouragement I had last week. Heavenly Father knows what he's doing and he will lead us to the people that are prepared. I know that. I know that everything I teach is true. The gospel can change lives, it makes us HAPPY. I am soooo happy! I love it, I love it, I love it! Life is incredible! Keep working hard and inviting all your friends to learn more. You never know who the Lord is preparing. I love you all soooo very much. This gospel is the source of eternal and everlasting happiness and I hope you each are able to feel that in some way this week. We also received a training on the importance of reading the Book of Mormon everyday and we are encouraged to ask investigators, members and everyone to read the book of mormon for at least 10 minutes everyday. Soooo, guess what, I am committing each of you to do the same... Will each of you read the Book of Mormon for at least 10 minutes everyday? I know that if you do, you will feel the spirit more in your life and you will feel happier and be able to know what God's plan is for you right now. The book of mormon will change your life as you allow it to."

 

 

 

 

 

 



The 4th Missionary

Beautiful song to listen to as you read this week's post.

Sorry for the late delivery in this week's post! Whenever there is a Monday holiday, the Missionary P Days gets moved to Tuesday. But better late than never, right?

Sister Tanner's week started by helping a family move out of the branch last Monday. She hates seeing families move away, but she was glad that her and Sister Asper were able to help. Apparently they had SO much food storage that it took quite awhile!

Tuesday was District meetings for the Missionaries. They were given an amazing talk  by Lawrence E. Corbridge titled, "The 4th Missionary". Basically there are 4 different types of Missionaries. Missionary type 1 goes out because he is "supposed to", and not because he wants to. He has a bad attitude, and either comes home or is sent home. Missionary type 2 serves a full mission. However he/she is disobedient and gains nothing from it. Missionary type 3 is obedient because "he has to be", and wishes to be doing something else. Lastly, the 4th Missionary is obedient because he WANTS to be. He wants to follow the Lord's commandment. He/she gives their whole heart and will to the Lord. Sister Tanner was so inspired by this talk. She wants to be the 4th Missionary, and give her all for this short period of time in her life. Becoming the 4th Missionary is the only way you return home a changed person. In a letter she sent me this past week she said, "I'm beginning to more fully rely on the Lord's plan for me. I don't worry what's going to happen after my mission. I have no clue, nor do I need to right now. I have no idea how many people I will baptize on my mission, but it's okay because I trust the Lord. I want to do his will because that will lead us to happiness, eternal life, and more blessings than we could ever know or comprehend." She already sounds like the 4th Missionary type to me. Not only will she return home a changed person, but I believe that she already is.

After the District meeting, the Sisters visited their great friends whom were recently baptized and married. After learning that her companion, Sister Asper was a music major, they all had a jam session on the piano and guitar. How fun! Sister Tanner surprisingly remembered some guitar, and has decided she wants to learn and practice more after her mission.

On Wednesday, the Sisters volunteered at Bargain Boutique. Sister Tanner loves it there! This time they gave her so many free envelopes! She was so grateful! She won't have to buy envelopes the rest of her mission!

Friday was a HOT day in Prairie du Chien! Over 100 degrees and very humid. Yuck! The Sisters taught a family that afternoon. They taught on the importance of the Book of Mormon. The family seemed very eager to read it, and the Sisters encouraged them to do so. Sister Tanner asked them to pray about. She is very happy to see this family progress in their understanding of the Gospel. After the lesson, the Sisters went to go help a woman paint the cottage behind her house. They ate ice cream, painted, and talked. It was a wonderful time!

Saturday was an amazing day for Sister Tanner! The Sisters tracted a bit, and had a lot of success. They found a potential new investigator, whom they later learned was the mother of one of their new investigators. Coincidence? Sister Tanner thinks not. She believes that Heavenly Father has prepared this family for the Gospel. The woman was so sweet to the Sisters. She invited them in, gave them water, and chatted with them about her life. The Sisters can't believe they met her and her son in opposite sides of town within a week of each other. Heavenly Father sure is guiding them in the right direction. At dinner that night, they ate at the Family History specialist's house. Sister Tanner was so excited that she showed her how to use the family history website more. She was able to help her to find more of her maternal grandmother's side of the family. She says she has become "obsessed" with family history. She can't wait to work on it all the time after her mission!

