There is a literal power from the Book of Mormon . . . Week 18

Hello hello! :)

How was everyone's week? I hope that it went well! This week has been a great week! 

Highlights from this week:

English class. We are teaching filistar and I get the little kids. I absolutely love it. I teach them animals and foods and people and how you talk about them in english. What I do is that I will draw *attempt to draw* something and then I write what it is in english. And they tell me how to say it in Albanian. So it is pretty much killing two birds with one stone. Really though, the kids are adorable and they laugh at what I say. hehe, which reminds me of Grey laughing whenever I was trying to be funny. hehe. we really have great times during english class together. :)

a returning member that we have been working with came to church yesterday for the first time in 7 years!!!!!!!!!! Motra and I were so excited to see her!!! Ah, so happy!! 

Earlier this week we were street contacting and we talked to a man selling bananas. His name is Toni. We met with him on Friday and gave him a Book of Mormon. It was amazing: Sunday evening the first ward had a baptism (all the baptisms in Tirana are at our wardhouse, because we have a font). We didn't find out about the baptism until after church. So, it was about 40 minutes before the baptism and we get a call from Toni. He was in Tirana. He was at the church. He wanted to find the church so that he knew where it was. So we went to the baptism with him. It was amazing. I know that that was not a coincidence, at all. That was a tender mercy of the Lord and I am so grateful that He helped us with getting Toni to the baptism. We are hoping that something at the baptism touched him, and we are so excited to meet with him later this week. 

Tree, me, tree

My companion is amazing. She is absolutely incredible. And we are so hilarious. You should hear some of our conversations. We also have super spiritual conversations as well. We also tell hilarious stories and make up awesome songs on the spot to entertain ourselves. 

I had such a neat learning experience this week. I learned about the power that comes from the Book of Mormon. These past couple weeks have seemed a little more trying and I didn't understand why. Yes, I know that everyone has their ups and downs but I didn't get why mine was seeming to be lasting or that I couldn't get over it. It seemed like something was missing, something that I wasn't doing. I realized what it was on Tuesday. During lunch that day I decided to read the Book of Mormon. After I read out of it, i literally felt filled with some excitement some power. And then it hit me, for the past couple weeks I hadn't really read out of the Book of Mormon everyday. During personal study I would read out of preach my gospel and I would read the scriptures that it suggested with personal study, or I would read out of the new testament and such. I was still reading some scriptures but I wasn't focusing it on the Book of Mormon. I felt like i got spiritually spanked by the spirit that day, and i swear my guardian angels just had their hands on their forehead in the "duh formation". I knew that the Book of Mormon was important, but I never understood that there was literally a physical, spiritual, and emotional power that comes from reading from that wonderful book every single day. But, I now know that there is a power that comes from the Book of Mormon. It is hard to explain what it is, but you have to experience it to know what it is. For the rest of my life, I will read out of my Book of Mormon every single day. Even if it is just a few verses, because I know how it feels to have skipped some days here and there, and i just felt like something was missing. I am so grateful for the mercy of our Heavenly Father; that I was able to repent and ask for His forgiveness. And that I felt His love and I knew that I was still loved.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I now know that there really is a power that comes from the Book of Mormon. It is true. I love reading out of the Book. It is a blessing for us. If we want to know more of our Savoir, Jesus Christ or our Heavenly Father; read the Book of Mormon. If we want to know if we have a purpose in our life, read the Book of Mormon. If we want to know what is going to happen when we die, read the Book of Mormon. If we want to know if God loves us, read the Book of Mormon. If we want to feel peace in our life, read the Book of Mormon. If we want to feel more happiness in our life, read the Book of Mormon. There is not a question that cannot be answered by reading the Book of Mormon. It is true and it can and will change our lives. I also know that as we read the Book of Mormon that we can feel of it's truthfulness; and sometimes feeling the truth is knowing the truth. I know this to be true. 

Have a great week! Good luck with school starting for everyone and I hope that all is going well! :) I love you all so much! 

Love,

Motra Zollinger

We were Promised a Temple! Week 17

Hello hello!

So today for p-day we did nothing. And it was glorious! Last week's p-day was too stressful for me. haha. We went up to Shkoder which was fun...but it took a lot of time. But, it was a wild and ferocious day, that's for sure.

Pictures from last week's p-day trip to Shkoder

So much has happened in the past couple weeks that I don't know where to start. So, I am just pre-warning you... this email this week is going to be a long one.

