April 23, 2018 - The Week of "Devil Grass"

Y'ALL. MY DAUGHTER IS THE CUTEST LITTLE RED-HEADED SWEETHEART ON THE PLANET. I ADORE HER SO MUCH. (The subject title comes from her description of Spanish Moss where chiggers and ticks are found.) 

I mi(definitely)ght have gotten sick because of my stress levels but it has been a stellar week!! I said goodbye to my beautiful companion but only for a few days side we are still in a car share!!! 

I'll be honest, I have no idea what to share with y'all cause my head is kind of spinning from all the craziness. It's been a wild week but Sister Kincenski is taking it like a champ. She is so willing and so so ready to just get to work. I love her so much. 

Anyway this is so short but I'm doing so so good!!!! Love y'all!!

We had a F U L L car on the way home from transfers

We had a F U L L car on the way home from transfers

MY BABY GIRL 💕🎀💕🎀💕🎀

MY BABY GIRL 💕🎀💕🎀💕🎀

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Posted on April 23, 2018 .

April 16, 2018 - The Week of The Lord's House #GodBless

Hi. It's been a R O L L A R C O A S T E R of a week, but one that only goes uphill!!!! We went to the Orlando temple on Thursday and man alive I have never been more excited to see a white building in my entire existence. It was absolutely beautiful! I was able to spend time with so many people I love and cherish. I felt the spirit SO strongly. In the temple, I was able to receive answers to questions I've had for the past few weeks. It is such a blessing to be able to go and partake of the blessings there. It was indescribable.

That night, we were talking about transfer call (that would be happening on Friday night, the next evening) and how we were both hoping not to get a call from President Lee . Now for those who are not in the FJM  here's what all that means: 

Transfer Call: every missionary in the Florida Jacksonville Mission gets on a huge conference call and we all listen as our mission president tells us where we all will be going and with who we will be serving with. 

Phone call from President Lee: he calls missionaries the day of, or the day before, to ask them to serve in leadership positions or to train new missionaries coming out. 

Okay, let's resume. In the midst of this conversation we get a text from our beloved mission president that states "please call President Lee when available." Insta-sweat. After a few minutes of freaking out and adjusting so I'm sitting basically on top of poor Sister Gabbitas (authority makes me nervous) we call him. He exchanges pleasantries and then says these words "Sister Allgaier, may I speak with you privately please?" Insta-mega-sweat. He then tells me (in much more professional wording than this) to find a baby carriage cause I'm going to be a mama!!! AKA: I'm training a new missionary!! I'm staying here in the chosen land of Gainesville 3rd ward and will be teaching a super green (fresh, new) missionary the ways of missionary life. Am I sweaty? Oh yes. Is it because it's warming up here in the sunshine State? Partially but definitely mostly because I'm nervous. It's going to be so much stinkin fun though!!! I will find out who she is on Wednesday after a ton of meetings so y'all will find out on Monday. 😊 The beautiful and incredible Sister Gabbitas will be greenie busting (being the companion of a missionary who just finished training) in Gainesville 1st ward!! Not too far at all. In fact, I will see her every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. PLUS we are in a car share. It's like we are still companions but not... Anyway, I'm stoked for this new change and adventure!!! It's going to be a BLAST.

For my scripture this week I wanted to share some of the New Testament with y'all. 

Ephesians 4:11-13
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

I've been thinking and studying about the purpose of the prophets and came across this scripture. I'm so grateful to have the guidance of the leaders that we have today! Through them, we can come closer to our Heavenly Father. They teach us His will and help us to become more like our Savior. I'm so grateful for President Russell M. Nelson! 

I love y'all and I hope y'all have a STELLAR week. 

Our perfectly dignified, put together district is dissolving 💔

Our perfectly dignified, put together district is dissolving 💔

RIP Bby Gabbitas

RIP Bby Gabbitas

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The good ol' house of the Lord

The good ol' house of the Lord

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Our funny members 💕

Our funny members 💕

Posted on April 17, 2018 .

April 02, 2018 - The Week I Was Accidentally MAJORLY Apostate

Let's start with a spiritual note: General Conference. It was a wild ride this time around!!!! I'm so grateful for our new and sustained Prophet Russell M. Nelson. If anyone is slightly nervous about having a new prophet, just watch the clip of him announcing the 7 new temples and you will be pleasantly reminding how human he is. Watching him chuckle over announcing yet ANOTHER temple in good ol' Utah was so stinkin funny! I loved it!! I'm also very excited that we, as a church and not just the Florida Jacksonville Mission, are placing a more focused effort on ministering to individuals. Love love it! Such an inspired announcement. 

