Dear Family, September 13th 1976
You can't imagine how happy I am!!! My new companion (Sister Hendricks) is a worker! WE have done more in the three days we've been together than Sister Linn and I did in an entire week. I have had so many spiritual experiences. I know now what it means to be a missionary. We work every minute of the day and don't even stop for dinner! Sunday we had 3 people bomb out on us but we didn't get discouraged, we just started knocking on doors. No one was home. Sister Hendricks said< " I feel we ought to talk to that lady." I thought she looked mean but I said okay. So I introduced ourselves, and asked if we could tell her about the church. She said sure, come in and maybe my X-husband will leave. And he did! She has four real nice daughters. WE taught her, and I felt the spirit so strongly, it was fantastic! I felt as if I could tell her anything and Heavenly Father would have prepared her for it. She was anxious to read the B of M. We'll call back on her in a couple of days. Her mane is Rachel. The whole day , each day, has been like that. It just goes to show how the Lord will bless you if you are willing to work and be obedient. Sister Hendricks has already taught me so much. Later on that night we wer teaching a science professor, the spirit was there but he will do everything to fight it. He's so logical. I told him Heavenly Father gave him a heart as well as a brain. I remembered scriptures and passages I'de never remembered seeing. It was fantastic! There's no words for how good I feel, knowing she and I can really work. WE are doing a display on J. Smith at the college this week. 11,500 students at the University of Maine at Orono. All science majors! Yuk! But I love it. WE are also using the radio stations to announce that we are in town and a member works at a t.v. station so we are getting all kinds of stuff from salt lake. We're "Expanding our influence". I have to give a talk o what I'm doing to "Expand our Influence" in President Rozsa's workshop at Zone Conference. But I feel like I've done something so I'm not scared. I know the Lord loves me cause her sent me a great companion and he answers my prayers cause he sent home Sister Linn!!! I found out that every companion she had had big problems with her. I thought it was just me. Now I don't feel so bad. Anyways Sister H and I get along Great! She's not spoiled, she's from Washington too and goes home in Nov. But at least she works. I love you all very much and hope the Lord is blessing you as he is me!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Old town Maine
Dear Family,
We had stake conference yesterday, the saints were really chastized. Boy were they ever. They were chasized for reverance in the chapels, (the mothers were told exactly how to discipline their children.) The reverence in the chapels is outrageous if I haven't mentioned it before. I've had a couple of investigators really upset about it. The were chasized about their home teaching, visiting teaching, missionary work, sacrament attendance and on and on. That stake President was really speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost. He can't seem to love them into doing their part so I guess he decided to shame them. We drove for 5 hrs. along the coast of Maine home. It was beautiful. We had an open house where all members were supposed to bring a family, one member did. But Sister Hendricks and I had a family there! They are the Rosso's and they are fantastic!!! ( They were later baptized! The whole family!) She has 18 month old twin boys, and two other children. We were tracting and my companion said, I feel strongly that we should knock that house. So we did, and they were so wonderful!!! ( He was later made Bishop of that ward) Those twins are terrors and should fit right in the ward. I can't believe them. We had quite an eventful open house. But it was really fun. The kids had a ball and that's great. The parents really enjoyed it too. I gave a short story to all the little kids while the twins ran around in chaos. They'll fit right in!
