"...but we have to REALLY try."

Dearest Family and Friends,

It is almost April!! :) Happy Spring!!! :) 

I hope you all have a very sunny very smiley week! 

I have been awaiting this week for SO LONG, and it is finally here!! 

GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEK!! :D

Oh my goodness... I am so excited! I look forward to General Conference like I look forward to Christmas day. It is such a special time. Two days of listening to the inspired words of our prophet and his apostoles - there is nothing better. :) 

As I was thinking this morning about what I wanted to tell you all this week, all I could think about was General Conference. I thought back to the past years conferences, and the wonderful experiences I have had because of the inspired words spoken in them, and there is just too much to tell! It's almost impossible for me to sum up through the internet how I feel about this special time of year - but if you can imagine me smiling from ear to ear and jumping up and down yelling "Yayyyy!", that might give you an idea of 1/100 of the excitement I feel! :)

Yesterday in Relief Society, we were reading a talk from last October's general conference called, "Am I good enough? Will I make it?" and it had such an impact on me. There have been so many times throughout my life that I have found myself asking those questions - and as the end of this wonderful mission I've been on creeps around the corner, now is no exception. I have often found myself wondering the same things that are in the title of this talk, "Am I good enough?" "Am I the missionary and the person my Hevaenly Father wants me to have become?" "Will I make the difference I was called her to make when all is said and done?" It is scary sometimes - nearing the end and realizing there is still so much more you have to do, and wondering if you will really be able to do it. But there was a quote in that talk from our beloved President Hinckley that was very powerful to me. He said, "All God expects of us, is that we try. But we have to really try." One of the sisters in our class asked us the question, what does it mean to really try? And another replied, "To do all you can, and not give up. But even when you fall short, to try again." As I heard that, a little memory of my sister came into my head - a memory that I had not thought of or even remembered for years. 

My little sister was probably about two years old. I was just sitting at my kitchen table trying to do my homework, and she was trying to get into the juice on the top shelf of the fridge. :) My mom and I smiled as we watched her stretch her arm as high as she could to reach the bottle, but she was still about two feet too short. She stretched as high as she could for as long as she could and she tried and tried and tried some more... But it was no use. She was just too small. She stepped back from the fridge a little bit and looked at my mom and I like she was about to cry. But just as my mom started to get up to go help her, she stepped back and ran into a stool that was sitting behind her. She turned around and looked at it, and with big eyes and her little smile she pulled the stool over to the fridge. My mom and I couldn't help but smile as she climbed up on the stool and was finally able to reach her juice. 

It's a simple story, and I don't know why I thought of it - but it taught me a lot yesterday. :) She could've given up after she so sadly realized that no matter how hard she stretched she just couldn't reach it. But she didn't. She REALLY TRIED. :) I'm sure she really tried when she stretched as far as she could, but when that didn't work out, she didn't give up. She tried another way. :) That is what it means to really try.

Who would've ever guessed a two year old could teach me such a valuable lesson? :) I love her. 

I testify of the truthfulness of what President Hinckley said to us. "All God expects of us, is that we try. But we have to really try." There are so many wonderful things about that though... Maybe it's the fact that He expects our best effort, but He does not require us to do it alone. Or maybe it's the fact that when we stumble and fall, through the atoning sacrifice of His Son we always have a second chance. It's a lot of things... But no matter what way we look at it - it is wonderful. 

I am grateful to my Saviour Jesus Christ, more than I will even be able to say, for all He has done for us. I'm grateful for second, and third, and fiftieth chances... all because of Him. I know sometimes in life we may be stuck in those moments that no matter how hard we try to stretch, that juice bottle is just a little too far out of reach - but I also know that He will always be there to help us. There is no place so dark or deep that the eternal light of His love does not reach. It is a beautiful promise, and it is ours forever. :) 

I hope you all take the time this weekend to listen to the messages that have been prepared for us. I promise you that if you have a question, or concern, or even just a desire to know something, and you pray to the Lord about it - He will answer you, He will comfort you, and you will know He hears you - all through the inspired words of our leaders.  

I love you all, and wish you an amazing week!!

Z miłością,

Siostra Kamp 

The painting crew.

Elder Barlow having too much fun in the Tiger store!

Everyone likes to make fun of me for being such a "farmer", but all the teasing was put to rest when they realized they had no idea how to blow out eggs, and only "Sister Kamp the farm girl" knew how... HA.  I haven't heard a teasing word from them since ;)

Painting eggs at FamilyHome Evening!

