Monday, January 23, 2017

Joy!

Dearest Family and Friends,
Happy Monday!!!!
I hope you all have had a wonderful week!!
I have a million and five things to tell you all, as usual, so bear with me! :)
This week began with a lovely exchange in a beautiful city right by the sea with two of our favourite people - Gdańsk! It was a lot of fun, and I always come back from exchanges having learned so much from our leaders. It's incredible. We did some fun finding activities there, and were able to talk to so many people! Sister Larsen has been doing amazing lately with really putting herself out there and trying to talk to everyone. :) She's been pushing her Polish skills and trying to talk to people without me by her side, and I can tell you all... She is doing wonderfully!! She had a little miracle while we were talking to people on the streets, and met the sweetest girl named Monika. It was such an awesome experience to be able to look over and see Sister Larsen and Monika just laughing and hugging and just really bonding, and I couldn't help but think, "I'm so proud of her!!" I wish you all could've witnessed the way she touched Monika's heart as she bore testimony to her of the things we believe. She is amazing! Her Polish and her self-confidence are growing more and more every single day, and I am so proud of her! I tell her all the time, but I really hope she can see the good she is doing, and the hearts she is touching!
Gdańsk was just so much fun though :) I loved it, and am so grateful for inspired leaders that help me realize how I can become a better missionary, and disciple of Christ.

In other news, we were able to have so many wonderful meetings with our friends here in Bydgoszcz this week. :)
We met with my lovely Ewa, and it was incredible! We invited her over to our seniour couple's apartment for dinner, and when she got there... She walked in with a cake!! We were all a little confused and then she just threw her hands up with a really big smile and said, "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!! :)" I felt sooo awful that I hadn't even known!! She got a good talkin' to for not telling us though! ;) She brought US a cake for HER birthday. That lady... She is just too sweet for her own good! :) But it was just an amazing night! We all had dinner and cake together, of course accompanied by the classic singing of "Happy Birthday" in Polish and English, then were able to have the most amazing talk with her about the gospel. She opened up so much to us, and told us, "This seed of faith you talk about... It has been planted in me. And with everything you say, I can feel it grow." I love that... Ewa has told us so many times that she knows of a surety that if she prays about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, that God will answer her prayer. But she is afraid to pray, because whatever the answer, she knows the Lord will expect her to act on it. 
Ewa is a woman of GREAT faith. She has such an incredible testimony of Christ and His gospel, and I feel so blessed to have her example in my life. I pray for her every day, and have no doubt that the Lord is so mindful of her. She knows that whatever answer she receives could bring major changes to her life, but it has been wonderful to see her start to truly realize that even though changes may come - whatever they may be, they will be in the end wonderful. The Lord will never lead us to anything but true and everlasting joy. After all, our happiness is His biggest desire! And I have such a testimony of that. :) If we trust in the Lord in all we do, we will never have reason to worry. His guiding hand is constant, no matter where in life we find ourselves.
Okay - one more miracle... Real quick!
This week Sister Larsen and I were able to meet with two gentlemen that have been coming to our English class, and they are absolutely amazing! Their names are Waldek and Olgert, and they are the sweetest old men on the planet. We were able to talk to them about the Restoration this week, and they were just soaking it all in like sponges! It was amazing, you guys. :) The whole time we spoke, they just nodded their heads and blurted out things like, "yes! That is true!" or "Wow! This is amazing!" and my heart just swelled. :) At the end of our meeting, both Olgert and Waldek told us that they had the biggest desire to follow Christ, and would prepare themselves to be baptised on February 4th. I thought my heart would burst from just the thought of those two wonderful men that we have grown to love being able to experience the indescribable joy that comes from following the footsteps of Christ, and being a part of His church. My joy was SO FULL! :) Oh, I just love them! I'm sure you all can imagine the smile that came on my face when as they were leaving I saw Waldek pat Olgert on the shoulder and say, "Yes!! Look at us!! We're getting baptised!!"    It was the sweetest thing. :) They are both just so excited, and their excitement is contagious!! 
Our Elder's here will continue to teach them from now on, but we all cannot wait for that wonderful day. :)
Ahhh so many other amazing miracles happened, but unfortunately I don't have time! 
I want to leave you all with a little thought from my sweet companion, because she sums up everything that I want to say so perfectly. :)

"
This gospel provides for us so much joy - for it is a gospel and a plan of JOY. It gives to us such a strong foundation - the perfect road map for life. The only thing I want more in my life is more and more of this gospel!!! My chest is light, my burdens not even felt, my heart is singing, and everyday I am skipping :) In whatever way it might be for you, let the personal message of the gospel of Jesus Christ take anchor in your heart, and trust God and that His plan for you is one of HAPPINESS :) - that is my challenge for you all this week."
I know that what Sister Larsen says is true, and I testify of the truthfulness and joyfulness of our Heavenly Father's plan with all I am. :)
I love you all, and wish you an amazing week!!
Z miłością, 
Siostra Kamp

The Elder's wanted to go to the soap museum last P-day, and we made our own soap!