We had stake conference yesterday, the saints were really chastized. Boy were they ever. They were chasized for reverance in the chapels, (the mothers were told exactly how to discipline their children.) The reverence in the chapels is outrageous if I haven't mentioned it before. I've had a couple of investigators really upset about it. The were chasized about their home teaching, visiting teaching, missionary work, sacrament attendance and on and on. That stake President was really speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost. He can't seem to love them into doing their part so I guess he decided to shame them. We drove for 5 hrs. along the coast of Maine home. It was beautiful. We had an open house where all members were supposed to bring a family, one member did. But Sister Hendricks and I had a family there! They are the Rosso's and they are fantastic!!! ( They were later baptized! The whole family!) She has 18 month old twin boys, and two other children. We were tracting and my companion said, I feel strongly that we should knock that house. So we did, and they were so wonderful!!! ( He was later made Bishop of that ward) Those twins are terrors and should fit right in the ward. I can't believe them. We had quite an eventful open house. But it was really fun. The kids had a ball and that's great. The parents really enjoyed it too. I gave a short story to all the little kids while the twins ran around in chaos. They'll fit right in!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas on Tondolea
Do you kids remember the Christmas on Tondolea when we invited a homeless woman to stay for two weeks during Christmas? She was down on her luck from a divorce and just didn't have the money to pay her rent and so ended up on the street. What I remember most was how tired she was and how she would sleep forever. It must have been good to know you could sleep without worrying about being molested. But what means more to me now is how we came home from church one sunday and she had made a batch of cookies. She said," I hope you don't mind, but it's been so long since I've had a kitchen and all the tools and ingredients to make a batch of cookies." Her whole foundation of what she was and all she knew had been lost beneath her. When I want to complain that all my kitchen stuff is in storage and all my familiar things are not around me, I think of her and that she ended up with nothing at all. She was someone just like you or me. We have alot to be grateful for don't we.
Love and merry christmas to my little one so far away,
Mom
Love and merry christmas to my little one so far away,
Mom
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Old Town Maine
Dear Family,
Tomorrow is my one month anniversary and my companions one year anniversary. Quite a contrast! I've had a very succesful week. WE went on a follow up referal to see some people, "the Tjadens" and all went great. They could really feel the Spirit and so could I. They came to Church yesterday and the ward was really good about friendshipping them. Our lesson was on temples. The were impressed. We are giving them a FHE tonight. I'l let you know hgow they come. The Sleeping Beauty ( An old man who fell asleep after we asked him to say the closing prayer. We waited and waited for him to speak. We thought he was emotional after our spiritually amazing lesson. Finally we cleared our throats and asked if he was okay, which woke him up. It seriously had been 10-15 minutes of waiting and not knowing what to do.) is no longer on our investigator list. He's 66 years and his wife died in January. He is dating a methodist. She's the secretary for the church. He thinks it's more important to be in the same religion as your wife than to be in the true church. He doesn't like the least bit of contention. Oh well! WE went to the University of Maine Weds. and Thurs. and had a display on "Christ in America". We taught 22 discussions. Alot were interested and alot felt they couldn't possibly accept a Christ on an intellectual basis. It's interesting to watch the different groups of professors puffing on thier pipes, discussing what looks to be life and death subjuects, and yet they walk by the displays and grin or snicker. The will sure be shocked at the last day! Tell Brother Barlow that I met a girl in the mission home who knew his son inBrazil. She said he was one of the very best missionaries in that mission. He'll like that. Send me the Parkers address. And PLEASE send me my seminary Bible, A marvelous Work and a Wonder can wait. No time. You haven't told me what your gob in the church is dad. Do you have one? How are things working out for Steve and Cheryl? Are they all there yet? What was wrong with the truck? I sure hope ;you are all happy. How's my little kids, Chris, Stacy, Kari? Kent and Lisa had better write and twll me all ab out thier vacation. Jamie how did you and Shauna like Utah? Prety homsick? How did you get off work? Are you two still workign at the Pippin? Everyone up here is running around getting their years supply in. They are allscared because of thelast conference talk about food storage. Ou may have tosend me food next April. Ha!
Is Mark going on a mission now? I hope those tow boys can handle it. It's not easy by any means. What a responsibility! I have headaches all the time from studying and worying too much. Well mama sitta, you-taka- good-care-a-my-familia! I love youall very much and she a few tears not and then.
P.S. The churches around the town close for the summer. Sister Briggs and I are going to move in as Mormon Missionaries!