Contagious Joy!

Dear Family and Friends, 

Hello, everyone! I hope this week has found you all happy and healthy! 

This week was one full of so many smiles - and not just for me! :) 

Sister Larsen and I will be painting our apartment today (wish us luck!) so I don't have a world of time... but I wanted to share one experience with you all that brought a smile to my face (and it still hasn't left!) :)

We were able to meet with several of our sweet members this past week, and they were the most wonderful meetings!! But one of them I just can't NOT share :) 

This lovely member of ours is so dear to my heart, and I just love her! She is the sweetest old lady, and calls herself my "Polish grandma". :) Well, long story's short - we asked her if we would be able to come over this week and help her get started on her family history work, to which she happily agreed, and it. was. the. best. 

We logged in to her familysearch page, and SURPRISE - much of her family tree had already been being worked on! With every name of her ancestors that popped up on the screen, she would let out little screams of joy! "My grandfather!!" "WHAT! My great-grandmother too?!" "Are you serious?! He's on here too?? This is impossible! :O" It was just the cutest thing in the world. :) My heart leaped every time she let out one of those little excited yells! We were able to show her how to find more information about her ancestors, and you would've thought she won the lottery!! Each time we found something (or even a hint of something), she would jump up, do a little dance, then run to the phone and call her brother - her screams audible from the other room! It made me so happy!! :) 

The feeling of sitting in meetings like that, and feeling the Holy Ghost testify to everyone in the room of the importance of this work, and of the eternal worth of families is indescribable. I consider it one of the biggest blessings to be able to assist those I love here be able to assist those they love on the other side. :) 

But that wasn't all! Even after we left, she sent me the sweetest sms thanking us for all we did, and telling me how the smile that meeting had brought to her face was never going to leave! Sister Larsen and I were all smiles for the rest of the day :) BUT THEN, the next morning we were at home, studying from the scriptures when my phone began to ring. I went and picked it up and saw that sweet members name on the screen, and couldn't help but let out a little chuckle. :) I answered, and before I could even say hello, I heard this - "SISTER KAMP!! Listen to me!! I am here with my son, I called him yesterday and told him he needed to get over here as soon as possible, and we are both just looking at this page in complete SHOCK. Complete shock! How is this possible?! How?!" I was just laughing and laughing, she was so happy!! :) Her son asked me if this family history website we use has records of only Mormon people, and I explained to him - No way! :) Our church a few years ago had come to Poland, and gone through the records of each city and microfilmed them, so every birth, death, and marriage record that exists in Poland can be found on that site. Sometimes they haven't been indexed yet, so you just have to order the microfilm that record was saved to, and go through it, but every record is on there. He could not BELIEVE it! :) hahaha. They were both yelling for joy and dancing around throughout the whole phone call, and it just warmed my heart so much!! :) 

The joy of family history work is contagious. :) 

Just a short little story to hopefully put a smile on your faces this week - I'm sorry I don't have much time!!
But I love you all so much, and wish you an amazing week! :) 

Z miłością,

Siostra Kamp

Dinner at the Tufts!

Family Home Evening

When you run into friends on Preparation day...Crazy sunglasses selfie is a must!

Train selfie with the best people!

Train rides with Sister Larsen! :)

Buying paint to repaint our apartment!

For God loves His children. I know that with everything I am.

Dear Family and Friends,

Wow! So much to say!! 

But first of all, I hope you all are doing well! It is so wonderful to hear from you all each week. :) I am so grateful for the love, support, and prayers I receive from you!! 

Well, this week has definitely been an incredible one. 

Sister Larsen and I were able to travel to Warsaw this last week for MLC (Missionary Leadership Conference) in preparation for this week's zone training, and it was absolutely amazing. Each time I am able to sit in a room with the leader's of our mission and talk about the Saviour, His gospel, and how we can better serve the sweet people of Poland - it just fills my heart! We talked about so many wonderful things, which I'm sure I'll tell you all about next week after our training, but one thing I wanted to share from that is this:

While in Warsaw, all the missionaries that were there for this conference were able to go to a nearby park and play a life-size game of Monopoly. But, this wasn't your average monopoly game of everyone trying to buy the Boardwalk but always getting stuck in jail... It was a monopoly game of Poland's history during the Soviet rule. On each square was written little facts about the suffering the people of Poland experienced during Communism - but it was written in a way that it was related to the game. For example, "You are caught speaking Polish in public and are immediately arrested and seized of possessions. You are not allowed to say goodbye to family, or finish your tasks. Go directly to jail." Many of the spaces were so much worse than that, but it breaks my heart to even type them... But you all get the idea. I wish I could somehow sum it up to you all, in a way that would describe the hurt my heart felt as we played... but I really can't.

