Guess What We Had For Dinner?

This week was so much fun!!!! 

So we did so much Service! it was so good! It feels like I have taken a fresh breath of air! I love this gospel so much BTW! Did you know that? Well you do now! I love our Savior Jesus Christ so much, He and our Father in Heaven are so good to us!

So we were in the area where the temple was so we pulled over real quick and took a quick selfie... these are from Sister A.'s camera my battery was dead, so I will be taking more pictures this week.:) I love the temple! It's so beautiful! Sister A. was like." It's so small!".. "I've never been able to see Angel Moroni up so close!" And that is a very true statement, you can see him in great detail. I am amazed at the handy craft that goes into making those small pieces of heaven that scatter the earth. We will actually be going so that is going to be the best!

We also had a teaching evaluation with the Assistants, they are wanting to do them with every brand new missionary and their trainer.. so that includes my companionship. :D Also we did pretty well, we= spirit. Ha ha, I have tried teaching without him.... Let's just say there was no teaching, or learning on either half. It's not worth trying to teach on your own. Just be obedient, and listen to the Holy Ghost and He will always guide and direct us. My struggle wasn't in being obedient, or listening, but it was doubting that He was there for me. DON'T DO THAT! It can be super hard to not do that.... ha ha if that makes sense. But really, just listen and trust. I have come to learn you never have to doubt what you're saying. As long as I am studying, being obedient, and trying my best I never have to doubt what good thoughts come to mind. If it's good, it's of God. :) It literally is that simple. 

Did you know that every tree planted in SK was hand planted? Yes every single one. Haha they don't grow naturally. It reminds me of the talk by Pres. Uchtdorf when he mentions "The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now." That's not word for word. But that is a very powerful statement. :) 

The plate of food.. you may be asking what is that..? I see rice, and salad..  but what is that in the corner.. well... first this is Sister A.'s plate and the lovely family was very generous in her helping. :D Let's just say she didn't end up liking what was in the right corner. :) Ha ha, but I loved it! 

Some background on the photo, we have a family in our building and they are from a small island from off the coast of Madagascar they invited us for supper last night. :) We get there, and they talk with us, and we share a lesson. I am looking so much to teaching this lovely family. :) I love the work so much! 

Now back to the supper. That is curry, and cumin OCTOPUS!  it was so delicious! mmmm.. my companion had other opinions ha ha. Poor thing,and they gave us, especially her sooo much! Ha ha, they measured the rice with a Tupperware. Ha ha. :D I love them so much! I think I was being prepared for all this ethnic food when I would go out to supper with Troy and Liza. :) I am really grateful for them for helping me to widen my palate. :) 

I love you so much! I am so grateful that you're my family, and friends. And I am so grateful for your support. I love you, and I am so blessed to be on my mission. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost too. And I am serving in the best two wards in Regina! I love the members here, and those I come in contact with! I am so blessed here on my mission! 

Love Sister Tomkinson!

He Loves Us!

I can't believe how fast this month is flying by. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KARLA AND SETH CONGRATULATIONS FOR 15 YEARS! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLOAN! 

 

This past week was amazing! We were able to see so many miracles, we found another two new investigators which is amazing, because we were able to rely on the Lord to guide us to more people to teach! 

We also stopped teaching the G. family though. They weren't willing to pray, and read about the Book of Mormon. They won't come to know of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ if they don't read, and pray with real intent, a willing heart, and a sincere desire. 

This week in my personal study I was reading one of chapters from the Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith.. he talked about receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. There is a difference. He continues to say something along the lines that many people are baptized, having the laying on of hands for receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then there is actually receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. If you have not received this gift, You are missing out. The guidance and comfort that comes from this precious gift of our Heavenly Father. He loves us, and too often do we ignore the Holy Ghost and the gentle promptings He gives us.  He testifies of Jesus Christ, and of our Beloved Heavenly Father.

