I Refuse to Believe it is 2018! January 1, 2018

Hello everyone!
 I honestly don't have much of anything to report on, but I'll let you know that I am alive and well. Happy new year! I can't believe 2017 is over. It was a goodie, but I definitely have some improvement to do!

 HIGHLIGHTS 

 1. This week I hit my ONE YEAR MARK AS A MISSIONARY. Ummmm, what? I can't believe that actually just happened. This has by far been one of the best years of my life, and for my life! I'm so thankful to be here in Pennsylvania and for all the things I've learned thus far. Only 6 more months 2. We had a lesson with the Reids and it was so awesome! We taught the law of chastity, which can be a super awko taco lesson, but they understood it completely and were totally willing to follow it. They are progressing well in the gospel.
 3. On Sunday we had dinner with the miller's again and it was just so good. I love that family so much. Being with them makes being a missionary during the holidays a lot less lonely, they feel just like family. I guess I'll share a story with ya'll, cause that's literally all I've got haha. So I've been struggling quite a bit the past few weeks with feelings of inadequacy and not having any motivation and what not and it's been really hard. I love being a missionary, but man does light get shed on your imperfections! I was praying pretty fervently and asking God for help with all the things I consider weaknesses and I felt warmth in my heart and I heard in my mind and heart clearly someone say, "that's how I made you". I know God made us the way we are for a reason. Weaknesses and all. The book of mormon has a scripture I've really been pondering lately that says, " And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."(Ether 12:27) I know God loves each one of us, beyond comprehension. And he is reaching out to us continually. He is ready to help us with all of our Righteous goals this coming year, to be better and to work harder. He's aware of us and cares. I know he sees me not as this crazy ball of mistakes and weaknesses, but as the loud, passionate, opinionated dreamer that I am. And he is anxious to help me in my Righteous desires. I love you all. And I hope 2018 brings you everything you hope! God bless!

Tomorrow's not a Mystery, it's Dec 27th! December 27, 2017

Hello, hello, everyone and happy BELATED CHRISTMAS!
 I had an awesome Christmas and I hope you did too! This week has been filled with so many good things I just can't wait to tell you about!

 HIGHLIGHTS 

 1. On Tuesday, we got to have some unplanned service at a Catholic Soup Kitchen. It was SO fun, and almost immediately people were asking us where we were from and what are mission is about. It was awesome! Our Dinner had cancelled for that day, and they even fed us so that was a Tender Mercy!
 2. On Wednesday we had a Christmas Zone Conference in Cranberry, PA and it was great! I got to see my favorite SISTER FINAU. Shout out to her for being the best.
 3. On Thursday we had book of mormon class and we reenacted the nativity scene! It was so fun. And as I surprise, they threw my a birthday party. Brother McDunn, who is 84 years old, made me the most beautiful and yummy cake! I am so loved.
 4. On Christmas eve, we got to have Dinner and go caroling with the Miller family. I love that family so much and they seriously made my Christmas one of the most special of my life. They gave us presents and lots of loves, and let us FEED THEIR BABY GOATS. Seriously, whats better to do on Christmas eve than feed baby goats?!
 5. Christmas Day we had so much good stuff happened. We woke up at 5 AM to start making 320 meals for people who are less fortunate or alone during the holidays at a Lutheran Church. Then, we went to a Catholic Mass, that was interesting lol. And then, we went to a nursing home and handed out Christmas presents to the residents. They were so grateful for us and just appreciated seeing someone on Christmas.
 6. Finally, I got to Skype my family. Nothing could have made Christmas more special than the chance to see and talk to them. I love you all, and thank you SO much to everyone who has sent my cards this week for Christmas and my birthday, I've loved receiving them! Expect cards back soon! I Know this letter is already long, but I want to share a quick story. The past few weeks, every time Sister Anderson and I would go to Walmart we would pass this massive, oh so soft blanket that we would just swoon over. The blankets were the cutest pattern and felt like butter between your fingers, but it cost a ridiculous amount that no poor missionary can pay, but this missionary sure thought about. Last Monday, as we went about our grocery shopping once more, we passed a clearance rack that just happened to have one of these blankets, in my favorite pattern, in perfect condition, for more that 60% off. Of course, I snatched it up, and was able to buy it with money people have so generously sent me for Christmas. Now, this story might seem a little silly, but as a back story, I have been extremely homesick and sad lately. I just haven't found the motivation to do the best I can and just wanted to be home snuggling up in the couch watching a good movie, rather than being a missionary. God provided me with just a small thing to remind me that he is aware of me and that he loves me. Every time I wrap up in that blanket now I remember that God truly is mindful of me and will do anything to help me be happy, even if it's just a silly blanket. I know he is mindful or every one of us. He is our loving heavenly father, and cares about us beyond what our mortal minds can comprehend. He sent his son, who payed 100% of the price for our sins, so we could repent and become clean again. I hope we all take time to remember him during his season and thank God for the ultimate gift of his son, Jesus Christ. "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son." Merry Christmas Everyone. I love you Dearly.

