3.28.16 The sQUAD!

Rachael has been transferred, she has a new companion Sister Holmgren from North Ogden. They are living with 2 other sisters for a couple weeks while they get a new apartment!  She's loving being with these 3 girls right now and working hard and sleeping little!  Please send her a note if you have a minute.

Sister Rachael Hosman

317 B Alcovy Street

Monroe, GA 30655

Hey y'all! Woah! What a crazy week!

Tuesday was a day full of goodbyes, laughter and tears. We had some awesome lessons and I am really going to miss Big Shanty. I have learned so much and have really seen my testimony grow. I am so grateful for the friendships and for the unforgettable memories! I left a piece of my heart on that campus and I will forever love Big Shanty!

Tuesday was a late night and Wednesday was an extra early morning! Jocelyn got to the apartment at 5:30 to pick us up. We headed to peach tree corners where we said goodbye and then I went to Lilburn with Sister Johns. She had served around Monroe in the beginning of her mission so it was really great to talk to her! When we got to Lilburn I met Sister Holmgren, my new companion. We didn't have a car or an apartment or a GPS. We had to wait for our car for awhile and so we helped around the mission office. We then finally got our car and headed to Monroe! We are living in a one bed/ one bathroom with four sisters. It is a party but as you can imagine a little hectic in the mornings. Monroe is so beautiful and very country! When we first got to the apartment there was a man mowing the lawn next door. We said hi and he came and welcomed us to the neighborhood. His name is Charles and he was very nice. We didn't think much of it and headed to lunch at Wendy's. When we walked in Charles was sitting there eating lunch! It was such a cool miracle! We were able to eat lunch with him and have a lesson! He had met with missionaries before but had since moved and was really excited to meet with us! We talked with him about the BoM and it was really awesome! We were both really stressed and it was the perfect loving reminder from Heavenly Father that this is right where I need to be. I know there are people here that I need to help and teach. That afternoon we went and met as many members and less actives as we could. That night we had ward correlation and it was great! It seems like a wonderful ward and I am so excited!(:

Thursday morning we went with the sisters to visit an investigator named Debbi at her work. She is very nice, her and her husband own a t-shirt company! We then went to visit some potentials and met a woman named Judy. She had the most beautiful garden and invited us right in. Southern hospitality is so strong here in Monroe and I love it! We went tracting a bit and also met a woman named Elesa. She is in the process of moving but invited us to come back that night. We went back to the apartment and had lunch with the sisters! We went back out again trying to meet as many as we could. We met two really great less active guys named Brother Snow and Brother Dunson. They were both so sweet and happy to see us! Then we went to a different part of town and met Datren and Dedrick! We were there to see a potential but she was sadly not home. There were two boys outside playing basketball and they were brothers! They are so cool and we for for to share the Easter video with them. Darten really felt the spirit and was so amazed by the video. He really wanted to know more and know where our church was at! It was the coolest thing and we are going back next week! Then we met the smith family, when we got there she was making friend chicken and biscuits! They are so funny and true southerns! We went to dinner with Sister Watson and the sisters and it was delicious! That night we had a lesson with Elesa on the Restoration. The lesson went really well.  She is at a crazy time in her life but we hope to be able to keep meeting with her! It was a wonderful first real day in Monroe!

Friday we spent all morning and some of the afternoon weekly planning. Oh my goodness it was craziness. We had to split up the areas and figure out who was going to visit what less actives and investigators. It was very stressful and took a lot long than any of us had hoped. But it is awesome to have it worked out and we are getting to the good stuff now. After weekly planning we went out to visit some less actives and potential investigators. We saw more of the true south today and decided to turn right back around. Haha It is so different here and not gonna lie very sketchy but a fun adventure for sure! We are experiencing all the accents and beautiful scenery. We met a really cool family whose son is actually serving a mission in California. We are going back to teach them next week and I am so excited! After that we went to try to meet a less active family and ran into their son and his friend outside playing ball. We talked with them for a bit and shared the Easter video. They were super cool and we will be starting to teach his friend named Trey next week! We then headed to the church for dinner and a cake auction fundraiser for the young women. It was a lot of fun and really good to get to know some of the members! That night we went to drop of a bible to a media referral. Her name is Shirley and she is so sweet! She had actually met with missionaries a couple years ago but they had got transferred and she never heard back from them. We talked to her about the BoM and shared the Easter video with her. It was really cool and we are going to go back and start teaching her again next week! We have already been blessed with so many tender mercies. I know there is lots of work to do here and although it's a rough start I feel so blessed to be able to serve in this part of heavenly fathers vineyard.