The holiday weekend made it tough for the Sisters to meet with their investigators and find new people to teach. In their town, everyone leaves for Holidays. However, they didn't give up. They were able to meet and teach many of their investigators and less active members. They even met a lady who is interested in learning more from the Sisters. How amazing! Sister Tanner never gives up, even when there are hard and challenging days. She is the perfect example of "The 4th Missionary".

I will leave you with her testimony this week.
"I am trying my best to increase my own faith that the Lord has prepared people in this area and that we can find people to teach and baptize soon. I'm not sure if it's just "the trial of my faith" week or what, but I feel as though when things feel like they are falling apart or when we feel like nothing is getting done despite our hard work, prayer has been the biggest source of comfort. Telling Heavenly Father that we need his help and to help us remain strong. He gives us the strength we need and we can feel his love. I know that prayer is truly the way we grow our relationship with him. I am so grateful that through something so easy that we can do anytime, anywhere, we can receive his help. We are never alone. How grateful I am for that knowledge."

Ether 12:27
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

Zone Conference and Chiggers!?

Staying with the Senior Missionary couple, is something Sister Tanner loves! They started their week out by sleeping over at their home on Monday. They are a "hoot", as Sister Tanner puts it. She just loves them so much! Staying over at their house meant they were much closer to Zone Conference, which was Tuesday morning. This was the first Zone Conference of Sister Tanner's mission! The Mission President taught a training on the Atonement. His wife also spoke about it as well. Sister Tanner said it was powerful and spiritual. Something Sister Tanner learned was, "Even if we are good people, the Atonement can help us become even better and we have to pray for strength to change our circumstances and not pray for our circumstances to change." What a powerful message!

Madison Zone

Sister Tanner and fellow Sisters at Zone Conference.

 

After Zone Conference, the Senior Missionary couple drove the Sisters back. They took them out for ice cream, and showed Sister Tanner how to check her oil and tire pressure. She has learned more about cars on her mission than ever before!

Learning all about cars!

 

Wednesday started off with role playing of Preach My Gospel. The Sisters practiced how to begin teaching bullet points from it. After this, they had a lesson with the young man whom they have been teaching. He even bought the Sisters gluten free pizza for dinner. How sweet! The Sisters taught him about how the Book of Mormon is like our Liahona. He had even read 2 chapters from the last week! He opened up to the Sisters about feeling alone trying to do the right thing. That no one around him is on that path. Sister Tanner taught him that through Christ, we never have to feel alone. They plan on teaching him more about that during this coming week. The night ended after that with a game of ping pong. The Sisters ALMOST won! He beat them by 1 point! So close!

 

Thursday the Sisters experienced a bit of rejection and anger from the people they came across. Being the leader that Sister Tanner is, she comforted her companion through this rough patch. Experiencing this is never easy, but Sister Tanner read her John 15: 17-21. These scriptures are about how people hated Jesus. She taught her companion how people will also hate them, because they represent Jesus. Sister Tanner is so strong, and never lets those type of people get to her!

 

On Friday, the Sisters decided to fast to help them find others to teach. The strength of these missionaries is truly miraculous. Their hard work paid off and they found a new investigator! So wonderful! That night however, Sister Tanner found out she has Chiggers. One of the men in the ward is a doctor, and told her what she thought has been bad mosquito bites is actually Chiggers. They are microscopic bugs that burro under your skin. They are similar to ticks, but come many at a time. Luckily she found out what it was, and she is healing now!

This explains why we have never heard of Chiggers.

 

 

Saturday was the Pioneer activity! The turnout was amazing. One of the women in the branch had 2 of her nonmember friend's come. That's 2 families! Sister Tanner said how wonderful it was to get to know them, and she hopes they can meet with both families soon! She had a wonderful time at the activity! She got a bad sunburn, but seemed excited about actually getting sun!