GDAŃSK!!!


Sister Larsen and I with Sister Butler and Sister Thornton!

Cute Ewa with her birthday cake! :)

Sister Tufts making a cute birthday cake for our lovely friend Kornelia's birthday!!

Road trip to deliver Kornelia's birthday cake with our favourite Elder and Sister Tufts!!


Happy Birthday, Kornelia!!  We love you so much!!


Waldek!!  Love this man!!

My lovely Ania! :)


The bathtubs from the Renaissance period!

Monday, January 16, 2017

Buckle your seatbelts!! :)

Dear Friends and Family,
Hello, everyone! I hope you've all had the best week! :)
I have so much to tell this week, so buckle your seatbelts!! :)
First thing - I know I talked a lot last week about all the wonderful things we are doing and miracles we are seeing in our mission because of family history, but I have a miracle story of my own to share this week. :)
About three weeks ago, the sweetest woman came in to our family history center and asked to use our MicroFilm reader, to which we happily obliged! :) She has been coming twice a week for the past three weeks, and I have developed the most wonderful friendship with her. She is amazing! Well, this week she approached me one day before she started her family history work and asked me a simple question, "Why are you on this mission of yours?" 
I love that question. 
I couldn't help but automatically smile as I talked to her about why I am here, what I believe, and bore testimony to her of the truth of it all. I. love. this. gospel. :) We had an amazing conversation about some of our beliefs, and when I asked her if she would like to learn more about it all she said, "Absolutely!! How about Saturday?" 
I couldn't believe my ears. I probably looked a little silly from the shock of it all, but she just laughed and we set up for Saturday! :)
Fast forward - The day of our meeting rolled around, and we were just so excited!! The time seemed to drag on forever as we waited, but when it finally came, it was incredible! I cannot explain the joy that comes from sitting in a simple room talking with someone you've come to love about the gospel. It is the best thing in the WORLD. :) The influence of the Holy Ghost was so powerful during that meeting. Anna shared some very personal stories with us, and it was amazing to see the spirit touch her heart as she did so. She told us a story about the first time the thought had crossed her mind that there really could be something after this life - that maybe somehow, we really could be with the ones we love forever... and it was so special. We were able to testify to her of the eternal significance of families, and the perfect plan God has for us all, and it was the most amazing thing because... I know I must've known this before, but in that moment talking to Anna, who we had met because of our family history program, it just became SO real to me. Family History work is so much more than just finding a name on a record... It's the stories, the relationships, the connection you feel to someone you've never met. It is the way we keep those who have passed on with us - the way they can be with us (and we with them) forever. It is the work of the Lord, and I am certain of that. It was incredible, and I know Anna felt it too. :) 
At the end of our meeting, we gave Anna a Book of Mormon and what happened next just made my whole day! She took it and said, "Ohhh thank you!! I only have 3 days until our next meeting, so I don't know if I will be able to finish it all... But I will try!" Sister Larsen and I couldn't help but smile :) She was so happy, and she already loves that little blue book so much. :) It melts my heart! 
It's true, you guys. Everything we believe is unbelievably, undoubtedly true... And I know that with all I am. :)
A few other amazing things from this week -
We were able to visit some of the sweet members of our branch who live in a little city called Toruń this week, and that was amazing. :) The last time I saw them was almost a year ago, and it was just such a miracle to me to once again be able to see their faces and talk to them! Little Amelia is so excited for her baptism in February, and it is the cutest thing! :) Seeing them all just warmed my heart. I have so many fond memories from when I was last here in Bydgoszcz with them, and I look forward to so many more!
Our zone also had the opportunity to have Zone training this week, and it was incredible. The theme of it all was something I hold so close to my heart - the Atonement of my Saviour. I think during those 4 hours, tears filled my eyes more often than they did not. It was an amazing experience. I cannot even begin to tell you all the experiences I have had because of the atonement... But I hope you all know how incredibly precious it is to me. I love my Saviour, and the gratitude I feel every day for his atoning sacrifice is indescribable. It has changed me... and I will never be able to thank the Lord enough for all He has given me.
I am so grateful for the opportunity being a missionary has given me to truly realize how much I love my Saviour and His gospel. I cannot thank the Lord enough for having enough trust and faith in me, even when I don't understand how He does it, to send me here to Poland to share this perfect gospel of hope. How He trusts someone as imperfect as me to spread the joy of such a perfect message... I may never know. But I am SO grateful. I cannot say that enough. :)
Well, I think I've talked all your ears off enough today :) But I love you all and can't thank you enough for all you do for me! You are in my thoughts and prayers every day, and I know the Lord is with you!
Have an amazing week!
Z miłością,
Siostra Kamp
P.s. Hey Olek!!