 . I Finally got Scratched by a dog. I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier in my mission lol. 2-4. On Monday we made sugar cookies with the Oliphant Family, and Sister Oliphant Made us these WAAAYYY comfy slippers. So thankful! 5. MY GIRL SISTER FINAU 6. Sister Bednar and us 7. Our Christmas Celebration. I give these 2 an A+++ 8-9. Brother McDunn hasn't made a cake for someone in years, but knew it would be my birthday and made me one. My heart is so full! ❤️ 10. Our crazy Nativity! 11. Homemade bread from Sister Rolls! 12. MAMMA CLOUSE IS THE BEST!

 Finally got Scratched by a dog. I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier in my mission lol. 

MY GIRL SISTER FINAU 

Brother McDunn hasn't made a cake for someone in years, but knew it would be my birthday and made me one. My heart is so full! 

Our Christmas Celebration. I give these 2 an A+++ 

MAMMA CLOUSE IS THE BEST!

Homemade bread from Sister Rolls! 

On Monday we made sugar cookies with the Oliphant Family, and Sister Oliphant Made us these 

1. The blessing blanket 2. I turned 20?! Ummmm what? 3-5. Feeding the kids! 6. Merry Christmas

The blessing blanket 

I turned 20?! Ummmm what? 

Feeding the kids!

Feeding the kids!

 Merry Christmas

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas! December 18, 2017

Hello everyone!

 I hope everyone is well and is having a super awsome holiday season. How have you been on keeping up with #LightTheWorld? I would love to hear about some of your experiences! HIGHLIGHTS 

 1. This week, overnight actually, we got 7 inches of snow! As a total of this week, I think we got something like 15 or 16 inches! Holy craziness! We actually got snowed in twice so I don't have a ton to report on haha. But I LOVE THE SNOW! And it's been FREEZING. The lowest temperature we had was 15 degrees.
 2. Not a real highlight, but Chazz didn't get baptized :(. That was really sad. But he is shooting for January and is so hopeful that he can! Please pray for him.
 3. We went and saw Theresa again and shared light the world. She loved it so much, and really wanted to implement it this Christmas. As we testified to her of our savior, Jesus Christ, we even made her cry #win
 4. FA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA! We went caroling in Jamestown and it was pretty awesome! The old folks that we Caroled to were so grateful and it warmed my hear with the Christmas spirit.
 5. We went to the Reids and watched the restoration movie and wow! I don't know if I have ever felt the spirit so strongly than when we watched it with them. At the end, they were at a loss for words, and you can tell the spirit had testified to them that Joseph Smith truly is a prophet of God. We also told them about 17 miracles and Ephraim's rescue, and they've already watch 17 and loved it!
 6. That same night, Sam, who can't read very well, told me about a book he was listening to on the church's app. He began to describe in great detail a story of a family who leaves their home and all their possessions to follow God, and about the two wicked sons who were always trying to kill their brother. I was thrilled to tell him what he was reading was the BOOK OF MORMON, and testified to him that it isn't just a story, it's all true! He was thrilled to keep reading.
 7. At church we had a whole 33 people! No investigators, but it was cool to hear kids playing quietly during the service, which never happens in our group. In Brother Gaskins words, our group is "not for the newly wed, but the mostly dead" hahaha. That's pretty much all I have, MERRY CHRISTMAS! The next time I talk to yinz, I won't even be a teenager anymore. I'll be a full grown 20 year old, which is gross. Say hello to the new me! Just kidding haha.
Hope youins have a great week!
 Sister Parry

You Might be a Missionary if...December 11, 2017

Greetings and salutations my friends!