 

Sunday is always Sister Tanner's favorite day. Church was amazing, and afterwards they had a lesson with one of the investigating couples. The Sisters invited them to be baptized! The couple was confused as to why they need to be baptized again. The Sisters taught them about the Priesthood and asked them to pray about it. She is so excited for their answer, and cannot wait!

 

Sister Tanner is a natural born leader. Her faith, courage, confidence, enthusiasm, and determination are all traits that have made her an amazing missionary! She is touching so many lives, and bringing happiness to all those around her and all of us back home who are following her journey. The lessons she teaches there, are all lessons we can learn from. She ends with this piece of advice, "Keep holding strong to the rod and continue to increase your faith!" She wishes everyone well, and loves you all so much!

 





Focusing on the Members

Sister Tanner started off her week by focusing on creating spiritual experiences for everyone. Investigators, less actives, members, and everyone they come across deserve the spirit that the Sisters have to share. Doing so has brought them so many tender mercies this week. They are starting to see the fruits of their hard work start to blossom. What an amazing feeling that must be! On Tuesday, the Sisters headed off to their District Meeting. While there, everyone had the opportunity to bear their testimonies of the Book of Mormon. What perfect timing, as Sister Tanner had just finished reading the BOM again. Her testimony of it has grown even stronger, and now she was able to share that with all the other Missionaries. She said how amazing the meeting was, and how strong the spirit was. Afterwards, they had dinner with a couple. They were able to continue reading the Book of Mormon with them. The husband asked questions about baptisms for the dead, and showed a strong desire to do that work himself. He would love to go to the Salt Lake Temple! That is one of his dreams, and he finds it so exciting that Sister Tanner has been inside of that temple. The sweet couple is progressing so much in the Gospel. Sister Tanner says that the spirit is definitely strong in their home now.

Sister Missionary hair.

Wednesday morning was spent volunteering at the Bargain Boutique. Sister Tanner was able to price purses, which she loved! The owners always have so many questions for her, and need her advice for the visuals and the pricing. Sister Tanner always loves being able to use her fashion skills!

After their day at the Bargain Boutique was over, the Sisters had a lesson with their inactive member whom they have been teaching. Sister Tanner says it was the best lesson she has taught on her mission so far. It was completely led by the spirit, which was so strong the entire time. They showed him a Mormon message, and then read Alma 32 with him. The lesson was all about faith, and comparing the seed of faith to the process of our conversion. Alma 32:28 reads, "Now, we will compare the word unto a ^aseed. Now, if ye give place, that a ^bseed may be planted in your ^cheart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your ^dunbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to ^eenlighten my ^funderstanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." Afterwards, Sister Tanner bore her testimony of the Book of Mormon, (just like at the District Meeting). This time however, she started crying. She has never cried during a lesson before, but it was so intense and spiritual. The young man whom they were teaching, said that he knows Heavenly Father has something better planned for his life. The Sisters committed him to read the Book of Mormon and find out for himself if it is true. There were many spiritual tears shed, and they asked him if he felt the spirit. They explained that he can feel this every day if he invites it into his life. Sister Tanner says of this amazing lesson, "It was amazing! I know this is a crucial time for him, and I feel like Heavenly Father is helping guide him through us. It's amazing. I love their whole family so much and I told him how much he means to me, and how much I want him to feel the happiness in his life that the gospel has brought to my life. It was just a WOAH lesson. Afterwards, we got in the car, we were like, did that just happen?"

Thursday was filled with weekly planning, and making flyers for the Branch Pioneer Activity. Afterwards, the Sisters taught a new family who is investigating. The kids are very involved and love being taught! They are all going to come to the Pioneer Activity on Saturday! The Sisters found them rides, and they couldn't be more excited!

On Friday, the Sisters went to work on Family History with their recently baptized/married couple. Sister Tanner has loved learning more about family history, and has gotten very familiar with the website. Her entire life she thought is was boring, and now she loves it! She looks forward to the day that she can do all the work for her line that goes back to over 100 B.C. The couple whom she helped start their family history, are so excited to do baptisms for the dead. They can't wait to start on their family's work as well!