Highlights:

We had zone conference. That was absolutely amazing. I learned so much and the spirit that I felt in zone conference was the spirit that I have felt at the temple. You can stand in Holy Places even when you are not literally inside a temple.

We had dinner at the Bishop's house; me and Motra and the two elders in our ward. They are all good at Albanian, and I obviously am learning it...so, for some reason I got way nervous at dinner. I was sweating so bad and my face was red the whole time. #sweatinglikeapigtryingtopassapeachpit

I also went on exchanges the other week. That was so much fun!! :)

I don't not like tomatoes anymore. I tried tomatoes, and I actually like them! I was super surprised. But, those things actually taste quite delicious to the taste buds on my tongue.

English course started back up. We are teaching the beginners. I get the little kids. :) I love it!

We went tracting for my first time this week. And I quote Pirates of the Caribbean as we did so, it was too fitting. Because, often times this is how it went. We would walk up to a door in the apartment buildings. We could hear the people inside the apartment. We knew they were in there. So, we would knock or ring the doorbell. Then all the sudden the apartment would go silent. It reminded me of despicable me 1, when Agnes and them are selling cookies and Gru pretends to be his own answering machine... well, that doesn't happen here. Anyways, so, we can hear these people inside after we have knocked on the door. But they don't answer. So, I quote the following to my companion: "we know you're in there puppy [she means poppet]... come out...we're not going to hurt you." It was just too fitting to not quote it. Sometimes we have to create our own entertainment when tracting or street contacting after we get rejected over and over again.

Yesterday tracting was so good! So, we knocked on this door and a man in his twenties answered it. But, his response was priceless. I was starting to introduce us and he said "wait. give me 5 minutes, I need to finish washing my hair." then he shut the door. But, he had shampoo suds in his hands as he answered the door. But, the thing is that he came back! We had a nice conversation with him. And we are going to be hopefully meeting with him this weekend.

I had the most amazing experience on Saturday. At English course on Thursday for our spiritual thought we talked about the Book of Mormon. This cute older gentleman, is a cop. ( A cop!) And he wanted to hear more about the Book of Mormon. So we met with him on Saturday. I have never fallen in love with an Albanian here more quickly than that lesson. He wanted to know what our names were; so we told him. He looked at me and said "no, that is too hard. you are Motra Zog." This cute old man gave me a nickname!!! The part that was the most touching was the end of the lesson. We taught him how to pray. He has never prayed before in his life. After we taught him how to pray, he prayed. I have never heard a more sincere and humble prayer in my life before. After he had finished, he was smiling with tears in his eyes. We asked him how it felt, and all he could say was "I have so much emotion" as he is pointing to his heart. It was amazing and so humbling. I am so grateful that I am able to be here, to help people come to the truth of who they are-children of God. That God does exist, and that He loves all of us so much! Unfortunately, he does not live in our ward boundaries. So we have to pass him over the T4. But, he is a rockstar and I know that he has found what he has been looking for.

Yesterday during church, it was amazing. I can't even explain it adequately enough as to what I felt and what happened. President Weidmann (the mission president) spoke during sacrament meeting. He told of when he was an area of the 70 and he was here 5 years ago; and he felt impressed 5 years ago to promise the Albanian people that they will have a stake in Albania. and it happened. Yesterday, the President promised the Albanian people 2 temples. One in Tirana and the other in Siranda. I can't explain it exactly, but the spirit that I felt as soon as President Weidmann said that, was so powerful and so strong. I too know that there will be a temple in Albania soon. The President promised that if the people a) invite people to sacrament and to church, b) keep the sabbath day holy, and c) pay their tithing; that they will receive a temple soon. I can't describe how I know, but I felt it.  I too know that one day there will be a temple in Albania. I cannot wait for the day when these amazing people will have a place for them to do the amazing work of missionary work. The spirit that I felt in that meeting was undeniable. I felt it so powerfully. I don't know how long it will be before they receive a temple, but I do know that I will be coming back when it is done.

I love it here! Everyday I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to serve here, in Albania. I know that God hears and answers our prayers. I am more sure of that than I have ever been in my entire life. I know that He does. Prayer is a sacred and spiritual opportunity that we have to talk with our Heavenly Father. I think too, that sometimes we might be able to feel Him right next to us or His arm on our back as we pray to Him. I testify that God knows each and every one of His children. We are all known to our Heavenly Father. Alma 26:37, I see the truth of that scripture every single day. This church is true! Pray to our Heavenly Father, He is always there for us. He will never let us down. Never.

