13 January 2014

Hola,

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On Monday we had an exchange that started at the end of p-day. I was with Sister Ellsworth. She is my mission "Grandma" which just means that she trained my trainer! I truly love her and look up to her so it was fun to get to know her a little more. In the evening we went to an appointment we had, but they didn't answer the door.  Our back up plan was to knock the doors around their apartment and we found Maria. She is very interested in hearing more because her son just died about 2 months ago and so she was very welcoming.  I am so excited to see her this week! We introduced to her the plan of salvation! The idea of having a life after this was very interesting to her. Then we asked if there was anything we can do for her and she said pray for me.  We said actually we can come in and do a house blessing.  We did and that is when she just opened up about her son and it was just wonderful. I was glad we were there at the right time to be able to share about the gospel of Jesus Christ to someone that has been prepared. It was the day of the 3 wise men. Where they have this circle of sweet bread and inside are little baby Jesus' and so it is kind of a game that you play with whoever gets the piece with the Jesus you have to give a gift, or make tamales at a party they have on the second of February. A member invited us to do it and it was really fun! The bread is call Rosca de Reyes.

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On Tuesday we had our district meeting which is always good! Oh how I do love revelation others receive just for me! Then we had a lesson with Santa the investigator. It was so nice to see her after a short absence. We also had the branch president's wife with us! She is from the Dominican Republic and so nice and funny She knows the gospel really well! We taught her the word of wisdom. She totally accepted as something good that she wanted to do, to be healthy! Then we switched back. We had some dinner at home and tried to contact some people that we hadn't seen for awhile, with little success. Then in the later evening my companion and I both had to pack because she went to a 3 day camp at Camp Liahona in the red Woods for the leaders.  I got to spend those days with the Sisters in Rio Vista!

It was so much fun to be  with those sisters! I was officially companions with Hermana Ellsworth and Hermana Rawson! I served around both of them in Woodland so I was excited to be their 3rd companion.  We started Wednesday a little late getting Hermana Hernandez off, but it was a great morning. Then we went to this pizza place in downtown Rio Vista for lunch which was fun. We went to Walnut Grove to see some of their potentials and things. The town is so small that you can walk everywhere, so we did! The funny thing is that there are a lot of Hispanics there, so it was great. In the evening we had dinner with a the Tingys at the Chinses restaurant downtown. That was fun. He works with cows so he had some stories. Then we went to go see a less-active down a dark windy road  He had moved and ended our night with language study. The fun part was that I slept in the English sister's room so I got to bond with them too!

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Thursday we had another similar day as Wednesday. We went to Isleton this time though and that town is the same. We walked all around the town and met some very interesting people. We met Rebecca who just talked and talked to us. I decided she was lonely and that we were a captive audience. I find that happens a lot as a missionary that people talk because we listen! Then we had dinner with the branch president who was just the nicest man, so kind to his little sister missionaries! In the evening we taught this investigator who won't make a commitment until he finishes the Book of Mormon. So that was interesting. I love being the bold one in lessons.  Because he isn't your investigator you just do what  the Spirit directs and it is awesome. We tried to help him but teaching in a trio is much harder then it looks. We did a practice lesson with a member at 8. That is a newer thing we are doing with our slower time later at night. To have appointments with members to practice teaching and then inviting them to come out with us sometime.

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On Friday one of the English sisters got sick so I went with the other to go fill out the baptismal record with their investigator who is getting baptized next week! It was fun to be part of a process I had never seen before. I wasn't much help but it was still fun. Then I just waited while the other sisters worked on planning. We drove back to Fairfield and waited a while for my companion to come back, which took a while, but it was great! We didn't get much done that night, but it was still a great week.

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On Saturday we did a blitz in Rio Vista, so I just came right back. I really loved learning a new area, meeting new members and just being around more sisters. The rest of Saturday I weekly-planned with my companion. We got a good chunk of it done and then we went to a lesson with a less-active. After going every week this is the first time I have met them. Their family got offended by the church and now they haven't gone in almost 10 years. They are ok with us going by but they don't want much more. It will be a difficult project trying to help, but line upon line I know they can come back if they have that true trust and faith in the lord!

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Well I let you know if there are any changes in my situation next week. It will be fun to see what this next transfer brings. Thank you for all of your prayers and love. I truly appreciate your influences in my life and I hope you have a wonderful week and don't forget to share the gospel!

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con carino,

Hermana Cornwall

06 January 2014

Wow this week has been crazy. I can't believe it was the start of a new year this week. It came and went so fast. I also can't believe that I will be home in 2014! It will be at the end, but still when I went into the MTC in May I never thought I would get here and here I am! Wow missions are amazing. You go through so much, there are so many different problems and concerns about so many things but it all works out some how because we just learn how to trust in the lord!

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Tuesday it was New Years eve!  Not your typical New Years Eve but New Years Eve none-the-less! We had a district meeting, but the flu has been going around so it was kind of crazy meeting All I can say is that I have an awesome companion that does an awesome job of stepping up to the plate. The funny thing was that no one was home and so it was kind of a fruitless day, but it worked out. The other funny thing was that we ate dinner at home that night. Grandma and Grandpa had signed up to feed the missionaries. I was little bummed because I was excited to see the glimpse of someone else's party for a little while. like Christmas Eve, but it was just pretty normal. Then, we went to go see Martha! Oh it was fun. She always makes us laugh. We were talking a lot about life. She busted out the biggest box of chocolates I have ever seen.  We we ate some! It was just great! We had a language study with the Elders, some of them being sick, as a little party which was good too!