The Sisters traveled to Boscobel on Saturday. It is a city about 45 minutes away from Prairie du Chien, but it is still in their area. While they were there, they tried to visit every single inactive member there. She was able to meet many of them, and get to know them. The Sisters invited them all to the Branch activity, and some seemed very excited to go. Afterwards, they had dinner at one of the member's homes. They made amazing homemade salsa from fresh veggies they grew. Sister Tanner said that it seems as if everyone there competes to make the best homemade salsa!

Church on Sunday was amazing! One of the inactive members that the Sisters had visited the day before, came to church! Everyone was so excited to see him, as it had been years since he had come. Sister Tanner was so excited! Also, one of the little girls in the branch, that adores Sister Tanner wanted to invite her to her birthday party. Sister Tanner can't attend, but it was so sweet how much she wanted her there!

After church, one of the members called the Sisters to tell them how a family close to her is going to be attending the Pioneer Activity! They are looking for a church to attend, and want to learn more about the Gospel. Sister Tanner is thrilled, and says this is an answer to her prayers! Working with members is truly the best way to find people that are prepared to learn about the gospel. This should encourage all of us to reach out to our friends and neighbors, and have them meet the missionaries. Sister Tanner is so excited for the Branch Activity on Saturday! She cannot wait!

Sister Tanner's week was truly blessed as she focused on teaching members and less actives. Sometimes Missionaries can get caught up in trying to only find new investigators to teach. Sister Tanner wants to be sure that she teaches and touches everyone's lives, including those who are already active members. What an incredible Missionary she is! I will leave you all with her testimony this week.
"Another jam-packed week behind us and another full week ahead of us! I love this work! I realized this week that I am finally starting to get the swing of things and that it's going to be weird to have to go home and find a real job. I have the best job. I love my mission and I love everyday I have to be a tool in the Lord's hands and do his work. I am striving everyday to be a more Christ-like trainer and leader and lead by example. It's helping me learn patience more than ever before in my life, but it's good. I love you all so much! I am so grateful for your prayers and love and support. I couldn't do this without you. Help work with the missionaries in your ward and don't hesitate to share the gospel with your friends. Heavenly Father is using you to help prepare people for the gospel. Read the Book of Mormon everyday and continue to grow and develop your testimony and lifelong conversion. I have been recently reading D&C and I love it. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith and the many trials he endured for us to have this marvelous book and the gospel back on earth. I know he was able to overcome the hardships because of the Atonement and because the Lord provided him with the strength he needed. He too, can do the same for us and our trials, which at times seem just as hard as what Joseph Smith had to endure."

 

 

 

Sister Tanner and her GREENY!

 

 

 

The week started off full of goodbyes for Sister Tanner. Her companion, Sister D'Addabbo was being transferred on Wednesday. They spent Tuesday packing up all of her stuff, and going to say goodbye to many of the members and investigators whom she had become close to. That night, the Sisters drove to Madison to do some "luggage jumbling" as Sister Tanner put it. From there, they drove to Bridgeport, WI, which is a city near Milwaukee. The drive was 4.5 hours from Prairie du Chien! Sister Tanner says she has driven more on her mission these last 3 months, than in her entire life. Once they got to Bridgeport, they met up with the Sister Missionaries there. Sister Debruin was one of the Sisters. She is from the Sacramento area, so her and Sister Tanner have many friends in common. They get along so well, and Sister Tanner was so happy to be able to stay with her! She loves her to death!

 

Wednesday was the big day! Sister Tanner drove to Milwaukee from Bridgeport. She had her first "Trainers meeting" to prepare them before receiving their new companions (greenys). She was a bit nervous, but the Lord gave her the strength she needed to feel ready and prepared. It was hard to imagine that only 12 weeks ago, that had been her arriving in Milwaukee. It truly is fascinating to see how much she has grown in that time. She received her new Sister Missionary companion, Sister Asper! She is from Pocatello, Idaho! Sister Tanner says she is very nice and a hard worker. The best part of the day, was Sister Tanner being able to see Sister Newton, (her first companion). She is training a Greeny (new missionary) again too, so she was there as well. The two were able to hang out and catch up, which was amazing! Sister Tanner said that they will be best friends even after their missions. What a special way to meet a lifelong friend.