Also, I am really grateful for my ward Mission Leader in L. ward. His wife Sister M. is one of the strongest women I know. She is a kind, and gentle spirit. And I love the Filipino culture! She came to a lesson with Kim this week. We talked of fast offerings, and tithing. She shared an experience from her mission while she served in the Philippines. There was a woman she taught, her husband was murdered while they were pregnant with their 8th child. This woman's faith touched my heart here in Canada. She continued to attend church, she taught her children the importance of paying tithing.. She literally had no other option but to pay tithing. She was able to budget, and survive with the smallest of wages. As her children grew they are now attending university on scholarship and they are having successful lives. They love their mother, and the Lord so very much! I am amazed at the love, and the culture of the M. family. I am amazed at their generosity, sincerity and kindness. They are struggling with some personal things, but they are relying the Lord to help them overcome their weaknesses. When her and her husband were first married they were married for a month, when Brother M. was sent to Saudi Arabia to work there for two years... they only could talk on the phone occasionally when they could receive a signal. He then came back home, and they had last a baby when he was gone. They had their son and he left when he was three months old. And came back when he was 2 1/2. 

They struggled so hard, and he wants to help his family be supported. They fasted,and prayed that he would not have to go back to Saudi Arabia for work. That's when he moved to Canada, next he brought his family over from the Philippines. It was then he met his daughter. He was so happy. And he is so grateful that his family is eternal. 

They had to put their faith,and are still continuing to do so.  Putting their faith to the test. After the trials of our faith is when we obtain our rewards. They are so kind. So wonderful. I am amazed to them! I am always reminded of a talk that Sister Dabb shared with a few of us young women. She said to live life like a Filipino. They are true disciples of Christ. I love that! I love her! And I hope to have that kind of faith someday. To just trust. Nothing faltering!

I love you!

Thank you so much for your wonderful help in so much that I do. Thank you for your kindness and your prayers. You are so AMAZING! 

Love you!

Love your Sister Tomkinson  

Graffiti & the Gospel of Jesus Christ

                                                            Graffiti here in Regina!!!

This week was amazing! We received a referral from our ward mission leader here in the L. ward, and it was for a family! We headed over there, and when we arrived they were ready to receive our message! J, M, H, J, P, and baby.. who I am still not sure what her name is. They have only referenced to her as; baby. even when I asked, so I guess that's her name. :) 

It was amazing to teach them about the gospel that I love! Sister Alder is working and improving her teaching skills. When we evaluate our lessons, and our practices I always try and encourage her to talk more. I leave pauses, and give her questions to bounce off of. She will continue to grow, and learn in her teaching skills. She has already grown a ton. 
When we practice in companion study, in training she grows tired, and bored of it a lot. So we are now practicing as  "minion" from a animated movie. This sometimes add some reality to the conversation, and gives us somewhere to look. We also will do practices where I will demonstrate, she'll practice, then we'll practice together. That's what we usually do. My teaching skills have improved since I've been practicing more, and hers have too. When they say practice it honestly helps a ton!
We are teaching tons, and we are teaching more members the lessons from Preach My Gospel chapter 3. Then before, because it is a great way to practice the other lessons too. 

How we've improved we went from teaching 11 less active lessons last week to teaching 15. And we were able to have 4 other lessons. We want to be teaching more, and more though. We also are wanting to find a new investigator everyday! We make plans to find everyday. Instead of loading up our day full of less active members, we want to find, teach, and baptize those who are prepared. 

My faith grew a lot this week; in trusting God, and that He always provides a way. And can perform miracles. AKA the Atonement. :) Yesterday I gave a talk on "Mothers" It was a tender mercy from the Lord to do so. 

We also went out to a members farm this week, and that was so much fun! We cut the strings off of hay bails so that when they burn the fields, they don't have to worry about the strings on the bails getting stuck underneath to where the oxygen can't go so the end up not burning. They get stuck in the machinery. It was so much fun! 

We also had a baptism in our District this week. It is always amazing seeing people come unto Christ and being baptized. She was confirmed this week. 

Sister A. and I are doing great things here in the Lord's Kingdom,and we are so excited to be teaching! We are wanting to teach and find more people! I just hope to have and to continue to develop stronger faith. Faith in the Lord, and His miracles. Also in humility, because I cannot do this alone.  The fact that I've grown so much in the last 16 months is crazy! I am so grateful for the Lord, and that He is always there for me, whenever I need Him

One of my most favorite scriptures is.. Doctrine and Covenants 88:84. :) 

Love you! 

It was amazing to see so many of you yesterday for Mother's Day. Thank you for all of your love, and support. I am so grateful for you, and the love you have for me, and the Lord. This work is true, Our Savior Jesus Christ loves you so much! 

In our apt. with our Moo- moos. A less active member was like.. do you want these African dresses, I never wear them?.. We were like.. We will make the sacrifice and wear these beautiful things to bed.. :) #Adventureofamissionary

Love, Sister Tomkinson 

I AM TRAINING!!!.. Again? :D

This week has been soooo crazy! I am so excited to be here on my mission! 

So, why has it been so crazy! Well.. I will tell you...

First it was transfer week, so I AM TRAINING!!! What the..? .. Again??? 

Yes, yes.. again. 

Anyway, and soo... my companion Sister Smith is home now. :( But I am so happy for her. She is so hard working, and diligent. Hopefully for those in the Orem, and Provo area you can meet up with her. She is pretty great! I am definitely going to miss her. And with so many missionaries leaving our mission now, our missionary quota of Elders, and Sisters Sits at 81 Elders, and 19 Sisters. So.. our mission just keeps shrinking. Luckily we have no Sisters going home this next transfer :) And a Sister coming in! So we'll grow. ... then the next transfer is in July... I'm not exactly sure who goes home in July.. ;) One of my dearest companions, and friends also went home Sister Davis. She is pretty great too! 

Also this week we moved at the end of the month... right when transfers were! AHHH! So crazy! BLESSING! Because we were having transfers though, I had a Sister from Moose Jaw, and Saskatoon come down to Regina to be with me, while we all waited for our new companions to join us from Winnipeg! 

And so we passed our inspection.. at our new place we replaced Elders.... dun, dun, dun!!!!!!!

I am actually so grateful those Sisters were here in town, they helped a ton with cleaning,and organizing.. it was disgusting! but now it is beautiful! #sogratefulformagicerasers... #onlyiftheycoulderasethememories

 #whatisthat?shouldneverbeaskedwhilemovingacouch 

Then finally transfers arrived! YEAH!! And I met my new companion in person. I "met" her at the transfer meeting via SKYPE on Thursday, but met her on Friday! It is so much fun to be with a "Greenie" I am going complete verse from last companion to this companion. Her name is Sister Alder, she is from Pleasant Grove Utah. She is really excited about the work, and can hardly wait to get going everyday! She is pretty great at Basketball too! And enjoys all sorts of sports. I love her! She is 19.. about 1 1/2 years younger than I am. It's crazy how fast time is going! She was born in 1996, and is on a mission? What the?? The babes are going on missions!

I am so happy to be going into a new transfer, with a new companion it brings new things to the field. And I am very grateful for the help that our Heavenly Father has given me, and Sister Alder already. She is ready, and eager to teach.:D I can't complain there. She is progressing well. We are excited to really get into teaching this next week. We have three lessons lined up for this evening, and we are going to be doing a portion in ZTM tomorrow. She is a spiritual powerhouse, and hopefully at the end of training I hope to help her, and I reach a new level of spirituality. I don't know.. a spiritual powermansion??

Many miracles are lining up, you can just feel the spirit in the air! Earlier this week we were able to attend a funeral of a beloved member here in Regina. Sister Smith sang, and I signed. I am amazed at the peace you can feel at a funeral. Talks were given, and I felt the spirit almost radiant off the pulpit as a sister shared a verse from Alma 42. The Book of Mormon is true, everytime I use it, I study it, and I think about it. My heart cannot deny it's truthfulness, because the Spirit tells me it is true. 

Missions are the best things ever!! I love them so much! 

Kim is doing wonderfully! She is such a powerhouse I love her! She is praying. and reading. She is also wanting to get her patriarchal blessing... she is one of my closest friends. And I wouldn't have met her if I hadn't had come on a mission, if she hadn't been prepared by the Lord, and if members had been afraid to share the gospel. All those involved, and many others that we don't even know about have been influenced by those who open their mouths.  

We are also going to be teaching a few Filipino families in Regina. That's something! There are loads of different cultures here in Canada! I absolutely love it! 

I am learning so much every single day, and I am so blessed to have such amazing support, and love from those back home! I am amazed at your diligence, and dedication to the Lord. And for your heart felt prayers for me. 

I want to share something with you all. I am very blessed to be a missionary, and to have my mom often times help me in my lessons. I have felt her near as I have shared my testimony, and helped others come unto Christ. The Holy Ghost has guided me, and encouraged me to push a little harder, and to teach a little better everyday. And I know that it is by prayer! Thank you so much for all that you do! I love you!

Love, Sister Tomkinson!!

oh, P.S. I will see some of you on mother's day!!!

Picture below..is a Canadian treat!!! slurpee, with ice cream!! so bad, but soo soo good! 

And my new companion!!!! Sister Alder!