Love, Suzie
Tomorrow is my one month anniversary and my companions one year anniversary. Quite a contrast! I've had a very succesful week. WE went on a follow up referal to see some people, "the Tjadens" and all went great. They could really feel the Spirit and so could I. They came to Church yesterday and the ward was really good about friendshipping them. Our lesson was on temples. The were impressed. We are giving them a FHE tonight. I'l let you know hgow they come. The Sleeping Beauty ( An old man who fell asleep after we asked him to say the closing prayer. We waited and waited for him to speak. We thought he was emotional after our spiritually amazing lesson. Finally we cleared our throats and asked if he was okay, which woke him up. It seriously had been 10-15 minutes of waiting and not knowing what to do.) is no longer on our investigator list. He's 66 years and his wife died in January. He is dating a methodist. She's the secretary for the church. He thinks it's more important to be in the same religion as your wife than to be in the true church. He doesn't like the least bit of contention. Oh well! WE went to the University of Maine Weds. and Thurs. and had a display on "Christ in America". We taught 22 discussions. Alot were interested and alot felt they couldn't possibly accept a Christ on an intellectual basis. It's interesting to watch the different groups of professors puffing on thier pipes, discussing what looks to be life and death subjuects, and yet they walk by the displays and grin or snicker. The will sure be shocked at the last day! Tell Brother Barlow that I met a girl in the mission home who knew his son inBrazil. She said he was one of the very best missionaries in that mission. He'll like that. Send me the Parkers address. And PLEASE send me my seminary Bible, A marvelous Work and a Wonder can wait. No time. You haven't told me what your gob in the church is dad. Do you have one? How are things working out for Steve and Cheryl? Are they all there yet? What was wrong with the truck? I sure hope ;you are all happy. How's my little kids, Chris, Stacy, Kari? Kent and Lisa had better write and twll me all ab out thier vacation. Jamie how did you and Shauna like Utah? Prety homsick? How did you get off work? Are you two still workign at the Pippin? Everyone up here is running around getting their years supply in. They are allscared because of thelast conference talk about food storage. Ou may have tosend me food next April. Ha!
Is Mark going on a mission now? I hope those tow boys can handle it. It's not easy by any means. What a responsibility! I have headaches all the time from studying and worying too much. Well mama sitta, you-taka- good-care-a-my-familia! I love youall very much and she a few tears not and then.
P.S. The churches around the town close for the summer. Sister Briggs and I are going to move in as Mormon Missionaries!
Love, Suzie
old town maine
Dear Family,
It's been two weeks out in the field and I don't have any mail yet. Let's get movin'! Each day I go through a period of ups and downs. We went to a family's house and they want to hear the discussions, also a little old man who just lost his wife wants to hear them also. With faith and hard work I pray we will baptize them both. The one ward up here is small, noisy, and generally not too enthusiastic. But it will be a slow process to build up the church here. Most everyone is strong catholics or methodists. Everyone loves thier pastors and reverands. The town has probably got the same families living here since Columbus. Everyone knows everyone else's relatives. But we don't get too many doors slamed in our faces. Everyone is pretty friendly. My love for the Lord has strengthened from having to depend on Him. I hope to develop a close relationship with Him. I'm afraid I've been terribly homesick this last couple of days. How is the Bishops wife? Did you sell the truck? What do you hear from Chuck? I miss the strength of the ward. It's so important to help the missionaries fellowship non-members. That's how we get people into the church. Lisa I sure miss you. Why don't you write me? There was a spider in the tub the other night. I killed it! Shall I send it home to you? Hey Kent, are you pretty excited to go to Grandpas? I know Grandpa is excited for you to go. Are you still being a good Mormon example for your friends? It's important for you to be- you know. How did your talk go at church dad? And what job did they give you? What are you doing Jamie? Any church jobs yet? Any young men home from BYU? And what about you Shauna? Are you two girls behaving?
Mom, are you out of your mind with worry? Don't be. You'll do a great job. I love you all. But I won't if you don't write to me. That's not even nice.
Love, Sister Knudsen
It's been two weeks out in the field and I don't have any mail yet. Let's get movin'! Each day I go through a period of ups and downs. We went to a family's house and they want to hear the discussions, also a little old man who just lost his wife wants to hear them also. With faith and hard work I pray we will baptize them both. The one ward up here is small, noisy, and generally not too enthusiastic. But it will be a slow process to build up the church here. Most everyone is strong catholics or methodists. Everyone loves thier pastors and reverands. The town has probably got the same families living here since Columbus. Everyone knows everyone else's relatives. But we don't get too many doors slamed in our faces. Everyone is pretty friendly. My love for the Lord has strengthened from having to depend on Him. I hope to develop a close relationship with Him. I'm afraid I've been terribly homesick this last couple of days. How is the Bishops wife? Did you sell the truck? What do you hear from Chuck? I miss the strength of the ward. It's so important to help the missionaries fellowship non-members. That's how we get people into the church. Lisa I sure miss you. Why don't you write me? There was a spider in the tub the other night. I killed it! Shall I send it home to you? Hey Kent, are you pretty excited to go to Grandpas? I know Grandpa is excited for you to go. Are you still being a good Mormon example for your friends? It's important for you to be- you know. How did your talk go at church dad? And what job did they give you? What are you doing Jamie? Any church jobs yet? Any young men home from BYU? And what about you Shauna? Are you two girls behaving?