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On Wednesday we had exchanges. I was with Sister Buckner in Fairfield. It was fun. We had a little sister's lunch in Fairfield because the other sisters were down for a meeting. We did some finding and stopped by Marisol's house. She fed us some tamales which was fun.  It was nice to talk. We had some facebook training. Man are things moving and grooving. I heard there are a few more missions doing the ipads and facebook and so our tech elders have been working so hard to set the rules and guidelines for facebook. It is weird to be the beginning of it all.  It is great to be learning from the best! Then we just kept on finding after that too!

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Thursday, I switched companions, but we went on another exchange, so I brought Hermana Rawson back to Fairfield.  We did our exchange. I served around Hermana Rawson in Woodland. She is a great missionary and she goes home after this transfer.  It was fun to work with her. We had a great day finding and talking about things. We taught the recent convert, Santa. We talked about Eternal Marriage and baptisms for the dead. She was happy to learn more or just to talk more about the importance of it all. Then we had a lesson with Marisol and her husband for the first time. They needed to run an errand so we had to make it quick.  It was great. The Elders came with us too.  So, we just taught the restoration. It was great and we could really feel the Spirit. It is amazing how the words of the expierence of Joseph Smith really touch the lives of others and how that event is so significant in the lives of every member of this Church. We hope to see him again soon.  We hope that now she and her husband can just grow together. We taught our less-active Ricardo. He is really far from the Church right now.  I just ask about what he expects from it all. He was very honest.  It was good to just have us all be realistic and talk. He has a long progression ahead of him with a past that is holding him back, but I know he can get there

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Friday we exchanged back and I got a worn out companion.  Now she has recoverd and is doing a lot better. We spent the day planning so it was good!

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Saturday we went out finding again, and finished our planning with a much needed companionship inventory. Oh it is great to talk about things. I love having a companion that I know in the end will be there for me and is there to help me. I am loving my mission so far, even though it is hard and it could be different, I love it! I am so excited for this new year of missionary work and the joy it will all bring!

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Con carino,

Hermana Cornwall

30 December 2013

Hola,

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Well I made it through my mission Christmas and it was pretty great! It didn't feel like the same old Christmas but it was a fun day as a missionary. On Christmas Eve it was interesting to join someone else's dinner. Their tradition is Chinese food and most of their family was there so it was great. The evening was pretty simple just working on things at home. On Christmas Day I got to talk with my wonderful family. Oh what a special experience. I so appreciated that moment where we were all united at least for a little bit! It is so fun to think of us all around the US being with family and enjoying the Christmas season! Then we had our Christmas meal with the Branch President and his family.  I was wonderful to be in a home of righteous family and enjoy their love! In the evening we did sports . Kind of out of the ordinary, but it was so fun to play soccer after a long time!  It was a great end to mission Christmas.  Just think, next time I will be there [home]!

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On Thursday we started getting back to work. We had exchanges and I was with Sister Andreason. She serves in Rio Vista. She is a wonderful Sister and so funny too. It was great to spend time with her and to learn from her. She has been out just a little more than me, so it was fun. Then I had 2 facebook lessons which is great. I also picked up a new investigator in Chile, so we will see where that goes. The work is so different on facebook. A little bit slower, but also quicker too! I hope that the least I can do is plant that seed that may never have been planted. I taught Santa the investigator, and when I say I taught I mean that Sister Andreason doesn't speak spanish so it was all on me. Now I know even more strongly why we go two by two. With Santa we had already taught her the Plan of Salvation, but I could tell it really didn't make sense of how it applied to her - that she is one day going to have a resurrected body and that after the judgement she will have wanted to follow all those things God had asked her.  If not she wouldn't be able to be with her family, or in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I hope that she gets it because it makes such a difference with what we hope for and what we want everyday. It isn't just about being "saved" it is about staying saved! I love this investigator and I hope that I can continue to help her see the peace and the joy of it all! 

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Friday we exchanged back and did weekly planning. It was a little harder to focus after Christmas festivities but we got it done. On Saturday we did a fun activity with Marisol and her kids. We made scripture boxes. It was fun to so something that they would all like and was centered in putting Christ more into their lives, let alone their scripture box. Then we saw Martha which is always what she needs - just a little pick me up to help her stay strong. In the evening no one was home and so we just kept trying and trying different people and places and the night ended without much to show for it, but it was good.

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On Sunday I gave a talk! Usually I love giving talks but in spanish it is a little bit different. It still went really well and I was happy with it. It was on the power of personal revelation. I just loved sharing a mission story of how I never thought I would come on a mission but thanks to an inspired bishop I am here! Most of the time I can't believe it myself.  It is all worth it, even when it doesn't feel like it sometimes. We had a great night setting up an appointment with a potential and teaching a former investigator. It was all great to just see people have the start of interest, to know what we are all about and then to be able to invite them to know and partake of the joy.  It is just the best.

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I hope all of you know that we can all share the joy of this gospel everyday if we are courageous and faithful! I love you! I am so grateful for your influences in my life! Have a happy new year sharing the gospel!

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Los quiero,

Hermana Cornwall

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23 December 2013

The Clawson family emailed this photo to Sister Cornwall's parents of Sister Cornwall caroling , with the comment - "Thanks for sending us the most wonderful missionaries."

Hola,

Feliz Navidad! Ojala que todos de sus esperanzas para la navidad estan pasando! Oh what a wonderful season! Every time I just think of it, it makes me happy! It has been quite a week and I am excited to tell you all about it.