Okay now here's why Sister Allgaier was accidently apostate this week and brace yourself, this is a doozy of a story.... The elders had given us a referral for a lady who met with missionaries in Arizona and wanted to meet with them again! So we were pumped and gave her a call. She said she would love to meet with us but because of her current home situation we couldn't meet in her home but we could meet in the parking lot of her (super sketchy) apt complex. We went to her apt complex parking lot and asked around looking for her. In the meantime Sister G saw a man struggling to carry a case of water bottles. She asked if he needed any help and he said "sure, I can't carry two on my own." So I was thinking good, she can carry it then and I will walk behind her. Well karma is such a missy and there were two MORE cases, not two in total. So I arrived one as well. We literally carried those suckers for 10 STINKIN MINUTES!!!! We were both sweaty at this point cause it's Florida and those babies had 35 bottles each in them. So heavy, we finally drop them off and find Miss Beverly (the lady we were meeting) on the way. Our arms at a legit shaking and we ask her where she wants to meet. She looks around and sees a man and goes "oh Jim! Can we have our meeting in your house??" Jim was grade A creepy. Creepy Jim said sure....joy. So we went in his house with Miss Beverly and she started talking us her life story. Including the many time she has been sexually assaulted. She's talking at 100 mpm and when she catches her breath Jim says "Beverly, I have been trained in giving healing blessings, would you like one?" Sister G and I just look at each other, both not excited for this experience. He looks at us and says "girls, feel free to join in when you feel so inclined." I asked him what church he was from and them told him that we were unfamiliar with this form of blessing so we would just watch and we would pray with them after he finished. He starts giving this weird blessing where he's half talking to God and half talking to Miss Beverly and his eyes are open the whole time. I know that because I couldn't decide if I needed to open them or shut them....I probably looked like a broken doll with my eyes opening and closing like they were. So then he looks at me and says "will you out your hand on her shoulder?" Not even thinking about it I put my hand on her shoulder. He stats talking about how blessings are given by the laying-on-of-hands. I realize what the heck I'm doing and oh so slowly raise my hand off her shoulder one finger at a time until I'm hovering her shoulder. In my brain it's making it look like, to him, that I'm still holding her shoulder when in reality I wasn't. Well this is where the water part come into play. Because my arms have the strength of an overcooked noodle my arm is shaking like a Polaroid!! And when I think it is just barely hovering her shoulder, it's actually about 6 inches above her shoulder (companions are great at keeping things in perspective for you...). We left shortly after that. The entire time I was praying and saying over and over again "Heavenly Father, do we need to leave?" "Do we need to leave?" I never got the "GO NOW" feeling and we ended up just fine. So there you go, if I get sent home (I won't, I asked the AP's about it) you'll know why. 😇

Scripture of the Week: 

Matthew 18:3
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Yesterday, we taught our cutie kiddos and invited them to be baptized and they said yes! Not just said yes but yelled and jumped! They could not wait! The oldest said "I can't wait to be baptized!! I want to be like Jesus Christ!" I made a comment how I wish all of our investigators were this excited to be baptized and this scripture came into mind. We are to be like little children, willing and excited to be obedient to our Heavenly Father and to be more like our Eldest Brother! 

I love being a missionary and I love y'all!!! Have a stellar week! 

My cutie kiddos who are being baptized!!!! 

My cutie kiddos who are being baptized!!!! 

Our fav Bro Granto who hid Easter eggs on the roof for kids...yup

Our fav Bro Granto who hid Easter eggs on the roof for kids...yup

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Biking in the rain is our fav past time

Biking in the rain is our fav past time

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Posted on April 4, 2018 .

March 26, 2018 - The Week of Amy!!!

Okay so this fun thing happens when you're halfway through your mission where your desire to write a weekly is literally in the trash can. That explains last week but let's look to the future and talk about this week!!! 

We experienced the biggest miracle this week! We made a friend during our first weeks here in Gainesville. Her name is Amy and we love her dearly! As dumb as it sounds, we haven't been able to think of a good way to bring up the gospel. We've talked about missionary life and so now she knows a lot about that! My beautiful companion does this cute thing she calls "blubbering." Basically she just gets really excited and talks at about 600 mph. When she does it though she asks questions that I'm too scared to ask like "oh did you get fired?" Or "we teach a series of lessons about our church, would you be intersted in learning more about it?" In this case it was the latter, thankfully. And Amy said yes!! It was so awesome. I love that feeling. 

Other than that this week has had lots of ups and downs but that's the life of a missionary! We have interviews this week so I'm very excited about that!! 

Instead of a scripture here's a quote I jotted down from zone conference a few weeks ago: 

"Success in life (or a mission if you are a missionary reading this) is found in going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm" I love this!! And that is all I have to say about that. 

We saw some gators and could not pass up the photo op

We saw some gators and could not pass up the photo op

Posted on March 27, 2018 .

March 14, 2018 - The Week of HUMPDAAAAYYYY

Okay nobody panic but I've been a missionary for 9 MONTHS!!!! What in the world?! Time flies when you're busier than busy (I almost said 'having fun' but I felt 'busy' was more real). I'm going to give you some highlights of the week because it was just too good to tell you everything. 

Highlight #1: Our deaf investigator came to church!!!! You guys, this is a straight miracle. Missionaries have been trying to get him to come to church for MONTHS and he finally came!! Also, shoutout to God for having the best plans in the entire universe!! The Porter's were a family that I served with in the St. Augustine Shores ward and they just happened to be there on Sunday! They were able to communicate with our investigator because their son is deaf!! Seriously you guys, God answers prayers. I promise you. He really really does. 