I love you all! Have a most splendid day and week! :) And, pre-congrats to Miss Clara Bowles for getting married this week!! :) aaah, so exciting!! :)

Love you all!!!

Love,
Motra Zollinger

Greetings from Albania . . . week 16

Hello hello! :)

Oh boy oh boy. No time. We went up to Shkoder today, but traffic was super crazy so it took A LOT longer than planned. Prandaj, my email is going to be super short. 

The work here is doing great! This past week we focused on returning members. We felt like that is what the Lord needed and wanted us to do. And we truly feel like it was. Miracles have been having the past few days and it is so humbling. This truly is the Lord's work. I will write more about it all next week, I just don't have time today.

I went on exchanges this past week; that was a lot of fun! I absolutely loved it! :) 

I know that this church is true. I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God; and really truly the only way that we are ever going to be able to gain a relationship with our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ is through that wonderful, glorious book. Heavenly Father is our Father. He loves us more than we can ever comprehend. Jesus Christ is our Savoir our Redeemer, and our brother. God is completely and totally aware of us—each and every one of us. That I know to be true, and that is what I have especially learned this past week. Prayer works. Love works. Faith works. 

I love you all! 

Have a splendid week! Smile lots! Serve lots! :)

Love,

Motra Zollinger

I Believe in Christ, So Come What May . . . week 15

Hello my friends!! :) 

I hope that everyone's week went well.

Highlights from this week:

After street contacting by the lake, we were starting to walk home. We said "hello" to an old man who had a scale set up. But, then he stood up and he was like "come weigh yourselves, it's free." It's falas?? Well, in that case, ha-ha, not. But, we did anyways to be nice. His scale didn't work though, because it said that I was 0 lbs. ha-ha. jk. The cursor moved, but that doesn't matter much... ha-ha. That was pretty funny though. :) 

Motra Russel likes the Muppets. So, we quote the Muppets a lot. And the "Ew" skits from Jimmy Fallon. 

Yesterday we were at the lake again, and we say a cute little frog hop across the sidewalk. And the first thought that went through my head "Good thing the Duck Dynasty Robertson family aren't here, or else you would be their next dinner." Then I was confused as to why that was my first thought. 

We haven't had ice cream for 2 whole days. But, we're getting some tonight. :) 

Elders Ostergard and Lee

Today for p-day we went bowling!! I was actually nervous to go, because I am so awful. And since grandpa was like a pro-bowler, that isn't any more pressure to try and do well and to not bring shame on his name. So I told my companion "I want to get at least an 80." I got 4 strikes. Like, what?! I don't know how that happened. I scored 141. I don't even score that on the stinkin' wii. Miracles happen. Ha-ha, honestly though. I took a photo because I feared that this would never happen again. I just had to mention that because I figured dad would be proud of me. :) hehe. That is the highlight for my day, is doing well in bowling today. #itwillprobablyneverhappenagainthough 

Grandpa Z would be proud

This past week was a good week. It was hard, but good. This week we are going to have a lot of finding opportunities, which I am very excited about!! :) I don't know why, but I absolutely love street contacting!! :) Like a lot!! :) I don't know why, but this past week was harder than the others. I was just being too hard on myself, and put myself down a lot. But, then I realized how ridiculous it was to do that, because all it is doing is making Satan happy. Satan is a fathead. #fhonestlythough. Missionary work is hard work, but we are sharing a glorious message that can and will change people's lives. A line from "I Believe in Christ" came to mind yesterday at church, and it was "I believe in Christ, so come what may!" That line from that hymn gave me that strength and determination that I needed to keep moving forward, because it is true!! I know that I have a Savoir who is always there for me, He never leaves me. I know that with His help, and because of His Atonement I am able to overcome any trial any challenge that I run into. With His help we can conquer anything. Yes, we have adversity in life and opposition in all things; but that doesn't mean that we should be down on ourselves. We are Children of God. We are empowered with divinity and so much individual worth. Satan isn't the strong force. WE ARE. Who is Satan compared to Children of God who have the help of their Heavenly Father and who are empowered by God's love. He is nothing. We are everything. I testify that if we prayer for the strength and help to get through the day, that He will give it to us. I know, because that is the only reason that I was able to make it through last week with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. Because I prayed and I know that God hears and answers our prayers. There is a power that comes from talking to our Father in Heaven.  Those who kneel to the Lord can stand up to anything. 