Mom, are you out of your mind with worry? Don't be. You'll do a great job. I love you all. But I won't if you don't write to me. That's not even nice.
Love, Sister Knudsen
Thursday, December 8, 2011
My first letter from Old Town, Maine
Dear Family,
Well, here I am in Old Town, Maine! I've just memorized the Joseph Smith Story. People say I am doing really well, but I don't feel like it. I wish I had everything memorized already, then I could just go out and do the work. If you could see it up here mom, you would just flip. It's just beautiful everywhere you go. The plane ride wasn't so great. Boston was great. So exciting! Friday I wnt to a guge park in the middleof Boston called, "The Boston Common". They used to hang people there. WE set up a display on "Christ In America". It's called street boarding. I taught about 10 discussions. I was really neat. On the subway we had to sell our Book of Mormon and get rid of 3 pamphlets in a matter of 10 minutes. I didn't sell my book, but I got rid of my pamphlets. Saturday I rode the bus for 7 hours. I didn't even throw up. WE went through Massachussets, New Hampshire, and most of Maine. It was so beautiful and the coast was just so charming. Old colonial towns and over. The ward I'm in is very small but pretty good mormons. I don't like having to talk and smile at everyone. I'll learn I guess. My companion is Sister Briggs. She's very nice, very quiet. This is the first time she has been a senior companion. She doesn't know how to train very well. We haven't gone out tracting or anything. Just visiting families. I dont like to sit for hurs visiting people I don't know. Things will be different when I'm a senior. WE talked over some ideas for a FHE display and she thought that might be great.
How is everyone? Tom, you wouldn't believe how much work this is mentally. Your'e so lucky to have that program for missionaries. It will help you so much! Lisa, do you miss me terribly? Porr little thing!!! Ha! There's a real cute little boy in this ward who would like to marry you. Ha!Ha! How's fishing Kent? Do you still like that little girsl across the street? Are you saving your money J & S? The bank may be calling mom or dad. I have to have 175.00 a month so I wrote them. It's very expensive. I have to pay 25.00 a month for the car, 25.00 a month for gas, 75.00 a month for rent,plus phone, pamphlets, BofM, etc. I told them I didn't want a car but they don't seeem to understand. I've lost over 5 lbs. so far and hope to stick with it. Well, be sure and write soon. ALL of you!!
Please send me my Bible, and Marvelous Work and a Wonder.
See you all in a year and a half!
Well, here I am in Old Town, Maine! I've just memorized the Joseph Smith Story. People say I am doing really well, but I don't feel like it. I wish I had everything memorized already, then I could just go out and do the work. If you could see it up here mom, you would just flip. It's just beautiful everywhere you go. The plane ride wasn't so great. Boston was great. So exciting! Friday I wnt to a guge park in the middleof Boston called, "The Boston Common". They used to hang people there. WE set up a display on "Christ In America". It's called street boarding. I taught about 10 discussions. I was really neat. On the subway we had to sell our Book of Mormon and get rid of 3 pamphlets in a matter of 10 minutes. I didn't sell my book, but I got rid of my pamphlets. Saturday I rode the bus for 7 hours. I didn't even throw up. WE went through Massachussets, New Hampshire, and most of Maine. It was so beautiful and the coast was just so charming. Old colonial towns and over. The ward I'm in is very small but pretty good mormons. I don't like having to talk and smile at everyone. I'll learn I guess. My companion is Sister Briggs. She's very nice, very quiet. This is the first time she has been a senior companion. She doesn't know how to train very well. We haven't gone out tracting or anything. Just visiting families. I dont like to sit for hurs visiting people I don't know. Things will be different when I'm a senior. WE talked over some ideas for a FHE display and she thought that might be great.