Highlight #2: We had zone conference on Monday! That's why y'all are hearing from me on this lovely humpday. It was so so good! We had Elder Lynn G. Robbins from the 70 come with his wife. They taught us some really great things. My favorites were Sister Robbins training on hope and happiness. I love that topic so much. I've been studying it a lot lately and actually just gave a training on that in a meeting so I'm grateful for her training in zone conference. #inspired Elder Robbins talked about so many different things but my favorite is the Book of Mormon. He said "The Book of Mormon has been blessed with a power" so trust in it! I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. One of my favorite general conference talks is Safety for the Soul by Jeffery R. Holland. He talks so boldly about the Book of Mormon and how vital it is. If it's been a hot minute since you've read/listened/watched that, I suggest you do that ASAP Rocky. It will be a game changer for you, I promise. 

Highlight #3: I hit my real deal humpday!!!! How crazy is that?! Here's the greatest lesson I've learned, are you ready?? CHARITY NEVER FAILETH. Yep. I stole that right from the relief society theme. I'm an old lady now and I can do that. 😏 But truly, charity is the most important part of missionary work in my opinion. You know in middle school when you had a crush on that cute boy and he texts you back and you think to yourself "well I can die happy now"?!?! That is the same feeling I have 100% of the time but so so much stronger and much more lasting than those middle school relationships. When our investigator came to Church on Sunday I was straight G I D D Y. No joke. Being a missionary is so gosh dang hard but it's so worth it when miracles like that happen. You guys, this is the happiest I've ever been. Also, the most exhausted I've ever been but definitely happy. 😁😁

1 John 4:18-21

   "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

   We love him, because he first loved us.

   If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

   And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."

Try to love yourselves, your neighbors, your family, your friends just a little bit more and a little bit better because the pure love of Christ can change everything.

I love y'all!! Have a stellar week and I'll talk to you real soon 🙃

Gainesville district

Gainesville district

Bby Winona left me

Bby Winona left me

Look at my STUNNING S. Gabbitas

Look at my STUNNING S. Gabbitas

We hit our 9 months and this is how we feel (I'm skressed)

We hit our 9 months and this is how we feel (I'm skressed)

Nah jokes we are fine 😁😁

Nah jokes we are fine 😁😁

Posted on March 19, 2018 .

March 05, 2018 - The Week of Helmet Hair

Let me tell ya, we LOVE biking weeks! When I say we I actually mean me. Sister Gabbitas has graduated from total hatred to just disliking biking. Progress am I right?! It's great. 🤗

We saw a lot of miracles this week! We got offered a car (I just had to date the mans son in order to get it), we cleaned out a house and I didn't see a cockroach (I did see a huge creepy crawly spider though) and we fixed Sister Gabbitas' bike (no downside to that...just happiness)!! It was a good week!

We are teaching some cutie little girls and yesterday we had our review lesson. I don't think I've ever been so stinkin proud to have someone tell me about the Plan of Salvation until these little kiddos. They remembered so much and I was SO proud of them!! #MamaBearPride 😍

This week I was asked to give a training on being agents to act and not to be acted upon. If you ever need a good study topic, I would highly reccommend this. I was reading the story of Peter walking on the sea. There is so much to be learned from this story so I will just tell y'all to go read it. BUT I will share my favorite verse from it. 

Matthew 14:30
"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me."

Our Savior is so ready to save us. We need to reach out our hand and cry out "Lord, save me." Seriously, go read it. Right now. Matthew 14.

Oh and Sister Gabbitas and I are staying for another transfer in good ol' Gainesville! 🎉 And we both hit our 9 month mark on Wednesday!! But I will reflect on that next week. 😉

My BEAUTIFUL companion!!!!!

My BEAUTIFUL companion!!!!!

My BEAUTIFUL companion!!!!!

My BEAUTIFUL companion!!!!!

My BEAUTIFUL companion!!!!!

My BEAUTIFUL companion!!!!!

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Posted on March 19, 2018 .

February 26, 2018 - The Week of Pictures

To be perfectly honest here, my motivation to write a good, inspirational weekly is pretty non-existent. So I will, instead, send a scripture and a TON of pictures. Get ready for it.

This week's scripture comes from Ether 12 in the Book of Mormon. 

Ether 12:27 

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

I've been studying humility this week and I'm so grateful for a Savior who so wilingly forgives, forgets and improves us. He has made me so much more than I could ever be by myself. I love Him because He loves me.

Have a stellar week!! 

Our beautiful Fantasia brought us some of the beach 💕

Our beautiful Fantasia brought us some of the beach 💕

Milkshakes are a growing issue for me.... #sugarrushfordayzz

Milkshakes are a growing issue for me.... #sugarrushfordayzz

I had to say goodbye to Miss Harris and I'm very not okay about it (I didn't get to see them this week but farewell to S. Hardy, Gilbert and Ganir) 💔

I had to say goodbye to Miss Harris and I'm very not okay about it (I didn't get to see them this week but farewell to S. Hardy, Gilbert and Ganir) 💔

My previous, beautiful compañero

My previous, beautiful compañero

My previous, beautiful compañero

My previous, beautiful compañero

The Crew

The Crew

Posted on March 4, 2018 .