 

Sister Tanner with her new companion, Sister Asper.

 

After receiving her new companion, the 2 Sisters hurried back to Prairie du Chien! After the 4 hour drive, they got back in just enough time for their lesson with an inactive member. They taught him the importance and power of prayer. He seemed to really grasp the message of their lesson. When he gave the closing prayer, the spirit was so strong and powerful. His family made the Sisters dinner. Sister Tanner tried bratwurst for the first time. "Way better than a hotdog. Some kind of Wisconsin thing.", Sister Tanner said.

 

Thursday was the Sisters first full day together in Prairie. They found 2 new potential investigators, which is amazing! I'd say that they are off to a great start together! They celebrated together on Friday with ice cream. YUM!

 

Saturday a new family moved into the Branch. The Sisters, along with half the branch went to help them move in! Everyone was excited to be getting a new family in the branch. Afterwards, the Sisters prepared their talks. They were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting!

 

Sunday was a very special day for Sister Tanner. Her talk in Sacrament meeting was on Relief Society. She talked about how it helped the Saints in the early days of the Church, and how it blesses us now. She said that through given and preparing for this talk, she learned so much about the Relief Society. After giving such a great talk, and attending another great Sunday at Church, Sister Tanner finished the Book of Mormon! She restarted it the day that she entered the MTC, and finished it this Sunday. Here is what she had to say about her experience reading it this time, "I have gained more out of this time reading the Book of Mormon than ever before in my life. After I turned the last page, I got on my knees and prayed to ask if it was true and I had the best experience ever. An indescribable feeling of peace, comfort, and truth came over my whole body. My eyes filled with tears because I knew that everything I read was true and everything I teach people is true. My testimony has grown more than I could ever put into words. I have grown so much in the last 3 months and I am a better person. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. I don't know where I'd be without it. It truly is the keystone to our religion, and knowing that it's true means that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I know he truly did translate the Book of Mormon by the power of God. I know that he restored the true Gospel on earth and that the Book of Mormon is the fullness of that gospel. I am grateful for Heavenly Father allowing me to receive the divine witness I did. I know that if he continues to answer my prayers and time after time gives me that witness that I am teaching truth, I KNOW he will give others that witness as well, and if they will only pray about it with a sincere heart, there is no way you can deny the overwhelming spirit that testifies of truth to your heart. I am so grateful for this experience that I had. Continue to increase your faith, pray about the Book of Mormon, read it together, continue to fight the battle against Satan that we all face everyday!"

 

 

 

Sister Tanner's testimony is so strong. It's inspiring and makes us all want to try harder to be the best we can possibly be. Please continue to keep her in your prayers, especially now that she is training.

 

 

 

 

 

Trainer and Senior Companion!

 

Sister Tanner has exciting news for everyone this week, "I am staying in Prairie du Chien and training a new missionary!!! I'm so excited!" What an amazing responsibility for someone who has only been out on their mission for 3 short months. We are all so proud of her! So keep those letters coming her way! She will still have the same address and same Mission Address. She would love to hear from you all!

 

Tuesday, their Mission district had the last meeting before transfers. They talked a lot about the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion. Sister Tanner loved it! They also talked about ticks and how to avoid getting them. Apparently getting ticks is a battle many face out there in Wisconsin. Sister Tanner is paranoid of them! We all know how much she hates bugs!

 

 

 

After their District Meeting, the Sisters had a lesson with one of their investigators. She is very religious in a different faith, but loves learning about the Gospel. The Sisters taught her all about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. The investigator thought it all made sense and said, "The Mormons have the strongest faith because they endured all that persecution!" The Sisters love teaching her!

 

Wednesday was filled with Family Research time for Sister Tanner. She was able to work on familysearch.org at the library for part of the day. In order to become more familiar with the site, they are encouraged to do their own family research. She was astonished to find out that her Grandma Tanner's side went all the way back to over 100 B.C. She just couldn't believe it! The majority of people don't have research for their families past the 1800's. The most fascinating part of her research was finding out that there were many Kings and Queens of France and other European countries in her direct line. Who would have thought there was so much royal blood in her? Everyone started teasing her that she was basically a princess! Finding out this ancestry really touched her. Her patriarchal blessing mentions that she comes from a noble heritage, and now that makes so much sense to her! She says that she can't wait to start doing temple work for all of her ancestors!