Inside the front cover of my Book of Mormon is a little post it note, on which I wrote a small quote from a sweet old man I met on the street months ago. I have read it often, but after this week I have not been able to read it without tears in my eyes. He said simply, "When it appeared to all others that we had nothing left, in the hearts of us all we still had God. And that was something they could never take from us." 

This little country that has stolen my heart has been through so much, and lost so much - but they continue on with astounding faith. It never fails to amaze me... I don't know why such wonderful people had to suffer in such a way... But if there is anything I have truly come to know, it is this - that the Polish people are SO loved by Heavenly Father. I can feel that each time I am with them. The Lord is so mindful of all those who suffer, or are caught in the storms of life, and it is His promise to us that even when it so seems, we will never be alone.

"And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."

For God loves His children. I know that with everything I am. 

I apologize for the serious email today, but it was something that completely touched my heart, and I couldn't not share it with you all. I hope you know how much the Lord truly does love you! Believe Him when He says He will never leave you. Trust Him when He says He has a perfect plan for you. It is true, and of that I can truly testify. 

I love you all, and hope you have an amazing week!! You are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Z miłością,

Siostra Kamp

Getting in the car with Elder Ashworth behind the wheel... Scariest moment of my life!

Saw my beautiful, lovely, amazing Sister Van Woerkom at MLC this week!! I love this girl. 

Dinner with our sweet friends! The love I have for this family is indescribable! 

Puzzle Hunt at Family Home Evening!

Executives or not?

The little squares that changed it all for me. 

Miracles of familiar faces!

Moi Drodzy,

Good morning!! It is a beautiful sunny day here in Bydgoszcz, and I am hoping it is the same for you all - wherever you may be! :) 

Not too many crazy things happened this past week, but there is still a lot to tell! 

We and the Elders were invited to be special guests at a high school this past Thrusday in a little city called Fordon. We were asked to put a presentation together about "the Life of an American Teenager" and teach 4 english classes of 16-19 year olds! I know!! Scary!! After that day, I have a new found respect for the high school teachers all over the world. They deserve some Polish ice cream... seriously! :) It was an adventure - but an EXTREMELY fun one! I actually had the opportunity to do the same thing a year ago at the exact same school, and it was so fun to go back! I recognized so many familiar faces, and they recognized me too! I was even able to take a photo with a few of them. :) It was such a blast! 

We had so many little miracles this week, and I couldn't help but be overwhelmed (again) with how good the Lord is to us. On Saturday we were on the beautiful bridge in Bydgoszcz with the Elders talking to everyone we could see about our family history program! It was AMAZING. Not only was it the most beautiful day ever (We were in short sleeves! In February! What!), but so many people were out and excited to talk with us! It was a little taste of summer - seeing all the wonderful people everywhere, each with an ice cream cone in hand! I also ran into my friend Artur that day - miracle!! He came to our english classes when I was in Bydgoszcz last year, but Elder Tufts had told me just a few weeks ago that he had stopped coming, and we needed to get in contact with him! Elder Tufts and I have been trying to contact him for the last few weeks, to no avail... but - TA DA! The Lord has a plan! I didn't even see him at first, but I bet you all can imagine my surprise when I heard a, "Hello, Alexis!" behind me and turned to see him! Was it weird to hear my first name? Yes. haha! But oh my was it a tender mercy! He told me he will be in English on Tuesday, and I can't wait! We also ran into our sweet members - The Kagele's, and it was so good to see them all! They are the best people in the world. I love them! 

Later that evening, I received several calls from sweet people we had met wanting to set up a meeting and work on their family history with us - and THAT was a miracle. I cannot wait for this upcoming week! 

There were just tender mercies all around that day! 

We had some other really fun times this week, and many other miracles, but I'm sure the photos I send will mention everything I don't have time for! :) 

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL week! I pray for you every day, and love you all so much. I really hope you all know - I really can feel your prayers. Thank you SO much for them, and the love and support you all give to me each week. It means the absolute world! I love you!!