February 19, 2018 - The Week of Love

Don't you love being a missionary for Valentines Day week?? Oh it's so great. I especially love when the sacrament talks are all about marriage. That is a personal favorite topic for me right now in my life. 🙃 But on the real, this week really was good!

We had trade-off's with our beautiful STLs on Wednesday! Sister Elwell and I stayed here in Gainesville and Sister Gabbitas went the 2nd Ward with Sister Winona. Sister Elwell was a trooper with a capital T as we walked 5783466 miles to get to a house where no one was even home. Let's just say, our calves resemble one of Michelangelo's pieces. #Blessed🌟

We have a member in our ward who has wanted us to teach his daughters for a long time now and we finally were able to set up a time with them! I haven't taught kids for a looonnnggg time (since I was with Sister McConnell in St. Augustine) so it's been a hot minute and I forgot how different it is. I love it though!! It's much more interactive and they think we are pretty cool which is a bonus when everyone else thinks you are an absolute nutter.👍 It was really fun!

I will give y'all a much better scripture to make up for last week's scripture (though funny, it was not at all spiritually uplifting...oops🤗)! So here it is!

1 Nephi 15:24 

"And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." 

In this verse Nephi is explaining to his brothers what the "iron rod" was in Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life. The 'iron rod' that we are supposed to hold so tightly to is the Word of God, scriptures. What an incredible promise! When we study, not just read, our scriptures we are given the power to overcome temptations that come our way, and anything else the adversary could throw at us. I don't know about you but I want that promise!! Hold tight to the scriptures, I promise it will bring you power.

I hope you have a STELLAR week and I will talk to y'all next week! 😙

THE beautiful Sister Elwell 💕

THE beautiful Sister Elwell 💕

Companions that massage your back are companions you want in your life always

Companions that massage your back are companions you want in your life always

A little encouragement for your week

A little encouragement for your week

Posted on March 4, 2018 .

February 12, 2018 - The Week of Hymn #152

This week was so good. We had zone conference (which is my favorite thing ever) and it was incredible!! I always love A) seeing all my friends and B) getting a spiritual recharge. This zone conference we watched a devotional given by Jeffrey R. Holland to the missionaries in the MTC a while ago. If there was ever a better person to get a rebuking from I would like to hear them speak as well. He was telling the story from John 21 (if you haven't read it recently, read it). He asked us very point blank if we loved the Savior and if so, feed His sheep. It was much more powerful than what I can put unto words but trust me, it was really incredible. The Spirit gave me some corrective nudges and I'm excited to try harder to be better. 

We had such a good lesson with our lovely Fantasia this week as well! My wonderful companion is so in tune with the Spirit and invited her to be baptized on March 3rd and she accepted it!! I am so grateful to be part of this work that is 110% Spirit-led. She is taking amazing strides in her life and I am such a lucky girl to be a part of it. Keep her in your prayers! ❤

In honor of the wondrous holiday coming up on Wednesday (particularly a favorite of the missionaries 🙃) I will share the scripture that is oh so relevant. 

1 Thessalonians 5:26
"Greet all thy brethren with a holy kiss." 😃

I love y'all! Have a happy love day, I know I will (jokes. I'm biking this week so....)! 

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Posted on February 12, 2018 .

February 05, 2018 - The Week of the Long-Awaited Milkshake Moment

Hey Y'all!

This is so cliche to say but time is FLYING. I'm talking breaking the sound barrier kind of flying. ✈ This Wednesday I will have been on my mission for exactly 8 months. Good granny it's going by so fast. In honor of my eighth month mark I am going to tell you 8 things I LOVE about being a missionary. 

🎉 8 Things I Love About Being a Missionary 🎉

1. I love seeing the look on people's faces when they open the door and see it's the missionaries. Classic. 
2. I love being given substantial time to study my scriptures in the morning! My studies mean the world to me. 
3. I love that biking in a skirt. 'nuff said. 
4. I love getting to know members! They are so important in missionary work!
5. I love knowing the towns I'm serving in better than the people who live there. #I'mWorkingOnHumilityCanYouTell?
6. I love being totally cut off from the world. It has it's perks believe it or not.
7. I love meeting people and seeing how much God has prepared them for the Gospel.
8. I love seeing the change in others as they come to know the truthfullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their entire countance changes and they become so much closer to the person Heavenly Father Needs them to be. It's an incredible process to be a part of. 