Monday was a typical day, but on Tuesday we taught Santa the investigator. She is awesome! She is facing life's problems and coming out on top. She is just battling. It is so amazing how people open up to us. They trust us because we are servants of Christ and the best part is that we can help them receive those answers that they need. We taught Martha a recent convert.  She has had a hard life and is still having a hard life.  She is just trying to use the gospel to help her.  She is great. Then we taught Gerardo and Maria after weeks of not teaching them. They have law-of-chastity and word-of-wisdom problems so it is a slow process. They are getting there. They are just so close to taking that big step.  The thing is to be realistic.  We have to take small steps to get there. I have found that that is the way with most people. Big changes are scary but when we just do them with the Lord's help and with faith it all works out!

On Wednesday we taught Santa, the recent convert.  That was wonderful. She really is going strong. We talked about priesthood and auxiliaries and by the end she was giving us marriage advice. Then we taught someone who I had never taught before. Since we are the only sister missionaries in Fairfield sometimes we have some investigators that don't actually attend our ward. Cynthia is one of these cases. She is a recent convert of the sisters, but in another ward. SO we went and taught her and she is just awesome. Through all of her problems and difficulties she is turning to prayer to help her out. It is great. Now that I think of it, everyone has problems. Some are bigger than others, but they can all be healed through Jesus Christ. Then came Juan and Tomasa. They are a fun couple that have been investigators for a while. They see the good of the church but aren't willing to commit. I know with time that they will want to walk by Faith! 

On Thursday, of course, we had our mission conference Christmas Party. Oh it was so wonderful! There were almost 280 missionaries there. We started with talks from President Alba, which was wonderful of course. To start her talk Sister Alba had us watch a Music video by Motab called What Shall We Give (LINK: http://www.mormonchannel.org/christmas-videos?v=2919740155001&cid=HPFR122013274&im=true). All of you should watch it. I just loved it. Since I am part of the technology end of the Church with our devices I am just amazed at the Church's technology department. Also lds.org is becoming a very up to date site. They are making it more user friendly.  There are more things to use and do. Also they are coming out with many videos about the Church to have a more modern spin on things! It is great! Anyway she asked what we would give this season. Then we had a little Christmas concert, which was great. The Alba's love their music and it is just wonderful for me at least, who love it too. We had the party. It was so wonderful to see my MTC Friends. Hermana Vance and Hermana LeMmon. I forgot my camera, so no pictures.  It was fun to be around them. They revealed our packages on the stage of our Christmas presents. [The mission requested that families send one present to the mission office that would be given out at this mission party.] It was jolly good Fun! We ate lunch together and had some fun activities and songs! It was so funny to relax and have it feel like Christmas for a while! Well, normal Christmas! Then we headed back to Fairfield from Santa Rosa with a lot of traffic.  We got home safe! We had a very calm night with English class and studies! It was a wonderful day. It just makes me so grateful to be in this mission at this time with all of these wonderful missionaries and leaders, I just love it! 

We taught Marisol.  Her kids were home for the Christmas break and so we taught them and they came to Church on Sunday! It was great! I love seeing progress right in front of my eyes. We planned and planned in order to finish up our week.  It was just wonderful! I am so grateful for the ups and downs of missionary work because it makes the success's that much better. 

On Saturday we prepared for the ward party almost all day long. It was crazy how much time it all took. Also as missionaries we made 2 huge pans of mashed potatoes which was quite an adventure.  They actually turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. It kind of took up most of our day.  It was fun to support the branch. 

On Sunday we, as missionaries, sang a song! It was fun to be part of the Christmas spirit. We had a singing sacrament meeting.  It was fun to just sing and sing and sing!  I taught Gospel Principles class again which was a little last minute.  It all works out. I am always amazed how I can a least make a little sense when I speak Spanish, let alone teach. 

I am so grateful for the work of the Lord in my life. It is so wonderful to just work with all types of people and be able to give them the same thing -- the gospel of Jesus Christ! I hope you remember that wonderful gift that you also can give all year round! Oh, the gospel is true! I find that more and more everyday! I also love the gospel because of it's ability to guide us while we live here on the earth. I don't know what I would have done without my mission. Already so far my life has been changed. I know so much more now then I ever would have learned before. I never thought I would be here, but now that I am here I can't imagine my life without it. What a joy it is to have the truth and knowledge to say I know that my Redeemer lives. He is Jesus Christ, the prince of peace and the one thing in our lives that always gives comfort and love. I know he suffered through all of my pains and afflictions so that I could one day return clean to our Heavenly Father and to have life with our families for the eternities. Thank you all for your testimonies and help that have gotten me here today. I am filled with so much love for each of you and I know that your lives will be prosperous and happy as long as you follow the Savior in all of your dealings! Have a very Merry Christmas!

los quiero,

Hermana Cornwall

16 December 2013

Hola,

This week we are having our mission conference/Christmas party in Santa Rosa so I am very excited! 

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Monday we had a sad last day in the mall with all of the regular missionaries that go there. Then we made plaques with Sister Toolson for a fun activity with the Elders. We did a little contacting and then buckled down to finish our weekly planning and we zoomed through it and got it done! 

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Tuesday we had a lesson with Marisol who is taking very baby steps so we will see what happens with her soon. Then we taught Santa our awesome investigator who is just open and willing to hear all we have to say. We made a baptismal date with her this week for January, so we will see. We did good old finding which just about fills up any of our empty time. We tried to have English class again, but it just didn't happen because people are not showing up.  We hope that sometime soon people will come! We taught Juan and Tomasa who are Former investigators. They are just wonderfully nice, but we don't know if they are willing to change their lives yet.  As I always say, we will see! 