Sister Larsen, Sister Butler, Sister Thornton, and me!

Our Zone's Sisters!!  Love them so much.

The Poland Mission North Zone :)

Starszy Byrd and his package!  So much happiness. :)

Made my Mom's classic caramel popcorn, and realized once again that I will never be able to make things as well as she doew...haha! :)

I have the cutest companion in the world.  The end.

Sister Larsennnn :)

Monday, January 9, 2017

"A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles."

Dearest Family and Friends,

Hello, everyone!! :) I cannot believe... it's January 9th!

No, I'm just kidding ;) I know I always start my blog entries "I cannot believe", so I just had to find a random occasion today to keep the trend going!

I hope you all are having the most wonderful week! :) How is everyone?! Thank you all so much for you love, support, and prayers! I cannot tell you all enough how much I love you! 

This week was amazing :) I am convinced that there will never be a single day here in this wonderful place with my wonderful companion that will not be full of smiles and tender mercies! The Lord's hand is so present here. Every day I wake up thinking I can't possibly be more blessed than I was the day before, but... The Lord has a wonderful way of proving me wrong. :) 

The lovely Sister Larsen and I spent a lot of time this week with our "Family History Specialist Missionaries" calling (I don't even know if I told anyone but my mom about that!), and it has been wonderful! Sometimes I have asked myself why the Lord called me to have this calling, since 2 weeks ago I knew almost nothing about family history work... But I can tell you all 100% - I have truly found my answer in the work. :) It is a very different type of missionary work than I have spent the last 14 months doing, and at the beginning it was very difficult for me to not be able to spend the days walking the streets, finding people to share our wonderful message with! But it has been incredible, you guys - even despite the small amount of time we have to talk with people of the streets, we have been finding so many new wonderful people to teach!! I have been able to get in contact with some of the people I met with when I was here last year and set up new meetings, we have received more referrals in the past 2 weeks than I have in any other transfer of my mission combined, and we have been able to meet with others that have personally contacted us! It has been a MIRACLE of a week, and I have no doubt that it will continue. :) This has been such a testimony builder to me. As long as we are doing our best to do the work of the Lord, whether that is the kind of missionary work I did for the past 14 months, or the kind I am doing now, it is still HIS WORK - and the Lord will always give us miracles. 

His hand is in the little things. :) This is His work, and He will accomplish it. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. 

We spent almost every day this past week skyping with the missionaries in different cities of our mission, and training them in Family History work, and I have loved it! Family History has been implemented into our mission SO much these past few weeks/months - and the hearts that have been touched by the Spirit because of it are uncountable! It is incredible to see, and I feel the spirit every day because of it. :) Our Elder's and Sister's here call us every day with stories of the miracles they are experiencing, and I am just so grateful to be a part of this. A part of something that brings this incredible gospel to the hearts of these people, and links the hearts of families forever. :) It is so special. 

In short, this week has been incredible, and I am so grateful for all the miracles God gives me every day!
That's all the time I have for today, but I want to end with a little quote I found in my scriptures this week!

"A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles." 

Something so simple, but I know that is true. If we try our best to always have an attitude of gratitude, there will never be a day that passes us by without giving us a little miracle. I can personally testify of that. :)

I love you all so much, and pray for you every day!! 
Have an incredible week!!

Z miłością,
Siostra Kamp

There's a lot behind this simple photo. My sweet companion always finds little ways to serve me. Seriously every single day. I love her so much!

Making photos of the frozen river! :) SO BEAUTIFUL.

