Sunday, December 29, 2013

December 21, 2013

Had prayer with Sister Pilling, the Kearls, Elder Goodsell, Sister Bly, and Elder Woolf.

Things were quite hectic today because the storehouse closes after today until about January 3rd due to the holidays; the patrons who came today were all so grateful for our love, assistance, and Christlike compassion and also our willingness to help them have a Merry Christmas.

December 20, 2013

After having prayer with the group, I stocked shelves and that took about three hours because the shelves had been emptied to ensure people had enough to eat, which is their purpose; to satisfy the needs of those who come to the storehouse. After the shelves were stocked, I helped Grandma Woolf and Sister Woolf bag celery until 2 p.m.

December 18, 2013

After prayer, Woolfs, Gallups, Elder Goodsell, Sister Bly, Grandma Woolf, and I filled out of town orders from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and I got the opportunity to train Elder Goodsell in how to fill an out of town order; I enjoy every opportunity I get to teach somebody else how to do something.

At noon, all the people working, volunteering, or serving missions in the LDS Welfare Complex gathered at the New Dynasty restaurant for a devotional and Christmas lunch.

The devotional was on gratitude and how it is a feeling of appreciation for that which we have received; he who receives all things will be made glorious. We can be thankful and express gratitude to God and we should especially grateful to Christ and all He did. Gratitude brings awareness to effort and grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction...mercies and blessings come in different forms...thou shalt be thankful to the Lord for all things, even trials, as there are hidden blessings... each day given is a gift...

From 1 to 4 p.m., I filled the cottage cheese and sour cream portions of the orders while others took care of the meat, milk, and bread portions. I then helped others stock shelves.

December 17, 2013 - Christmas Family Home Evening at Woolfs

Sister Bly, bless her heart, came and picked me up and took me out to Woolfs house near Welling so that I could have Family Home Evening with Woolfs, Graves, Gallups, and Kearls. The opening prayer was given by Elder Woolf and then Sister Woolf played a song called 'The Innkeeper' on the CD 'The Forgotten Carols.' After that, Sister Gallup played a few Christmas carols on the piano and we all got to eat a variety of wonderful foods prepared by everyone.

I then went to Magrath and spent the night at Sister Bly's house.

December 14, 2013

Sister Bly got to the storehouse in good time and had prayer with the Kearls, Sister Pilling, and Elder Goodsell already there.

We all quickly got to work helping patrons and we ended up being so busy with everything that Woolfs and their granddaughter, Myah, came in to help with stocking and bagging bananas.

It was so incredible to help people get ready for Christmas!

December 13, 2013

After prayer with Woolfs, Gallups, and Elder Goodsell, I fixed up the order sheets on the computer, helped stock shelves, and then scrubbed the mop drains in the maintenance rooms. I then helped Grandma Woolf, Sister Gallup, and Sister Woolf bag tomatoes, yams, and cabbages in the prep room.

I then swept the prep room at the end of the day.

December 7, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up and when we got to the storehouse, we ended up having prayer with the other missionaries after helping some patrons. There were many opportunities to help patrons, do paperwork, and I also got to make new paperwork for 2014 on the computer.

Today, as I try to each time I interact with patrons, I made a special point of telling every patron that they were loved, a child of God, and that it was a delight to help them; I feel this helps patrons feel comfortable coming in, especially when they express emotion about arriving close to closing time.

December 6, 2013

I took a cab to the storehouse from downtown and had prayer with the Woolfs before I bagged apples with Grandma Woolf in the prep room, stocked shelves, and helped a volunteer bag celery.

We also got a new elder at the storehouse named Elder Goodsell, who is 19 years old and makes me feel like everything will be okay at the storehouse when my mission is done.

December 3, 2013

There was a bad snowstorm in the previous days and I ended up being texted by Sister Woolf and told not to come into the storehouse today because of the weather. About 20 minutes after that, I found out on Facebook that all the buses were shut down and I offered prayers of gratitude that the Spirit helped keep the missionaries safe.

November 30, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at home and we got to the storehouse in good time while exchanging pleasant conversation.

After we had prayer with Elder Kearl, Sister Kearl, and Sister Pilling, I finished off the computer paperwork and then helped stock, serve patrons, do paperwork, and clean.

November 29, 2013

There were only three workers at the storehouse today due to sickness or other commitments; myself, Elder Woolf, and Grandma Woolf.

Before and after prayer, I topped and stocked shelves.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

November 23, 2013 - My Birthday

Sister Bly picked me up at home and gave me a bottle of pop with a quote tied to it as we travelled to the storehouse; since I can't drink pop, I am using it as a decorative piece.

At about 10:25 a.m., Sister Bly, Sister Kearl, and Sister Pilling hustled me into the break room and Sister Kearl had made me an angel food cake for my birthday and all of them, plus Elder Kearl, sang to me and gave me a lovely card that they had all signed.





We also helped patrons, did paperwork, and cleaned in the midst of the wonderful day. To feel such love and compassion is truly a wonderful thing and I am so grateful for all of it.

November 22, 2013

A big order day; Woolfs, Gallups, Grandma Woolf, Elder LeFeuvre, Sister Bly, and several volunteers counted product and put it away in either the storehouse or the warehouse.

Even though my birthday isn't until tomorrow, Sister Woolf gave me a very kind present of Christmas socks for my birthday and a lovely card.

After the order was all put away, we all had a staff meeting and some special squares were made for my birthday by Sister Woolf.

November 19, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse and after prayer with Woolfs, Gallups, and Sister Bly, I helped fill the out of town orders, the cottage cheese and sour cream portions of them, and also the meat portions. I also helped Elder Gallup stock the storehouse freezer and some of the shelves.

November 16, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at home and when we got to the storehouse and had prayer with Sister Pilling and the Kearls, I worked on updating paperwork and ended up finishing the list and also helped some patrons.

November 15, 2013

I started out the morning by topping off some shelves and after prayer with Woolfs and Gallups, I cleaned product bins and then worked on updating paperwork on the computer using Excel. Sister Woolf and Elder Woolf were apparently both impressed that God gave me such computer skills.

November 9, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at my house and when we got to the storehouse, we had prayer with Sister Pilling, Sister Kearl, and Elder Kearl. We did not need to stock, so in between helping patrons, paperwork, and cleaning, we labelled bags of black beans and boxed them so that they could be donated to food banks in the area.

November 8, 2013

Today, there were nine of us: Woolfs, Gallups, Sister Bly, and a few volunteers there and rearranging products on the shelves so that they match the new order form. We removed each row of product, dusted each shelf, and put a new product in its place. When that was done, we also stocked.

November 5, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse in a cab, helped Sister Woolf with paperwork, and then joined Woolfs, Gallups, and Sister Bly in prayer. After prayer, we took care of filling the out of town orders and then I started some updating of paperwork on the computer.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

November 2, 2013

Sister Bly kindly picked me up and when we got to the storehouse, we had group prayer with Sister Pilling, Sister Kearl, and Elder Kearl. In between filling out paperwork and helping patrons, we labelled and boxed bags of black beans that will be used to help others. We also cleaned a fair bit. :)

November 1, 2013

After prayer with Woolfs and Elder Gallup, I helped prepare some food for the soup kitchen, I did some stocking and also helped label bags of black beans that will go into boxes and be sent to help others in need. After that, I helped bag tomatoes and apples in the prep room.

October 26, 2013

It's always important to ensure that patrons feel welcome and loved when they come to the storehouse and, after prayer, we worked at helping patrons, doing proper paperwork, and cleaning.

If missionaries help patrons and volunteers feel welcome, they will feel comfortable returning when they need assistance or when they want to be of service to the Lord.

October 25, 2013

Today after group prayer, I cleaned five shelves, stocked a few other shelves, and helped Grandma Woolf in the veggie prep room while Elder Woolf put stuff away; I prepped and bagged cabbages and celery while Grandma Woolf bagged tomatoes. :)

October 19, 2013


I accidentally forgot to set my phone alarm the night before and ended up waking up at 7:30 in the morning. It was only by the grace of God that I was all ready to go when Sister Bly arrived.

We got to the storehouse and, after prayer with Sister Pilling, Sister Kearl, and Elder Kearl, we spent the morning stocking, helping patrons, and cleaning.

While I was getting product from the warehouse to put on to the storehouse shelves, I wound up banging my head on a metal rafter, but there was no harm done! I love my mission!

October 17, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse in a cab and Mona very kindly let me into the storehouse through the field office. I checked the humidifier and then I cleaned the sliding doors of both the front area and the storehouse. After prayer with Elder LeFeuvre and Grandma Woolf, we stocked shelves for three hours.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

October 16, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse in a cab, checked the humidifier, and helped Elder Kearl bag some bananas in the prep room. After I had prayer with Sister Pilling, Sister Kearl, Elder Kearl, Sister LeFeuvre, and Elder LeFeuvre, we all got to work filling the out of town orders.

Once the out of town orders were all taken care of, we all worked together to stock all of the shelves with products from the warehouse so that the evening shift wouldn't have to do so much heavy lifting.

On an end note, the LeFeuvres are usually on a different shift than I am, so I asked to get pictures with them just in case we don't work together for the rest of my mission!


Sunday, October 13, 2013

October 12, 2013

I took a taxi to the storehouse since Sister Bly is away. When I got there, the driver tried to give me too much change, but I gently insisted on the correct amount; I mean, I value my soul more than a bit of pocket change and my soul would be tarnished if I valued money over it.

Anyway, after having prayer with Sister Pilling, Elder Kearl, and Sister Kearl, we spent the majority of the morning helping patrons; it was Thanksgiving weekend, after all. We only had time to help patrons, spot clean, do a tiny bit of stocking, and the paperwork.

I found amazing joy in helping people being able to have food in their homes and I think it's important to be grateful for what we have and what joy we can give others. Not everyone is well off, nor do they feel that they have joy they can give others.

Everyone can give and receive joy; that's part of the promise of the Atonement.

October 11, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse, found Elder LeFeuvre working in the warehouse because Woolfs and Gallups were both away, and then I got to work. I emptied, cleaned, and restocked a shelf before Grandma Woolf and a volunteer arrived.

After group prayer, we all worked together to stock the storehouse shelves and when the order came, I continued stocking alone. At about eleven-thirty, my mom came to the storehouse to pick me up and she helped me stock shelves for about half an hour.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

October 6, 2013 - Experience of Active Faith

I am not sure why I am sharing this, but I feel it will be beneficial to those who read this blog.

This weekend is General Conference and this morning was the second-last session. As the closing hymn 'We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet' was played, I took a pizza box outside to the trash as I had spent since Friday eating the pizza inside that was now finished. I returned to find the door had locked behind me.

I did not lose my cool at this sudden problem, however; I instead offered a quiet prayer for help and then calmly went to the front door and asked the upstairs tenant for help. Her name escapes me, as I have always had a difficult time with names, but her kindness does not. She allowed me to use her phone to call the landlord and as we waited for the landlord to come with extra keys, she let me stay inside out of the cold.

We did try to unlock the door that led to the basement, but I ended up slipping or missing a step and falling down several steps feet first. Miraculously, I was not injured and only needed a minute before the pain disappeared. The Lord truly has protected me from serious injury by prompting me to take care for myself.

It took a few minutes for the landlord to arrive, but in that time, I was able to share that I am currently a part-time Church Service Missionary at the Bishop's Storehouse in Lethbridge and that after people who are in need speak to the leader of the ward they live in, they come to the storehouse and receive compassion and love from the missionaries who are there to help them. I was also able to explain about General Conference in that it's a wonderful two day event in which we learn from the prophet of the Mormon church and the other leaders about how we can do and be better.

I could see the intriguing impression I had been able to leave with her about the Mormons thanks to the assistance I received from the Spirit of God. A seed, was planted because of the Spirit, this I know to be true and, through the Atonement, we can all feel the love and direction from the Spirit of God.

The land eventually came and I got back into my house having had a wonderful spiritual experience.

Friday, October 4, 2013

October 1, 2013

I arrived and weighed, bagged, and shelved a box of bananas for the out of town orders in the day and for patrons to take in the evening. After group prayer, I assisted Sister Woolf, Sister Kearls, Sister Pilling, Sister Bly, Elder Gallup, and Sister Gallup in filling the out of town orders.

At 10 a.m., all of the missionaries and staff members within the LDS Welfare Services complex gathered in the conference room to say goodbye to Elder Dunkam and Elder and Sister Eklund, all of whom had completed their terms of missionary service honorably. Brother Murray first gave a devotional featuring several scriptures in the Book of Mormon that highlighted service (Mosiah 4:19, Mosiah 2:17, and Mosiah 4:26).

After the devotional, all of the missionaries and staffers were invited to eat and be merry. I chose to take pictures with the departing missionaries because I served with them in the field office early in my mission.




It's always sad when missionaries are finished their terms of service, but blessings come to those who serve faithfully and diligently in whatever capacity they can.

As of this weekend, I am down to five months left until the end of my mission, as my release date is in March 2014 and I anticipate that I will be highly blessed for my faithfulness and dedication to the Lord's work.



September 28, 2013

Time comes and goes, but reliability, dependability, and trust are important qualities to have not just during the course of missionary service, but in all of your mortal and eternal days.

We helped people as we always do, but it made me feel good to be complimented by a patron about how safe and comfortable I helped them to feel when helping them with their order. I have been in their shoes, and I am not ashamed to say that, so I understand the importance of helping patrons feel safe and secure during their time at the storehouse in such a way that they can carry those feelings with them.

September 27, 2013

A pretty quiet day today.

I cleaned a few shelves and did some stocking while offering prayers of song to my dearest Heavenly Father.  I also got some compliments on my countenance from Grandma Woolf and Sister Woolf. :)

September 21, 2013

Sister Bly and I arrived at the storehouse before the Kearls, but when they arrived, we all went inside and had a wonderful group prayer. Sister Kearl and I then weighed, bagged, sealed, and shelved bananas for patrons to take when they came in. We did help patrons throughout the morning and I always get such a happy feeling when I help in the Lord's work.

I also feel the Spirit very intensely, yet so very calmly, when I see the joy that being cared for beings to the patrons and it is a joy to me to care for them all.

September 20, 2013

I got to the storehouse early and turned on the lights, emptied the humidifier, and checked the produce.

After prayer, a volunteer and I worked together to clear, clean, and restock five different shelves.

Volunteers are wonderful to have at the storehouse and anyone is welcome to volunteer at the storehouse if they want to; all they have to do is phone the storehouse managers, Elder Woolf and/or Sister Woolf and arrange a day and time to come volunteer. Working with volunteers is one of the many great pleasures that comes with serving a mission at the Bishop's Storehouse; another pleasure is serving others.

September 19, 2013

Today was a big order day and what does that mean?

A big order day means that products come into the warehouse and both missionaries and volunteers work together to count what we receive and then put it either in a designated place in the warehouse or in the storehouse.

The Spirit of God was so wonderfully strong the entire time and it carried into the staff meeting afterwards.

September 17, 2013

I got to the storehouse early and took a box of bananas into the veggie prep room; there, I weighed, bagged, and sealed them into bags that would go on the storehouse shelf for patrons to take. I then helped the Woolfs, Sister Bly, the Gallups, Sister Pilling, and Sister Kearl with the out of town orders.

After the orders were taken care of, I taught Sister Kearl how to gather the sour cream and cottage cheese and then I bagged more bananas and also helped Sister Pilling fill another order.

September 14, 2013

Sister Bly and I got to the storehouse and after prayer, Sister Kearl and I quite a few shelves and also helped  a few patrons. I enjoy the feeling I get when I help people to feel a sense of peace and security that can only come from acting through the Spirit of God.

September 13, 2013

After group prayer at the storehouse, I topped off some of the shelves, got a few products from the warehouse, and stocked the depleted bottoms of the four row shelves.

The storehouse is definitely a place of peace for me where I feel safe and close to God. :)

September 7, 2013

Sister Bly and I got to the storehouse and had prayer with Elder Kearl, Sister Kearl, and Sister Pilling before we spent the morning stocking shelves and helping those who came to us in need of help.

September 6, 2013

I got to the storehouse earlier than everyone else and after the other missionaries and volunteers arrived, we had group prayer. After prayer was done, I cleaned a couple of shelves and then stocked them thoroughly.

September 3, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse and promptly prepped both the storage bins and the carts and then I checked the produce while I waited for everyone else to be ready. After group prayer, Sister Bly, Sister Woolf, Elder and Sister Gallup, and I took care of filling the out of town orders. I then stocked the storehouse cooler and some shelves that needed stocking.

While I was doing this, I found myself reflecting on patience; how can I help people be more patient with me and how can I be more patient with people who may not understand the way I am?

August 31, 2013

Sister Bly picked up up and we got to the storehouse in good time. We had prayer with Sister Kearl, Elder Kearl, and Sister Pilling shortly thereafter and then spent the morning alternating between stocking, helping patrons, and ensuring that the storehouse was clean.

August 30, 2013

I got to the storehouse and promptly emptied the humidifier. Once Elder Woolf, Sister Woolf, Grandma Woolf, and the volunteers arrived, we had group prayer and then I vacated, cleaned, and restocked a shelf, which can take about an hour if I do it by myself. I then did some stocking and also helped doctor cabbages for bagging. At the end of the morning, I helped a volunteer take expired/damaged producs to the soup kitchen so that nothing would go to waste.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

August 24, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up and we got to the storehouse in about 20 minutes. We then had prayer with Sister Kearl, Elder Kearl, and Sister Pilling and I stocked shelves while they helped patrons and then I got to help patrons while they stocked shelves. I also dry mopped while Sister Pilling wet mopped.

In the evening, I was invited to a baptism of someone (a young woman named Wacey) I didn't really know via text with only 20 minutes notice. When I got to the church, I put my missionary tag back on and ended up helping Elder Baker and another elder give a small tour of the church to a young man named Bruce whom I had met in the parking lot on my way into the building.

As I sat watching the baptism, I started thinking that September 4th is my 6 month anniversary of my mission and it brought tears of joy and pride to my eyes; now, I will be able to tell my future posterity someday that their mom served an honorable mission and that they can give any type of service to the Lord at any time in their life and that will be good enough! I have heard people refer to my mission as half a mission and that hurts, but it's not half a mission to me; it's what the Lord wanted me to do when He needed me to do it.

I accepted this opportunity in faith and I will be blessed for acting in faith.

August 23, 2013

I topped and stocked a lot of shelves today and I was also given a wonderful opportunity to teach a new volunteer about how to get products from the warehouse and properly stock the shelves.

August 20, 2013

I got to the storehouse in a cab and I was sent to get bananas from the warehouse since there weren't any on the storehouse shelf; I got them from the box, took them to the prep room, weighed them on the scales, and then bagged them to put them on the shelves for patrons to take.

I then joined Woolfs, Gallups, and Sister Bly in group prayer and then we all went to work on the out of town orders. After the out of town orders were filled, we all stocked shelves.

August 17, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at my house and when we got to the storehouse, we had group prayer with Elder Kearl, Sister Kearl, and Sister Pilling. Sister Bly then showed us a book of all the photos she took while she was in France with some of her family and we also did a little bit of stocking. In between visits from patrons, we stocked and cleaned and I also helped Sister Bly take some stuff to the soup kitchen afterwards.

August 16, 2013

I had prayer with Gallups and Sister Woolf at the beginning of the morning not long after I arrived at the storehouse. I then checked produce and topped off product shelves before another volunteer and I stocked shelves that were starting to look empty. I also helped Sister Gallup with applies and swept the warehouse.

Once the time at the storehouse was done for the day, I helped Sister Woolf take some stuff to the soup kitchen.

August 10, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at 8-ish and we got to the storehouse around 8:15; we then waited for Elder and Sister Woolf to come and unlock the doors since we didn't have keys and they did.

The four of us then had group prayer, I emptied the humidifier, and then I helped the Woolfs and Sister Bly stock some shelves.

Patrons did come in while we were there and we all got a chance to help people take care of filling their food orders; as we all helped the patrons fill their food orders, I noticed that they were all very grateful for the help, love, and compassion that we showed and also that we helped them to feel safe and welcome.

I also learned that we're not really supposed to be giving out things to the patrons that don't come from the storehouse; when I started in March, I would bring treats on Saturdays to give to the patrons who brought kids in or to anyone who wanted it, but I was told that if anyone were to get sick because of something I gave them, the Church was liable.

That's okay, though; I don't have to give material things to others to show my love. I can still give out hugs, kind words, and compassionate service to patrons who come in.

August 9, 2013

I got to the storehouse early and got into the storehouse through the field office because the storehouse doors weren't open quite yet. I emptied the humidifier and turned on all the lights so that others wouldn't have to do that when they arrived. After Woolfs and Gallups arrived, we had group prayer and then I rearranged, cleaned, and stocked a few shelves while the other missionaries stocked other shelves.

August 6, 2013

I got to the storehouse in a cab and helped Sister Bly with the paperwork for the out of town orders and then we had group prayer with the Woolfs and the Gallups.

After prayer, we missionaries all worked together to fill the out of town orders, labeling all of the crates, and putting number sticks in the crates to distinguish which order was which. I worked with Sister Woolf in getting the cottage cheese and sour cream for the order and then I helped Sister Gallup get all of the frozen meat for the orders. We then all stocked various shelves to keep the storehouse looking pretty.

August 3, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up since she was back from France and we got to the storehouse around 8:30 a.m..

After we had group prayer with Elder Kearl, Sister Keal, and their son, Nate, we helped a few patrons, stocked some shelves that needed to be filled, and did some cleaning.

I am about five months into my mission and I enjoy it immensely.

August 2, 2013

I got to the storehouse from downtown in a cab and, after I checked faxes and phone messages, I had group prayer with Elder and Sister Gallup; I then made a list of products that needed to be put on the bottom shelves.

While I was stocking the shelves, Sister Woolf called the storehouse to see how things were going and she told me that I was appreciated and loved. Sister Gallup also told me that I was doing good and worked hard.

Sister Gallup, one of the volunteers, and I then stocked shelves together for a bit until Elder Gallup allowed the volunteer and I to go home because there wasn't anything left for us to do that day.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

July 27, 2013

Today, I worked with Elder Graves, Sister Graves, and Elder LeFeuvre since Sister Pilling, Elder Kearl, and Sister Kearl all took the day off to go enjoy Magrath Days with their familes. I insisted on getting pictures with Elder Graves, Sister Graves, and Elder LeFeuvre in case we didn't work together again for the rest of my mission. Every missionary, no matter what type of service, deserves to have their own mission pictures!




I emptied the humidifier and then, after group prayer, I stocked the depleted bottom shelves and then I topped off all the top shelves so they would look nice when patrons came into the storehouse.

While we waited for patrons to come in, Elder Graves, Sister Graves, Elder LeFeuvre, and I chatted while we stocked the shelves and we all got along splendidly. When patrons did come in, I marveled (and probably will for the rest of my mission) at how much joy the patrons expressed when they received help in the way of temporal food and spiritual food.

Such joy is even more noticeable when they are helped to feel comfortable, safe, and like their true selves: valuable children of God with limitless eternal worth and potential thanks to the Atonement of Christ.

July 26, 2013

When I got to the storehouse, I emptied the humidifier, checked the produce, and doctored a few pieces of produce in the vegetable preparation room. After group prayer, I topped and stocked the shelves.

July 25, 2013

I came to the storehouse in a cab from downtown like I usually do and I signed in immediately after putting my stuff away. Today, a big order of several products came in and they were to fill the warehouse that is in back of the Bishop's Storehouse.

Knowledge of the big order usually comes a few weeks in advance and both missionaries and volunteers are invited to sign up to give of their time to help count the products and store them in their proper places within the warehouse. Many hands make light work and it's also a good opportunity to get to know others and to also feel the Spirit of the Lord that is ever present at any Church facility!

July 20, 2013

When I got to the storehouse, I signed in and then I stocked a lot of the bottom shelves with help from Elder Kearl, Sister Kearl, and Sister Pilling. Around the middle of the morning, we were visited by a steady stream of patrons and we also had time to take care of our cleaning responsibilities in between patron visits.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

July 18, 2013 - Humanitarian Service Opportunity II

By the grace of God, I was invited by Sister Byam, the Relief Society President of the Lethbridge West Stake, to travel to High River with her and her family and give of my time to help because new areas of the town opened up and because I asked to go and help out.

When we got to Okotoks, we went through a brief orientation and then got properly suited up for going into 'The Hamptons' neighborhood; it was a newer area at the edge of High River that got hit hard.

We first went to a house where the owners had already done most of the clearing of his basement by himself, but we moved a few appliances outside and also lots of small pieces of drywall and underlay; I gave the lady owner a reassuring hug and she and her husband were so grateful for our help. We got dirty, but it was fun.



We then went to a house that ended up being unsafe to enter, which unexpectedly led to us being told by a neighbor that help was needed at houses near the Anglican Church near the downtown area. As we drove through downtown, I couldn't help but reminisce about where I grew up; I lived on 8th Street and 2nd Avenue while my family and I lived there and a piece of my heart will always rest with High River. 


When we arrived at the church, we ended up getting garbage out of a nearby yard that was close to the church. A few people stopped by with food, lemonade, and thank you's as we worked and it truly awed me.



I admire the unity and hard work I have seen and participated in that emerged as a result of this unexpected event and High River will, after much work and time, be able to rise above this. I truly believe that. I enjoyed going up and giving of my time and compassion to help those who strive to rise above the raging waters.






July 16, 2013

I got to the storehouse in a cab and immediately helped Sister Woolf with the paperwork for the out of town order. After group prayer with the Woolfs and Gallups, we filled all the out of town orders and then stocked various shelves.

July 13, 2013

When I got to the storehouse at 8:30 in a cab, I found that everyone else had beaten me there and after prayer and for the next hour and a half, it wasn't busy at all. We ended up cleaning, reading Church literature, and talking about how we wished it were busy so we could help people.

Blessings come to those who ask...

Suddenly, we were blessed to have a small sea of patrons come in and helping people kept us busy and it was absolutely wonderful; missionaries often thrive when they forget themselves and go to work as helping hands of the Lord.

We ended up being busy until 12:20, but it was totally worth it to stay late and help the people who came in late because they really did need it and they were so grateful that time was taken to fulfill their needs and care about not only their situation, but also about them as valuable children of God.

Seeing the relief and joy that patrons express when they are helped is worth every bit of hard work involved in this mission.

July 12, 2013

When I arrived at the storehouse in a cab, I let the taxi driver keep the change. After I came into the Storehouse through the Field Office, I put my stuff away and turned on all of the lights. I then checked the produce and doctored cabbages in the veggie prep room. After prayer with Woolfs, Gallups, and Anne, I swept and mopped the break room and the storehouse maintenance room. I then stocked shelves.

Monday, July 8, 2013

July 8, 2013 - Humanitarian Service Opportunity!

I finally got to take part in helping High River today and I was born there in November of 1987 and lived there for the majority of my childhood (from age 0 to 9), so it meant a lot to be able to help there.


I decided to come out to Raymond and visit my parents and while I was out here, I made the wonderfully impulsive decision to join the Raymond Stake in service for the day. The bus left the Raymond Stake Center at 7 a.m., which meant getting up at 5:45 to be able to be ready on time, but that was okay with me.

When we arrived in High River, we had a bit of a view of some of the town and it's really an opportunity for growth and to gain strength from both the situation and each other. Even in this situation, joy can be found.



I remember being evacuated from my home during the flood of 1995, but I understand that it can't compare to what happened very recently. I commend all those who were affected, all those who are involved, and all those who were, are, and will be able to find strength in each other and in what they can to endure this refiner's fire.


Anyway, the bus went straight to the LDS Church there and dispersed into the teams that we had been  divided into during the bus ride up to High River. While the team leaders were briefed, the rest of us gathered our things and switched from our street shoes into boots and put on other personal protective equipment that we would need to successfully and safely help take care of the houses we were all assigned to.





Once we were all given assignments, we all got back on the bus and each group was dropped off at their various locations to get to work. We worked from 9 to 11:30 and then took a lunch break for about half an hour before going back to work until 3 p.m..

Some of what I saw was unbelievable, but it was not unrepairable; it may take a lot of time, effort, outside resources, and unity, but joy can always be found everywhere.

Even in times where everything seems to be overwhelming, can small things bring a light of hope...

If this tiny little drive-in can withstand and beat all odds, so can anyone and everyone. Don't lose hope!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

July 6, 2013

I got to the storehouse around 8:25 in a cab and immediately got a blessing from Elder Kearls so that I would be calm when I went to look at a new place to live; see, on June 21, 2013, I was notified by my landlords that my current residence would turn into an all-male household beginning August 1st and that I would need a new place to live. The blessing was helpful and it helped me to focus on the tasks of the day.

After the blessing, I gathered for prayer with Sister Kearls, Elder Kearls, and Sister Pilling and since we ended up not being very busy, we ended up cleaning a great deal when we weren't assisting patrons.

The blessings and hope I had for a new house were successful. Thank you, my dear Heavenly Father.

July 5, 2013

I've been serving since March 4, 2013 and it's already past July 4, 2013; truly amazing, isn't it?

I arrived at the storehouse in a cab, immediately checked the vegetables, and put any vegetables that needed doctoring into the veggie prep room for special care. I then helped Sister Gallup doctor and re-bag the vegetables.

After prayer, I cleaned a few shelves and then stocked shelves alongside wonderful volunteers from Magrath; they were a mother and daughter who were passionate about volunteering at the storehouse.


July 2, 2013

I got to the storehouse around 8:15 and helped Sister Woolf with the paperwork for the out of town orders for several minutes and then we had group prayer in the warehouse.

After prayer, I had the opportunity to have two of Sister Woolf's young granddaughters, Ellie and Paige, to help Sister Woolf and I fill the out of town orders and I always love every single opportunity I get to work with children at the storehouse, whether it be children of patrons or children or grandchildren of fellow missionaries.

I also helped Sister Woolf collect the cottage cheese and sour cream for all of the orders.

Once the out of town orders were finished, all the missionaries participated in carefully checking the inventories for both the warehouse and the storehouse; it took a while, but attention to detail is very important and doing inventory was a unique experience.

June 29, 2013

I took a taxi from my house to the storehouse because Sister Bly is away and I arrived at the storehouse at about 8:20. After signing in, I joined Elder Kearls, Sister Kearls, and Sister Pilling for group prayer.

I helped a few patrons with their orders and after a while, Elder Woolf came into the storehouse  and organized food in the warehouse so that we could stock the shelves that we removed products from the day before to put into the food kits, which I sincerely thank God for.

I also cleaned a bit and did the paperwork relating to food orders and supplies.

It was amazing that everything seemed to work out as it did; the mysteries of God and the blessings He offers are great in value and number for those who truly wish to see them.

June 28, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse around 8:30 and quickly got to work checking for faxes, phone messages, and turning on the cooler and freezer lights while people set up tables in the warehouse so that volunteers could put together food and hygiene kits to send to the High River/Calgary area.

While a lot of volunteers worked in the warehouse, I was in the storehouse topping and stocking shelves with the help of three of Sister Woolf's young granddaughters and when I was done with the shelves, I also cleaned various things in the storehouse. I also helped the volunteers take products from the storehouse and put them into the hygiene and food kits.

June 22, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse with Sister Bly around 8:30 and after prayer, I spent the morning helping a few patrons, I stocked a few shelves, and I also did the paperwork for the patrons.

June 21, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse around 8:15 and turned all the lights on in the storehouse and also the lights for the coolers and freezers. After that, I joined Elder Gallup, Grandma Woolf, Anne, a volunteers who was new to the storehouse, and a young volunteer named Brendan in group prayer before we all topped off the different shelves of products. Since the usual order didn't arrive, we all got sent home early.

June 18, 2013

When I arrived at the storehouse, I helped Sister Bly with the paperwork for the out of town orders and then I checked the produce, taking care to doctor any of the produce that needed taking care of.

I then had prayer with Sister Woolf, Sister Bly, Elder Gallup, and Elder LeFeuvre before we got to work filling the out of town orders. I then restocked the storehouse cooler and Elder Gallup also taught me how to properly bag bananas.

June 15, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at 8:10 and we made it to the storehouse around 8:30.

After prayer with Elder Kearls, Sister Kearls, and Sister Pilling, we spent the morning stocking a few shelves and ended up helping many patrons, which I love doing. It makes me feel so good to serve this mission, as I am doing the work of the Lord and also being prepared for the future.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

June 14, 2013

Today, there was a smaller group of missionaries than normal at the storehouse due to illness and everything being well stocked before today. When I arrived at the storehouse, I checked the produce and put the food that didn't look right into the produce room for maintenance and rebagging.

I then participated in group prayer with Sister Woolf, Elder Gallup, and Elder Woolf and then spent a good amount of time helping Sister Woolf in the produce room; she weighed and bagged produce that had been delivered while I sealed the bags with a special machine.

After all the produce was bagged, I cleaned and mopped the prep room and also wiped down carts and the counters in the office.

June 8, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up earlier than usual and we made good time in getting to the storehouse.

When we arrived, we both signed in and had prayer with Elder Kearns, Sister Kearns, and Sister Pilling; they were on duty with us today and they are absolutely wonderful people.

I helped a patron with an order and also assisted with transporting the order to the patron's vehicle and after that, I topped shelves and moved stuff up from the bottom. I also cleaned various things like shelves, door handles, and other things until it was time for the storehouse to close for the day.

June 4, 2013 - 3 Month Mark

This is the 3 month anniversary of when I started my mission! Yay!

I got to the storehouse around 8:15 in a cab and after I put my stuff in the break room, I helped Sister Bly with the necessary paperwork and after prayer, I helped the other missionaries fill the out of town orders.

After the orders were filled, I packed toilet paper rolls in bags of eight until the shelves holding the packs was filled and then I spent the rest of the morning stocking and topping off shelves.

June 1, 2013

Sister Bly very kindly picked me up at about 8:15 and we arrived at the storehouse at about 8:30.

After group prayer, I helped a patron who came in early and then I helped the other missionaries fill the empty bottom shelves. I also helped with the paperwork for any patron that came into the storehouse.

I enjoy learning about doing the paperwork, as AL good things are a joy in the sight of the Lord.

May 31, 2013

I cleaned one shelf before everyone else arrived for prayer. Since my taxi got caught at a busy train crossing, I arrived at the storehouse closer to 8:30, but I was still in a good mood.

After having prayer with the other missionaries, I cleaned another shelf and then stocked the shelves closest to the coolers and freezers.

Then, I had the pleasure of getting a lesson on how to mop without straining my back by Elder Woolf's mom, otherwise known as Jean Woolf; you put your right hand on the top of the mop and the left hand on the handle and if you're left handed, you do it the opposite way without using or straining your back at all.

At first, I found this method of mopping very awkward, but I quickly became used to doing it and I am grateful that both Sister Woolfs were very patient and encouraging while I was learning this new thing.

Monday, May 27, 2013

May 24, 2013

I got to the storehouse in a cab and Sister Woolf immediately gave me a good morning hug.

After all of the missionaries were gathered, we had prayer and went into the back to split off into groups so that we could tackle the large food order that had come in. When we get large food orders from the suppliers, we all split up and take on different duties, whether it be counting, organizing the food, or putting it on the storage shelves by hand or with the forklift (which Elder Woolf usually does.)

I helped with organizing and counting cases of products and also did a fair amount of lifting in putting the cases in their proper places within the warehouse. Some of it was heavy, but I did my absolute best.

The order took from 9 to about 11:30 to finish and then we had a small staff meeting and a few light snacks in the missionary break room where we talked about safety and other things. I got a few pictures.

After the staff meeting was over, I gave 60 temple cards away, as I am also very much into Family History and Temple Work; Sister Bly got 20 cards, Sister Woolf got 20 cards, and Elder Woolf got 20 cards.

Finally, before I left, I got pictures of Elder and Sister MacMahon, as it was their last Friday on their mission.



May 18, 2013

Sister Bly very kindly picked me up at 8:15 and we made it to the storehouse by 8:30. I topped a few shelves and then had group prayer with Sister Bly, Elder MacMahon, and Sister MacMahon.

After prayer, I topped a few more shelves and then filled an order with the help of Elder MacMahon. Not long after I finished that, I helped a very cheerful woman whose countenance was filled with love and laughter with a food order and also helped her transport it to her car and also helped her load her car.

Immediately after that, I helped a woman who had a family of seven to feed, but the order only took one cart; however, it was still a very nice opportunity to help someone in need. :)

In the first hour and a half (the storehouse is open from 9 to 12 on Saturdays and also on Tuesday evenings), we had 9 patrons, which is simply extraordinary to me.

Wow.

Friday, May 24, 2013

May 17, 2013

When I arrived at the storehouse, I checked the produce and also turned the cooler and freezer lights on; I then pared some dirty leaves from a few heads of cabbage and lettuce so to make them presentable.

After the paring was completed, I helped Elder Woolf's mom, who is also called Sister Woolf or Grandma Woolf, put apples into bags and seal the bags for a short period of time.

Once Sister Woolf arrived with three of her grandsons in tow, I got the very wonderful opportunity to work with/teach Sister Woolf's five year-old grandson, Nate. Nate helped me stock quite a few of the bottom shelves with products that were light enough for him to lift and he also helped check cans for dents.

Every time I get to work with kids at the storehouse, I feel like I am being a mother figure even if it is only for short periods of time and I am also proud to be a missionary.

Blessed be the children...

May 14, 2013

I arrived in a taxi around 8:15 and, after putting my stuff away in the break room, I recorded the data for the out of town orders in the official book listing; all of the information is very sacred and confidential.

There are also new missionaries being trained today; Elder and Sister Kearls and Sister Pilling. Sister Bly is also back from Edmonton and Elder Woolf, Sister Woolf, Sister Gallup, and Elder Gallup are also here today.

I helped Sister Bly fill two out of town orders and then I helped Sister Woolf and Sister Gallup get the cottage cheese and sour cream together for all of the out of town orders since certain products for said orders are collected and stored separately to prevent food from going bad.

I then cleaned several shelves until the shift was over.


Saturday, May 11, 2013

May 11, 2013

During the taxi ride from my house, the driver and I talked about missionaries and how cool/dedicated they are. I told him that there are many types of missionaries all engaged in the work of the Lord and that there were also different types of missions to meet the various needs in different places around the world.

At the storehouse, it was Elder and Sister Gallup, Elder MacMahon (Sister MacMahon is in California for a short visit), and I and we quickly gathered for prayer. After prayer, I put on some gloves, checked the produce, and pared some roughed up leaves off of a few heads of lettuce and cabbage in the produce room.

It was around 10-10:30 that the storehouse suddenly had several patrons visit and the last patron arrived around noon; all left happy, satisfied, and felt cared for as far as I could see. In total, 14 patrons came in and we were all kept busy engaging in the work of the Lord, which is really awesome.

I enjoy the Spirit's continual presence at the storehouse and the feelings of Christ-like approval that I feel like I get whenever I am engaged in any of God's work, whether it be my volunteering, my calling, or my awesome part-time Church Service Mission. As the days pass, I am learning more and more about the essential nature of what I am doing and how others benefit from seeing Christ through my caring about them.



Each day, I also learn how appreciative I am of the Atonement and lessons on how to be a disciple of Christ.

Friday, May 10, 2013

May 10, 2013

I got in early and Mona let me in through the back, but Elder Woolf was already in the storehouse office working on paperwork. I prepared my cleaning stuff and did some shelf cleaning for the first half hour or so that included following a prompting to clean from the fourth shelf up.

When Sister Woolf arrived, I got the very extraordinary experience of teaching a child; Sister Woolf brought one of her granddaughters, a pretty little four year old named Lily, with her and I was able to teach/help Lily how to put products on to the lower shelves. Together, we were able to load peanut butter, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lasagna noodles, macaroni, and Kraft Dinner. After we finished that, Lily got tired, so I stocked some more shelves alone.

I then swept parts of the warehouse floor for Sister Woolf and then shook the broom out outside.

All in all, it was a good day.

Monday, May 6, 2013

May 4, 2013 - 2 Months Old

Since Sister Bly is away for a couple of weeks, I took a taxi from my house to the storehouse and ended up hanging out in Sister McMahon's car until Elder Woolf arrived with the keys. Once we got inside, the three of us had prayer and checked produce to make sure it was all right.

When 9:00 hit, we suddenly ended up with several patrons in the first 45 minutes and I did as much paperwork as I could while helping Sister McMahon and Elder Woolf help patrons fill their food orders.

After the patrons left, we had a period of quiet time, so I got products from the warehouse and topped and stocked the shelves so they looked more orderly.

Near the end of the morning,  more patrons suddenly arrived and I helped some of them; it was after noon by this time, but helping others takes priority over being on time for closing. The storehouse hours on Saturdays are 9 to 12, but sometimes people come at the last minute and that's okay. Anyway, Elder Woolf and Sister McMahon helped the other two patrons and everything ran smoothly.

Once the storehouse was officially closed for the day, I did some cleaning and then Sister McMahon was nice enough to take me downtown so I could catch the bus back to the west side.




May 3, 2013

I got to the building early in a taxi and Mona let me into the storehouse through the Field Office. Sister Woolf wasn't there that day, as she was helping with her family, but Gallups, Elder Woolf, and two volunteers; one named Anne Murray and one young man were there.

After prayer, I took stuff off of the shelves and cleaned them while Anne and Sister Gallup did some other shelves together. While the shelf cleaning was going on, Sister McMahon called the storehouse and explained that because Elder McMahon was sick, she would be coming in alone the next day and wouldn't be able to come and get me and asked if I could take a cab to the storehouse. I, of course, agreed and told Sister McMahon not to worry.

Also during the cleaning, I told Sister Gallup and Anne about my disabilities and explained that some people are not so kind to me when they know about them. Sister Gallup said I was a child of God and Anne told me to be kind to myself. They are, of course, both very correct in what they said.

After we all finished cleaning, Gallups took me with them and went by the soup kitchen before dropping me off downtown so I could wait for the bus back to the west side.

April 30, 2013

Blessed be the tender mercies of the Lord...

After enduring a bus breakdown on the west side, waiting for a replacement, and then walking to the library from where the replacement bus stopped sometime after 8, I still managed to catch a cab and make it out to the storehouse by around 8:30; hence, the Lord's tender mercies were given to me tenfold.

Once prayer had been said, I helped Sister Bly fill the out of town orders while the other missionaries filled some. After the orders were done, I filled shelves and got ideas on what I could do there on Friday.

April 27, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at about 8:15 and we got to the storehouse at about 8:30. We and the other missionaries had prayer and then I helped fill an order that someone was coming to pick up.

I then topped off the shelves and got food from the warehouse to replenish the emptied bottom shelves. When that was done, I dry mopped the floor after Sister Bly had mopped it and also helped a couple fill a food order. After the order was done, I topped off more shelves until Sister Bly and I left.

April 26, 2013

The day started with group prayer and then Sister Stringam and I checked the produce; it was her and Elder Stringam's last day as missionaries. I then cleaned the glass cooler and freezer doors using glass cleaner after thinking that Elder Woolf wanted me to mop the gigantic cooler and freezer door and prepared a mop. Well, it was fortunate that I was corrected and I gently emphasized the need for specification in future requests; the warehouse freezer and cooler doors are DIFFERENT than the storehouse freezer and cooler doors.

I then took cans off the top shelf of the second aisle and cleaned the shelves, which needed to be done. I also had the opportunity to guide and socialize with a volunteer who came with her granddaughter to help clean shelves for about half an hour. The day was really enjoyable.

April 20, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at 8:10 and we got to the storehouse at about 8:30.

After group prayer, Sister Stringam taught me how to check the produce/vegetables and how to take the ones that were dirty or wet to the produce room and take care of them so they were suitable to give out. I really am grateful to have learned that, as I didn't know anything about it before.

I then topped off some shelves and then Sister Bly taught me how to the documenting of patrons and specific things in the various food orders, as well as keeping track of specific products that were used.

I then got pictures with Elder and Sister Stringam since it's the last Saturday of their mission:
 Elder and Sister Stringam, I will miss you both!

I then got boxes of food from the warehouse and stocked a few shelves. A little while later, I helped a patron with a large order that took several carts, but I made them laugh and feel comfortable about being there; it's always important to do that since that IS what Christ did and will always do. I also helped them to their car.

At the end of the morning, Sister Bly taught me some more paperwork; namely, recording how much of certain products were used that day.



April 17, 2013

I got a call from Mona while I was at another place I volunteer and she said that I am being moved out of the Field Office for the time being due to the need for more help in the storehouse. Elder Woolf will now be in charge of my schedule. I accept this as the Lord's will and will do my best with it.

April 16, 2013

I arrived at the storehouse a little after 8:30 because the taxi was late picking me up from downtown. After group prayer, I worked with Sister Bly and the other missionaries to fill the out-of-town orders. Once the orders were all taken care of, I topped off each shelf and gathered products from the back to replenish the emptied bottom shelves. At the end of the day, Sister Bly was kind enough to drop me off at Save-On Foods North so I could go shopping.

April 13, 2013

Sister Bly very kindly dropped me off at the storehouse and then ended up going to Time Out for Women with her youngest daughter, as it was at Exhibition Park and sounded very appealing.

Anyway, I did some topping off of the shelves and then joined the Gallups and McMahon's for group prayer before continuing on with the topping off of shelves to make things look presentable for incoming patrons.

I then got some products from the warehouse to fill the lower shelves as patrons with children came in and I ended up having the opportunity to coach/teach two little children about stocking shelves; I was showing a little girl how to stock tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, jello puddings, and gelatin and while I was doing that, another little girl came and happily joined in the shelf stocking!

After the little kids and their parents left, I did some more shelf stocking and also helped two more patrons with their food orders.

At the end of the morning, McMahons very kindly gave me a ride all the way back to my west side house!

April 9, 2013

I started out by putting a box of various, but very unneeded papers, through the shredder; enough paper to fill one and a quarter garbage bags. I then sorted through food orders by their reference number, categorizing them by tens and then putting them in numerical order at Mona's request.

April 8, 2013

I started the morning by weighing and stamping a very large pile of envelopes using the postal machine and then I sorted and sealed the envelopes to the point where they were neat and organized by area.

Mona then sent me over to the storehouse area where I ended up helping Sister Woolf stock some shelves and after that was done, Sister Woolf gave me a pen and pad of paper; she asked me to make a list of every product in the storehouse and the expiration dates on them, which I did quite thoroughly and cheerfully.

April 2, 2013

I was sent to the storehouse upon arriving at the Field Office at my usual early hour.

Almost immediately after arriving at the storehouse, I got a big hug from Sister Woolf and put my stuff away in the break room. After having prayer with the other missionaries, we got to work.

All of us worked very hard to gather the food, bag, and organize the out-of-town orders that we had today and, although it is a lot of work, the process is very fun and allows for getting to know each other.

Everyone works in pairs; that way, one can get the food and one can keep an accurate record. Cool, huh?

After the orders were taken care of, I topped all of the shelves and then I helped the other missionaries bring items out of the warehouse so that the bottom shelves could also be filled up nicely.

March 30, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at 8:15 and we got to the storehouse at 8:30.

Joy of joys; I finally got my missionary tag today!  It was either Sister Stringam or Sister McMahon who very kindly took a picture of me wearing the pin-on tag, as I asked politely about it.


Anyway, I topped off shelves and then helped some patrons fill their food orders; I also entertained some very small children in the process, which included having them stock shelves with me to keep them busy!

March 26, 2013

I started the morning by shredding a box full of papers and also did the cleanup duties that follow every time I use the shredder for anything.

I then sorted bills by a numerical system, stacked them,  located things on them that were important, and indicated where they were by highlighting them. I spent nearly an hour trying to do this task as thoroughly as I could, being sure to pray for guidance along the way and the Spirit helped me so that I was able to get all but two of them finished up.

March 25, 2013

Mona said that I would be doing Orientation today and allowed me to watch the necessary videos on the computer in the Storehouse's office.

There were several videos on Welfare Operations and here is what I learned from them. I wrote down quite a bit of information and I figured sharing it would help people understand some of what I just learned because some of this information can help people become more Christ-like in whatever they do.

*The Divine Mission of Bishop's Storehouses
              -Doctrine and Covenants 51:13.

*Blessings of Storehouse Service
              -People want to be loved and cared for and I am in a position to serve individuals that are hurting.

 *Quotes From Church Leaders
              -Doctrine and Covenants 83:6.
All of the quotes were wonderful, but I wasn't able to copy them down quickly enough; I did, however, read quotes about Welfare Operations from Joseph Smith Jr., Brigham Young, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and H. David Burton, all of which were very insightful.

*Storehouses and Welfare Assistance
*Summary of Key Principles: this involved a True or False quiz of the previous information.
           -We should be filled with love and compassion.
           -We are angels; we serve the people.

*Responsibilities of Storehouse Managers.
*Manager Responsibilities.
**Operations Guide: Serving In A Bishop's Storehouse.
**New Manager Training: Sequence of Training
--Key Measures measure the success of a storehouse
**Another Knowledge check quiz. :)

*Stake and Area Leaders.
-Agent Stake Operating Committee.
---Storehouse operates under direction of agent stake that is assigned by the Area Presidency of the Seventy. An agent stake is composed of:
         -Agent Stake President.
         -Stake Bishop's Welfare Council Chairman.
         -Stake Relief Society President.
         -Storehouse managers and any other specialists as needed.

*Primary Responsibilities of Committees.
--Ensuring that storehouse provides quality service to patrons.
--Co-ordinate volunteer and missionary labor. (volunteers also rock!)
--Help maintain facilities.
--Representing storehouse in co-ordinating council meetings.

*Field Managers (Area Welfare Manager) I am not one, but this information is very cool.
**Responsibilities:
---train storehouse managers.
---provide guidance on inventory management, finances, safety, management/upkeep, policies and procedures, and conducting the annual operational safety reviews.

True and False quiz: sources of direction and support.

*Serving Storehouse Patrons
**Uplifting Each Patron
---"Those who come hunger to be loved." Elder Glen L. Rudd.

*Principles of Outstanding Service
1) Greeting Patrons Warmly: No task in the storehouse is more important than serving patrons and making them feel cared for.

2)Avoiding Judgement and Questioning. (Who would want to suffer judgment and questioning? People may not think such things are a big deal, but judgment and questioning can cut away at a person's hopes): As storehouse workers strive to have charity for all their patrons, the tendency to judge will fade away. Helpful attitudes are also essential to successful service.

3)Understanding and Meeting Needs: Carefully listen to what patrons say and observe their body language to see if there's any more to their needs than they show. Also, listen to each patron and to fellow missionaries with understanding. Ask patrons about their needs only if appropriate, but do make them feel welcome.

4)Creating Memorable Moments: Serve, offer encouragement, provide referrals to other services if appropriate, and do extra little acts of kindness to make them truly feel loved and valued.

 Multiple-Choice Exercise: The Best Way to Help A Patron.
-request feedback from patrons, agent stake operations committee, bishops and wards, Relief Society Presidents, and members of co-ordinating council. (if ever appropriate.).

*Seeking and Responding to Feedback
--Accessibility Issues: How good are the hours? How accessible is information?
--Quality Service: How welcome do people feel? How could things be improved?
--Work and Service Assignments: How uplifted do volunteers feel? How meaningful and rewarding are work assignments? (FYI: Doing anything good can be rewarding if you have a good attitude about it.)

**Self Evaluation & Additional Testimonials.

*Working With Other Missionaries and Volunteers.
-Sources of Help.
--Church Service Missionaries.
--Volunteers.
--Recipients of Assistance (Who can volunteer time.)
--Service groups.

*Recruiting Missionaries and Volunteers.
--service.      --procedure.

 *Providing Uplifting Experiences.
-Not being critical, but being uplifting.
-Invite patrons to help serve if they desire and are able to offer such time.

**Example: Providing Direction and Support.
--Be appreciative and encouraging; praise, encourage, build those who are helping out.

**Example: Selecting Assignments.
--Give people a chance to interact with others.

**Example: Creating A Spiritual Environment.
--Meetings don't have to be all business.
--Take time to edify, socialize, and share positive experiences.
--Create opportunities to have and to share spiritually uplifting experiences.

*Summary of Guidelines.
*Additional Testimonials.

Anyway, after I was done going through all the videos, I reported back to Mona and she gave me a DVD called 'In the Service of Your God: Learning and Applying Welfare Principles' to watch and allowed me to watch it in one of the boardrooms that was away from everything so I could really listen and learn. I was grateful for that, as I really wanted to know what the Spirit could teach me.

Segment: Pure Religion.
-Too many souls suffer quietly.
-Christ loved and served men of all calibres.
-Members are building on a tradition of compassionate service.
-The aim of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is to help people help themselves.
-It went over the roles or bishops and Relief Society.
-We can all give help, hope, and strength.

Segment: Ye Have Done It Unto Me. (Matthew 25:40)
"If we are true disciples of the Lord, we must reach out to those in distress..." Gordon B. Hinckley.
-The Church tries to partner with already established agencies around the world in order to maximize their effectiveness in providing service when and where it is needed.

Segment: On The Road to Jericho.
-Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
-We should care for others as the Savior wants us to.
-Commit to foster reliance and relieve suffering.

Segment: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10).
-Parable of the Good Samaritan.
-Thou shalt love; go and show mercy.

Segment: Elijah and the Widow of Zarepath (1 Kings, Chapter 17).
-Faith in every footstep.
-Fear not; go and do in faith.
-The Lord blesses the faithful and those who act in faith.
-Love and compassion produces blessings.

Segment: Love Thy Neighbor.
-Have mercy and compassion.
-Bring a smile to another's face.
-Willing hearts and helpful hands can change the world one person at a time.

Segment: Applying Welfare Principles In Their Lives.
-We have welfare responsibilities: work, self-reliance and provident living, and giving.
-Moses 4:23 - Work is a blessing.
-The aim of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is to help the people help themselves.

*Work: it is valuable; work with faith is a cardinal point of doctrine; involve children.

*Self-Reliance and Provident Living: helps foster self-reliance; the Lord's real storehouse is homes and hearts.

*Giving - Law of the Fast: provides assistance to needy and there are physical benefits to fasting; it also increases humility and spirituality.
***Fast Offering: very important in helping the needy.

**Extend ourselves in compassionate service to those in need.
**Welfare principles are eternal.

Well, that was my orientation and I hope by sharing it here, learning and growth can take place.

March 23, 2013

I got picked up by Sister Bly and we got to the storehouse at about 8:30.

Once at the storehouse, I joined the group in prayer and, not long after, I helped a patron with a food order.

After that, I stocked the top shelves and then watched a little girl color some pictures while her mother filled an order; my experience in Primary and Nursery makes me unafraid to care about children of any age.

I also was able to help a very kind couple with an order and it was a wonderful day.

March 22, 2013

I arrived at the Welfare Services Building so early that I ended up waiting in the Field Office for a few minutes before Mona let me into the storehouse. While the other service missionaries arrived, I checked the shelves and then joined the others for prayer at the appointed time. The other missionaries whom I am serving with and whom are all extraordinary people, are:
-Elder and Sister LeFeuvre.
-Sister Jacquie Bly.
-Elder Gary and Sister Dawn McMahon.
-Elder and Sister Murray.
-Elder and Sister Stringam.
-Elder Allen and Sister Susan Gallup.
-Elder Kim and Sister Joan Woolf, the Storehouse Managers and Elder Woolf's mother, another Sister Woolf.

All of us worked together to organize, count, date, and place different products in the appropriate areas within the massive warehouse that is in the back of the storehouse. It was a lot of work and took a lot of time, but it was very enjoyable and helped me to get to know the other missionaries.

During the time that Elder Woolf and the other elders were working with the forklift, I helped Sister Woolf set up the lunch for the staff meeting that was to take place at noon time.

After the warehouse was stocked, we all gathered and right before the meeting, I explained about my ADHD and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder and surprisingly, everyone was accepting and loving of me. I always fear telling people about my disabilities for fear of being seen as a nothing, but my mission is one place I don't have to worry about that and for that, I am truly grateful.

March 19, 2013

I stocked the tops of shelves in the storehouse and gave it the slang name of 'topping off'. I then paused my work to join the group in prayer.

After prayer, I helped Sister Bly fill the orders that would be shipped out of town using the same procedure as before; gathering the food, putting it in bags that sat in bins, and labelled the bins accordingly while the other missionaries also filled orders.

Once the orders were all taken care of, I topped off the top shelves and then cleaned the heavy duty carts. At the end of the shift, I stayed behind to help Sister Bly with a late order, which I didn't mind doing at all.

March 16, 2013

Sister Bly picked me up at 8:15 and we got to the Storehouse at about 8:30. I signed in and then, before and after prayer, I walked around and made sure that the shelves were fully stocked for when patrons came in. When the Storehouse opened at 9, I helped the other missionary couples assist patrons who came in needing to collect orders. I also helped Sister Bly mop the floor afterwards.

March 12, 2013

Mona wasn't able to come in today for whatever reason and I hope she's all right; however, there was still work for me to do. Nathan, another person who works in the Field Office, very kindly asked me to shred a huge box full of papers that needed disposing of.

There was so much shredding debris that I ended up completely filling two garbage bags. Since there wasn't anything else to do that day, I was allowed to leave early.

March 11, 2013

8:30 - 12:30

Mona ordered me a nametag today! She's such an awesome lady.

I put a ton of envelopes through the stamping machine and sealed them with the special sealing tool, which is a large water stick with a sponge on the end.

After that, I got to shred some more papers. Awesome day, huh?

March 9, 2013

My first Saturday at the Storehouse. The Saturday shift lasted from 8:30 to 12:30 and it was wonderful. I helped the other service missionaries stock shelves and also helped people who came in to fill their food orders; this requires unlimited Christ-like love and compassion, which I do not lack. It was really fun to help others today and I enjoyed it immensely.

March 5, 2013

I got to the building at 8 a.m. and hung out in the Field Office for 15 minutes before proceeding to the Storehouse area. I stocked shelves for a little bit until everyone else came in and got organized and then I participated in group prayer.

After group prayer, I helped the other service missionaries fill orders that were to be boxed up and sent to other locations. This was done by gathering the food from the shelves, putting it into bags that were in blue crates, labeling the bins with little tags and number sticks that designated the order being worked on.here

Once the orders were done, I stocked shelves until it was time to go home and Sister Bly, a wonderful lady from Magrath who had been serving there quite a while and loved it to bits, mercifully offered to help me with transportation on Saturdays that she was scheduled so to save me the taxi fare from downtown.

The Beginning

Okay, so every member is a missionary and they should be proud of that.

However, there is also a different kind of missionary; a service missionary.

That is what I am; a part-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I spend (Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the LDS Welfare Building in Lethbridge, Alberta. I started that mission today, on March 4, 2013, although I've been doing member missionary work for several years now. I had the wonderful opportunity of serving as an unofficial assistant to the wonderful sisters in the Canada Calgary Mission for several months in 2008 and I also try and make friends with everyone.

 However, this adds a new dimension to my missionary work and it's something I've wanted to participate in for the longest time.

March 4, 2013

My first day as a service missionary was awesome.

I was in the field office working under Mona Petersen's (she is a wonderful lady) supervision today. I cut lots of papers up with a paper cutter, put them in envelopes,labelled the envelopes with pre-made labels, and then sealed all of the envelopes with a spongy-like envelope sealing tool.

After that, I weighed all of the envelopes on a very cool stamping machine where every envelope gets weighed and then stamped electronically. Once I was finished with the letters (and there were quite a few), I got to shred old documents and folders in a very cool paper shredder. The shredder made a bit of a mess, which I happily cleaned up after I was done.