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Wednesday we had wonderful transfers - always filled with many comings and goings. We taught Santa our recent convert and she is just going strong. She is just great to work with. We went to this street in our area that I had never been to before. It was off of Abernathy. It was a little area with some fields and vineyards and we went to one of the homes of field workers. It was so interesting to just end up at this little pocket of houses after passing some vineyards.  It was so interesting. They weren't there, but it was an adventure none the less. I finally have some facebook investigators. As of this week I have two and it is so weirdly awesome. I have high hopes for these people that I can help plant those seeds of faith that will help them get baptized. One of them lives in Mexico so it is just great. Then we had a Relief Society activity which was so fun just to spend time with the Hermanas of the ward.

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Then on Thursday we taught Deisy and Manuel who are kind of on the slow track.  It is still fun to help them out and help them to recognize the Spirit in order that they come to church. We taught Ricardo, a very, very less active, who is on the slow track also.  It is changing little by little. When I see all of this I realize that there is just so much work to do - with every single person that we meet. We are giving them the chance to be in the presence of our Heavenly Father one day.  I don't know about you all, but I sure don't want to not take an opportunity.  I do not want to mess up  So don't forget to give people that opportunity. 

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Friday was a day of meeting a LOT of new missionaries. Almost all of the companionships in the zone changed one way or another. I am finally starting to get use to the change that comes every 6 weeks.  It is still a process. We taught a lesson to Santa the investigator again. She told us that she just wants to know everything before she really decides to put everything in.  We are excited, because we know the gospel is true and it is answering all of her problems. 

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Saturday we had one of our Less-actives, Anallely tell us that she is coming back to church which is a huge step for her. She didn't actually come, but we know at least she has thought about it and is ready.  We just have to work extra hard to get her there  We taught Martha who is awesome, a recent convert, and just sucking in the gospel it is great. 

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Sunday we had a very funny ward council, which is usually abnormal. The clerk was just cracking jokes the whole time and it was fun to just laugh. Church was wonderful of course. Then we had dinner with the branch president and his cute kids. It made me miss all of my cute little nieces and nephews. Then we spent some time working to understand our area book app. more. It sure is weird to have to figure out technological things as a missionary but it is great. We had the Leaders meeting which was very different with 2 brand new zone leaders.   I know it will turn out great.

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Have a wonderful week preparing for Christmas. Remember the reason for the season and spend it being charitable to others, just as christ would. I hope that you all can feel the love and strength that comes from being firm in this gospel because it is the only way. The only correct way to get us back to Heavenly Father.

con carino,

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Hermana Cornwall

09 December 2013

Sister Cornwall's District

  Hola,
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Feliz Navidad! I am totally in Christmas spirit and I just love it! I love to see all the lights coming up and christmas trees on top of cars and it is all so lovely, But, boy has it been cold! I have had to scrape off my windshield almost every morning. I never thought I would have to do anything like that on my mission It was kind of fun to think, well I don't have a windshield scraper and pull out the old credit card to get it off! IT was also an amazing week here in the Fairfield Spanish West area of the world! We saw so many amazing miracles this week so I am excited to tell them all to you!
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So, on Monday we had our regular p-day activities and then when we went to proselyte.  At dinner we went to see a former [investigator] that we had found tracting.  We taught them a lesson and picked them up as investigators! It was an amazing start to the week. They have testimonies and know all the principles but it is just getting them to change and apply these thing that we really have to work on!

Elder Garrity - Best District Leader Ever

.Tuesday we had our last district meeting. Not only was it sad because it was the last one, but our wonderful district leader is going home and so that made it a lot worse. Elder Garity has been so kind and wonderful and I have learned so much, and trusted him so much because of all his experience and his application of it! He is an awesome missionary and hope to do good like he has done. The fun thing is that he is going to UVU so there is the chance that we could see eachother again! In the meeting we talked about sacrifice and what we are willing to sacrifice as missionaries. We also talked a lot about love being our focus in all that we do. At the end we said the things that we had learned thus far on our missions.  Then, we taught a recent convert. Santa O., different from santa the investigator. I have not taught her since I have been here, so it was good to get to know her a little more than just at church. We had some facebook training. Because our numbers were so low (we have to report lesson and numbers of investigators and things for Salt Lake) my companion and I received special training in order to improve. We both weren't really teaching anyone and so what they basically did was online tracted for us, meaning, just talked to as many random people as they could. It was great and actually really helpful.Then in the evening we taught investigator Santa with Hermana Diaz, a recent convert! It was awesome and truly having a member at a lesson completely changes it because now they have someone they can completely relate to and feel comfortable talking to more then just these young girls!  We tried to have our first english class, but no one showed up.
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On Wednesday we finally saw Deisy and Manuel again. We thought they were avoiding us, but their lives have just been super busy.  It is so nice to see them again. Also they Agreed to be MARRIED! They set the date for July, but at least they want to get married.  That makes a big difference! We are so excited to help them get there.
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Thursday we had a lesson with Marisol, she is slowly progressing and now we just need to get her to church. It is funny because with certain investigators there are lesson that give you so much hope and so you just want to keep teaching and teaching but then they don't have time for a few weeks and so you want to drop them but then you teach them again and it is a constant cycle of up and down and it so very interesting to be a part of it! Then we taught Graciela, a kind of less-active member who is great and so loving and good!  Hermana Hernandez taught a facebook lesson. We had english class, with no one showing up. Then we taught Ricardo who is another less-active that I have not met until this week. He really struggles with trusting in God so we just take baby steps with him to progress.
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Friday we taught Santa the investigator again. She is great! We are really hoping she just comes to church so she can progress that much more. She is great! She really opened up in this lesson and it was great to tell her that the gospel has all of the answers! Then it was the crazy day of getting the transfer doctrine, which all just puts us on edge waiting for all the information. As I said I am staying here in Fairfield with Hermana Hernandez and I am so happy! I love her and we work together well so I am excited.
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On Saturday Hermana Hernandez had a meeting in Santa Rosa, so I spent the day in Napa with Hermana Gonzalez from Woodland! It was so fun to be back together again. I must say that Napa might be the only city that I actually knew about before my mission that was in my mission. It is beautiful! With a beautiful downtown and wonderful people. First we had language study with a member which was fun! He was really trying to help everyone get the difference between spanish and english through translating sentences. It was great. We tracted and it was FREEZING, but fun! I always thought more people would let you in when it is cold, but they don't. It was fun to just be in a different area for a day! We came home late. We used a GPS and it took us on a windy mountain road that was a little scary, but we survived!
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We had stake conference on Sunday and we were all saying goodbye to the missionaries that were leaving. We went finding during the afternoon and did a little facebook. We had the last leader meeting of this transfer which was sad because because the 2 zone leaders are leaving.  I am excited to meet the new ones.
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SO change is a-coming but not too much!  Love you all and have a wonderful week. Stay warm and Share the gospel while doing it, oh and read Elder Ballard's talk from conference!
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Love ya,