Saturday morning we had a lesson with Charles and it was so awesome! We taught him the PoS and everything just made sense to him. The spirit was so strong and we invited him to be baptized! He said yes and is on date for April 23rd! He has been baptized twice before but when I asked him why he needed to be baptized again he explained because this is the right church and that we have the right authority! It was the coolest thing! That afternoon we went to see lots more people and it was great! That night was the Women's Conference and it was amazing! The focus was really on service and loving one another! My favorite quote was "throw away the mirrors and look through the windows!" It was just a good reminder and so well said! We are here to help each other through this crazy life journey! I love y'all so much!

Sunday was a wonderful Easter Sunday in Monroe! It was fast and testimony meeting and the spirit was so strong. There was definitely a focus on the atonement and The life of Jesus Christ. It is an amazing ward and there were some incredible testimonies. During Sunday school we talked about the life of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the life he lived and this time I have to wear his name. Why do we expect it to be easy for us when it was never easy for him? After church we had meetings and then went with the sisters to check up on people. We tried to meet as many members and less actives as we could. It was really fun and it is so awesome to be in a quad. We did some service and shared the beautiful message of Easter with all who would hear.  Haha We have already become so close and I love it! That night we had a true southern Easter dinner and it was delicious. We had green beans, ham, biscuits, potatoes with white sausage gravy and more! For our spiritual thought we sang to them and the spirit was so strong. Another pro of being in the quad is we all love to sing so we do it a lot. We will be singing in sacrament in the next couple weeks and I am excited! That night we went to the church to do our ward emailing and numbers. It was an awesome first Sunday in the ward! It was different than the branch for sure but still a pretty small ward and lots of love!(:

I love y'all so much! Happy Easter and have a wonderful week! Thank you for all your prayers and support! I know this church is true and I know it changes life. I see it everyday! I am so grateful for my savior and I know he lives. I am so grateful that we have a modern day prophet and his apostles on the earth today to lead and guide us! Write down your questions and concerns, pray and tell them to our Heavenly Father! I promise that they will be answered this upcoming weekend! Enjoy General Conference and pay attention to the sweet spirit! peach out sugars! xoxo

Love, Sister Hosman

Saying goodbye to Jocelyn, I can't imagine how hard that would have been.

Goodbye to her KSU friends, investigators and recent converts!

Goodbye to Sister Blair!

Goodbye to Jesse

The 4 sisters of Monroe, GA

3.21.16 Goodbye Big Shanty, Hello Monroe!

Hi y'all!(: It was a roller coaster of a week but a really great one! I hit my 6 month mark and can't believe how fast time is going by!  Spring is officially here and there is a lovely coat of yellow dust on all the cars of pollen! Allergy season is here!

Tuesday morning we walked to campus but our appointment cancelled so we called some potentials and did some planning. After that we went and had lunch with Bryan and Jocelyn. After lunch we had a really good lesson with Yasmine. We went over the whole word of wisdom and it went really well. We had a really good talk and she is so strong. She is willingly to give things up for the blessings of the gospel. We made some awesome goals and she is really progressing. She is so happy and it is so incredible to see her understanding grow. After that we met with Andrew and talked about repentance. We talked about how we strengthen our relationship with God and how it is never too late.

There is a new Mormon message called "paint yourself into a corner" it is the idea that when we make a wrong choice we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner. We have to sometimes go back and then fix what we walked back over and that can take a lot of time. But in the end it is more beautiful than ever and so worth it. Repentance is real and it is for everyone. Then we had Derik teach us the 10 commandments and it was awesome. He is so great and it was really good for him! That night the Brooks took us, Derik and Jocelyn all out to dinner for Mexican food. It was delicious and we had lots of fun! The Brooks are the best and I love them so much! That night we went with Jocelyn to have a lesson with Jesse. The lesson went really well and Jesse is just so prepared. We talked about the law of chastity and temples. He understood everything and was even teaching us. He is so ready for Saturday and we are so excited! Sister Blair and I have been together so long now that we just say the same things at the same time. It is true comp unity and it's the best!(:

Wednesday was wonderful, it started off with a lesson with Amanda. She taught us the restoration and it was so awesome. She has almost been baptized for a year now and will be married in May. She is so sweet and I love her so much. Her conversion story is incredible and she is so strong! After that we went up to call some people and we got a hold of two less actives that we have been trying to see since I got to the area. You can imagine our excitement. It was so amazing and definitely a tender mercy! We are so excited to start working with them. It is so cool to work with less actives and see them come back to church. Being a missionary is just the best! After that we headed to campus and met with Kamera. (One of the new investigators from tables that I met) She is so sweet and is so ready for this gospel. She is so interested and wants to strengthen her faith so bad. We were able to get to know her a little bit and show her the "Because of Him" video. She had some questions that we answered and it went really well! I am so anxious to see what the lord has in store for her!(: After that we had lunch and then met with Laurissa. She is so sweet and we talked about our Heavenly Fathers love for us. Next we met with Colleen and shared the new Easter video with her! Y'all if you haven't seen it please go watch it, it is SO incredible! He lives and through him each of us can find new life! Then we met with Dannie and started teaching her the plan of salvation. It was so good and she just kept saying that everything makes sense. That if it is true it just feels right, amen! Revelation from the spirit is feelings to the heart and thoughts to the mind. We then went to dinner and mellow mushroom and headed to institute. We ended up having a lesson with Justin but it was really good. We talked about eternal marriage and families. That love really does exist and how we can prepare now everyday to be ready to be sealed to our eternal companion. We made goals to read and pray everyday and he is doing better. It was a busy day but a terrific one!(:

Thursday morning we went and had a lesson with Jesse and it was awesome! We talked about the priesthood and service. He is doing so well and is following through on his commitments. He is excited for Saturday and is just so prepared for this gospel. He understands everything and comes up with the coolest analogy to relate it to him. After that we went and helped at the food pantry which was great! I am officially a pro packer of groceries and just always leave smiling. Miss Donna and Harland then took us out to lunch to Big Shanty Smoke House. Oh my goodness y'all it was SO spectacular! The food was delicious and we had tons of fun! It was just this little place with a line out the door and great barbecue! After lunch we had Jocelyn teach us the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is getting really good and it is such great practice for her. She has officially decided to go on a mission and I am so excited for her! She is going to be amazing and change so many lives. I love that girl so much! Then we met with Yasmine and taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is doing awesome and really understands the gospel. She is progressing slowly but surely and has already grown so much. Next we met with Drew and taught him the word of wisdom. The lesson actually went really well and we were really able to connect with him. He is such a great guy and is so sweet. He is really starting to progress and it is so exciting! Bryan and Derik took us to the "Varsity" and they were pumped. They have been looking forward to it forever! It is a famous restaurant in Atlanta that is burgers and Chili dogs. It is huge and is grease on top of grease, the true southern way. To be honest the food was not my favorite but it was all about the experience and we had fun! That night the relief society had spa night and it was fun! 

It was a fantastic St Patrick's Day!🍀☘

Friday morning we had a really great district meeting! We did lots of role playing and it was super fun! Then we went to campus and did some contacting with Will. We met some really cool guys who were on a mission trip for another church. We had a really good conversation with them and it was an awesome learning experience. After that Baylen and Elizabeth taught us the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It went well and I think they both realized how much you have to rely on the spirit when you teach. He is the true teacher! Then we had a lesson with Jocelyn and we got interrupted by Justin but it was good! Next we went and had a lesson with Haylie who is so cute! I love her so much and she is seriously the sweetest! That night we went to a taco truck in Woodstock with Justin K and it was delicious! We had to say goodbye at the risk of transfers which stunk! We have all become such good friends and I love them so much! I hope we will stay friends forever!(:

Saturday was a wonderful day! We went with Jocelyn to chick-fil-a for breakfast and it was delicious. Then we went and saw Jesse for his last lesson as a non member. We talked about honoring the law and enduring to the end. He was super excited and it was so awesome! He said the closing prayer for the lesson and it we amazing to see how much he has grown over these last 6 weeks. After that we went to the food pantry and finished helping which was great. Harland then took us to get some pizza for tomorrow because they were sad they couldn't take us out to eat with it being Sunday. Then we went and saw a less active named Justin. (Yes we have way too many Justins in this branch!) We have been trying to get in contact with him since I got to the area and were so excited when he reached out to us. We had a really good lesson with him and got to know him better. We showed up the Easter video and he loved it! It is so good y'all! Every time I watch it I love it more and more!(: We went home and had lunch and headed to Jesses baptism. The baptism started a bit late because we were waiting for his family to get there but it was so good! Jesse looked so good, and he was just beaming with happiness. Jocelyn and Hanson both gave fantastic talks and the spirit was so strong. It was so cool to see jesses family there supporting him and I know the Lord will soften their hearts. It was a really great baptism and it is just amazing to see the change in Jesse. It is not that their life changes but that they change. It is result incredible! After the baptism we came home to weekly plan! We took a break to go to dinner with T.O which is always super fun! He is so funny and one of the nicest guys I know. He has been taking the sisters to dinner every Saturday forever and it's so cool! We came home to finish weekly planning and headed to bed! It was a terrific day filled with smiles!(:

Sunday was truly a delight! Kamera was able to come to church which was so awesome and the branch welcomed her with open arms. We got to witness Derik blessing the sacrament for the first time and that was amazing. It has been so cool to watch him grown in this gospel and I am so proud of him. Then Jesse was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was an amazing blessing and the spirit was so strong. Jesse was just so happy and it was great! We had an high councilman and his wife come to speak and they did a phenomenal job! The husband spoke on 1 Nephi 8 about the tree of life. He compared it to white water rafting, a white knuckle experience hanging on for dear life. In life when we are asked to prepare a talk or working toward the temple we really work on our prayer and scripture study. Or when we are going through a hard time we are clinging to the Lord but when the waters calm down we let go or relax our hands. We need to always be holding tight to the iron rod. And if you have let go or are slipping it is right there just grab it and hold it tight. No matter how far we go it is never too late. We can not descend below where the light of Jesus Christ is possible. He is the light and the life of the world. We must not only endure to the end but endure well! I know that this journey is worth it. That through the gospel of Jesus Christ we can get through anything. One day we will say to our Heavenly Father when the great reward comes "was that all that was required?" Heavenly Father wants to bless us with more than we can ever imagine. He sent his son so that he could walk with us through him we can find eternal joy. Sister Blair and I then had the opportunity to teach relief society on the Restoration of Joseph Smith. It was awesome and as we watched the first vision the spirit filled the room. The Restoration is what it all comes done to, it is the foundation. Because of Joseph smith and his courage we have the same church that Jesus Christ established on the earth again today! Isn't that incredible?? We have a prophet today giving us modern day scripture every time he speaks. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith and for all he went through so that we could have the fulness of the everlasting gospel. After church we had meetings then went to visit Elizabeth who hadn't been feeling too well. That night we met with Miles and then went to dinner at the Mourdock's! It was delicious as always and their family is so sweet! A home cooked meal tasted SO good! I am so grateful for them and all they do for us! It was one of the best Sunday's and I am so thankful for this chance I have to be a missionary.

We got transfer news this morning and I am sadly leaving Big Shanty. My heart is here and I have loved this area so much! I have learned so much and met people i will never forget. I am so grateful for all the memories and learning experiences! I am headed to the Athens zone where I will be white washing Monroe. It is a new adventure and I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store. Thank y'all for your prayers and support! Have a blessed week! And mentally prepare yourselves... I am about to go to the true south sugars!(:

Love, Sister Hosman

St. Patrick's Day!

Dinner at the Varsity!

Jesse's Baptism

Their convert Jocelyn, who they claim as a sister!  She's decided to serve a mission too!

3.14.16 The Hardest Thing I've Ever Loved To Do!

Hey y'all!(:

Tuesday was a fantastic day! We had zone meeting and it was awesome!  We talked about the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion! I really learned that we are the tool and that he is the true teacher! We also talked about working with members and I feel so blessed to be in such a great branch who love doing missionary work! We did role plays and practiced helping the investigator recognize the spirit and it was so cool! Not just pointing it out to them but asking them questions and
doing it in a way so that they recognize who the true teacher is. The role plays really blessed us a lot throughout the week! Zone meeting is always tons of fun and I love the feeling I leave with of motivation and wanting to be better! We went to lunch with the sisters and it was really yummy! That afternoon we had lessons with Derik and Baylen. We had them teach us and it went really well! It is so cool to see how much they have changed and the love they have for this gospel.
That night there was a face to face with Elder Holland for the YSA! It was so great and Elder Holland is incredible! Although a lot of it was about marriage which isn't my focus now I took notes for later!(; He did talk a little bit about missionaries and my favorite part was when he said that putting on a badge doesn't make you a missionary and taking it off doesn't end it! I am already sad for the day I have to take off this badge but I know that it doesn;t mean I have to stop being a missionary! The mission has already changed me forever and I know that when I go home I can still help in the Lord's work!