This week has been a lot of meeting members and making a bunch of suuppppeeerrrr awkward contacts. It's a goal of ours to see how many awkward contacts we can get. We are killing the awkward contact game!!!!👍

This week I have been trying really hard to be much more spirit-led in all aspects of missionary work. That includes my studies. I normally have a study outline that I follow but this week I've gone off the beaten path a little bit. I spent a whole study session studying "Patience." It was AWESOME!!!! Holy Hannah I will include a pic of the scriptures and I want y'all to read them cause they are so good!! I was looking to learn about patience, and I did, but I learned so much more about how much our Heavenly Father loves us! ❤

My scripture for the week: 

Mark 6:41-42

"And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

And they did all eat, and were filled." 

Jeffery R. Holland said "Don’t worry about Christ running out of ability to help you. His grace is sufficient. That is the spiritual, eternal lesson of the feeding of the 5,000.” Since he is much more eloquent with his words, I won't add anything to it. 

I love y'all! Have an awesome week!! 

Your fav sister missionary, 
Sister Allgaier ❤

S. Allgaier's super secret (not) scripture study

S. Allgaier's super secret (not) scripture study

We've been trying to have a milkshake moment since we got here and have not had the time. This week we finally had it!!! It was great.

We've been trying to have a milkshake moment since we got here and have not had the time. This week we finally had it!!! It was great.

We love biking!!!!  🙃🙃

We love biking!!!!  🙃🙃

Posted on February 5, 2018 .

January 29, 2018 - The Week I Was 'Grown Up'

I experienced SO many miracles this week!! Sister Gabbitas and I are so blessed to be in Gainesville! Whitewash miracles are so real. That's for sure. 

This week has been crazy. We packed up, said goodbyes, unpacked and said a lot more hellos. This ward is super cute. I have literally never been in a louder ward! There's just so many kids it's insane. Definitely my happy place. The ward is made up of a lot of young men in their residency with young wives and super young kids. It's a young ward, did I mention that? 🙃 It's a lot of fun though. I have already made some many small town Utah connections (most of them are from Utah as well)! It's going to be so great. 

The area is definitely not St. Aug (RIP) but it will be good once we know it better. We do have a map with all the areas marked that we are not to go into during the dark hours. I moved my pepper spray into a more accessible compartment of my bag #SafetyFirst

We met the sweetest girl this week. We were actually looking for her brother who used to meet with missionaries but met her instead! She is so genuine! I see some really great things for her in her future. 

Not so fun story: it took me about 6 months to see my first cockroach in St Aug and we have already had TWO here. Let me repeat that: T W O. Disgusting.... but it's fine. I can do hard things, right?

Okay let me explain my subject. I was talking to a cute kid and we were talking about what we wanted to be when we grow up. I asked him to guess what I wanted to be when I grow up. His response was "you're already grown up?" Nope. No I am not. I am 20 years old and am young gosh dang it!! He then guessed I was going to be fashion designer... I think it was because I was wearing the skirt S. Gilbert gave me (shoutout to AP Gilbert). It was a funny moment for me. 😌

My scripture of the week comes from the New Testament! 

Luke 15:20
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." 

This verse comes from the parabke of the prodigal son. If you haven't read that recently I HIGHLY recommend that you do. It's such an incredible story. This verse in particular means a lot to me. Especially the line that says "But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him..." He had to be actively looking for his son. He couldn't be standing around doing dishes to see his son from a great way off. He had to be looking. Heavenly Father does the exact same thing! He's looking for us and as soon as we begin to step towards Him, He is "unfailingly running to help us." -Jeffery R. Holland

I love my Savior so much!

I love y'all and hope y'all have a fabulous week!!

Bye St. Aug ❤❤❤❤

Bye St. Aug ❤❤❤❤

Bye St. Aug ❤❤❤❤

Bye St. Aug ❤❤❤❤

Bye St. Aug ❤❤❤❤

Bye St. Aug ❤❤❤❤

Sister Gabbitas 🙃

Sister Gabbitas 🙃

Posted on January 29, 2018 .

January 22, 2018 - The Week of My First Real Transfer

I didn't send out a weekly last week because I didn't have a whole lot to say and like zero pictures. So brace yourselves because this one will be a doozy!! 😉

The biggest announcement from this week was transfer call!!! I'm excited to announce that I am experiencing my first real transfer! After 7.5 months in St. Augustine I am leaving and heading to Gainesville, FL!! I am so stinking pumped. I will be with Sister Gabbitas, who I came out with! I have only heard positive things about my new area and my new companion! I've heard it's a college town so gotta pull out my YSA skills... It's been a minute. Also, we are "pink washing." That means there have been elders there previously and they are trading the elders for sisters. We are both going in blind and I am totally stoked!!!

I have loved my time in St. Augustine! The love I have for the people here is so immense. I am so grateful for all those who helped me start my mission off in the right way! Saying goodbye wasn't super fun, but it is my time to spread my wings and fly! 🦅 

My scripture of the week is Sister Gilbert and I's companionship scripture. 

1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren,  pray for us." 

I love Sister Gilbert so much and am so grateful for her!! She has helped me so much and I am so excited for her to become an STL (sister training leader)!!! She is the bomb.com and her sisters will be so lucky to have her!! She's the best,. Also, shoutout to my mission mama who is going home to sweet old Springville this Wednesday!! I love both my companions and I'm excited to love my next one!! 