Hermana Cornwall

Advent Calendar from "grandma & grandpa" Carlson

02 December 2013

Hola!

Well my favorite month of the year just began and the Christmas music is already being played, even if my companion isn't overjoyed about it! My goal this year is to put the Christ back in Christmas for myself, for my investigators, for members and most especially those people I meet on the street. So Merry CHRISTmas!

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It was a slower week this week as far as our number go, but it was still really fun! On Monday we had our Sisters p-day shopping in the mall - which was fun! It is nice to be around other Sisters since we are the only ones in Fairfield but it is especially good for them because they are the only missionaries for 20 miles in their area. Then we basically just had an evening of finding people. Tracting, talking to people on the street and just being out there. 

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On Tuesday we had a lovely district meeting with Elder Garity! He goes home in a week and it is so sad, but he is just giving out those last bits of wisdom. Then I went on exchanges to Rio Vista which was lovely once again! We did a little bit of facebook, which is always good. Then we had dinner with a family there which was very fun and crazy with lots of kids and family around but it just made it that much more exciting. We went to Isleton which is a small town outside of Rio Vista that is also in our mission. The fun part about it is that we have to cross the Sacramento river to get there.  That made it fun. We didn't have much success finding and teaching but it was an adventure. My cool story of the night was that we contacted this man who was really curious about our church and what we do, because he is on probabtion and has been in jail many times and so he really just wanted a fresh start and it was so wonderful to tell him that there is a plan for him and book that can change his life! It was great!

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Wednesday after studies and things we went to Walnut Grove, a town past Isleton. The funny thing was that on the way there I saw a sign that said 31 miles to Woodland and I almost took it, just as a joke, but I didn't of course. Then my awesome companion, the Sister Training Leader, is just taking care of all of the wonderful Sisters. She is so willing to help them out with all that she has so that they can grow and improve. She is just so good and such an example to me! Then we headed back.  We had dinner at home actually. We are now eating with Fairfield 3rd. Grandma and Grandpa Carlson are in that ward so now they will feed us on occasion too so that was fun. Then Hermana Hernandez had scheduled a Skype lesson, but they weren't there so that was a little sad. We decided to drop something off for Elder Fonseca and we arrived at the end of their exchange.  There were 3 sets of missionaries there and so we set our plans to play ultimate frisbee on Thanksgiving morning!

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We played Ultimate Frisbee Thanksgiving morning! It was so much fun. It was a little wet so I was slipping and sliding and muddy, but it was so so so so fun! Then we did our studies, with very sore bodies. We did a little facebook and then went to our turkey dinner at 2:00. We ate at the Coopers. They are a family in the Cordelia 1st ward. It was so fun because it was the two of them and their two daughters and us and so it was small but that made it good. The food was amazing with almost all the same dishes as home and so it was just great. Probably the most calm Thanksgiving dinner I have ever had but great. We played some games and were sent home with lots of food and it was just wonderful. We went visiting members with the Elders and there weren't many people home.  It was just a fun night!

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Friday was full of planning and corrleation meeting, with a little tension from our ward mission leader, but we are trying to work things out in order to all work together. 

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On Saturday we were trying to get our car fixed but it takes so long that we just don't have enough time so we are trying to schedule it in this next week. It is the battery. Just like the car I drove in Davis it is struggling again so we are going to get it checked out. In the evening we taught a mother. She really struggles being the only member of the church in her family.  By the end of the week she is just worn down. We really are glad we got to see her because she just needs someone to talk to and some spiritual upliftment!.

On Sunday we had our regular meetings with mighty hour of prayer, which is great and we went to dinner at the home of someone who works on the military base. I didn't realize until now, but there are quite a few people who work there that live here in Fairfield.  That is a fun addition to everything here.

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Oh boy it was a great week. This transfer has come and gone so fast and I have grown and learned so much. Oh a mission is great. Hardest thing I have ever done, but great. For any who need that push to be part of the work of salvation full-time or not. Take it from me! It is always worth it to share the gospel because that is what it is all about so keep it up! Well I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I encourage you to all read Elder Ballard's talk from this last conference! Until next week!

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Love you all,

Hermana Cornwall

25 November 2013

Hola!

 

Happy Week of Thanksgiving! So fun to be in the Holiday season! Grandma and Grandpa Carlson already have had guests coming and going! It is so fun and they already put up their Christmas tree so tis the season! It is so wonderful to be doing the work of the lord!

 

We had one lesson last Monday with Martha. Our recent convert! She is always just so happy and loving despite her struggles and it is so fun to be around her we just laugh and laugh! The rest of the night we finished weekly planning!