Have a great week!! :)

I love you all!

Love,

Motra Zollinger

The Soles of Their Feet Were Wet . . . Week 14

Hello Hello! :) 

I do hope that everyone had a splendid week and a wonderful Pioneer Day!!! :) 

This week I hit my month mark in Albania. It is crazy to think that I have already been here for an entire month; time sure does fly by out here. I am progressing in the language too, which makes me super happy. :) I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for helping me speak the language and learn it, because I know without a doubt that if I was trying to do this on my own it would be miserable. 

Let's see, some highlights from this week:

There was no scorpion this week, which was a wonderful relief. There was a cockroach though, but what is a cockroach compared to a scorpion? Ha-ha, honestly though. My companion says that I am blonde. Am I blonde? I know I act like a blonde, but I thought I have brown hair, so when she said that my hair was blonde I was in complete denial. Am I really blonde? Ha-ha, I am like stumped on that... ha-ha. So, once upon a time a language quheted Albanian existed. And once upon a time it is hard to tell the difference between letters for a Sister Zollinger. So, we were on our way to an appointment, and we sorta got lost, err, I mean we took a long detour to get to the house. Ha-ha. :) So, I was following Motra Russell as I was trying to hear the difference between a double ll and a single l. So, pretty much I went insane for about 20ish-30ish minutes as I repeated what sounded like the same sound to me and getting weird looks from Albanians as I walked past them. Ha-ha, it was prime! :) 

We tracked into Jehovah witnesses again, but these two were nice. Like really nice. :)

The heat is getting a lot hotter. So now I end up sweating like a pig trying to pass 2 peach pits. It is not fun. So much heat. Ha-ha. But, it is all the better reason to get the delicious ice cream here! :) 

This week really was a great week! This week I learned more about faith. I learned how faith and hope need to co-exist for it to work; because when these co-exist there is no room for worry or fear or anything. I remember in sacrament meeting last year-ish how Brother Petit said something that had a big impact on me, he simply stated that "fear and faith cannot co-exist. It is one or the other." That statement is so true. I have faith when it comes to learning this language and when it comes to speaking it in lessons. I know that I have been called to Albania to serve my mission for a reason, and I know that I will be able to learn this language. I am not worried about that. But, when it comes time for a lesson, I get nervous sometimes and I start to even feel a little scared if I have to say a big part in the lesson. But I realized how that is not how faith and hope work. I have faith that I'll be okay and I'll be able to speak, but I learned the importance of shunning any doubt or worry that might come into my mind. Earlier this week we were doing the setting expectations and the restoration lesson. And, I was in charge of setting the expectations, and Motra and I took turns for each segment in the lesson, and I was to recite the first vision. Mind you this was all in Shqip too. So, I was a little nervous. Okay, a lot nervous. But, I remembered something that I had read earlier that week from an Elder Bednar talk and it was "Interestingly, the waters did not part as the children of Israel stood on the banks of the river waiting for something to happen; rather, the soles of their feet were wet before the water parted. The faith of the Israelites was manifested in the fact that they walked into the water before it parted. They walked into the river Jordan with a future-facing assurance of things hoped for. As the Israelites moved forward, the water parted, and as they crossed over on dry land." The part that stuck out to me the most was when it says that the soles of their feet were wet before the water parted, which reminded me of Motra Russel's advice about the language, and that was you have to open your mouth to be filled. So, as I sat in the church waiting for the investigator to show up, I said a prayer. First asking for forgiveness for not trusting in God as much as I should have been and for asking for His help during the lesson so that I wouldn't be nervous, and that I would be able to say what I needed to say and to remember what I had practiced for that lesson, especially the first vision. The lesson went well and it showed me again how important faith is. Often times not only do we need to have faith, but we need to also begin to act knowing that God will help us, before we can receive that witness of our faith. Just like what the Israelites did. 

I testify that God hears and answers our prayers. I also testify that faith works. At times it can be hard to not worry or let doubt creep in, but that doesn't do anything. I relearned the importance of having real working faith coupled with hope. I also know that Satan is a fat-head, and that he is going to do all that he can so that we doubt. But, prayer works. Pray to have strength, to not worry, to not have fear, and I promise you that God will answer you. He has answered mine. God loves us; we really truly are His Children. He wants us to be happy in this life. I know that faith is the most powerful tool that we have. No one can take away our faith. It is ours. I know that this Church is true, the message that we share is a message of happiness; we are God's children and He loves us. How beautiful it is to know that. 

Have a great week! :) 

Love you all!

Love

Motra Zollinger

What are Our Lights of Stone?..... Week 13

Hello Hello! :) 

Wow. I remember Brother Vance telling us in the MTC that every day in Albania is so unexpected. Well, that is most definitely so true. Ha-ha, this week has been the most exciting and random by far because there was A SCORPION IN OUR APARTMENT. A scorpion. Granted it was not that big, it was a baby one. But I have never seen such a little thing that looked so evil before in my life. So, I was walking to the bathroom and I stepped over this black thing that started to move. I turned to see what it was, thinking it was a spider...but the shape was too weird to be a spider. But then I realized it was a scorpion. So I was like "uh...Motra...I think this is a scorpion." Sure enough it was. So, we became Scorpion Slayers Friday night. Correction. Motra Russell became a scorpion slayer, I was her cheering section. She tried to trap it but it went into the door frame in a crack. It was like 10ish at night. There was no way that we were gonna be able to sleep until this evil thing was killed. So, we called our District Leader and we were like "so, we have a scorpion in our apartment." They ended up coming over and they got it and they killed it. So they all became scorpion slayers. I was the scorpion slayer's supporter. Ha-ha. It was quite interesting that was for sure. Now we are so paranoid in our apartment; because where did the baby one come from?!?! So, yeah. So far so good. But, only time will tell... haha. So that was our big unplanned adventure for the week! :) 

I found ice cream snicker bars! :) I was so excited because I had at least 3 each week in the MTC. I haven't had any yet though... but that will probably change super soon. 

I found out how incredibly awkward and awful I am at conducting music. I was doing it for our baptism on Friday, and I am glad that no one looks at the chorister, because it was bad. I thought I knew how to do it, but I didn't. My companion had to conduct to me how to conduct to the others so that I got the beat right...and I can't hide it in my face. So I kept on making panicking faces trying to do it. And apparently I would randomly hold my breath and then let out a big breath when I got the beat right. So, none the less Geldona and her brother got some cheap entertainment that night as they made fun of me as I tried to conduct the music. Ha-ha. :) It was funny!

The baptism on Friday went so well! It was just so good. I think the thing that made me happier than anything was seeing how happy Geldona was. When she walked into the font my companion and I hugged each other and were just so excited for Geldona. I loved how happy she was. Actually, she was more than happy. I loved seeing how joyous she was. It just beamed out of her eyes, and you could feel it around her. I don't think she ever stopped smiling that night. It was absolutely amazing. The baptism just went splendidly. It was great! 

This week I was reading in Ether and I was reading the story of the Brother of Jared. I became so interested in the lights of stone that he had the Lord touch. And I realized how easy it is to liken that story to our lives...and more specifically when they are journeying across the ocean; and even more specifically the stones that they used as light for their ocean. And it made me wonder, what are my stones of light? We are all on our journey just like the Brother of Jared and his people were. The way that they were able to live during that journey was because of the light of the stones. What are our lights of stones? What do we use that helps us see? I think that the barges are like the gospel. They protect us from the water that we are traveling on. But, what is it that we use that helps us to see. I think some of the stones can be faith, the atonement, priesthood, the scriptures, family, prayer, the temple, going to church. I really enjoyed likening this story to myself because I got more out of it and I really reflected on who I am and what I have chosen and can continue to choose for my stones of light.  I know that if we are not only active in the church, but if we are active in the gospel too that we will always be okay. I know that this church is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. The Book of Mormon has the power to change your life, it has mine. The great part about it is how simple it is to know of the truthfulness. You only need to pray and to ask God if the book is true. Because it is either true or it's not. People have died for this book and the message within it because it is either true or because it isn't. I can testify with the entirety of my heart that I know that the Book of Mormon is true; and the other reason that I know that it is true is because I have prayed to God to know if it is true. He not only hears but He answers our prayers. And He will answer yours. You have to ask for Him to be able to answer. 

I love you all! I hope that you have a great week!! :) If you are looking for a great way to celebrate Pioneer Day, read "All is Well" by President Uchtdorf; it is amazing. 

Love

Motra Zollinger

Keep Your Flag Up . . . Week 12

Hello my friends! :)

This past week was a great week! 

So, the weather here is crazy hot. And it is humid hot. Like lots. Everybody here really does sweat like pigs trying to pass peach pits; it is crazy. BUT, this week the weather was amazing!!!!!!!! :) Because we got some serious storms this week! On Thursday we were out in Kombinat for a lesson, and we have roof lessons out there, so pretty. So, it was pretty and we could tell a storm was a brewing, and then BAM the wind came and so we went inside. Ha-ha, Motra and I had some Marilyn Monroe moments because that wind was sneaky. Good thing we were teaching girls... I didn't know exactly what to say, so I just said "me fale" which is like my bad...I’m sorry. Ha-ha. So we had to end that lesson a little early because it is 30ish minutes from our apartment. By the time we got to the bus stop is was raining, and the lightning storms here are gorgeous!!! I was so giddy and so happy!! :) I had my missionary in a rain storm experience. It was pretty great. :) We have had storms every day for 4 days now. Thursday and Friday were bigger ones, and Saturday and Sunday were just nice breezy rains. 

 

We had a pet this past week. His name was Shooter or something sounding like that. It was a spider so I didn't care much for him. I would not kill it. At all. Motra said "who ever finds it kills it, that is the rule." I disagreed so we decided to leave it. But, then the mission president was going to come visit...so it had to be taken care of. Motra Russel did it. I contributed because she used my book to trap it. :) 

I had my first run in with a Jehovah Witness. That was interesting. 

We trade off with our phone, for who has to talk to the investigators and such. The first time that I had it, I said hello in Spanish. yeah... ;P hola and alo are really close to each other okay. Ha-ha. :)

I tried a Mars and lion bar. So good!!  

I have decided that the Best Two Years is a great movie. I feel like Elder Calhoun right now trying to get this language down. Especially when he is trying to sound out the words. It is so true. Ha-ha. Prime time to quote: with all the lofting and biking, mon octavern eshte muey kavorden. :) hehe jk. I just thought that it was a great time to do that quote, and I couldn't not seize the moment. 

Yesterday church went super well! We are teaching this little 8 year old, Sabrina. She is adorable. Earlier this week during our lesson, she turned to her mom and said "I want to sit by the Americans." ha-ha. Motra and I laughed so hard! So, yesterday during church we were sitting a few rows behind her and her mom. She turned to her mom and said "I want to sit by the Americans." 

She sat by me. I actually had a conversation with her! In Albanian! Granted it was quite small, but I didn't have to ask for help until the English. But, this is where the story gets good. So, during the opening hymn, I was concentrating really hard on trying to pronounce the words right and everything, I thought I was doing okay...ha-ha. Cute Sabrina looked at me, laughed, and patted me on the back. Then our investigator and her friend who were sitting behind me just started laughing. I was laughing too. I got sympathy from an 8 year Hahahaahaha!! Honestly, it made my day. She is such a cute and funny little girl.  

Yesterday in our lesson, we were talking about the example of Nephi to his brothers. Something that Elina said I thought was so powerful. She said how at their youth conference, the stake president was saying how their testimonies and standards are like their flag. And then she said "keep your flag up." I thought that that statement was so simple, but so true! Keep your flag up! Not at half mast, not at the bottom, but flying in the wind at the top—for all to see. Our testimony is our flag, and the pole and the rope that pulls the flag to the top is the gospel and the standards of the youth. The best way to be an example is by living what we believe, what we know. Even though the earth's standards and morals are constantly changing, God's standards are constantly constant. They are steadfast and immovable. Being a good example can go so far. It can be hard sometimes to stand up for what you know, but just like President Thomas S. Monson "stand up for something, even if it means standing alone." Be proud of who you are, and what you are- a Mormon—a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is no shame in being a disciple of Christ. There is no shame in being a Child of God. There will be times with the wind blows really hard on that flag or the flag gets rained on. But the storm always goes away and the sun always comes again. Just like night is never the conqueror, because morning always comes. The same is applicable here. Even though storms of trials come; our faith will help us through it; and Heavenly Father is always there for us and His Son, Jesus Christ. They love us so much; they are always there for us. Always. 

I know this church is true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. If you want to come closer to Heavenly Father and gain a relationship with our Brother, Jesus Christ then read that book. No one can ever come closer to God than through that book. That book contains indescribable happiness and joy. And you can know for yourself that this book is true; all you have to do is to start reading it and to pray to God to know if it really truly is true. It works. He will answer you. 

Have a great week! Don't forget to Smile because you are on God's camera. :) 

Love

Motra Zollinger