I love y'all!!! 

Mission Mama

Mission Mama

#StressSquad

#StressSquad

Miss Sarah made us a GIAGANTIC cake

Miss Sarah made us a GIAGANTIC cake

AP Gilbert and I 

AP Gilbert and I 

Knudsen

Knudsen

Hi Best Friend

Hi Best Friend

Posted on January 22, 2018 .

January 08, 2018 - The Week I Was an AP for a Day

This week was full of unexpected changes (Sis. A's favorite thing in the whole wide world!!!!😑) so let's take a recap to see how well she kept her cool. 

Unexpected Change #1: President Thomas S. Monson passed away. Okay, its not entirelt unexpected but when your district leader calls you at 6:30am to tell you, its unexpected. I am so grateful to have had the influence of President Monson. I have had the opprotunity to watch the documentary on his life (On The Lord's Errand: The Life of Thomas S. Monson) quite a few times on my mission and he had got to be the most dedicated servant of the Lord there is. He is an amazing example of having full faith in God and trusting His plan. I'm grateful for his life and his service. ❤

Unexpected Change #2: Zone conference was postponed due to hazardous road conditions. Normally not a big deal BUT I had purposely scheduled to take our car into the shop the day after zone conference, Thursday, so we could have a car for zone conference. Then our conference got moved to Friday. Joy. But it all worked out in the end because I have some stinkin awesome AP's. It was freezing and raining on Wednesday and they called us to see if we were biking, which we were, and told us they would be bringing us a car because it was too cold to be biking. Shoutout to the best AP's ever!!!! I have never felt cooler riding in a mini van. 

Unexpected Change #3: It was actually freezing here!! Like I'm talking, butt stinkin cold. It does look like it's going to warm up a little bit then plunge back down again. Who knew it got cold here? I'll probably say that 6000 more times.

Unexpected Change #4: Actually I can't think of anymore.... 🙃

But this week was really really good. Even though there were many things that went wrong. A lot of things went really really well! In zone conference we talked about our new mission focus. It is to minister one by one. I love it!!! I think my most favorite part of being a missionary is that I get the opportunity to be more like my Savior. He is my best friend and ultimate example. Which leads into my scripture for the week: 

3 Nephi 17:21 

"And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them."

Have a fabulous week!!! I love y'all!!! ❤

Posted on January 10, 2018 .

January 01, 2018 - The Week of Holidays

This week was so stinkin long! It could be because our last PDay was 8pm Saturday or it could be that we had 4 days of holidays this week where we weren't able to actively prosolyte. But probably a mix of both. Never fear, it was still crazy busy.

I was feeling very Colbie Caillat as I spent Christmas on the beach (cue Footprints in the Sand)! It was BUTT COLD but we suffered through. #FloridaWinterProbs It was a really great Christmas though. I am so grateful for technology that allows me to see my family and talk to them! It was so great. We spent the whole weekend in members homes! Including my absolute favorite family (they know who they are)! I loved my Christmas!! 🎄❤

This week we did something so fun! We did the "Book of Mormon Project" to give people the opportunity to read the Book of Mormon in a non-threatening and non-commital way. We handed out individual pages of the Book of Mormon to people to read and Mark any reference to 'God' or 'Jesus Christ.' It was awesome! It made me so grateful for the entire Book of Mormon that is contstantly testifying of our Savior and our Heavenly Father.

Speaking of the Book of Mormon, this week I finished the Book of Mormon!! I had a testimony of the Book of Mormon pre-mission but it is so so much stronger now. There is no doubt in my mind that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it is SO TRUE. So much peace can come from it.

Really quick, let's talk about the new year!! Happy 2018!!! As great as last year was, I'm pretty sure this year will top last year. I'm so excited to set new goals and do my very best this year and I hope y'all do the same. My 2018 challenge to y'all is to read the Book of Mormon every stinkin day. If you read 1.5 pages a day you can finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!! 🍋 So do it, I dare you. To give you some motivation, here is my scripture of the week that is in fact FOUND in the Book of Mormon!

2 Nephi 4:19
"And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted"

I know in whom I have trusted and even though things get hard and life is tough, I KNOW in whom I have trusted. ❤ 

Love y'all! Have a FABULOUS week!!

Biking does wonders for my calves...unfortunately not for my attractiveness

Biking does wonders for my calves...unfortunately not for my attractiveness

Merry Christmas from the #StressSquad

Merry Christmas from the #StressSquad

Hot chocolate for my 12 year old self and herbal tea for my mature companion

Hot chocolate for my 12 year old self and herbal tea for my mature companion

Lots of love 2017, see you never

Lots of love 2017, see you never

Christmas on beach

Christmas on beach

Posted on January 1, 2018 .

December 23, 2017 - The Week with Only Four Days

Guess who's back, back again (cue slim shady (except that's apostate so don't actually))?! Since Christmas is on our normal pday we have PDay today!