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Tuesday we had a fun event for district meeting where we did workshops, learning from all of the district leaders instead of just our own! It was great! They split up companionships so they could be open and honest, and learn.  That was good! I gained so much from the wonderful leaders and it is hard sometimes to overcome our natural selves, but it is worth it for the area/work, the companionship and most importantly for yourself. Then, we picked up some new investigators named Maria and Gerardo. They have 4 cute little kids. I think their interest right now springs from curiosity, but we know there can be more. I am excited to see where they go!

 

 Wednesday we went to the Oakland Temple. It was a little rainy, but wonderful of course! It is a lovely temple! Our ward mission leader, his wife, and her mother all came along with us! It was great! The temple is such a calm and peaceful place.  I love to be there! I understand more and more every time I go - why it is the goal, and why it is so important! The best part was that we were in the session where a family was taking out their endowment and then being sealed right after. It was just a beautiful thing to see all of the family together as we were leaving! Then we set up an appointment with a potential investigator named Jaime so we will see how that goes this week!

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Random comment: One thing fun that has happened this week is that because there are so many missionaries in our little branch we, the sisters, have started to eat with an English ward. It has been a crazy transition but fun to be in the homes of members who I don't know at all!

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Thursday we got to be part of the technology process of the Church giving direct input on the Area Book app. A man from Salt Lake came to see how we use our app. and also to get direct suggestions for the tech team! He also had us think of what would make the app. better and more usable for future missionaries! It was awesome to think out of the box and really think about what would make it better! Problem solving -- my favorite thing! Then I went on exchanges to Rio Vista! Rio Vista is a small town right off of the Sacramento River. For the first time in a while I got to stand next to a large amount of water! It is a small little place, but it is really fun! I read about Humphrey the Humpback whale who came and visited and it was just a wonderful experience! We visited some of their potentials that were a few years old and they totally still lived there. It was crazy to me, but awesome! Then I had a weird language study, because I was with an English Sister, but it was still fun!

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Friday I came back to Fairfield after having a little sister drama that all got worked out! We taught  our new investigator Santa. She loves everything we tell her, but she is not keeping her commitments yet.  We are just working on that! In the evening we taught our new investigator Brandy! She is loving it all too and she is reading the Book of Mormon but she doesn't want to do anything too fast so we are just going to take it little by little!

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On Saturday we had an amazing day because we got the 20-3-1, before 5:00! It was awesome to feel so accomplished! The reason why it is going so well is because of facebook. Both Hermana Hernandez and I are truly finding people on facebook! Right now I have four real potentials that are really looking good! It was an awesome week with that. We went to a member's house for dinner.  Her name is Lolly and she is a new convert. She was baptized in Rio Vista but had temporarily moved to Fairfield because of work. She takes care of her older friend that broke his leg  We had dinner with her and Sunny (her friend) and it was fun! Then we worked on our planning for this next week in the evening!

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On Sunday we had our ward council meeting, which was good! Oh, every ward, or branch, I guess, are so different. There are all different ways to do it and luckily it all gets done! One thing we are struggling with is having the sisters quiet down for Relief Society. There aren't that many but they are sure do love to talk! We had some awesome facebook time! I was talking with people a lot so that was good.  My problem was [getting] them [to] take it all seriously.  I am working on it! We had the meeting of leaders which is always good. I like to think about helping the zone even though I am not a leader!

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So it was great week! Things are moving right along and it is just amazing to be a part of it! Today we are having a sisters day with the 6 of us and going to the Solano Mall.  That will be a fun a activity! Que les vayan bien esta semana para ustedes! Hasta Luego!

 

Los quiero!

 

Hermana Cornwall

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18 November 2013

Hola,
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 There has kind of been a little bit of the blues in our zone this week! We are just getting half-way through this transfer, but I am trying to take in the bad and come out with good. I find that that is the decision you have to make as a missionary. Everyone said it was hard so if you focus on that hard part of life it is just going to be hard but if you make it through the day and plop into bed and wake up the next morning remembering what made yesterday horrible then it just continues rather than ending! So, even when there are blues in normal life just go with it because you have the best coach we could ever ask for and that is our Savior Jesus Christ! This metaphor actually turned out quite nicely when it wasn't even planned! Also you need to put people in your life that will help you cheer up in those down times! .
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This week was horribly awesome, as always! I say horrible in that through numbers we didn't accomplish much, but it was a week of aiming high with High expectations. (If I said this already you can take it out!)For those that have heard, Mom, all of the California mission presidents had a little conference with President Ballard a few weeks ago. It was a call to say that the state of California is now the example for the world of doing missionary work! He has given a call of High Expectations! Now these can be a little disheartening, but it is the only way we can progress in this work! More explanation will come of how this has all gone into effect. .
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On Monday we did a little service for the Langarica Family. Then they fed us dinner. They are not in the branch, but they offer to feed us every now and again since our branch is so small and there are so many of us. We had pasole (I don't know if that is how you spell it!) It is a soup with these expanded pieces of corn then with meat and seasoning. I have had it before, but it tasted really good! Brother Langarica has some Latin background. It was fun! Then, we just had a night of contacting without any appointments and it was fun.
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Tuesday we had an awesome district meeting as always! We learned about using the Book of Mormon in our contacts! Then we ate with the other sister missionaries for lunch. Grandma and Grandpa (Carlson) get us Chick-fil-A every Tuesday for lunch.  We ate that with the sisters and it was so fun. Then we went contacting and had our miracle of the week! The first door we knocked on opened and we taught her for 30 minutes about the Plan of Salvation! One thing I love about Hermana Hernandez is that she leads off with telling people about the Plan of Salvation because it really speaks to people. It really spoke to Santa too and I am very excited to see where it goes. We met as the missionaries of the branch and talked about dong an English class to find more investigators and then we did a group language study after which was a little silly but really fun!
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Wednesday we went to an appointment with our investigator Marisol, but she wasn't there. Then we had our Weekly lunch at the Hernandez home! They are such a kind family to support the missionaries. Her husband gets off of work at 12:00pm so they feed us at 1 and then he goes to sleep right after! Then we taught a recent convert Hermana Horta about being strong in the Church even when she feels alone. We watched the Mormon Message - Dare to Stand Alone. Oh, it is so fun to have an 8873! We had another canceled lesson so we contacted on what we call the man streets. They each are named after like presidents or something I am not really sure but they are the man streets. We also got our 20 contacts for the day so we felt very good. The only problem is that it is starting to get cold. I guess I was just too accustomed to Southern California weather but it isn't as bad as Provo so it is good!
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 On Thursday we had our interviews with President Alba. They come every 6 months and mine came just in time. He helped me to really understand about these new high expectations and be able to work on them. Sister Alba talked to us about what Elder Ballard said.  She really focused on what we need to pray for everyday and every prayer - How we need to teach - How to get the members on our wagon and really just becoming better missionaries over all! Then I went on exchanges with Hermana Zurita! She is an awesome Missionary! Originally from Bolivia and I learned so much from her! I am always amazed by the awesome people I get to meet, it is awesome! We had dinner with a less active named Khany who is in her early 30s. There are not many people her age in the branch so I think she liked a little sister time. She took us out to Black Bear Diner! It was fun! Then of course it was a day of 5 canceled appointments, but it was still awesome!
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We drove to Rio Vista on Friday morning to switch back! We went to a lesson with Santa again. We talked about the Book of Mormon and finished up the Plan of Salvation! It was great! We did planning most of the rest of the day! We did have a unique call from som one we contacted that is not in our area but wants us to come visit him. His name is Saul and he talked to us on the phone for 45 minutes. It was funny to hear him try so hard to get us to come over, but we knew for many reasons that we should not.
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Saturday we taught a less active, Anallely with her cute baby about the priesthood because her husband isn't a member.but she is just at a difficult time of life to be able to go to church by herself and things We tried to help her see the importance of it all! We went back to the man streets because we had an appointment with someone that we contacted! He was very interesting because he knew a bit about our church and was interested in the Book of Mormon but was still questioning it all.  We will see!
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Sunday I taught gospel Principles which was fun! It was on the signs of second coming! A topic with a positive ending, I think! Then we had dinner with the Branch Presidents family and just went out to work! There was the leaders of the zone meeting which was fun! Oh boy, it is fun! I can't believe I get to do this everyday! It is the scariest, most awesome, and craziest thing I have ever done! I never regret it though because it is all for the Lord! Don't forget that you can do it too!
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Love you all lots and lots and thank you for your love and prayers!
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Love ya, Hermana Cornwall
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God always offers you a second chance it is called tomorrow!

11 November 2013

Hola,

Como estan? This week has been awesome as always! I love my area, I love my zone, I love the Branch and I love my companion! It is all just awesome! It is amazing how things are just developing and growing and just going and going! The work never stops, only we do! 

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On Monday one of our investigators dropped us, which means she called us after she missed her appointment and said that she wasn't really interested anymore and that she would call us. It is a bummer, but it is better to be effective with our time than to just be busy

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We had an awesome district meeting on Tuesday! Elder Garity is my district leader, he is also another missionary in the branch and he is nearing the end of his mission. He is awesome! I love learning from him.  He is so kind and full of wisdom. I am excited for the rest of the transfer! We at dinner with Hermana Horta and her family. She is a recent convert. We had Lenguae(cow tongue), it is the second time I have had it. It is good, but if not cooked perfectly it is a funny texture. We had some missionary bonding over eating some chiles! I had very little but it was fun! We taught a lesson to their family.  They are struggling with keeping the sabbath day holy because of soccer.  We are just continuing to help him! Then we met with Andres. He is such a solid member and is sharing the gospel.  He is just doing awesome! 

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Wednesday we had facebook training with the tech. Elders. It is amazing how they are always improving and making things better! We learned more about finding investigators online in our area and also passing off  investigators to missionaries in their area. Later we taught a lesson to one of our investigators. Her name is Marisol and it was a do or die lesson. That means that it can either mean that we drop them or feel that we should continue teaching them. It was a great lesson. At the end after her prayer she kind of broke down to us to tell us that she really desires to know the truth.  She just doesn't know where it is. The only problem was she didn't come to church this week.  We will see about everything!  I found one of our current investigators on facebook and we chatted for a little bit and she really opened up about herself. It is really amazing how much people tell us in person but they tell us even more online. So I am glad to know more about her and to help her. I started a crazy few days of 2 exchanges. Hermana Hernandez did two exchanges back to back as a Sister Training Leader, which means that I was without my companion for two days in an area I barely know.  It was a little rough, but it all worked out. We went to teach Deisy and Manuel with a member and it ended up being an hour and 45 minute lesson with lots of topics, helps and craziness.  I hope we touched them in someway. By the way, I was with Hermana Santiago at this time. It was good but we hope to keep it more simple this week! 

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Thursday we taught a less-active named Graciela. She is the only member in her family which makes it hard for her to do everyting.  She has good desires.  She just needs to act on them. It was a great lesson and it was nice to get to know her. I drove to Rio Vista to say hello to my companion and then to switch my companion to Sister Andreasen. Then we taught Jose. He is a less-active also and he works most Sundays.  We always have hope! We had a rougher night finding people, but it went well. I think I kind of scared her by taking her to a sketchier part of town but it all worked out.

 On Friday we had a baptism in the Branch! It was awesome! The story is that the daughter was contacted on facebook and then her whole family ended up taking the lessons too and they were all baptized! It was awesome! I played the piano, which I tend to be doing a lot lately and the Albas were there and it was really wonderful!

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On Saturday we picked up new investigators that were a referral from a member. They accepted the Restoration and accepted to be baptized! It was awesome! The rest of the weekend was wonderful and it was fun to learn more about the branch and everything. It is quite a wonderful just to love others and I wouldnt change it for the world! Love you all lots! Listen to the prophets!

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-Hermana Cornwall

04 November 2013 - Fairfield

Hola,

I am not too much farther away, but I feel like I am in a whole different world and I love it! Fairfield is awesome! The first thing is that I have an awesome companion Hermana Hernandez. She served in my zone for the my first 2 transfers, so I already know her decently well. She is from Fresno California. She is a Spanish native to the language and is an awesome missionary. The wonderful thing about knowing your companion before is that you are already friends and then you just go from there. We have really gotten along amazing well and I am just so excited for this transfer. 

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There is a Spanish branch here in Fairfield. They are great! I met them on Sunday and they are small but strong! There are 3 sets of missionaries in the branch which covers Fairfield and Cordelia, a neighboring town.  Hermana Hernandez and I actually cover part of Cordelia also! The first set of missionaries in Fairfield east is Elder Foster and Elder Wright. Shout out to Aunt Terri - Elder Wright is from Gilbert Arizona and said he knows you! There is also a trio with Elder Garity (this is his last transfer and he is my district leader), Elder Smith (a greenie) and Elder Fonseca who I actually knew already kind of sort of [Elder Fonseca is from Duarte]. I am  now very excited to actually get to know him.  I have some awesome Zone leaders Elder Walker and Elder Terrill. They are awesome and fun.  I know how awesome they are because my companion is the Sister Training Leader over the zone and so I get to be in all of the meetings with her!

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I have just been amazed by how much love I have received here and I already feel so comfortable and happy.  It can't get much better than this! Oh, and the part I forgot to mention was that we live with members! The are the Carlsons.  They are probably in there late 70s maybe 80s - I don't know. They ask us to call them Grandma and Grandpa and they leave fruit out for us and little goodies on the table.  They give us a goodnight kiss everynight. I love them and I can't imagine anything better! Anyway...every day I am just overflowing with happiness about Fairfield. The work is a little dry at the moment.  We do have quite a few less-actives, more than Davis, and their is always plenty of potential.  So that doesn't get me down at all.

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Marychury's daughter Miranda and Marychury

My last few days in Davis were a little sad. I had my last meal with the Familia Perez. they have truly been my home away from home and I am so glad. Then I had my last lesson with Brandon the Nephew of Marychuy. When I told him I was leaving he asked if he could give me a goodbye hug. I felt horrible that I had to say no, but rules are rules. Then saying goodbye to Marychuy was also hard. She has been the rock in Davis and I know she will single handedly change the work there!

Investigator Brandon on the right

.Then Tuesday We had our last supper as missionaries of the branch at the familia Contreras. They are so sweet to feed the missionaries every Tuesday! Then we had an amazing lesson with Antonio. He is totally going to get baptized really soon and I am so happy for him! He is reading the Book of Mormon and going to church and open to all of it! I am so grateful to have been one of the missionaries in his progressing. 
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Wednesday was transfer day. I only had to drive about 45 minutes to Fairfield, hooked up with my companion and then I met Grandma and Grandpa. Moved in a little and then we were off! We just did some contacting and then we had a lunch appointment with one of the families in the ward! In the evening I taught my first lesson with Daisy and Manuel. They are a young couple that have been investigators for a while. Hermana Hernandez just barely picked them up.  They are newly investigators again. She is ready to be baptized but he doesn't feel the passion to go to church over his passion to play soccer. We really think he is ready to change so we are excited to see what happens. Then I met a recent convert named Andres! He is awesome and progressing as a member quite well!

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Thursday was a fun day of Halloween! We had a normal day until after our dinner with Andres. We had few appointments, but if all of those fell through we were supposed to do weekly planning. We did do a little weekly planning that night and Grandma and Grandpa asked us to pass out candy for a little while and that was fun.  It turned out to be a pretty calm night which was fun!

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On Friday we had our awesome zone meeting! Like I said before the zone leaders are awesome and so is my companion! It was great just to learn and progress!!! Then we taught Brandy! Side note: The funny thing about coming to a new area is that you get told about everyone that you teach and everyone in the branch but you forget about all of them. This happened with Brandy.  Brandy, just has a crazy backstory, so that was cool. The thing that makes it weird is that we are only teaching Brandy because we are girls. We are the only Sisters in Fairfield. There are two other sets of sisters, but they are both in Rio Vista! S,o we are teaching Brandy and she is awesome. She has a Mormon family outside of her original family.  She knows a lot about the Church and is so ready.  We will see what happens!

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On Saturday we had a slower day but the best part of it all was meeting Martha. She us a recent convert and she is awesome and funny. I already love her and I am so excited to get to know her even more!

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On Sunday it was great to get an extra hour of sleep and this morning it was so nice to have so much light while we went on our morning walk! It was great to meet the Branch.  They have so much potential and I am excited to be part of the trail to reaching it!

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So now long story short, which it isn't really that short, Fairfield is awesome! I am in love with it already! I will be excited to tell more and more of my adventures here in Fairfield doing the work of salvation!

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Love ya,

Hermana Cornwall

Famalia Rodas

Sister Cornwall's new room