Well it has been interesting here in Sidney.  Those who may have heard about the tornado it was about 3 hours away and there wasn't a ton of damage.  We got the weather but no tornado.  We did however freak out though when we heard a siren that sounded like a tornado one but half the town just lost power.  But anways I'm alive no big deal.

    Monday we drove out to Culbertson which is an hour away.  We saw an investigator who said he won't do anything until his daughter pushes him.  She is going on a mission to Australia though.  On our way back the member who was driving ran out of gas.  So we had to slowly drive back and get gas but we didn't get home till like 5 minuter before 1030 so it was a late night and we were exhausted.

    Tuesday we saw another investigator who is on date.  He has a mental health issue and we aren't sure whether he understands enough to keep commitments so its kinda hard to know whether to push his date back or not.  We saw one of our less actives who is smoking again.......  She tried to hide it but we are like detectives.  Then we saw a recent convert who we get to talk about the priesthood with which is fun.  Love being able to learn more about that.

   Wednesday we went to help move a family and oh my I wanted to burn my clothes and my skin it was gross......  I'm glad we helped but it was bad hopefully the new place can stay clean.  Basically our whole day fell through though so we just tried people.

    Thursday was Sister Wells birthday so Sister Dvaz made breakfast and I blew up balloons it was a fun day.  Then we went to check out bikes from a family because we are short on miles and its nice out side so we are getting the stuff to ride.  So excited to get in shape more.  Then we had weekly planning which is hard to do when we are so tired.  We went to a members home who made cheesecake for the birthday wohoo it was super good.  We had a huge blitz with the ward to go find people and it was a success besides me being allergic to animals and it didn't end well for my eyes but I'm all good now.

     Friday we drove to Glendive for Zone Training which was amazing we got a little chastised but we needed it.  The elders however said we would be great fathers so we are all men now and can wear pants all the time wohoo.  Some elders joked around with us about it.  Then we came back and saw some more people nothing to crazy though.

      Saturday was intense.  We saw some less actives and got some new clothes which is always nice until you have to pack them up.  We went and saw some people before the elders called.  We were supposed to go to stake conference that night but the elders were at the priesthood session and a general authority basically kicked them out so we didn't go.  We were sad we really wanted to go.....  We went to dinner and then got ice cream and planned our evening out.  We drove out to Fairview through a thunder storm that had the tornado but we are safe.  It was a lot of fun I miss the lightening storms.

      Sunday we drove to stake conference and it was awesome.  We learned a lot and Elder Zwick asked all the missionaries and parents of missionaries serving to stand and feel the love from our parents.  We all got a little teary eyed.....  Sister Hess gave us permission to go to a state park but we didn't because it was Sunday but we will next time we got to Glendive.  We came home saw some less actives had dinner and saw a family who is wrking on a few people for us to teach wohoo!!!!!!

    Well I'm awful at spiritual thoughts so sorry not sorry I'm busy with Missionary work :)  haha I love you all have a great week!!!!!!

-- 

Sister Haley McDonald

1 we found a mission street so naturally we took a photo

2 sister dvaz didn't like the watermelon

3 birthday breakfast it was good

4 we like our trio

5 its lemonade I swear

Well I'm the only one from my group that is still with my trainer but hey I love her to death so its all good!  Sister Wells joined us this week but I'll tell more about that later

    Monday we tried to do stuff but everything was closed so we did emails at the church and got more cinnamon rolls.  If I didn't say this before I have had like 10 cinnamon rolls in the last 2 weeks I think.... One of the elders hand made them and they are good but then we went to the Daniel family home because they love us and bought us pizza.  Pretty awesome then we had to go to another dinner with our ward mission leader.  That was really good.  Then we saw our less active who needs to move into assissted living she can't do anything on her own anymore which stinks.  We ended at the Daniel home again because that always happens on Monday apparently so we were given more food and it wasnt healthy.

    Tuesday was an odd day.  Well the whole week was but tuesday we visited a member who has mental health issues and its bad but she won't let anyone help it sucks seeing it.  We saw another less active who is super sweet and gave us more food.  We had dinner and talked about family history I so wanna do this dna test so bad but thats not happening right now so it's on my to do list.  Then we had ward coordination and we have to figure out when we are gonna do the temple trip.