Until next week!

Z miłością, 

Siostra Kamp 

We taught the littles how to make American Pancakes this week, and they are professionals!!  :)

Getting ready for our classes!  "The Life of an American Teenager"

Running into the Kagele's (ft. Sister Kagele and Ella!)  I love this family!!

Fun at family home evening :)

Some of the familiar faces from the English class I taught last year!  Reunited!

Our sweet friend Agnieszka and her two kids, Tomek and Kasia, came down from Gdańsk to visit!  We love them!  Sunday dinner with them and our friends, Alicya and Asia was a must :)

...It all depends on you.

Moi drodzy <3

Good morning, everyone! :) 

I hope you have all had an amazing week!! 

This week has been QUITE the week for us! I have so much to tell!! 

First thing is first...

SISTER LARSEN AND I ARE STAYING TOGETHER IN BYDGOSZCZ!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!! 

Oh my goodness... We are so excited! :) It is the biggest miracle!! I am the luckiest missionary in the world to be able to spend the last few months of my journey in Poland in this charming little city, with all the incredible people here. I could not be more grateful, and my heart could not be more full! 

The beginning of this new transfer has brought with it a new renewed sense of love for this amazing work I am able to be a part of - and I have not stopped smiling for the past 72+ hours! I'm pretty sure I even smile the whole night in my sleep... Is that normal? :) I'M SO BLESSED! 

As I go throughout each week, so many wonderful things happen that impact my heart in the biggest way - but I can never find the right words to explain them all to you. It's rough. ;) You'd think that writing each week would be a skill that could develop over such a time!... haha. 

Well, as usual, my time to email is short - BUT - I'll share a couple experiences this week!

First, as most of you probably know, Sister Larsen and I have been called to serve as Family History Specialist Missionaries (whatever you want to call us!) and it has been an incredible experience. Family means the absolute world to me, and being able to help others in the search for their families has brought such joy and miracles to this work. This week we set up a meeting with one of our sweet members, Renata, to help her with her family history and you will not believe the miracle that she was to us! She walked into the chapel and shouted out, "Hello, loves! I'm so sorry I'm late, but I brought a few extra things! :)" We just laughed and said, "Awesome!" and all went into the family history center to start. Let me just say... She wasn't kidding! :O She had three big bags with her, and in each bag was information, photos, family trees, records, and anything else you can imagine - not only for her family, but for 6 other members of our branch, and 3 of her friends that are not members of our church but want our help with their family history work. WHAT. It was incredible!!! My jaw was on the floor the whole time. I can't even explain the happiness I felt as we watched her entering in all the information for her family that she had brought onto our familysearch website, and seeing her face light up whenever she found something new. There is a spirit that comes from helping others find stories and information about their loved ones that fills your heart up right to the brim... I can't even describe it, but it is incredible. Our loved ones are not gone... They are by our side with every step. I know that.

Ah! Time! Okay quick summaries! We spent our culture night at a filharmonia with a few of our sweet friends this week, and seeing their smiles and how much fun they all had together was SUCH an answer to prayer, and such a miracle. :) It was an amazing night! We spent this past Saturday in Poznań doing a training on FamilySearch for the missionaries and members there, and that was an absolute blast! Our sweet friend Anna was able to come to church with us on Sunday, and it just made my entire day. My heart was so full! She is amazing. We now have a new Branch President, and he is also such an answer to prayer. I am so grateful for him, and the wonderful spirit he brings to this branch. Bydgoszcz is going to be blessed with SO many miracles this transfer... The Lord is so present. :) I look forward to the next few months in this wonderful place with such peace and excitement :) Whatever it holds, the Lord is in it, and it is going to be WONDERFUL. 

I've been studying a lot about prayer this week, and have been amazed by the insights the Spirit has given me. Yesterday as we met with our branch president, he said something that I have adopted as a new "motto" of mine, I guess you could call it. He said, "Pray as if it all depends on the Lord... but work as if it all depends on you." I love that... 

Prayer is such a gift. I have no idea what I would do without being able to talk with my Father in Heaven each day. Prayer has given me comfort in the midst of my hardest times, and has brought a light to the darkest days - but even beyond that, it is through prayer that I have received witness from my Heavenly Father that He is there. He knows me, He loves me, and He has a plan for me. It is through prayer that I have felt his overwhelming love, even when I felt the most undeserving... And it is through prayer that I have truly come to know Him. I hope you all know how much I pray for you. I know the Lord loves you so much - His spirit has given me a witness of that love each time I pray for you. 