Not a whole lot has happened this week to be honest. We've been caroling a lot which is by far my most favorite missionary activity!! Everyone is so much nicer and willing to let us talk to them...for the most part.

One of my most favorite experiences this week comes from my personal study time. I'm working my way through the Book of Mormon and right now I am reading 3 Nephi. Christ has appeared to the people of the Americas and He's speaking to them. I loved loved LOVED studying that this week. Especially with Christmas right around the corner (!!!!!!). I have learned a lot of my mission so far and I've learned even more about my Savior. I am eternally grateful for Him. I will never be able to fully express it in words but I love Him with all that I am. He is my absolute favorite part of Christmas.

I love y'all! Have a fabulous Christmas and I'll talk to y'all in the new year (except my family who I get to talk to on Monday!!!!!!!❤🎄❤🎄!!! 

We share a message about Jesus Christ, wanna TACO 'bout it?

We share a message about Jesus Christ, wanna TACO 'bout it?

We share a message about Jesus Christ, wanna TACO 'bout it?

We share a message about Jesus Christ, wanna TACO 'bout it?

Miss Photogenic at it again!

Miss Photogenic at it again!

Happy Chrysler y'all!!! (Guess that reference!)

Happy Chrysler y'all!!! (Guess that reference!)

Posted on December 23, 2017 .

December 18, 2017 - The Week I Rode a Bike... IN PANTS!!

This week has been so full of ups and downs! Shocker I know... But definitely more ups than downs that's for sure. We saw a lot of miracles! Yesterday, I was really sad because none of the investigators who had promised they would come to church did. I was slightly angry because we had done everything that we were supposed to do and they just didn't come (agency is reallllyyyy annoying sometimes let me tell ya...). So I was feeling all sorts of sorry for myself when a member came over to us and introduced his friend to us by saying "she's very interested about the church and would like to learn more." WHAT?! Crazy crazy miracle. I jumped right out of my slump and slipped right back into happy, missionary, Sister Allgaier. Do what you're supposed to and blessings WILL come! 

This week we watched the Life of Thomas S. Monson with an interpreter for language study and I was amazed at his dear wife, Frances. She never complained! If the wife of the prophet of the church never complained surely the small-town, Utah missionary doesn't need to complain either!! So I made it a goal not to complain this week. I was tested...oh man was I tested... (Sidenote: if you are not dressed, please PLEASE do not answer the door. It's just not neccesary *gags*) I am an imperfect human but I did the very best I could and it changed everything! I was such a happy missionary! 

The scripture of the week comes from the Book of Mormon (again). 
Mosiah 4:9
"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." 
Belief is so powerful!! If you can't believe but you have the desire to believe, it says in Alma to let that desire work in you. Keep praying, keep reading your scriptures, keep coming to church and belief will come. Eventually, belief will turn into faith. And faith is beautiful! So work at it!! 

I love y'all! Oh and just so you know, because Christmas falls on a PDay my pday for next week has been moved. I will be having PDay on Saturday, December 23rd. So I will talk to y'all real soon. 🎉

My most favorite people ever ❤❤

My most favorite people ever ❤❤

My most favorite people ever ❤❤

My most favorite people ever ❤❤

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My most favorite people ever ❤❤

My most favorite people ever ❤❤

My most favorite people ever ❤❤

My most favorite people ever ❤❤

Bike riding in PANTS!!!!

Bike riding in PANTS!!!!

'Tis the season for caroling

'Tis the season for caroling

Also 'tis the season for diabetes (ft. The Grinch Cakes I made for our district meeting)

Also 'tis the season for diabetes (ft. The Grinch Cakes I made for our district meeting)

Also 'tis the season for diabetes (ft. The Grinch Cakes I made for our district meeting)

Also 'tis the season for diabetes (ft. The Grinch Cakes I made for our district meeting)

Also 'tis the season for diabetes (ft. The Grinch Cakes I made for our district meeting)

Also 'tis the season for diabetes (ft. The Grinch Cakes I made for our district meeting)

Posted on December 18, 2017 .

December 11, 2017 - The Week I Saw My Breath... In Florida!

This has been such a fun week!! As my title suggests, it was BUTT COLD this week. Still is mind you. When I first received my call to serve here in Jacksonville, Florida and people told me it would actually get cold, I laughed in their face. Well guess who is laughing now... everyone. Literally everyone cause it's frigid. But it makes caroling feel more normal! 

This past week we had our mission Christmas party and it was a blast! I love seeing all of my mission friends and meeting new ones. I'm so grateful to be serving a mission during Christmas. I said it last week and I'm probably say it a few times more but I LOVE CHRISTMAS AS A MISSIONARY. It's the best.

Transfers were this week and Sister Gilbert and I are safe!! I'm going to be in St. Augustine for 7.5 months! Cue the applause. 🎉🎉 I'm so excited to be here for another transfer. I love being able to serve with the deaf and use the talents God gave me to help them. I love love this area!! The other sisters, Sister Knudsen and Sister Daniels, are also staying!! Yay for the #StressSquad staying together for another 6 weeks!! As for the elders, we will be gaining a brand new greenie fresh from the MTC in our district as well as another elder who has been out for just a little less than me. It's going to be a good one!! 