    Wednesday we spent a lot of time moving and cleaning becuase we had to move back to the other apartment to fit the trio.  We had the elders move a bed for us because we didn't want to do it.  They took a bunch of stuff for us.  We got a new investigator it was awesome!  He seems interested and we are building up the kingdom!!  We switched cars with the elders...  We have the rogue so excited it drives way better love it.   It was sad to see the elders leave though having two sets of missionaries in the area is fun so now we are alone :(

    Thursday we spent 4 hours moving and unpacking so it would be all ready for Sister Wells.  I forgot I really hate moving......  We went and saw some less actives before the Zone Leaders texted us to go pick sister Wells up.  We drove to Glendive and got her.   She has been out as long as Sister Dvaz.  We drove back to Sidney and got some good bug spray that fights ticks because we have to check for those now bleh.  We were given it from a member mom here.  She is pregnant super excited she is an awesome mom.  Then we went to the Daniel home for dinner and it was good and always entertaining.

     Friday we had to drive back to Glendive for district meeting which was really short because we only have 3 sets of missionaries now.  It's small but still fun we are now the only sisters in our entire zone though..  We saw a less active afterwards and it was an awesome lesson she also gave us pins and jewelry super sweet lady.  Then we went to dinner and that went long as usual.  Then we had another lesson but she was grumpy with us when we told her we were running late but oh well we couldn't change it.  Kinda a crappy day

    Saturday we spent a majority of our day weekly planning..... Elders didnt make it easy they don't write very much about lessons and ya..  We didn't even finish that day.  We went to dinner and Sister Wells shared this awesome message about our worth.  Then we went to our investigator who is finally getting out of the house wohoo.

     Sunday was good awesome fast sundays here.  We had a lesson with our investigator on date and she is doing so awesome.  Super excited for them.  We saw some less actives the elders were working with but we played uno.  They are kids and need to warm up to us.  I won wohoo.  We had dinner and oh my at dinner we were sitting there and orange juice exploded!  It was crazy all our ears were ringing.  We have no idea what caused it but we will go with almost died by orange juice...  Then guess what more weekly planning but we finally finished.   It took like 5 hours this week we were going to loose it.  Then we had a recent convert lesson and I need to study priesthood more so I can teach better I know hardly anything ugh!!!

So apparently I am picking up an accent it is a little southern with Utah and North Dakota so ya I love her haha.

 This week has been really odd sorry I don't have a spiritual thought I can't think my brain is gone but I love this gospel and I'm so grateful for the atonement and the help it gives to eveyone including me!

love you all!!!!!!!

Sister Haley McDonald

1 our cute wall decorations we did

2 we got bored during lunch before we got Sister Wells

3This is Sister Wells super sweet

4 a giant snake we saw gross

5 our trio

6 our new car we named him kessler after saturday warriors

7 we are having fun

Well its been crazy here people.  A little overwhelming some days but trying to do it all.

    Monday we got stuck in some members homes but they were fun conversations.

  Tuesday we had exchanges so Sister Shutt came to Sidney.  We saw one less active and were able to have a conversation which is a miracle!!!!  Then we saw another less active who we read with before going to dinner.  After dinner we had ward coordination which didn't go well at all.  I needed sister D'Vaz there because the members went against stuff I was saying about less actives they don't see and we see each week....  I was upset but we went and did work and then got food from a bridal shower we didn't attend :)

   Wednesday we switched back and we went to a less active/investigators home and had an awesome lesson but we won't being seeing them till September now....  Then we went to a members home to get a hair cut for Sister D'Vaz.  Then we went to a lesson in a members home but the investigator was extremely distracted so it was just okay.  We talked with the member and got some advice about other investigators since she is an awesome Returned Missionary.  Then we had to go give seminary their test and we ran late for dinner because it had to be done that day.  I always feel awful showing up late.

 Thursday we cut members lawn which was fun and had lunch there.  I tried crab but it was just okay.  Then we had to weekly plan and most of our appointments fell through so we tried a bunch of people who wouldn't answer.