 

After an eventful day of family research, the Sisters had a lesson with a less active member. One of the branch members went with them, and cooked the sisters an amazing Gluten free pizza! How sweet of her! The Sisters had such a fun time with the less active member. They played ping pong and got crushed by him! They talked to him a lot about the changes he is trying to make in his life, so he can be where he wants to be! I love that Sister Tanner is able to inspire others and relate to them so much! While they were teaching, the branch member's daughters wanted to be "future missionaries" themselves. They played dress up with the Sister's name tags. So sweet knowing how much the little children look up to Sister Tanner and the other Sister Missionaries around the world.

 



 

Thursday was a trying day for Sister Tanner. There are definitely those days where things don't seem to be going your way. However, Sister Tanner never gives up. She never lets it bring her down. I really think this is something to inspire us all. Whatever we are going through, there is always something positive to see and be thankful for. Sometimes in teaching many different types of people, Missionaries come in contact with those living a hard life. Sister Tanner said it was the most humbling experience of her life. "I realized how much I've taken for granted over the years. Having a roof over my head, clothes and shoes on my back, food to eat, a loving family, a bed to sleep in, water to drink, a shower, and most of all, being able to grow up in the gospel and knowing how much Heavenly Father loves me. I've taken it all for granted."

 

Saturday was the day that transfers were announced! They received the text list with Sister D'Addabbo's (her companion) name on it. Sister Tanner was very excited to be staying in Prairie du Chien. She loves the people so much, and feels as if her work there is not finished! So after the news, they went and met with their newly baptized and married couple. That is when they got the phone call from the Mission President! He told Sister Tanner the exciting news, which is that she will now be a trainer! This Wednesday she will receive a brand new Sister Missionary as her companion. The Mission President said that he is very excited for Sister Tanner to have this leadership opportunity. He knows that this is what the Lord wants her to do right now. Sister Tanner is nervous, but so very excited!

 

Fast Sundays are Sister Tanner's favorite! She felt like everything that was said was meant for her to hear. After church, they had a big break the fast dinner at the Branch President's house. Sister Tanner asked him if he wouldn't mind giving her a blessing. So he did! She is nervous about training, and really wanted to receive a Priesthood blessing. Her blessing mentioned, that these years would shape the rest of her life, and that she will see miracles happen. Truly an amazing thing!

 

Overall, Sister Tanner's week has been one that she will never forget! Overcoming tough days, just made her realize how amazing her life really is. She wishes everyone to have what she does! She obviously is doing amazing as a Missionary. And her wonderful opportunity of being a trainer, shows only that! We are all so proud of the person she grows to be each week.

 

In closing, I will leave you with her amazing testimony. 

 

 "I am so happy the Lord trusts me with the great responsibility of being a trainer this coming week and I am so excited for the great miracles that will happen. I hope and pray that I will be able to be a great example of exact obedience and help the new sister develop good habits that will last her whole mission, the way Sister Newton taught me. I am so grateful for the many amazing things the Lord has blessed me with and specifically coming on my mission and I thank you all for helping me be here. I can't even imagine what my life would be like without my mission. I can't even imagine if I wasn't here meeting these people, having these experiences and being able to grow my relationship with God. I know my mission really is shaping the rest of my life and helping me become the person Heavenly Father needs me to be and knows I can become. The greatest feeling a missionary can have is being able to recognize the promptings of the spirit and I have had many of those this week. I love you all so much. Never take for granted the many things we have been blessed with. There are so many of Heavenly Father's sons and daughters who have so much less than we do and who don't have the blessing of the gospel in their lives to help them know their greater purpose. I am sooooo blessed to have such an amazing family and been able to grow up in the gospel. Please pray for me this week and pray for me to have the abilities and relay the things I need to as a trainer and senior companion. I am really nervous but I know that with the Lord's help I can accomplish anything."