This gospel is true, you guys. It is true, and it is so wonderful. <3 

I can't say that enough. 

I love you all, and hope you know that. But even more, I hope you know how much your Father in Heaven loves you. :) Pray, and I promise you - you will feel it.

I wish you all an amazing week, and a wonderful beginning to march! :) 

Z miłością, 

Siostra Kamp

For our Culture Night this transfer, we went to a Filharmonia with our friends Ewa, Agata, President Mowes, and Ewa!!  Best night ever. :)  Love them all!!

Dinner at the Tufts with our lovely friends - Kasia, Sławek, Piotr, and Leszek!

PREPARATION DAY IN THE BEAUTIFUL TORUŃ!!  (I apologize in advance for the photo overload!)

Elder Byrd's "model shot"

"Sister - be cool!"

Wall of truth!  We all failed... Co to znaczy?...

The best graffiti discovery!!  This photo says it all, all by itself!  haha. :)  {Mama Kamp using Google Translator:  Polish, repent!}

The house of Nicholas Copernicus!

Best milk bar in the world <3

Toruń is famous for its heavenly gingerbread...For good reason too! :)

Making homemade donuts and Paczki with our lovely Agata for Poland's traditional "Fat Thursday"!!

All the crazies :)

The old city wall in Toruń!!

Our Ikea trip this morning with Elder's!  They tried out every chair in the whole store!

Snow storms and smiles!

His glory is in His children.

Dzień dobry, Drodzy!! 

I hope you've all had a wonderful week! :)

Unfortunately I only have a couple minutes to write today, but I did take quite a few photos this week, so I'll send those along! :) 

I have to keep this short today, but I'll tell some quick highlights from the week! Bardzo szybko!! 

We were able to meet with our sweet friends Ewa and Anna this week and talk with them about the Plan of Salvation - both of those meetings were absolutely wonderful :) There is always such a special spirit present whenever we talk with others about our Heavenly Father's plan for us. He loves us - and that love is so evident in his perfect plan. It's true, and it is so wonderful. 

We were also able to have a conference this past friday with all the missionaries in the north, and that was wonderful as always. I just can't express enough how grateful I am for our mission president and the inspired leaders we have. I learn so much from them each day, and am so grateful for their inspired councel and guidance. I'm so lucky to be in the service of my God with such amazing people. 

I have to get going, but I just want you all to know - the Lord loves you. And so do I! :) 

There were a couple beautiful quotes shared yesterday in Sacrament meeting about the love our Father in Heaven has for us, and I want to end with those today. :)

"Of all the titles God has, Father is the one he declares. His glory isn't a mountain, as stunning as mountains are. It isn't in sea or sky or snow or sunrise, as beautiful as they all are. It isn't in art or technology, be that a concerto or a computer. No, his glory is in His children."

"My brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength-- that's the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity, and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life. Indeed it is only with that reassurance burning in our soul that we can have the confidence to keep trying to improve, keep seeking forgiveness for our sins, and keep extending that grace to our neighbor."

I know that is true. You are all so loved. :) I hope you know that! 

I'm sorry for the lack of time today, but I love you all and wish you an amazing week!!

Until next week!

Z miłością,

Siostra Kamp

Last Preparation day:  A day of Rummikub

Elder Byrd's best friend Romney is serving in Africa, and Elder Byrd temporarily made him the screensaverof our computer :)  Caption:  "Guys.  Africa is so cool."

My cute companion made a Valentine's breakfast straight from a 5 star restaurant!  AMAZING.  She's the best!

We brought a Valentine's cake for or English class! :)

The travels to Poznań for Zone Conference!

Reunited with Elder Dickson!!!  Love him.  And of course, a photo with our Łódź baby bible's was a must.

Selfie!  Love them!

Sister Hammond!!  She is the sweetest person in the world. :)

Sister Butler!!!

Sister Thornton!!!

Sweet Sister Larsen turned 20 on Saturday!! :)

Celebrating SIOSTRA LARSEN!!!

SO MANY PRESENTS! :)

Last Pday I bought an antique Polish camera....My heart...<3