Wednesday was a wonderful day! We started the day off with a really good lesson with James. We talked more about the BoM and were able to help him recognize that he was feeling the spirit. He talked about ever since he met us he doesn't get angry or mad nearly as easy. That just have the BoM in his back pack has blessed his life! It was so cool and he has already grown some much! Sadly he lives in the other mission so we have to hand him over but I am so grateful for the
tender mercy of meeting him that dark night. He is a great guy and I know he will continue to grow and learn in this gospel. After that a guy who had been listening in on James lesson came over and started talking to us. At first we were really excited but then we was just interested in bashing and told us we were preaching false doctrine. It was though but we just bore our testimonies and told him to check it out for himself. One day he will call the missionaries months later and be baptized, I just know it! Then we went and had lunch with Jocelyn at the commons. Next we got to meet with Justin Soriano, who is doing alright but things are looking up and the lesson went really well! Then we had a lesson with Jocelyn and she taught us the word of wisdom! She did really good and it was really good practice for her! She will be an incredible missionary some day! We finally got a hold of Ariel and were able to have a lesson with her, she brought along 5 or 6 friends so it was a party! We talked to them about the BoM and let them ask us questions. We ended up teaching them the last part of the plan of salvation and it was great! It was a bit crazy and they had some interesting questions but Ariel and one friend agreed to come to church so we are very excited! There was a girl named Dannie listening to that lesson so after they left we turned around and talked to her. (That is the great thing about meeting in the student center, people listen in and then sometimes become interested.) So then we got to know her and began teaching her about the BoM and plan
of salvation as well. She is a super nice girl and we are meeting with her again next week! That night we had dinner with Denn and then went to Institute with Yasmine! It was a really crazy but awesome day! All of our original plans and lessons that we had didn't happen but we were in the right place at the right time and the lord provided. It was a day full of tender mercies and even though the morning was hard when the guy bashed with us the rest of the day made up for it! This is God's work and I really felt the spirit teaching and opening minds!  There were many times I had no idea what to do or say but as I opened my mouth it was filled. It was amazing!(:

Thursday was another terrific day! That morning we met with Amanda and then Laurissa. They are both such great girls and I love them so much. They are both preparing to receive their endowments and I am so excited for them. After that we went to campus to meet with Ty'ya and she brought a friend along with her! We taught the Restoration and it went so well! The spirit was so strong and they were so into it. We really let the spirit teach and lead the lesson. It was so amazing and
they both were so excited to read from the BoM. We met up with some of the members from the branch and went and had lunch at the commons! It was fried chicken Thursday, which is the best! After lunch we went to the greens (basically just a huge lawn and everyone is hanging out.) It was a beautiful lesson so we decided to have our lesson with Yasmine there. We finished teaching her the respiration and it was awesome! It is official that we are in a trio with Jocelyn. She talks just like a missionary and is doing so amazing! Then we did some contacting and met some cool people! After that we went on splits and it was the best! Neither of us had ever done it before and we were nervous. But we had two people who wanted to meet at the same time so we decided to go for it. Jocelyn and I went to teach Jessi and Sister Blair went with Heather to teach Drew. It was so much fun and Sister Singh was a fantastic companion! We get closer everyday and I just love her more and more! After splits we went ad got Sister Blair and went to check on a referral. We also got to teach Jesse and it was awesome! He has started reading the BoM and is in chapter 9. He is doing so great and is super excited to be baptized. He is so willingly to give up anything to have the happiness he sees in members. Jocelyn took us to Panera to grab some dinner and then we headed home! It was a crazy day but super good! Coming home exhausted is the best feeling!

Friday morning we met with Erica and taught her the restoration. The lesson went really well and she is so sweet! She is excited to read the Book of Mormon and we are excited to continue to teach her! That afternoon after institute we met with Elizabeth! She is still the cutest and is doing good! Her and Jocelyn are planning on putting their mission papers in together and I'm so happy! They are both going to be boss missionaries!(: Then we went and did tables which is the
best!! We were able to meet some awesome people and it went really well! I met the sweetest girl named Kemara and we a have an appointment with her next week. After that we went and did some service for Jocelyn. We helped her clean her apartment and it looks great now!(: Then we got to meet with Haylie who is wonderful and I love her so much. That night we went to stop by some referrals and less actives. Then we had dinner and met with Miles. It was a good day and beautiful weather!(:

Saturday morning we met with Colleen and her twin sister for breakfast. They look exactly alike and it was really fun! After that we came home to do some weekly planning and then went to check on 2 referrals. Neither one was home but we decided to go check an apartment where one of our former investigators lived. A man opened the door and we were able to share the "Because He lives" video with him. He was a video editor and was very impressed. We talked about Jesus Christ and it went well. Although he said he was good where he was it was still a seed planted!(: We checked on some other people while we were up in the area and then headed home to finish weekly planning. That night we went to dinner with Theo and then had a lesson with Jocelyn. It was bit of a wild day but it was good! That morning I woke up not feeling very well. But as I studied my scriptures more and more the better I felt. It was amazing. The scriptures are so powerful and I am so grateful for the BoM.  I know that it is true and that it can help us in all aspects of our lives. It doesn't matter where you are at in your life the scriptures can help you. Life is a test but the good news is that it's open book!(:

Sunday had its ups and downs! We were supposed to have several investigators at church but last second everyone texted and said that something came up! It was so hard but it was still a great Sunday! Justin and Jocelyn both gave really amazing talks on the temple in sacrament meeting! Sister Blair and I sang "Where Can I Turn for Peace" and it went pretty well. Will taught gospel principles on the scriptures and it was so awesome! After church we had several long meetings but they were good and work is going really well in Big Shanty!  Then I still really wasn't feeling well but Justin Kirkland gave me a blessing and it helped a lot! That night we had dinner at Jocelyn's with several recent converts, members and investigators! I have loved serving in this branch so much and am really hoping to stay one more transfer! We had a mini fireside after dinner and shared the new easter video. We talked about how we have all found new life through Jesus Christ and it was so cool! The spirit was so strong and it is amazing to see how the gospel of Jesus Christ has changed so many lives. I love being a missionary!

This week I am so grateful for the power of prayer and scripture study! They are truly the glue to the puzzle of life! They are our ways to communicate with our Heavenly Father and I have come to appreciate them both so much on my mission. I know that god hears and answers our prayers and I know the scriptures are true. I challenge each of you to read everyday this week! Even if it is just a verse! I promise that it will make a difference in your every day life! The scriptures are so powerful and can bring you peace in whatever you are feeling! Happy St Patricks Day Y'all! Don't get pinched! I love y'all!
Have a blessed week!(:

Love, Sister Hosman

The sun was way too bright but.. 
Will is up front in the blue jacket 
Yasmine is the beautiful brown girl - investigator 
Heather is a convert in the chevron 
Then us with Joceyln and Derik 

"Tables"

3.7.16 As Sister's in Zion

Hey y'all!(: It was a wonderful week here and the work is going great! Spring is just around the corner and the weather is beautiful!

Tuesday was a fantastic day! That morning we had a great lesson with James. We were able to answer his questions and starting teaching him the plan of salvation. It went really well and I am excited to see him progress in this gospel. After that we went with the sisters to look at apartments and then had a lesson with Laurissa. We talked about the temple and she is working towards receiving her endowments. I am so excited for her and she is happier than she has been in a long time! We came home and made lunch and then went to campus to meet with Andrew. We talked about our relationship with Heavenly Father and how we must read and pray everyday to make that relationship grow. We talked about how loving our Heavenly Father is and how to recognize him in the details of our lives. Next we went contacting and it was awesome! We have been really trying to balance our finding and teaching and are being so blessed. We were able to talk to lots of people and met an awesome new investigator named Ty'ya. She was so sweet and is so excited to hear about the gospel. She is so elect and we are so excited to start teaching her. After that we had a great lesson with Ben on the priesthood. Teaching him is like teaching a recent convert, he already knows so much and is so ready for Saturday. The lesson went really well and we are all looking forward to Saturday!(: That night we went out for Mexican food with Justin. It was really yummy and there was a crazy lighting/rain storm. We went to go check on a referral named Jessi but she wasn't home. We ended the day with a wonderful lesson with Jocelyn. She taught us about enduring the end and it was great! She is doing awesome and I just love her so much! I really feel like I have known her my whole life! We were able to reach our goals and it was a really great day!!

Sister Hosman is on the back row, just to the right of center - can you believe how many Sister Missionaries there are?

Wednesday was a terrific day! We got up extra early for a special sisters conference in Lilburn! We hit really bad traffic and the drive was long but so worth it! It was so fun to see all the sisters in the mission! Sister Bennion gave a wonderful talk on being loyal to the royal within us. At the sisters conference we talked a lot about companions and how to work with different personalities which was super helpful! We also talked about being bold and how we are the only ones who can do this! It is up to us! It was an amazing meeting and I hope they make it a tradition! By the time we got back home it was 6 so we had to go straight to dinner! We had dinner with Jackie which is always great to hear about her mission stories! That night we went to institute which was great and had Ben's baptismal interview!