  Friday we went to district meeting but had to drive back to Sidney to have interviews with president.  We couldnt hang out with the sisters who are leaving now.  But interviews went well.  I found out I was staying and was gonna be very busy but Sister D'Vaz found out all of it.  Then we saw some people but it was really hard to stay focused after that.  Super hard.  We were invited to a members home  for ice cream because our temple trip on saturday got cancelled.  That was a lot of fun.

   Saturday we had calls to confirm what we were told the night before.  Me and Sister D'Vaz are staying another transfer and getting Sister Wells.  I'm in a trio well will be on Thursday.  But the elders area is getting closed down so we have 8 towns to be over and Wait for it WE GET THE NISSAN ROGUE!!!!  No more tiny car that can barely hold speed.  Super excited but this also means we have to move again not excited about that either but it should be a fun transfer.  We had lunch with a less active and it was yummy.  Most of our appointments fell through again.  Then we went to dinner at a members property in Crane we had a bonfire and hobo dinners which were super good.  We smelt like smoke but thats okay!  Then we went to an investigators home and she opened the door!  She hasnt opened it herself in months so super exciting.

      Sunday was good.  We had to teach valiant 10 and it was fun.  They will be awesome missionaries when they go out.  Then we had a really good lesson with our daily less active about patriarchal blessings and we have set that as a goal for her.  We saw some people who weren't at church and we got excuses but they should be there next week.  We had dinner with this family who is just so much fun to be around.  Love this ward so much and glad I'm staying longer.

  Well this week has been crazy and this next week will be even worse.  But hey its work and we are glad to not be bored! love you all :)

-- 

Sister Haley McDonald

1 seminary class

2 me on the lawn mower 

3 see crab

4 Sister Dvaz pointing to a smiley face a member drew on the window

5 the smiley face

Well this week was a little odd. since we had to drive to Bismarck and move so it was weird.

       Monday we left with the elders to Glendive and then drove with the sisters to Bismarck.  We were going to play sports but then we saw stores and we all got new outfits for zone conference... It is hard to not shop in a big town when you have like 2 stores normally and they aren't cheap... We had applebees too loads of fun.  Then we went to the sisters apartment in Bismarck.  We talked with them for a while one of the sisters is my missionary grandma and is super cute love her and the other sister was a lot of fun as well.

       Tuesday we had to get ready earlier since they were feeding us breakfast at 7 at the church.  We went to the church and waited for Elder Martino to come.  So exciting we got to shake his hand and his wife's hand well I gave her a hug because she is a sister and I can do that.  The Zone conference was so good though!!  He basically chastised all of the missionaries but we needed it.  He also told us we shouldn't be tracting because its not effective and that MEMBERS are the way to go...  So we are avoiding tracting because members are how its done.  So after Zone Conference we hung out with other missionaries because we don't see that many very often.  Then we got lost trying to find the mission office but we figured it out and then took the long drive back to Glendive.  Where we got in the elders car and drove another hour home (it takes 4 hours to get to Bismarck).  It was a lot of fun though.  Got to see some missionaries that got transferred. 

      Wednesday we went on splits with the relief society president and one of her counselors.  I was able to meet one og our less active sisters who is getting married.  We also got to see another sister who told us she cant come to church without starting a fight at home.  How ridiculous is that?  It bothers me... but she cant deal with it because she is pregnant and I feel so bad for her.  We were able to read with another less active who seems to be doing a lot better and was at church yesterday.

    Thursday we had weekly planning and we packed.  I forgot how much packing sucks and I just don't wanna do it.  We did take stuff over to the new apartment though.  The member who we moved in with took us out for dinner and it was yummy.  After dinner we went to Fairview with some members to see an investigator but she refused to come out so we talked to her less active husband who promised to be at church again and he was so that was good.  We had some entertaining conversations with the member and now owe them cupcakes because they called the elders and asked a weird question.  We were dying in the car but we had to be quiet.

       Friday was moving day so we packed and waited for the elders to help us move since we have a small car that holds a small amount of stuff.  We were wanting to go have a lesson but we couldn't because we didn't know when they would show up.  But we got moved and the Bismarck zone leaders came with the stuff we needed besides some bed frames which will come with transfers next week.  We did have a really good lesson with a less active though who isn't going to the temple now which sucks but they are talking more.  We went to drop something off at a members home and got invited for pizza so we did training with members which was awesome especially since the home was a less active one super cool went very well.

        Saturday was weird as well. We saw a less active and walked a lot we can walk from one side to another in like 30 minutes.  But we tried some people who wouldn't answer and then we went to the members home to go to the Luau.  We did get permission from President.  It was a lot of fun. Authentic food and the wards in Williston out it on but we couldn't see all of it.  We had to drive back for a baptism.  It was super good though the spirit was so strong.  They also asked us to bare out testimonies.  The missionaries I mean.  So all 4 of us shared testimonies and it was so good especially since its hard for this family right now.

       Sunday was really good as well.  I got put on the spot for questions about the holy ghost and how it would be without it and I wanted to cry because I don't want to be without it.  Having the spirit is so important I don't wanna be without it.  Then we saw a less active who came to church but didn't stay so we are gonna get her to stay one day!  Then we went to dinner German mac and cheese super good.  We had dinner with the investigator on date and her fiance and the elders. We talked wedding details and the rings they are choosing from are gorgeous.  So excited for them.  We went to a less active to do some service it was very simple just helping cut some fruit up for a party that's happening today.

      Its been an odd week and I have been out for 3 months which is crazy.  I love missionary work and being able to serve in Montana.  I know that this is where the Lord wants me and I know he knows me individually.  I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants 3 all about how the Lord gives us everything and that is so true.  I love you all have a fabulous week!

-- 

Sister Haley McDonald

1 Bismarck car ride new dress :)

2 me and my comp in car

3 car that belongs to a member and we wrote on it :)

4 the view from our new place its a cross from the church across the street

5 Luau pictures

6 Picture in front of Temple (she did not say which one or who is with her)

7 Bismarck trip and the sisters that she went with

8 Having fun in the car ride to Bismarck

Okay so this may be hard to do I have to leave to go to Bismarck for Zone conference today and we cut our times short to hang out with the missionaries in Bismarck. 

  Monday we watched Disney movies as usual now always fun.  Sister D'Vaz hasn't seen Pocahontas in a while so she was a little upset about that one.  It was entertaining though.

 Tuesday we saw a less active who basically pushed us out the door which was odd.  So we are confused about that.  One sister wouldn't answer the door and then gave us excuses but we know she was home we heard her.  Missionaries are sometimes like stalkers its fun.  We read with another less active and she was so excited to read.  We read like 3 chapters but then we had to leave. :(

   Wednesday we went to a LA actives home for lunch and got a new investigator.  She asks awesome questions like where do dinosaurs fit in to the creation and things like that.  She is very smart.  We are excited to teach her though.  Then we were running really late to an appointment at a members home and the member started a lesson without us.  How awesome is that?  This ward is awesome love them so much!!!  We had seminary and we are sad because we only have one more class with them and its a test class so it might be boring.  After seminary we checked out our new apartment which is really nice and we will be moving in this Friday.  So now we need to pack and that isn't fun.....

   Thursday Our less active we see almost daily drank a beer....  We are a little frustrated right now....  She was doing so good though ughh.  I wanted to cry I was so upset.  She just doesn't understand it but she wont listen either!  Later that day after weekly planning we went with a sister in the ward to see an investigator and she wouldn't leave without anyone answering the door.  It was great and we got in.  She was really bold with them and they promised they would be at church.

   Friday We had district meeting and then we went to lunch with the sisters who we love so much. We had dinner with the family we eat with every Friday and it was so good they are opening up more to us.  We may start teaching an investigator in their home soon.

   Saturday we saw a potential and had a prayer with him which was nice.  We are hoping to have him in a members home for dinner soon.  A less active we saw isn't doing good and they aren't going to the temple next week.  The whole trip was planned for them as well so that's sucks....  We saw the family that promised they would be at church again and it was another great lesson. Hopefully we are making progress.  They have cut back on smoking which is awesome!

   Sunday we had a ton of less actives come.  The less active we see daily came and we wanted to jump with joy!!  However the family that promised they would be there wasn't.  So we will be finding their excuse sometime this week.....  We finished one of our investigators lessons but she isn't getting baptized until July so aren't sure what we are going to teacher yet.  We went to Wibaux for dinner and this family is great.  So cute and both are missionaries well were but still amazing people and family.  Always enjoy those visits.

     Okay so I cant remember anything I studied right now so sorry but I want to challenge everyone to get a fresh Book of Mormon and write a question in the front and read it looking for that answer.  I'm sure the missionaries will give you one.  I know that as you do this your understanding will improve and you will get a lot more out of it.  I love you all hope you have a fabulous week

-- 

Sister Haley McDonald

Pictures:

1 we were cute that day so :)

2 the family we had dinner with love them they are ranchers

3 might be my fav

sorry for lack of photos this week we were extra busy

Well another crazy week that goes by in like 5 minutes. I have almost been out 3 months and it feels like days no joke.

 Monday was Pday of course and we watched more Disney movies 😁 love my president just saying.  We had dinner at a members home it was Filipino food and it was delicious! Then we saw our less active who hurt herself.  She is so much fun to be around.

   Tuesday we saw a sister who we are trying to get to the temple and she was okay. She is still struggling with her husband but we are supporting her as much as possible. Hopefully they will be at the temple this month. We went to Savage for dinner which was also delicious.  Then we had ward coordination like every Tuesday and saw another less active who has been having health issues and unable to come to church. We feel bad for her and the doctors are running more tests soon.

 Wednesday we did a family history hour and learned how to index from a member and she is so funny.  Love going to their home.  We saw our less active we see like everyday and read with her. She has improved a lot this past month or so. We taught seminary which we only teach one more time before they are done.  Sad time love teaching the students here.

    Thursday was weekly planning which is always fun. We saw a recent convert who is ten but his home has a strange vibe now.  It's really off and me and sister Dvaz did our lesson but left.  It was awkward and we weren't sure what changed but other people in the ward noticed it as well.  We saw an elderly woman who is less active and started reading with her and she came to church yesterday.  We were so excited!

   Friday..... was a crazy morning.  We got a call from the mission office and they said an issue has come up in Fairview which is where the elders are.  It was so seriously we thought someone was getting ET which is emergency transferred.  When that happens you leave your assigned area that day.  No one was ET thankfully had a mini heart attack there.  But the real deal was the elders might need to leave where they are living soon and they would take our place and we would move to members guest house.  This member is so loaded though.  We still have to check it out but we believe we will move before transfers this month.  The members place is cheaper and possibly nicer.  We were told possibly be moving today but thats not happening. We get more time than that thankfully.  So we had to go through the day not knowing about the move.  No one has given us any info on that still but whatever.  The rest of the day was good we walked a lot but we have walked like everyday this week which is nice. 

  Saturday we had district meeting.  We found out about Zone Conference and Elder Martino is coming and we all get to shake his hand so excited.  We have some stuff to study and prepare for but so excited.  Then we had lunch with the baker sisters and traveling elders.  It was good Mexican food.  Then we went to Savage to try to find some people but no one was home lame!!!  So we came back and had dinner with our usual Saturday night fam. Then we saw a less active who we will hopefully be helping paint soon which is fun.

  Sunday was mothers day so obviously I skyped home to see the family.  My dad biggest dork in the world started off with being chewbacca.  Sister Dvaz thought it was funny as well.  It was great to see them alive and doing good.  Carter for some reason likes to put his face by the cam.  dork.  Sister Dvazs family is fun too.  Her brother did the same thing as Carter it was entertaining.  Oh BTW sister Dvaz is on the worst missionary drivers list... Fun day Church was awesome though the bishopric talked  and so good.  Been a crazy week everyone.

 So in my studies this week I read D&C 100:5-8 

 5 Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; 6 For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say. 7 But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things.  8 And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.

