Monday, January 27, 2014

Woolfcastle Round 3 :)

Dear Family and Friends, 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LAUR THIS WEEK!!!!! Love you Sis. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!

Happy Birthday to Jeni as well. :) Miss you!!

This week has been one of the best weeks of my entire mission. 

Sister Woolf and I will be staying together for ANOTHER 6 weeks. Holy cow. The Bishop says that we are hitting "Legend Status" in the Hamilton Mountain Ward. Last night when we didn't get calls, we were jumping up and down and giggling like little girls. We are so happy! We call our companionship - "Woolfcastle." Such an answer to my prayers. God is so good. So so good. 

Let's talk about Michael's baptism. It was so amazing. He had his interview on Friday afternoon. While he was being interviewed we taught Mary the Restoration. We told her that she is going to feel something at her son's baptism and she needs to pay attention to that feeling. After Michael was baptized and we sat back down, I put my arm around Mary and asked her how she felt. Her response was two words - "Really good." There have been times in my life that I have felt the Spirit very strongly, but seldom have I felt it as strongly as I did yesterday. It is hard to put into words the feeling you get of seeing a child of God enter into the waters of baptism. Michael looked so happy and so at peace as he was standing in the water, with a huge grin on his face. Moments like that are imprinted in my mind, and I know they will never leave me. I am so thankful for Mary and Michael. What a miracle they both are. We are going to work closely with Mary now and get her with a baptismal date. Oh get this, Sunday it was so cold, that it must have done something to the pipes because the water was cold. I felt so bad because I promised Michael that the water would be warm! He was a good sport though and wasn't too bothered! 

The rest of the week consisted of getting things ready for the baptism - cleaning the font, baptismal clothes, etc. and seeing our amazing investigators. 

Iain is doing really well. He is progressing right along and will be baptized on February 9th. It is so fun to teach him. Iain is the prime example of member missionary work. Tim Cushnie brought Iain to church and look what happened....he's embracing the gospel. It's as simple as that. The Spirit does the converting anyway. :) So just....invite your friends.

Best quote of the week. We were telling Rachiel Chirara (11) that she should "Ask God, Not Google" after she told us she was going to Google something. Her response was so funny. She says, "But Google is WAY faster." Hahaha, oh man. The youth are so great. 

Mormon 7:10 - "...and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen."


I know I've said this time and time again, but I love my mission so much. I have been forever changed. I never imagined myself to come to love the way that I have been able to love. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that He loves all of us so much. I know that His Atonement is for every single person. I know that our Father in Heaven is aware of every single one of us. I am a witness of that, and I will testify of that as long as I will live. 

Love you all. 

"Come Unto Christ and Be Perfected In Him"

Love, 

Sister Hardcastle

"Have Faith, Have Hope, Live Like His Son, Help Others On Their Way"


Happy Early Valentine's Day!! I love you all :)
The Chirara's :)
Like my new glasses?? Just kidding, I wish!
Brittney, Andrew & Byron. Love them all!
Lunch with Nicole and Nancy Hillman! Nicole is headed to the Spain Madrid Mission!!
JEN :)
Trevor!! Always a party at his house!
 Trevor :)
I gave Trevor my Christmas tree...because he didn't have one this year.
The Lago's family. Best Spanish Family ever!!!
My soul sister - Jackie Vieyra
Our amazing district!
Cleaning the font :)
My Best Friend <3
The 3 Musketeers :)
Michael's Baptism
:)
Michael the Miracle!
Love this kid.
Sister Woolf, Iain and me
The Cushnie Clan :)
:)

Monday, January 20, 2014

Come unto Christ

Dear Family and Friends, 

Happy Birthday to my Messy Jessy tomorrow! Love you so much Sis! 

Happy Birthday to Ashley and Wendy as well! :)

Things are going well on the mountain here in Hamilton. Did I ever mention how much I love this area?? Well I do. Lots. So here's the deal. Transfers are on Sunday. So hold the mail until I give you the go next Monday. If I stay, that would be a miracle. 6 months in one area...fine by me. :)

We had Skills + Interviews this past week with President & Sister Scott. They are so amazing! It's going to be hard to say goodbye to them in 5 months or so. They have been my parents while I've been here. President Scott challenged us awhile back to think about some of the "weapons of war" that we need to lay down. It was so amazing to talk with him for 15 minutes or so. It's always very refreshing. 

Sister Woolf and I experienced one of the most amazing lessons together this past week. Last Monday night, we had an appointment fall through. We felt impressed to go see Mary and Michael - (always listen to a prompting). So we went, and holy cow, miracles happen. We taught them a few commandments, then we read from 2 Nephi 31 about baptism. Michael has said that he wants to be baptized, but we didn't have a date for him yet. Mary finally has given him the go. When we invited Michael to be baptized, he said yes, but when he is 12, which is in June. We were confused about why he would want to wait until he turned 12, and I don't think Sister Woolf and I really knew what to say. Here is where the amazing part comes in. Mary (who doesn't want to be baptized) saved the day. She basically told Michael that he can't wait until he is 12. She kept saying - "Michael, this is for your soul. You need to go to heaven. You can get baptized now." Can you just imagine the look on Sister Woolf's and my face? We looked at each other in shock. Mary went on to say - "Jesus is coming again Michael. It's time for you to be baptized." I wish I could have recorded all of this. It was one of the most tender experiences of my whole mission. I couldn't even speak because I had tears in my eyes. Michael agreed to be baptized on the 26th (next week). Such a miraculous lesson. It's moments like this on a mission that make every single rejection worth it. I mean that.

Well, I had the flu this past week for a few days. Something crazy is going around. Lots and lots of people are sick right now! Luckily, Sister Woolf didn't get it. That girl has an immune system made out of gold. 

We saw the Vieyra family several times this week. The whole family came to church yesterday!! Jackie and Xavier are so prepared to be baptized, only time will tell. When we went to see them on Saturday night they had gotten us tons of treats. Man, so much for being good in 2014! 

Yesterday we had a pot-luck with the Gravis', the Cushnie family, and our investigator Ian. It was so much fun. We watched the restoration video. Tim Cushnie told us how he is baptizing Ian on February 2nd. So we were like - "Ian, do you want to be baptized on Feb 2nd?" He agreed. :) He is so cool. He is 18 and still in high school. Member missionary work is the bomb...It's so awesome because we teach him every Tuesday at 4, then have dinner with the Cushnie's at 5. I love Tuesdays!

We're still working with George. Hopefully he will be able to be prepared to be baptized this Sunday with Michael. We are teaching him everyday this week, and just really helping him overcome some things. 

Amazing things are happening right now. The work is hastening and moving right along. Yesterday Sister Woolf and I went to Young Women's with Jackie and they played the new theme song for the youth this year - "Come unto Christ." It is so amazing. You all need to listen to it. 

He's the One who healed the leper, 
and who brought the dead to life.
He's the One, who fed the hungry, 
and who gave the blind their sight.
He's the One who walked on water,
then brought them safe to shore, 
And whenever you may need him,
He's the One you're looking for. 
So let Him in, and He will take away your pain.
When you feel His love you'll never be the same. 
Come Unto Christ, Come Unto Him, 
and by His grace be made holy again.
He's calling your name. 
He's waiting for you with arms open wide.
Come unto Christ.

I love you all so very much. Thank you for all that you do! I am so grateful to be where I am right now. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Keep going, stay strong. 

Love, 

Sister Hardcastle

"Have Faith, Have Hope, Live Like His Son, Help Others On Their Way"

Tami Tarr - one of my favorite members :) 
Like my bear costume?
Sis Arnold. One of my favorite less-actives!
Xavier, Lindsey, Sister Woolf, and me :)

Monday, January 13, 2014

New Year, New Miracles.

Dearest Family and Friends, 

Happy Birthday to Aunt Ado on the 16th. Love you so much Ado!!

It has been an amazing week. I'm amazed at the hand of the Lord in His work. It is a privilege to watch miracles take place first hand. 

Congrats to my favorite cousin Savanna on her new baby. :) I saw a picture, your baby looks beautiful. I'm going to spoil her when I return home, so no worries!

Sooo I had my 8th month birthday this past week. One word - scary.

Remember my favorite less-active, Liz Hughes? Well, we taught her the stop-smoking workshop last week and she crushed her cigarettes in front of us. I've never witnessed that before, it was amazing. Repentance is the most beautiful thing. 

Remember George? Well, he's been up north for a few weeks. We will be seeing him tonight. :) If all goes as planned, he will be baptized on Sunday!

Okay Mary and Michael. Michael is already well into Alma in the Book of Mormon. So prepared. He hasn't set a date for baptism yet, but his mom finally gave him permission. She said, "If Michael likes your church, he can baptize in your church." Talk about a changed heart. Then they both came to church on Sunday. In RS, Mary asks when Michael is going to be baptized because she says that he will be baptized whenever the church tells him too. Haha, so we will set him with a date on Wednesday. Miracle.

We found lots of amazing investigators this week. We are now teaching an Indian family that lives in our apartment building. They are so much fun. The kids, Abel and Abia ask the best questions, and they are all reading the Book of Mormon. 

Yesterday we went to the Medina's house (the Spanish family with 8 kids). Always a party at their house. We tried to show them an object lesson, but the kids started fighting with each other. Let's just say it didn't go as planned. Haha, brought me back to my childhood with all the crazy Hardcastle children. 

Sister Woolf and I had a very spiritual experience this week. We were having dinner with Trevor Ormandy, and he shared a very special experience with us. I asked him what time he wakes up in the morning...and that question led him to us telling us about his wife's struggle with cancer. He went through her whole history with cancer, down to her last breath. We were all brought to tears, including Trevor. There was such a special and tender spirit in that room. I know that he felt the presence of his wife. I know that I was sent to this area to help Trevor, and it has in turn changed my life. 

The weather here is crazy. It rains/snows/freezes. Schools have been closed, pipes are bursting in the hospitals, the side walks are ice-skating rinks. It's insane. It's not too cold right now though, so I'm counting my blessings. :)

The court date for the Vieyra's got moved back. So no update on them. 

This scripture was shared in sacrament meeting yesterday, and I've pondered on it a lot - 

Matthew 7: 7-11

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

I know that this is true. I had a testimony of the power of prayer before my mission. However, I never understood the power of prayer. I KNOW that Heavenly Father listens to His Children. I KNOW that He is waiting to bless us if we simply ask him. I am so thankful for this knowledge, and I love that I am to share the love of God each and every day. 

I love you all. Sorry this email is short. Keep being incredible. 

Love, 

Sister Corinne Hardcastle

"Have Faith, Have Hope, Live Like His Son, Help Other's On Their Way"

Weirdo... 
Baby it's cold outside...
Lying by my teeny tiny heater...
8 Months...
My Pooh Bear :) 
I fell in our hallway :(
5 pin bowling…little bowling balls. So different!
My companion :)
2nd place...
Bowling with yours truly :)

Monday, January 6, 2014

First email of 2014....

Dear Family and Friends, 

Happy Birthday to my sweet little Ashlyn! Well, I guess you aren't so little anymore. 12 years old!! Stop growing up...

Did everyone have a special New Years?! I sure did. On New Year's Eve, we read the Doctrine and Covenants for almost 9 hours. Then for 4 more hours on New Year's Day! I am happy to report that in 26 hours we finished all 4 Gospels, the D&C, and The Pearl of Great Price. So cool. 

On New Year's Day, our mission president challenged each companionship to find a new investigator. Sister Woolf and I were very determined to find that day. However, none of our plans were working out. All of the people that we went to see either weren't home or weren't interested. Tracting was worthless because it was SO cold, no one wanted to open their doors. Finally, no one was outside. We felt like we needed to look at the former investigators that we had in our car. We found one by the same of Harpreet, who was pretty golden a few years back. We went to her home, got let right in, and we were able to teach her. It was incredible. She is the sweetest lady! Our sister training leaders wanted us to text in our miracle of the week, and they were going to forward it out to the rest of the sisters, so this is what we came up with - 

"And it came to pass we were knocking on some doors and yielding little success, therefore we felt inspired to look at the records that had been kept by our ancestors. Insomuch that we found a Harpreet and as we went to her home, we found her prepared. Verily verily, we say unto you - she became a new investigator." 

We thought it was pretty creative. :) Quite a miracle as well...

Also, another miracle. 

We've been teaching Mary and Michael for awhile now. Michael is 11 and Mary is his mom. Mary was a former from several years ago. Well, last time we went over there, Michael had already read to Mosiah 26. He was practically begging his mom to take him back to our church. So they came again this week. Mary hasn't been too into it, until church yesterday. She stayed for RS and since then everything has changed. We called her last night and she told us that she is finally reading the Book of Mormon. So amazing!!!! A huge testimony to me that you do NOT give up on investigators. The Spirit changes people. 

This week it reaches -20. With a windchill of -30 to -40. Can you believe that?? You all thought Utah was cold. NOPE. The worst still hasn't happened...A typical conversation between Sister Woolf and I - 

Me - "Where am I??!"
Sister Woolf - "In Canada." As she is walking around with no hat or gloves. Then there is me with two layers of gloves, a huge hat, scarf, double socks, etc. It's pathetic actually!

George went to his cottage for the week, so we needed to move his baptismal date to January 19th, but he is doing well. He completely quit smoking!! We were able to see Jackie and Xavier Vieyra last night. They are doing well and have been taught everything. It is going to come down to getting permission for them to be baptized. Prayers...

Trevor has been coming to church for weeks now. :) We had a spaghetti dinner with him last week. It was so fun. :) He even comes to the family history center every week to do his family history work. 

We went to Caledonia on Saturday. We were able to meet with a part-member family, the Clark's. They invited us to come for dinner, and it was so amazing. We taught them the plan of salvation and it was so powerful. I love sharing the experience of being sealed to Ashlyn and Brynn in the temple. We truly will be together forever, and when other people realize that - a new light comes into their lives. 

All in all it was a very good week. I have never had so much fun on my mission than I have with Sister Woolf. We have snow fights and laugh 24/7. I've never been happier. I know that serving the children of God is the best thing that I could be doing right now. 

Keep pondering about our family motto, only Mom and Jaclyn told me what they thought. :)

LOVE YOU ALL FOREVER!

Love,

Sister Hardcastle

"Have Faith, Have Hope, Live Like His Son, Help Others On Their Way"

Last picture of 2013 
The Vieyra Clan :)
My new wall thanks to Jaclyn :)