 It has been a week for the books! Not sure what book but a week for the books! First news, I am not getting transferred! I will be staying in Warren with Sister Anderson until the end of January, and Sister Barton will be going back to her area. I am so excited to be here for Christmas! First off... THAT AWKWARD MOMENT 

 1. When we stopped by a potential investigator who was super friendly and really open. She had a little baby laying on his stomach sleeping and Sister Parry makes a comment that goes like, "awe you're baby is so cute! Well, it's backside is anyways!" and the lady gives you a weird look. Good job Sister Parry, you just complimented a baby's butt. #footinmouth
 2. When we have Dinner with Brother McDunn and Sister Parry makes a comment that goes like," that's okay, older men are the best men!" honestly, I don't even know how to put that in context.
 3. When we stop by an investigators house and he opens the door obviously extremely high on who knows what and says he can't watch the two minute video you have because he's" contemplating what to have for dinner" and Sister Parry snorts. Needless to say, if Sister Parry has learned anything on her mission, it's how to put her foot straight down the back of her throat.

ANYWAYS, HIGHLIGHTS 

 1. We had the best service opportunity ever, Brother McDunn, who is 84, let us put up his Christmas tree! YES. Let me tell ya, he had a ton of ornaments. Pics to come.
 2. It Has snowed and it looks like it's here to stay! YAY! Side note, if anyone wants to get me a Birthday or Christmas present, I accept hand warmers or cash to buy them. I'm freezing my buns off. 3. We had a super awesome lesson with Chazz about the Plan of Salvation and he had so many wonderful questions and a powerful testimony about what happens after we die. FINGERS CROSSED, He is supposed to be baptized this week, but we have run into a few complications. PLEASE keep him in your prayers.
 4. That one night when we tried to contact 25 different people and no one answered! That was an awesome night. At least we cleared out who is interested and who is not ;)
 5. I have gotten more letters this week than I have practically the rest of my mission. Thank you SO much to everyone who sent one. I have felt overwhelmed with love and support and have the best family and friends ever! Side-note, if you send me a letter, I will always respond. That's pretty much all I have! I hope everyone is having a WONDERFUL Holiday and staying nice and warm! I'm seriously so thankful to be a missionary during this time of year. Christmas softens hearts! I love you and godspeed!

The McMillans 14 foot Christmas tree #dreamcometrue

Steelers 4 life 

One of many letters! Thank you Lampsa family! 

My little seal ornament from Alaska I got at a thrift store .

 Things got weird when we decorated for the party

Christmas party! And my awesome vest.

Putting together brother McDunns Christmas tree! 

Once In A Trio, Always In A Trio! December 4, 2017

Well friends, this may have officially been the craziest week of my mission. Mostly good, but crazy haha. Hopefully you can bare with me for the craziness. I will say, I was overwhelmed by the amount of letters I got from people this week, the mail famine was over! Thank you for all the kind words and love during the Christmas season, I sure need them haha!

 EVENTS OF THE WEEK 

 1. We are OFFICIALLY MOVED! Ah! So happy about that, seriously so pumped. I have been sleeping like a baby and we feel so safe here. God is so GOOD. BUT, It took packing like crazy on Monday, moving everything on Tuesday, leaving for 2 days, and coming back to unpack it. But it's good! The Christmas Tree is up so I'm happy lol
 2. Monday night we got a call that we needed to go to Olean, New York for a few days because a sister went home and we had to pick up her companion. So Tuesday we moved everything to the new apartment and then ran down to Franklin, PA and pick up Sister Barton, who was serving in Olean. So, until December 14th, Warren will be a trio and Sister Barton will be with us. Craziness!
 3. On Tuesday and Wednesday we spent the day in Olean and it was so fun to meet some of the awesome people there and have some lessons. Now I can officially say I served in New York haha.
 4. On Thursday we had zone conference and as always, it was awesome! I learned so much and came back with some ideas on how to be more obedient and use Christs sacrifice more in my life. I'm so grateful for the Bednar and all they do for us
 5. On Friday Warren had its annual Christmas parade and "Christmas walk", where tons of vendors are set up for people to buy things. We were able to hand out almost 100 pass along cards about light the world! That was really nerve racking but exhilarating once I got the hang of it haha.
 6. On our way home from the parade, we drove passed a Dollar General and I just had this feeling we needed to go there. So I made us turn around and go. The first person we saw Sister Anderson and I knew for sure was who we needed to talk to. Turns out, the woman was a less active who we've never met. She used to meet a lot with the missionaries, but her husband is super against the church. We gave her a Book of Mormon and she was so grateful for it. She told us she would hide it from her husband but wanted to read it. Never ignore a prompting.
 7. On Saturday we went back to Olean and had a baptism for Dave Sisson! It was so cool to teach him a couple lessons before he was baptized. He was so prepared and I'm so blessed to have been able to be apart of it. My favorite part was seeing his face as he came out of the water. The joy was worth every stress we have had this week over it.
 8. Last night we broadcasted the Christmas Devotional and Light the world from the Church. We had way more people than we expected there and it was seriously a Christmas miracle. The messages were all AMAZING. I was so touched and really am so excited for this Christmas season, even if I'm away from my family. That's all I have for now.. Thank you everyone!

 Pretty sunset 

After a long day, we treated ourselves to PIZZA 

The princesses made an appearance at the parade and it was this girl's dream come true that we took pictures 

The week I served in Korea! November 27, 2017

Hello hello everyone!
We are moving this Friday! That is the biggest news to give you. I don't have much to say to begin with, so highlights!

 HIGHLIGHTS 

 1. On Tuesday we went to a less actives home named Sister Riggle and had lunch with her. Every year she has a lunch on the date of her husband's passing and invites friends over to read the scriptures and eat yummy food. She invited us and it was a lot of fun! All of her friends were Korean so we didn't understand what they were saying half the time, but the Korean food was super yummy! I even got complimented on my chop stick skills #score
 2. For Thanksgiving we had 3 dinners, and one was with out dear friends, Cindy, Sam, and Shane! Ah, they are just like family! I'm so thankful for them! They are continuing to progress well!
 3. Honestly the fact that I can sing Christmas music at the top of my lungs and not get that many questionable looks is a highlight. #ILOVECHRISTMAS
 4. On Exchanges this week, Sister Brunner and I had the opportunity it share Light the World with so many people! It really touched a lot of people and many were interested in making this year a Christmas for service. Everyone, go to Mormon.org and check it out!
 5. We had an awesome lesson with Chazz about modern day prophets. I am so thankful we have prophets and apostles on the earth today to help us stay on the right path. Their words are such an anchor! Thats pretty much all I have! My new address will be at the bottom of this email, per usual, for anyone who loves me enough to still send me a letter, or remembers I exist after 11 months in PA. Love ya!

Honestly this described Pennsylvania in a picture. That's right, 3 dogs and a cat. I had all of them on me after this picture, that would be 6 animals.

We've done the lowest of low and ate out of a toilet this week.

Just walking

That one time we tried minced meat pie and it was absolutely terrible!

This is the Worst Thing Since the Scattering of Israel! November 13, 2017

Hello everyone!
Another week has gone and I'm back writing one of these letters haha. It's been good! I've been pretty sick the past few days, but might as well get it over with now! Haha. On to Highlights!

 HIGHLIGHTS 

 1. IT SNOWED THIS WEEK. Yes, it did. And I was soooo excited. I'm just so pumped for winter and Christmas! It's going to be awesome. It has been FREEZING here. This weekend it was in the 30s the whole week. Crazy!
 2. Sister Anderson and I went to visit Theresa and Wolfgang and Theresa came down in Yeti footy pajamas and it was the greatest thing I've ever seen. I love those too haha
 3. Sister Smith and I had a lesson with Cindy and Sam right before she left and we committed them to live the word of wisdom, which is a big step! They are progressing great and growing more and more every time we see them.
 4. So Monday I asked yinz to pray we would find an apartment. Tuesday we found the one! It's perfect for Missionaries! I know the only reason we found it is because you guys prayed we would. I love you guys! The papers are getting approved right now and we should be moved this next week.
 5. One night Sister Anderson and I found ourselves in a far far corner of our area. We came across the Kunick family! The mother is not a member and her two teenage children are, but are really struggling with their faith. We committed them to retake the missionary lessons and let us help them and they said yes! They let us right into their home and we clicked immediately with them, what a blessing!
 6. Ginny! We have been trying to get back to Ginnys home since I first came here and her health has not permitted her to meet with us. Well, we finally got to have a lesson with her about the Plan of Salvation. She has been reading the pamphlets and the book of mormon since we last met with her and really seeking out truth! God is really blessing her.
 7. We went by and visited Chazz again and he is doing great! Tomorrow Chazz will have his interview to be baptized. Please pray that all goes well and his parents give him permission to be baptized. I love you all! Thank you so much for all you do for me and for your prayers, they mean the world. I'm so thankful to be a missionary and to be spending this time serving the lord and his children. I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Until next week!

The stinking coolest dogs I've ever seen 

Us and Chazz! 

The Gaskins!

Nancy and Val 1

My favorite McMillan family!