My scripture this week is found in the Book of Mormon. 
Helaman 5:47
"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world." Faith in Jesus Christ is vital! That's why it's the first principle in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we rely on our faith in the Savior, not only will we be okay but we will have peace and KNOW we will be okay. That's one of the many blessings of having faith and what a blessing that is. I'm so grateful for the peace and knowledge that comes from having a foundation in Christ. 

I love y'all! Have a fantastic week!

#StressSquad

#StressSquad

Miss Photogenic ft. One of my fav STL's S. Hardy

Miss Photogenic ft. One of my fav STL's S. Hardy

Trying to stay warm in the Polar Ice Caps

Trying to stay warm in the Polar Ice Caps

Service for daysssssss

Service for daysssssss

Service for daysssssss

Service for daysssssss

Service for daysssssss

Service for daysssssss

Rhianna!!!!

Rhianna!!!!

Posted on December 11, 2017 .

December 04, 2017 - The Week My Companion Was Born

*Special birthday shoutout to my cutie comp* 🍩🎉🎁 

Friends, 

Let me tell you, Christmas time is the best time to be a missionary! Let me tell you why. You can knock people's doors at 8:50pm at night and no one gets mad at you as long as you're talking about Christmas or singing about Christmas!! It's the best!! Now Christmas in Florida is a whole new ball game. Never did I think I would go caroling in December wearing sandals while breaking a sweat. It's so fun!

This week has been so super humbling and so happy! We have been teaching a cute deaf couple and they decided to be baptized!! I am so happy for them! They are great. It was cute, when I told them I might be leaving soon (transfers are coming up) they offered to move up the baptism date to this coming Saturday so I would for sure be there. I made sure we clarified that it doesn't work quite like that and being baptized in January is a much better idea.

I hope you are all doing your very best to #LightTheWorld. What an awesome opprotunity to show other what we believe by serving others! I've noticed that service is a such a brilliant way to help others know Christ through our actions. Never ever doubt the power of kindness and service.

Transfers are coming up this week and who knows what will happen but what I do know is that I stinkin love being a missionary!! It's so hard but it's a good hard... are you picking up what I'm putting down? If not, serve a mission and then we'll talk. ;)

Love y'all!!

Scripture of the Week: Helaman 5:47 "Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world"

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Posted on December 4, 2017 .

November 27, 2017 - The Week or Turkey and Presents

This was such a fun week! My heart is full of gratitude (and not just because it's Thanksgiving). I don't have a ton of time but I do want to say thank you to all of you who are supporting me out here! I love y'all and enjoy some pictures from this week.

Round 2 at Alligator Farm

Round 2 at Alligator Farm

Thanksgiving day was spent at the church and my grandma comp was knitting

Thanksgiving day was spent at the church and my grandma comp was knitting

Opening the BEST card ever for my birthday

Opening the BEST card ever for my birthday

Posted on November 27, 2017 .

November 20, 2017 - The Week We Got Hit By a Semi-Truck

This week has been wild. My subject line does not lie. This past Wednesday, I was driving and waiting in a turn left lane when a semi truck behind me decided not to slow down quick enough and nudged our little 2017 Chevy Malibu right out of its way. True story! Thankfully, everyone is okay. Our car bum is a little smooshed, poor Baby Balooga. We put him in the shop this week so keep him in your prayers (and us cause we will be out of a car for a hot minute). 

Just wait, THERE'S MORE. Friday morning, at the bright and early time of 6:30am, we left the apartment to go running. Sweet, sleepy Sister Allgaier locked the door behind her. With no key. Not my brightest moment. Our loving bishops wife came and picked us up and took us to her house where she made us breakfast and let us warm up, since it was surprisingly chilly outside. We then made the hour and a half walk back to our home to meet the locksmith who was going to let us in. We finally showered at 11 o'clock. Some missionaries only exercise for half an hour and others exercise until 11 o'clock. What can I say, we are dedicated!! 

Despite the wild adventures of Sister Gilbert and Sister Allgaier, I did actually want to share something spiritual with y'all (that southern thing is rubbing off on me gosh dang it....)! 
Something I loved studying this week was being a completely consecrated missionary! Missionary work is not always fun, it's not always easy and it's not always rewarding immediately. But when we give ourselves completely to the Lord we can stand with the utmost assurance and know that He is watching out for us. My current favorite scripture is Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." Do ALL you can and do it with a smile on your face (forced or not) and be still. Know He is God. 

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving week! I have so many things to be grateful for and I know y'all do as well.

The damage

The damage

The damage

The damage

Night of Lights with my cutie district

Night of Lights with my cutie district

Night of Lights with my cutie district

Night of Lights with my cutie district

Sister Allgaier's little stupidity moment (I locked myself out)

Sister Allgaier's little stupidity moment (I locked myself out)

SUPER unflattering picture of my bff and I ❤

SUPER unflattering picture of my bff and I ❤

Posted on November 20, 2017 .