I was kinda shocked when I read this because in verse 7 we are commanded to share the gospel. This isn't just for missionaries but everyone. We need to always be an example and if we are asked share our faith not hide it.  It is so important that we do it or we are loosing blessings but more importantly other people dont get the blessings of the gospel!!!!!  Don't hog it its not just for you but the world

well I love you all have a fabulous week!!!

-- 

Sister Haley McDonald

Pictures

1 mom sent crowns so pictures

2 being outside lovely weather last week

3 well we are in matching star wars shirts may the 4th be with you yes I'm late 

Well we have had a roller coaster week.  It has been a lot of fun though.

 Monday we watched Tarzan it is so weird watching movies but it was nice since it was raining.  A lot of fun :) The family we had dinner with is so funny and real.  It's fantastic.  But you do not want to know the conversation gross.

   Tuesday one of our less  actives bore her testimony to us which was so cool.  She also told us about a dream she had where we went to someones house that wouldn't let us in before and we read the Bible with this lady and we all cried.  Our LA said her dreams come true so we our determined to find this woman and share the gospel!  wohoo!  Another LA wants us to come read the Book Of Mormon with her.  We are excited and its a lot of fun reading with LA members.  We FINALLY got in with an investigator and they have lost a ton of stuff but they were in need of humbling.  They rely on themselves a lot which sucks.

    Wednesday we saw another LA and yes we see a lot that basically most of our work.  But she is having a hard time with her husband and his addiction.  It is dragging her down and we really want them to go to the temple this month.  Ugh Satan sucks in case you were unaware.  One of our investigators told us this awesome story about how she should be dead but she is alive and she knows the Lord needs her here for something.  It is awesome seeing a change in people and them coming closer to Christ!  In seminary we are playing scripture mastery games because they know none of them.  We are gonna play some fun ones this week though i'm excited.  Then we went to see a LA and we talked about how she needs to come to church but she thinks its selfish to come.... she needs to come so bad though!  She works so hard and is one of the most giving people I have meet.  She gave us a personality test and i'm Gold Orange which is odd because they are opposites but I'm just a little odd.....

     Thursday we had a car check  and we passed of course!  We saw the LA who bore her testimony and is now opposite again she does have some brain damage but its a giant roller coaster and its crazy.  We never know what we will get.  We see her a lot.  But besides that we planned for this week as usual.

      Friday we saw the LA again and she doesn't understand why we need trials.  We tried to explain that if trials don't happen you would never grow but she wont accept it.  She is having a hard time right now.  We saw another LA who her husband isn't a member but she is trying to get him more involved which is awesome!  Her little girl is adorable and will pray at random times without needing to be told.  So cute!  We did find a potential new investigator that we will hopefully be meeting this week.

    Saturday The LA who changes decided to take a tumble and now has this HUGE bruise on her head.  It looks pretty bad.  The hospital let her go home though and we were not happy.  She needed to be checked on and we hadn't found people to do that so no one should have let her leave!  This town sometimes...... We did go to a baptism after though.  It was a little girl who just turned 8 and it was a lot of fun.  Baptisms are always awesome.

   Sunday was crazy.  Our investigator on date got ENGAGED to the member and they are gonna get married next July in The Temple!!!  We are so excited for them and sister Dvaz gets to go so I'm a little jealous but so excited and she may move up her baptism date!!!  It was exciting. Then we walked around outside and it was really nice yesterday.  We didn't end well though.  We got stuck at a members home way too long and felt awful but we will do better next time.

    So I have started to study the Second coming more and man it will be awesome!  I cant wait for Jesus to lead us and hopefully be in the Righteous.  Life will still be like this but no Satan.  Satan is evil and we need him to be gone.  Life will be better don't forget that.  Wohoo I'm a little excited today!  Love you all hope life is awesome!  Happy Mothers Day to those wonderful Mothers out there!

     

-- 

Sister Haley McDonald

1)Me and my FROUPLE (friend couple apparently) shes a member here love her come out with us a lot

2)Me and Sister Dvaz
3)That wind look though... Thats not even that bad either thats normal everyday wind!

4)Sister Dvaz isnt she adorable? She is steve now

5)Me I felt cute haha :)