Sister Hosman giving a training @ District Meeting

Thursday was another wonderful day peaching the gospel! (: It started with a great district meeting. We have been really focusing on simplify and intensify and it has been so great! We taught the plan of salvation has a district using PED⭐️ which stands for principal, example/experience, doctoring then testify. It went really well and the spirit was so strong. It was the best! This is gospel is meant to be taught so simply. Then I gave a training on teach when you find and find when you teach. We talked about how important it is to open our mouth and talk to everyone we see. Always treat every opportunity like the golden one, picture them in white! We took turns coming up with crazy door and contacting approaches. Relating everything to the gospel and beginning to teach right then and there. It was a lot of fun and I think it went really well!(: 

After district meeting a member had Jimmy Johns relievers and it was delicious!(: It was a crazy rain/hail storm so Jocelyn picked us up and we headed to campus. Sadly our appointment didn't show up and we had no idea what to do. We decided we had to go out and talk to people. (There is rule that we can't contact or talk to people inside buildings, which meant we were going out in the hail storm!) But the Lord blessed us immensely and lead us to two golden investigators. We met Ty'ya and Beninta they both are so sweet and are so prepared for this gospel. We are so excited to start teaching them next week. I learned from my own training and it was so cool! I know the lord has prepared people to find and he will guide us to them as long as we open our mouths. After that we had a lesson with Heather and Jocelyn, we talked about patriarchal blessings. It went really well and they both promised to pray to know when they are ready doe them. Next we met with Derik and he taught us the plan of salvation. It went really well and it is amazing to see how much he has learned. He is strugling right now and it is so sad. It is so hard to see the adversary working so hard in the recent converts. You wanna help them but sometimes there is nothing we can do and it's the worst. He is so strong and I know that he will push through. The Lord has amazing things in store for him! After Derik's lesson, we had a lesson with Baylen and he taught us the restoration. He is actually doing really well and it's so great! Justin was there and was able to help answer questions which was really good! After the lesson we all went and had dinner at the commons and it was fun! Then Jocelyn took us to Jesses to have a lesson and it was wonderful! We taught him about keeping the sabbath day holy, tithing and fast offerings. It went really well and he understood all of it. He is so prepared and is so excited to be baptized. His brother was there eating dinner and made some awesome comments. It was so cool and we invited him to join us next time. He said he had been hopping around to different churches but he is so supportive of Jesse! The spirit was so strong in the lesson and he is doing so amazing! It was a super good day!(:

Friday was the best! This week was just so wonderful! Friday morning we went to the food pantry which is always so much fun. After that Miss Donna payed for our breakfast and then we decided to go check on a referral. Her name is Lee and she is so cute! She let us right in and we taught her the restoration. It went so well and the spirit was so strong. We really focused on simplify and intensify. When we asked her what she thought she said, "well ya it makes total sense that God would call another prophet just like he did in the bible!" It was so cool and is such a testimony that God is really preparing these people for the gospel. We have seen that so much this week and it is incredible! After that we went and had lunch and then met with Elizabeth. She is doing so good and I am so proud of her! She has been reading her scriptures everyday and writing in a journal in preparation for her mission. She is such an amazing girl and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store with her. We had her teach us why it is so important to be baptized and confirmed as if we had already been baptized! It was awesome(: Then we finally got to do tables and it was the best! We were able to meet some awesome people.

I met this super cute girl named Erica and she was so excited to hear about the BoM. She was so happy when I told her she could have a copy of it. This gospel is so amazing and we need to be so excited and ready to share it with everyone! After tables we met with Hailey which was awesome and then go to the Omer's. In the 3 1/2 months I have been in this area it was the third house I have been to! It was so nice and SO good to have a home cooked meal! The food was delicious and although it sounds silly it was just so nice to be in a home. On our way back to Kennesaw we stopped to see Amanda. We shared a quick spiritual message with her on patriarchal blessings and what a great blessing they are. Then hurried back to have a lesson with Yasmine. The lesson went super well and she is just so great! She is not the same girl I met at tables a couple weeks ago. She is starting to let the gospel really change her life and is growing so much. She is making changes all on her own the more she sees how this gospel can bless her life. We finished teaching her the plan of salvation and it was great! She loved it and understood every word. Derik came has a team up and oh my goodness! He was just teaching Yasmine and it was the most amazing thing. To watch someone you taught teaching someone else is just the greatest thing in the world! Being a missionary is the best and I love it so much!(:

Saturday was another fantastic day! We got to serve at the food pantry in the morning which was great. It was slow but that is actually a really good thing cuz it means not as many people needed it. I always love starting my day off there and it never fails to make me happier than I was when I walked in. After that we had do some running around for the baptism to get the different keys and the white jump suit. We then went to lunch at Olive Garden with the Manning's. It was really fun and nice to finally meet them. (they are the soon to be in laws of Ben) Then we had the baptism and it went really well. Ben was so happy and there were lots there to support him. Both Yasmine and Jesse were able to come and it was awesome! Because all the family came from Greensboro which is a couple hours away we were able to do the conformation right after he baptism. The spirit was so strong and you could just see that Ben was glowing. Everyone was so happy for him and it was so cool! A supportive member family makes such a difference for recent converts. The Manning's really love Ben and he fits right in! After the baptism we had a really good lesson with Yasmine. We talked about the baptism and then taught her about fasting. She has already grown so much and is doing so great. The spirit was so strong in the lesson and she agreed to fast with us. After the baptism we went home to start weekly planning! Then we had dinner with Theo which is always the best! Not sure if I have already mentioned it but he is from the Congo and is the coolest guy! That night we went to the branch to help clean and did some more weekly planning. It was a really great and we have been so blessed this week! I really hope to stay in Big Shanty!

Ben's Baptism - Saturday, March 5, 2016

Sunday really was another incredible day! It was a truly amazing fast and testimony meeting! Jesse bore his testimony and it was so good! The spirit was so strong and you could see how much he wanted this. He talked about how grateful he was for the missionaries and how he wants the happiness he can see in the members. He talked about how excited he is to get baptized. Jocelyn also bore an awesome testimony as well as Jackie, Justin, Theo and so many others! Yasmine was able to come and she really liked it. It amazes me how there is always a theme to testimony meeting and you know God is behind it all. The spirit is an incredible thing. After church we met with Jesse and taught him the word of wisdom. We were a little nervous at first but it went super well and he totally agreed it. He love this gospel and is so ready to be baptized on the 19th. The branch already loves him and it makes a big difference. I am so grateful for the wonderful members in the branch and all the love they show. After that we went to check on a referral with Jocelyn before heading to Marietta. She was actually happy to see us and we had a good talk with her about the Book of Mormon as well as some of our basic beliefs. We talked about what a family the church is and she really loved it. She agreed to come to church next Sunday and see for herself. Her mom got home while we were on the porch talking with her and she wasn't the happiest to see us but it's all good! I know Heavenly Father will soften her heart. Then we headed to Marietta and had a great lesson with Riley. We talked about patience, especially in our afflictions. The Mourdock's then had us over for a delicious Sunday dinner! We are officially apart of their family and it's so fun to be them! They are such a great family and I am so grateful for them. We then came home to finish planning and send out the weekly email! It was superb week and we are feeling so blessed. Being a missionary is the most incredible calling in the whole world! I am loving it more everyday and am so grateful for each of you! Your love and support mean the world to me!

I learned so much this week and feel so blessed to be serving in this area. At church yesterday there was a lot of testimonies given on trusting in our Heavenly Father. I know that he knows what we need better than we know what we want. On the mission all the coping mechanisms that I had back home are not here. I can't go to my room alone, go on a drive, talk to my parents etc. On the mission I have really learned to trust in my heavenly Father and fall to my knees. I know that he hears and answers our prayers. He never promised us that it would be easy he just said it would be worth it. This week in my studies I was reading in Heleman chapter 12 and I love verse 3. It says..

3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.

I know that the lord gives us trials and tribulations so that we may always remember him. I am grateful for both the good and bad days on the mission and am so grateful to have the knowledge of the gospel in my life. I love y'all very much and hope you have a blessed week! Be

patient in your afflictions and always remember him. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ YOU are never alone! You are in my prayers! Stay peachy(:

Love, Sister Hosman

These are the sisters that were in the MTC w/ Rachael ~ they are all planning to come back together 2/22/17!

Her besties from the MTC

Sister Hosman & Sister Blair @ the Mission Home

Derik went to the temple this week and he loved it. This picture makes

me cry and so happy! He is such a great guy and is also hoping to

serve a mission! Just thought I would share this great pic with y'all!(: