Holy Ghost as the Co-Pilot

Another whirlwind week!

The highlight was definitely M's baptism!!! The service was simply and wonderful! So glad they called a ward mission leader that Sunday because we would have been sooo stressed without him! God is good. M seemed just so happy! M used to be a drug addict. He drank, smoked etc. He had a horrible accident as a teen that he lost one of his eyes. But he loves Jesus Christ and wanted to change, and he did! What a great guy! He is so happy to have the Holy Ghost as his "co-pilot", as he would say!

We taught M about family history and had him start a FamilySearch account! And we taught B about the temple and family history too! It is such an important work! It's probably my favorite thing to teach people!

 www.familysearch.org

My first exchange was great! Went to the cute little town of Poquoson. We had a good time, met some nice people, and had some good lessons! There is one lady the sisters are teaching there that does not have a religious background at all but wants to learn! They are helping her really establish a testimony in Christ - that is the key. Oh and we got to ride bikes! I miss bike riding!

We met a really neat lady named J! We were trying to find a former investigator, when we knocked on her door. We were talking to her at the door and she beckoned us in. Soon we realized that she actually was paralyzed, and could not speak. She pulled out this neat computer that spoke for her, it was so neat! The spirit was also helping us decipher what she was trying to say to us. There was a lot of hand gesturing - like charades. But she had just the sweetest smile, and we got to do just a simple bit of service for her and helped her with her dinner. I feel so blessed for the many amazing people I have met on my mission. God is so good and kind to let us meet these people.

On Saturday, the youth had a HUGE activity! It was 3 stakes combined! They had what they called a Missionary Race! Everyone was split into "countries", and they went around from station to station and played these timed games. At the end, they added up the times and whoever had the lowest time won! We helped out at the bubble gum station. We timed them to see how fast 5 people can blow a bubble. The fastest was 58 seconds! But Sister Everett and I were all, "What does this have to do with missionary work???  Nothing... missionaries cannot chew gum in public..." HAHA it was just so funny! We told each group that and had a discussion about how we are representing The Savior, and he would not chew gum :) Then they had a dance after, good times! We didn't stay, so, no worries... even though I would have loved to show off my moves!

Church was finally 3 hours! [Lisa's note: remember that it is a newly created ward and they have not had any callings in place yet so they have only been having sacrament meeting for the past two Sundays.] They needed help teaching the 14-17 year old class, so we stepped in. We talked about missionary work, of course, and about how to invite their friends. Then we had a great meeting with our bishop! There is us sisters, a set of elders, 2 Spanish companionships, and a senior couple. He is in charge of 5 sets! PHEW. So we met and just talked about his expectations and stuff. It was good, This ward is getting things together now! It's gonna be good!

Thought for the week: Are you following the prophets words? In Jacob 4:5 Jacob says how hard it was to write on the plates. It was REALLY difficult. And he just prays that we will read the words and get something from them. Especially come closer to Jesus Christ. I think that is what President Monson was saying when he spoke last conference. Read the Book of Mormon everyday because it will help you soooo much. It was written for our day. So if you aren't obeying the prophet, do it!! I have seen blessings from it. The spirit is so strong and you can really apply it to your life.

Phew another week down another one ahead! I hope y'all have a fabulous week.
Be blessed!!
Sista Poulsen

Photos: The elders killed chickens Saturday and brought us some feet... yum! Smoothies and also us being silly :P

P-Day Stands for Petting Zoo

HEY Y'ALL!!

Sisters p-day was a blast! We went to a petting zoo, it was super great! Pics to come. The llama spit on one of the sisters... man, that was hilarious!

Mike is being baptized this week and we are sooooo excited!!! He is just the best! We keep asking him what he wants at his baptism, and he is all "as long as I get baptized I don't really care... " He is so ready it's wonderful :)

We had to attend a FH class for the stake, so that was neat! I learned a bit more about FH, so mom, when I get back, we are going all out!

We are working with a bunch of less actives and they are doing so well! One came to church, and he loved it! The other is helping his son learn about the church too, I just love teaching little kids! They are so sweet, and when we talk about Jesus they just light up! We taught another one of our recent converts about the real reason for Easter yesterday, is was a great lesson. It was super spiritual and she now knows the true reason, it was wonderful :)

Elder Cook spoke to us on Saturday!!!!! We went back to good ol' Virginia Beach, It was amazing! The WHOLE mission was there, it was amazing! When we sang the hymns, we were so loud and full. We got to shake his hand, his wife's hand, and the area 70, Elder Caulerwood. They spoke a lot about repentance, and how because of this Easter season we even have the reason to repent. Christ is the whole reason we can return to live with God again. I felt the spirit just surrounding them so much, it was amazing. Then after, all the sister got together and we had our own mini training on how to be "certain woman" and not to compare ourselves with others. Then we had a massive clothing exchange, it was great!

There was a lady we met, that after she discovered we were Mormons, she was all "Oh I don't do Mormons!" We straight up asked her why and she said "Don't you, like, kill babies and do witchcraft?" We just looked at her, kind of chuckled, and said, "Where did you hear that? We don't do that whatsoever." We talked a bit more about false doctrine... and just cleared stuff up. Even though we didn't teach her anything and get her baptized, our purpose is to just help people understand what we are all about!

Then Easter was amazing!!!! Sunday was great, the songs are my favorite! The new bishopric spoke and they did a great job wrapping up the Easter message. We went around after and just shared the Easter message with everyone and had a delicious ham dinner with some members at this big Easter party they threw! It was a day full of love, and Jesus :)

Thought for the week: In one of the talks Sunday, the 2nd counselor said "After Christ appeared to His apostles, what did he tell them to do? "Feed my sheep" then the 2nd counselor said "So if you don't know what to do on this Easter day, and always, Christ has already told us: SERVE. LOVE. HELP." Boom, straight up. 'Nuff said.

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Easter week, we should always celebrate Easter though! Sister Cook at our meeting said "When you testify of Christ, you are celebrating Easter."

Love you all, and have a blessed week full of sunshine and the Spirit of God!
Sista Poulsen

All Good in the Hood

Man what even happened this week...

It was my first day meeting the new ward! And it is a new ward all together because of all the changes they have been doing so it was kind of a first day for everyone! It was a great meeting, and I hope we can become super unified as a ward! We have lots of work to do here with our new areas and ward and stuff. We sure have been busy!

We had a meeting with the senior couple that work on Fort Eustis and talked about how we can work on base! SOOO excited to start working with the military relations! I know you are all super jealous now, cuz we have to get all security clearance and stuff... it's gonna be cool. We are going to go to their Sunday meetings and FHEs it's gonna be so fun!

We are working with some GREAT less actives who are totally changing! They want their patriarchal blessings and to go to the temple and stuff it's sooo awesome :) Good people here.

B also came to church, BY HERSELF :O It was her first Sunday too so all the more amazing! She is sooo prepared and is excited for her baptism! She's a sweet heart.

ZONE MEETING WAS AMAZING! My training was pretty scary but we did a great job, all thanks to the spirit! We talked about how to apply what we are learning on our missions and applying it to our future lives! When we extend commitments to people, we should also keep those commitments ourselves! It was super spiritual and we got all deep in our feelings too, it was great :)

I have just felt the spirit so strong this week! It's because Sister Everette and I just talk about the gospel ALL THE TIME. So cool, I love the spirit!

We also had a meeting with just the leadership in the mission. That was cool too! President Weed is so inspired. This mission is truly lead by God.

Other than that we have just been talking to everyone and sharing the #princeofpeace video! We were talking to this kid and he was all "What happens to our bodies after we die? Like why did we get bodies, just to leave them here?" *Pause, look at the camera... smile* It was the perfect question - and so we just tied it right into the plan of salvation. It was sweet - truly feeling the missionary spirit!

Thought for the week: Remember, that this was Christ's last week on earth, so I have been studying about it. It's been great! And we had a thought. When Christ entered Jerusalem, people layed down everything for him. Garments, palms, flowers. So that got us thinking: What do we lay down for the Lord? Do we welcome Him into our home, like they did? Food for thought :)

Oh and Elder Cook [one of the 12 apostles] is coming to visit us this week... no big deal... WOWOWOWOW! SO excited!! I can't wait to tell y'all all about it!

Oh and this funny story too... don't worry we were safe :)
We had such a fun experience last night. We were in the 'sketchier' part of town and we brought a senior missionary couple. We were trying to find a guy named M in apartment 22, and we couldn't find it, so we were asking everyone (excuse to talk to everyone :D) and these neighborhood kids (about 10 of them), joined us on this hunt to find M. It was so fun!! We gave them all some cards and gave them a few extra to give away. Later on, we saw them knocking doors and handing out our cards!!!! So cute!

LOVE YOU ALL the work is sooo good! I am so happy and I have truly felt closer to my Savior and who He wants me to become. God is good y'all
Peace out. Be blessed!
Sista Poulsen

Bonus from Question Email:
Q: Your area had 2 category F2 tornadoes touch down on either side of you this week.  Did you get that warning system problem figured out on your phones? What was that like?
A: Oh man yeah it's been crazy! But all is well, nothing too bad. We are getting a new phone don't worry :)  The winds got crazy but no tornado where we were :) All is well. And Sister Larsen (of the senior couple) is basically our mom around here so she's got your back.

Q: Is there anything you need from here?
A: Nah. All good in the hood bro. Literally went in the hood yesterday it was rad :) we will be moving the beginning of May though to the elders apartment because we live out of our area and I am soooo not looking forward to packing again.

About Pics:  Our awesome Zone, our crazy apartment, Sister Everette is the bomb! :) The underwater tunnel from last week's letter.  We will take better pics today cuz it's sister p-day and we are going to the petting zoo!!!

Hello from Newport News!

Last pic with Franklin district

Hello from Newport News!

Lots of stuff happened this week, I'll start with me saying goodbye to Franklin... Sad day! But it's one of my favorite things to meet other latter-day saints here in VA so it's a bitter sweet thing :) The last thing we did there was help downtown to fill Easter eggs for the big hunt they are going to have, I totes forgot to get a pic of the HUGE mess we made but just picture candy eggs and wrappers everywhere... SO MANY EGGS. And so much candy... I'd be lying if I said I didn't eat any... :) The C family brought pie to bible study class to send Elder Gibbons and I off, it was sooo sweet! Pics to come!

New Apartment

Then I was off to Portsmouth to be with Sister Everett in Newport News!!! WOW this is probably my last area y'all by the way... crazy. We sure were busy! We had back to back appointments and didn't eat lunch till like 4 so... yeah that's our lives right now! But it's cool! We drove over a HUGE bridge [see more about the Bridges here]  to get there, it's such a cool city! There is a HUGE gorgeous university here to it's a busy college town, reminds me of Logan a bit... but lots more cars :) It's been pretty cool! I have not taken too many pics sorry but I will this week... well actually this week is also insane busy so I can't promise that... we have a lot of leadership stuff we gotta do. Meetings and such. But that's okay, I forgot how much I like being a leader and helping my fellow missionaries! It's reminding me of being drum major... good times!

My first night we totally set a baptismal date with someone though! The work here is totally cooking! Lots of people on date (one in 2 weeks) and they are solid! WE have lots of recent converts too, and both of them are the ones we have their friends and sister on baptismal date, wow working with members is totally the best!! Super good work here, lots of potential, it's pretty different from Franklin! But both areas were still amazing, just in their own ways :) Sister Everett is boss at teaching and talking to everyone too so that's really getting the missionary spirit pumped in me! She is stellar, we are gonna have a blast! Pics to come for sure :)

Sister P's new ward meetinghouse

I have been dropped right into chaos though... our ward boundaries are being changed right now. The whole stake is being switched up. So everyone has been released form their callings and we have been trying to figure out what parts we are in now... it's been crazy! There used to be 2 NN (Newport nNws) wards and 1 branch. But it has turned back into 1 ward, and half went to the Hampton Ward and half to Yorktown... it's been stressful trying to hand our investigators and such over to the elders but it has worked out! They lots a lot of people they were working with so it's sad for them :( But the missionaries will still be teaching them to that's good! So for the next few weeks while people are being re-called to the bishopric we are only having 2 hours of church. It's gonna be interesting, but kind of a fresh start too! New Beginnings!

The across the street neighbors

There was also (don't freak out mom) a tornado watch/warning in our area... the clouds got super green and the rain was heavy... but the tornado actually ended up touching down in Virginia beach, in Kempsville! So we were in the clear, and nothing was really damaged any way to all was well. IT was intense for a minute though and we had to go home and hunker down just in case. It was a blessing we were with a member that got the notification because I phone didn't get it. God is good :)

Wasn't General Conference SOOO good!?! I always say that but I was paying special attention because it's my last one on the mission! SO many of the talks totally hit home for me and answered my questions! I noticed they talked about the Living Christ a few times, I'm totally gonna study that!

[Here is the link to this beautifully written testimony:  The Living Christ]

 Also about it talked a lot about strengthening families for eternal life. SO good! Which goes perfectly into my thought for the week:
On this day, March 3, Elijah the prophet appeared to Joseph Smith in the temple and gave him the power to bind families together forever. He gave him probably the greatest gift God has ever given (besides the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ as our Mediator). I feel to blessed and humbled this day. Because of that, I KNOW without a doubt that I will be with my family together forever, that is my greatest joy in life. It is what keeps me going every day. Sorry fam, you're stuck with me! But let's all say a quick thank you prayer to our all loving Father in Heaven for this gift today, and always.

Phew this next week is going to be CRAZY I'm telling  ya! Deep clean our apartment tomorrow... a big 6 hour meeting for us leaders on Wednesday... weekly planning and preparing for zone conference (not excited to stand up and talk in front of people)... then Friday is zone conference and our investigator is getting his baptismal interview... WOW. But The Lord has been helping us find people to teach and it has been so wonderful. I love this area for that because it has been a while! He is so good and so mindful of us.

LOVE Y'ALL! Be blessed, and catch ya next week!
Sista Poulsen

p.s.  ALSO SAW SISTER SMITH AND SISTER MERRILL IN PORTSMOUTH!!!  She is training so its her baby, she's the mom and i'm the grandma... 3 generations baby! Now her greenie just needs to train in 2 transfers so I can have a great grandchild! HAHAH

Bonus from Question Email:

Q: Can you tell us a little about being a Sister Training Leader?
A: Sister Everette and I are over 3 sets of sisters, one being Spanish speaking. I love them already!! We are over 2 zones... We work in Newport News, but could travel up to Jamestown to be with the other zone. I will be in different areas at 3 times though to help with the other sisters in their training and work and stuff.

Q: Will you still be finding and teaching your own investigators?
A: We still will do TONS of finding! We are talking to, like, everyone we see on the street. We are busy with meetings and such so we try to cram as much proselyting in as possible. ITS CRAZY BUSY AHHH but it's cool :)

Q: so you finally went over the bridge that you were worried about - the one with the tunnel, right?.  How was it?
A: It did have a tunnel! 2nd underwater tunnel I've been through, super cool! It was kinda scary but I tried to occupy myself with the cool ship yards and huge boats :) It was chill.

Q: Will you be able to see some neat tourist-y spots on P-day?
A: We went to this cute christian store this morning, it was basically Deseret book it was awesome! WE are going to the beach too some time so that will be fun!

Running into Sister Smith and her greenie!

About Local Bridges

James River Bridge

The northernmost main bridge is called the James River Bridge.  When completed in 1928, the 4.5-mile bridge was the longest bridge in the world over water. The original two-lane bridge was replaced from 1975 to 1982 with a wider four-lane bridge that could handle increased traffic volumes.
When the northbound lanes of the new bridge opened the old bridge was demolished, but a 0.75-mile section on the Newport News side was retained for use as a fishing pier. Now known as the James River Pier, it is the longest fishing pier on the East Coast.
In 2005, the bridge carried an annual average daily traffic of about 30,000 vehicles per day.

Here is a video from a ship passing under the lift gate in the middle of the James River Bridge.

James River Pier

Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge–Tunnel

The MMMBT is named for the two ironclad warships which engaged in the famous Battle of Hampton Roads on March 8–9, 1862, during the US Civil War. The battle took place between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. The latter ship had been rebuilt from the wreck of the USS Merrimack. The site of the battle was within 1 mile of the bridge–tunnel structure named by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a memorial.The MMMBT, completed in 1992 provided a third major vehicle crossing of the Hampton Roads harbor area.  It cost $400 million to build, and it includes a four-lane tunnel that is 4,800 feet long, two man-made portal islands, and 3.2 miles of twin trestle

It is a four-lane bridge–tunnel composed of bridges, trestles, man-made islands, and tunnels under a portion of the Hampton Roads harbor where the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers come together. It connects the independent cities of Newport News on the Virginia Peninsula and Suffolk in South Hampton Roads.

The MMMBT, completed in 1992 provided a third major vehicle crossing of the Hampton Roads harbor area.  It cost $400 million to build, and it includes a four-lane tunnel that is 4,800 feet long, two man-made portal islands, and 3.2 miles of twin trestle

Hampton Roads Tunnel Bridge

The easternmost of the 3 main bridges is called the Hampton Roads Tunnel Bridge. Prior to 1957, folks would ferry across the mouth of the James River to get to the Virginia peninsula.  The bridge is a 3.5-mile long four-lane facility comprising bridges, trestles, man-made islands, and tunnels under the main shipping channels for Hampton Roads harbor. The tunnel in the center section to allow for ships to pass over the road without interrupting traffic,

An average of 88,000 vehicles a day were using the crossing in 2008, with volumes exceeding 100,000 during the tourist season, well exceeding the original design capacity of 77,000 vehicles per day.  Currently the city is looking at the best way to expand this 4 lane bridge into a 6 lane bridge to help meet this demand. 

About Newport News

Newport News is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2015, the population was estimated to be 182,385 making it the fifth-most populous city in Virginia.

With many residents employed at the expansive Newport News Shipbuilding, the joint U.S. Air Force-U.S. Army installation at Joint Base Langley–Eustis, and other military bases and suppliers, the city's economy is very connected to the military. The location on the harbor and along the James River facilitates a large boating industry which can take advantage of its many miles of waterfront. Newport News also serves as a junction between the rails and the sea with the Newport News Marine Terminals located at the East End of the city. Served by major east-west Interstate Highway 64, it is linked to others of the cities of Hampton Roads by the circumferential Hampton Roads Beltway, which crosses the harbor on two bridge-tunnels.

The city has a rich historic presence with ties to historic C&O railroad stations, American Civil War battle sites, and several 19th century plantations. The first modern duel of ironclad warships, the Battle of Hampton Roads, took place not far off Newport News Point in 1862. Recovered artifacts from the USS Monitor are displayed at the Mariners' Museum, one of the more notable museums of its type in the world.  The Virginia War Museum covers American military history.  The U.S. Army Transportation Museum is a United States Army museum of vehicles and other U. S. Army transportation-related equipment and memorabilia.

Christopher Newport University

Newport News Deer Park

James River Bridge on demand lift gate

Newport Middle Ground Light

US aircraft carrier being built

Newport News Victory Arch