How is everyone? Tom, you wouldn't believe how much work this is mentally. Your'e so lucky to have that program for missionaries. It will help you so much! Lisa, do you miss me terribly? Porr little thing!!! Ha! There's a real cute little boy in this ward who would like to marry you. Ha!Ha! How's fishing Kent? Do you still like that little girsl across the street? Are you saving your money J & S? The bank may be calling mom or dad. I have to have 175.00 a month so I wrote them. It's very expensive. I have to pay 25.00 a month for the car, 25.00 a month for gas, 75.00 a month for rent,plus phone, pamphlets, BofM, etc. I told them I didn't want a car but they don't seeem to understand. I've lost over 5 lbs. so far and hope to stick with it. Well, be sure and write soon. ALL of you!!
Please send me my Bible, and Marvelous Work and a Wonder.
See you all in a year and a half!
Mission letter home Old Town, Maine
Dear Family,
I feel proud this morning, I khave 2 of my discussions memorized. It's so hard and I feel like I'll never be finished but I have 2 down and 6 to go. It's a start right? It's hard to keep your enthusiasm and optomistic attitude when there is no one you are teaching and no real prospects for baptism. You go out all day and every one in these wmall towns are competely happy with their lives. The families are usually close by so they don't feel a need for Family home evenign, but then you begin to read the scriptures and you see what truth you have, and you want to tell them about it. The only tool you have in this town is the Spirit of the Lord. To bear a testimony with the power of that Spirit will get you in to teach. I've been doing that in a small way, but it will increase.
The weather here is so much like oregon, but not so much rain. The humidity is great. You feel you can cut it with a knife. But my skin is real soft. My face is amazingly free of blemishes. I come in at noon and need to shower and redress because I am so wet from the humidity.
So what's this about Steve and Cheryl moving to Oregon? Where are they going to live? I hope you all try to get along well and remember that families have to be strong. I'm so glad they are moving up there. Thgey will love our ward. How do you like your new ward? You didn't tell me what jobs you all have. And another thing, if I can find the time to write once a week, I think you all should too! It's awful lonely out here all alone! Lisa and Kent, go to your rooms right now and write me a letter, or mother will punish you. Right mom? If you talk to Nancy before I write to her, tell her to send me a picture of my little Jessa. She said she would. I need one.
Well all of you take good care. And have consideration one for another. The family is the only strength you can depend on at times.
Love, Sister Suzie Knudsen
I feel proud this morning, I khave 2 of my discussions memorized. It's so hard and I feel like I'll never be finished but I have 2 down and 6 to go. It's a start right? It's hard to keep your enthusiasm and optomistic attitude when there is no one you are teaching and no real prospects for baptism. You go out all day and every one in these wmall towns are competely happy with their lives. The families are usually close by so they don't feel a need for Family home evenign, but then you begin to read the scriptures and you see what truth you have, and you want to tell them about it. The only tool you have in this town is the Spirit of the Lord. To bear a testimony with the power of that Spirit will get you in to teach. I've been doing that in a small way, but it will increase.
The weather here is so much like oregon, but not so much rain. The humidity is great. You feel you can cut it with a knife. But my skin is real soft. My face is amazingly free of blemishes. I come in at noon and need to shower and redress because I am so wet from the humidity.
So what's this about Steve and Cheryl moving to Oregon? Where are they going to live? I hope you all try to get along well and remember that families have to be strong. I'm so glad they are moving up there. Thgey will love our ward. How do you like your new ward? You didn't tell me what jobs you all have. And another thing, if I can find the time to write once a week, I think you all should too! It's awful lonely out here all alone! Lisa and Kent, go to your rooms right now and write me a letter, or mother will punish you. Right mom? If you talk to Nancy before I write to her, tell her to send me a picture of my little Jessa. She said she would. I need one.
Well all of you take good care. And have consideration one for another. The family is the only strength you can depend on at times.
Love, Sister Suzie Knudsen
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