 How beautiful of a sight is this?! I'm in love with Bydgoszcz. :) (Surprise surprise. :) )

We went to the cutest little tea shop for lunch!! I was in heaven.

Feeling fancy!

Dear Bydgoszcz, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL.

Even Nate celebrated "Three Kings Day" :)


Having fun at family home evening! :) I love these people!!

Dinner at our lovely Elder and Sister Tufts's apartment with some of our favourite people. 
(Tater-tot casserole?? Sister Tufts... You've done it again.)

More photos from last week!
Whiteboarding!! My favourite! :)


Ceasar Salad Pizza. Best thing ever.

Cleaning off the wall... That was an adventure! :)

Elder Tufts - the handy man! He can do anything.


Snow and the little bridge!

Petting a camel!!

Renata's Russian hat. Softest thing in the world... I'm in love.



Monday, January 2, 2017

Happy New Year!

Droga Rodzina i Drodzy Przyjaciele,

SZCZĘŚLIWEGO NOWEGO ROKU!!!!!! 
I cannot believe it is already the new year! (Do I start every email with "I can't believe..."? :) ) 
I hope you all had the most wonderful 2016 year, and I wish you all a new year full of even more joyful and memorable moments that the last!

These past 2 weeks have been such an adventure! It seems always that when I have the least amount of time to write - the most amazing things happen!! :) But I'll just (as usual) hit some of the highlights. 

The biggest news...

I AM BACK IN BYDGOSZCZ!!! 
It was the craziest experience finding out that I would be coming back to Bydgoszcz - my second area - and all the people I love here! I never thought in a million years that I would be sent back to this little city that stole my heart, but I cannot wait to see what else the Lord has in store for me here. :) It feels so good to be back with so many of the people I love! I knew the moment I got off the train and was greeted by screams and big hugs from some of my favourite people in the world - I had made it "home". :) 

Being back in Bydgoszcz has been the most incredible experience. My sweet new companion, Sister Larsen, has just been the biggest ray of sunshine to me, and the work here is moving forward. :) I can't believe how blessed I am to be here with such incredible people and such an incredible purpose, but I am seriously the luckiest girl in the world. 

Throughout this week, a quote I once heard has been playing constantly in my mind, and I just have to share it with you all! It is so simple, but there is so much meaning to me behind these words. :) It says, 

"You can have what you want, or you can have something better."

I have had the opportunity time and time again on this mission to learn the truth behind this simple statement. I am in awe of the goodness of God in my every day. I will never be able to thank Him enough for His perfect plan, and for the guidance He gives me each day. He never leads me to anything but immeasurable blessings, and I am so humbled to be able to serve Him.

This week has been SO full of spiritual moments and testimony builders that I am having a hard time deciding which one I would like to share with you all today! :) 

My time is short, but I will share just a quick thought from my personal studies this week. :) 
These verses are in 1 John 4, and I have fallen in love with them. :) 

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him... We love him, because he first loved us." 

The short time I have had hear in Poland has been filled with countless experiences where I have seen the love of God manifest. Being here in Bydgoszcz this week - my heart has been filled to the brim with the love I have for this place, these people, and this work. But even more than that, it has been filled to the brim with the love of God. :) I love the Lord, my God, with all my heart. I know I have said it a million times, and I will say it a million more... But He loves you. He knows you. He walks with you in the ups and the downs. And He will never leave you. The love of God is never ending, and His love is everywhere. 

I apologize that I have no time this week to email something wonderful and adventurous for you all to read - but I hope you all know how much I love you!! 

I hope the beginning of your 2017 is wonderful, and that you all have the best week!! :) 
I promise to write more next week!

Z miłością,
Siostra Kamp

Our branch President in Lodz made Elder Reid teach him to play the piano!

Our branch President is famous for his "Selfie's" :)  I am honored to have had the privilege to be in one ;)

The Elder's - gotta love 'em!

Fur-hoods...

The cute "Welcome to  Bydgoszcz" present on my bed!!  My companion is the CUTEST.

Sister Larsen!! :)  Sweetest companion in the world.  I love her!

 Reunited with my pal Oskar!  He is a gem!

 Nothing in the world will ever be able to describe the joy I felt being able to see this woman again... I LOVE HER!! :)

My best friend <3

My lovely Agata with the present my cute family sent her for Christmas!!  She DIED. :)

My love's!  Agatha and her boyfriend Andrzej!  :)

Back "home"!!

On the Rynek :)  Life is so good!

Alicja!!!! :)  Ohhhh I love this woman so much!!