Yay!!! Hair Cut!!

Hi Everyone,

Abby didn’t send an email today.  She will be transferred on Wednesday and I guess was busy saying goodbye to everyone in Tupelo.  She has been serving there for 7 months so she has a lot of goodbyes to do.  I don’t know where she is being transferred or who her new companion will be. We will have to wait until next week to find out.

However, I did receive a picture from a member of her getting a haircut today.  It must have taken hours to comb it out and straighten before she cut it.  I was worried she would have to cut it all off because it was getting so tangled but it looks like she still has some length to her hair. 

I will keep you posted if I hear anything from her.

Wendy

Hey Friends:)

Hey fabulous people!

Thanks for all the love you sent to Sister Bailey and I on her Birthday! She was beaming when she opened your package Alyssa and Devin! Thank you! Also she loved the card Mom and Dad! We had a blast. A member gave us some brownies and it was fab! We were on exchange with Amory that weekend and it was stellar. I got to ride my bike Wanda!!!!

Before the exchange, Sister Bailey and I went to Starbucks to meet our new investigator. Yes it was quite Ironic. It's a fun way to start a conversation though. "You are Mormon aren't you?" "Yes we are and we are in a coffee shop! We actually don't drink coffee want to know why?"

Our investigator K learned about the plan of salvation last time and she had lots of questions. As soon as she started Sister Bailey and I knew what was coming. A classic example of formal bible bashing. Of course we aren't supposed to bash with people, because who can feel the spirit when you are trying to play I'm more righteous than you on both ends! So we answered her questions and right before she asked another one a crash of lightning filled the room. NO JOKE. Starbucks was maybe 10 feet away from a lightning bolt. We saw the light first! After the lightning K said "I don't have any idea what I was trying to say." God works in mysterious ways. Funny.

Guess what! Peyton was baptized yesterday!! Peyton is 8 and she comes from the most champion family I have ever met! Stephanie and Nick are from Utah and they have 3 gorgeous girls. Ryann, the middle child, is 5 and has some birth defects that result in her fighting for her life everyday. Mother Stephanie is saving her day and night along with the rest of the family. This makes it basically impossible to come to church when they desperately need it. We have been visiting them and teaching Peyton the missionary lessons. She's able to go to church with her Grandparents. She is the most adorable little girl. Last night she was baptized and her Mom and Ryann were able to attend! Miracle! The best part was Nick,  Peyton's dad, gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. He was super nervous and had no time to prepare and it was the best talk I've ever heard. You could tell that he was speaking from the heart. The spirit was fabulous.

It's still really hot here in MS, but we are drowning the heat with the waters of baptism. Naturally:)

Love y'all. I have the best friends and family in the world.

Steadfast in Christ.

Love, Sister Gibbs

Peyton's Baptism

"Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies are the main reason why I have trust issues." - Anonymous

Hey friends,

This week was a superstar week. We had MLC and Zone training so as always it was very full. President and Sister Hanks are so smart and loving. Thank the high Heaven they were born. 

Did I tell you that on an exchange with Sister Brown in Amory I told a woman that I liked her earrings and she took them off her ears and gave them to me! Every faux diamond and every cross. It was fabulous. 

Yesterday as we were tracting in the heat a woman agreed to disagree and offered to feed us dinner. We also got 3 water bottles from the 6 houses we knocked on that street. Not bad! The South really is full of amazing Christians. 

We met a fun couple last night for the 2nd time! This time it was at their house instead of the parking lot at Walmart. As we were walking into Walmart a man asked us do you believe in one God? Why yes we do. He said no you don't and walked away. The man we met again last night was ticked that he said that to us and told us last night that we should basically call him instead of 911 if something happened to us. "I've lived that life! I've been behind those walls! Y'all jus call me!" He played pro football for a college right before he went to prison for 15 years. He's doing great now and loves the Book of Mormon! Wahoo!

Anywho, as for the title of my email, I've been studying trust lately and yesterday in sacrament meeting as Christa our 26 year old investigator heard the beautiful testimonies, this scripture popped into my head.

"We love him because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

I know our Heavenly Father trusts us to do good, make the right decision, be steadfast in Christ etc. How he built that trust in that relationship was first loving us and believing in us. I know that is the same in all relationships. The Holy Ghost whispered to me if you want trust in relationships love them first and they will love you back. 

Christa is so close to baptism it's her Birthday today so if you want to send her a b day card, send one to me and we will give it to her. 

I love you! Thanks for all the love! Sister Bailey and I are doing awesome and loving Tupelo.

Steadfast in Christ

Love, Sister Gibbs

Sister Gondwe and Sister Gibbs:) She is fabulous!

 The Tupelo South Zone!

The lesson we prepared for the little 8 year old. We are teaching 

the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So we are doing the steps to get to the 

Celestial Kingdom. Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, and 

Enduring to the End. Inside this Celestial Kingdom box is a whole 

bunch of Starbursts...and a picture of her family.. 

Spiders

Truth. It's Out There!

Here are some miraculous truths I have found as I have labored in God's vineyard.

Zebras are brown animals with white stripes. It's been proven.

No matter how many times you chat with a closed minded Baptist in Wal-Mart about their traditional spaghetti sauce it always ends with, "Baby, I'll be praying for your eyes to be opened. Stay sweet sughar."

All the Mormons who look like Mormons will eventually be Mormons.

When you bring an investigator to church, check them for lice first.

Always tell all the David's, who try to bash with you about polygamy, their namesake and his many wives.

Whenever you take Sister Allred mall contacting, check the intent of all men we contact. "I'm trying to ask you out on a date!" "I'm trying to get you to come to church!"

When you eat a red hot chili pepper, always have a chick fil-a milk shake near by. This eliminates the sprint through the mall.

Of course the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

God cares and loves pairs, especially when they are missionary pairs.

Steadfast in Christ
Much Love, Sister Gibbs

P.S. We went to the Buffalo park and saw zebras! And it's been.....HOT 

Sister Bailey's email:

We were also able to go to the Buffalo Park. Yes, that is a thing. There were zebras and buffalo and other animals... haha. We were able to feed them and it was so fun! However, when we were feeding the goats, there was this poor little baby goat that kept getting picked on. So.. Sister Gibbs and I came up with a plan. I would distract the other goats and she'd run down and feed the little one and then we'd switch. It worked out perfectly. Haha. 

We were able to teach this cute little girl, Peyton. She is turning 8 soon and her parents wanted her to take the lessons. This family is the most amazing family ever, by the way. The parents are Stephanie and Nick and they remind me sooo much of Chelsea and Tom (my sister and brother-in-law). Like seriously, their personalities are so similar, it's almost scary. Basically, I feel at home being with them. So that's great.(: Anyways!! We are trying to make their lessons fun so they can stay focused. We taught the Plan of Salvation and we used cookie dough.. Our original plan was to use cookie cutters to map out the plan and then bake them... Didn't work out like that. After all of the kids hands were touching the cookie dough, we didn't feel like baking it... Haha. We thought, we might have well as used play-dough but they were eating it, so we were thankful it was cookie dough. It was really neat because when 'death' came, we had them kill the gingerbread man. Hahaha. And then he was resurrected by using the cookie cutter once again. It was perfect. 

We also have this other investigator who is solid. Her name is Lacey and she has a friend, Warner, who is obsessed with Mormons! Hahaha! Though, she is Episcopalian. We'll work on it.. haha. But they're fantastic. Gotta love them.

One last thing, last Sunday, our investigator, Rebecca and her two children came to church with Lice. Yay for us. So, on Saturday, Sister Gibbs and I went over to her apartment and de-liced the place. I put on gloves and washed Rebecca's hair and combed out all the lice, while Sister Gibbs sprayed down the apartment with the lice killer spray. It was a good time. Ha.. Not. But it felt good knowing that they hopefully don't have to suffer from it anymore. 

I love y'all! Thank you for all the support!!(: 

Love,

Sister Bailey

Yeah. 103 degrees with a million percent humidity.

Buffalo Park

Someone got hungry at Walmart?

Lemonade Crunchy Ice, Sip it Once, Sip it Twice:)

Dear Family,

Tommy didn't get baptized this week. Grrrr tenacity. We will let you know a different date.

This week we taught a less active's boyfriend, DJ, from the projects, how to play "I am a Child of God" on the piano. The inspiration for this you might ask? Well since the Smithville group, the Tupelo ward is having some growing pains and there isn't anyone to play the piano in primary. President Thorderson said, "Why don't you just pray them in like Joseph Smith." Lo and behold DJ who can play the piano! He played for his Baptist church and was appalled at the music we sing in our church, but it's growing on him. He misses the clapping and hallelujahing. I would too:) He also can't read music so we taught him how and he promised to come to church. I will never forget the sound of I am a Child of God proclaiming itself through the Ghetto streets of Tupelo. It was fabulous and almost comical how easy it was to put light on a dark situation. Just fabulous.

He ended up leaving after sacrament meeting, but I'd say it's a success. 

It's hot just hot:) We are having 90 degree temps but it feels more like 107. I love humidity. 

This week we decided to switch up our finding and have a lemonade stand with the Hooper boys. Brother Hooper used to be our ward mission lead but has since been released. His kids are adorable and agreed to have a lemonade stand. As the people saw these kids smiling their melting faces off, they pulled over had a class of lemonade and we talked to them about Jesus. It was fun and everyone said yes to a message of Christ. Wahoo!

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

Which man are we? How is our heart? Let's work on it.

Love you!

Love, Sister Gibbs

Lemonade Stand with the Hooper boys

Sister Styles and Elvis:)

Sister Bailey and I's tan lines:)

Hey Dad, Mom, Steph, Randy, Sophia, Alyssa, Devin, Nat, Trevor and the rest of my wonderful family!

I love you and miss you:)

I'm staying another transfer in Tupelo!!!:) Bring it!!! I'm totally walking in Sister Wilson's shoes. 9 months here we come! Jk probably only 7. I love Tupelo! Sometimes is frustrating when people don't just get in the font but they're a coming.

Nothing like standing up for your religious beliefs on Independence day:)

I must say the South could improve on their celebration of Independence day! Well all the BBQ is a daily thing so I guess we can give them a break.

 7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever. 2 Nephi 1:7

It was so fun to share this scripture with everyone on the 4th of July! We just asked everyone if they would like to hear a scripture about America and then told them that the Book of Mormon takes place in America! It was fun. Everyone was outside except for when it was down poring! We taught a lesson under a bridge at the park in order to escape the monsoon happening! We've had 9 inches of rain in 2 days! The thunder was crazy! We talked to the most people at Ballard Park and the mall. It was fabulous. 

One thing that got me brewing was a sweet lady who wanted to bash with us as the Independence day parade was passing us. Independence from what you may ask? RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION! Ironic. She was nice she gave us a bible. Bless her heart. If it wasn't for the training we just had on no bashing I might have lost my temper. Thank Heavens I have Sister Bailey to keep me going. 

OK this was hilarious! When we got home for lunch we saw a JW pamphlet at our door. Cool. Then at the end of the night we had 5 on the ground in front of it. Buahahah. We are pretty sure our apartment complex thinks we are Jehovah Witnesses. Might have missed the mark there. 

The best part of the 4th of July was when Sister Bailey and I met our apostolic twins! They are both missionaries for their church and they are hilarious! It was like talking to our best friends:) They want to know more about what we believe and with the converting power of the Book of Mormon you know what happens:)

So we had MLC this week and Zone training. Which were both successes thanks to the Elders! They are fabulous. I've had the opportunity to play the piano in church, zone training and district meetings...:) I'm sorry for not practicing the hymns mom. It's so sad that I made that mistake a long with all of the piano quitters out there. I still can play the hymns with one hand :) I'm practicing. A big thank you to all the piano players who are unsung heroes in the church!

Tommy should be getting baptized this week. :)

I LOVE you and I've grateful for you. 

Steadfast in Christ

Love, Sister Gibbs

PS It has been raining nonstop here so it's been pretty cool. The summer hasn't gotten to bad yet :) It’s HOT one minute and raining the next! We got 9 inches of rain in 2 days!! Humidity is terrible sometimes but we make it :)

We painted pictures last p-day:)

Zone Training

This is what our Fourth of July looked like. 9 inches of rain. 

Happy Independence Day. 

TOMMY IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HALLELUJAH:)

My Wonderful Family and friends, 

I LOVE YOU!!!! I LOVE GOD! I LOVE JESUS CHRIST! I LOVE MY COMPANION! I LOVE MY NEIGHBOR! I LOVE MY WHOLE LIFE!!!!!

Do you love your neighbor? 

Yesterday in the 3rd hour of church the missionaries taught. The Mission Presidency was supposed to come but one of them got released so they had to reschedule. We volunteered to teach:) It was fabulous. We taught about the 4 keys to successful member missionary work from Ezra Taft Benson. The best part was when Brother Jed Thorderson said, "The missionaries are having tremendous success with 20 or so baptisms last year and it's not because of us! 1 out of every 1000 doors gets baptized. 1 out of every 3 member referrals is baptized. This means that our missionaries are knocking on 20,000 doors!!! That hurts your knuckles. Give them your friends." We were like JUST WOW! He also quoted Remember the Titans " We gonna change! Change the way we tackle..." It was awesome! We are expecting an explosion:)

Back to the love your neighbor part. Sister Bailey and I trained on Love and Humility. Love is the best motivator for everything. It leads to sincere concern for everybody, including those who you don't know. It leads you to walk up to strangers and invite them to be baptized. Of course we have love for them and their well-being but we also do it because we love God:) After all, 

"We love him because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19 

We have to spread that love to everyone we meet. They will recognize us as God's hands and come join the fold. That's all it's really about. So...Do you love God? Do you love Jesus Christ? Do you love your family? Do you love your neighbor? Share it:)

This week we went to the temple! What a blessing to be healed from the temple:)

Sister Gondwe came on an exchange with us. She's from Africa. Wow she is amazing! Have I mentioned her? She basically sacrificed everything to be here. She is a fighter. :) She has the purest testimony I've ever heard.

For the big finish.....Tommy is getting baptized on the 12th! After the fabulous church experience last week he was ready. 

Sister Gibbs and Bailey: (Switching the topic from huge bugs back to the Gospel) "So Tommy about church, Do you want to be baptized?" 

Tommy: "Yes."

Cool as a cucumber. The Gospel has changed his life!

I love you and am extremely grateful for you:) Have a fabulous week:)

Steadfast in Christ

Love, Sister Gibbs

 TEMPLE TRIP!!! 

Pres.  Hanks, Sister Gibbs and Sister Hanks 

The Starkville sisters

Sister Sorenson, Sister Gondwe, Sister Weekes, Sister Gibbs, Sister Bailey 

Sister Layton and Sister Gibbs

Sister Gibbs and Sister Bailey 

President Nolan and Sister Gibbs 

Distsrict!!

Sister Styles,  Elder Roseman, Sister Castagno, Sister Bailey and Sister Gibbs, 

Elder Tate, Elder Yergensen, and Elder Turley

A huge beetle thing that Tommy has in his front yard... it's dead. 

But he keeps It anyways... It's nasty. 

"Happy Day All is Well"

Dear Family and Friends,

People are dying in Tupelo! There's no reason to be concerned we've just run into many opportunities to share the Plan of Happiness! We get to see it in action! 

"And if we die before our journey's through happy day all is well!"  This sounds kinda morbid, but people are dying in Tupelo! Sister Bailey and I had the opportunity... responsibility... pleasure? to grieve with 3 people this week, all of them loosing a loved one. I always thought the last line in "Come, Come, Ye Saints" was humorous and kind of extreme for our circumstances in the world today, but it came in handy this week. Thank goodness death is a happy day when we know of Christ and our Heavenly Father's plan for us, or death would really be what it is expected to be. 

Our recent convert friend Latoya had a mother pass away suddenly. She is less active and struggling with her testimony. She was angry about her mother at first, but as we grieved with her and gave her some Book of Mormon reading assignments, she felt how important and vital the Gospel is in our lives. She received peace from knowing her mother had a second chance and also a witness from the spirit that this Gospel is true! God works in mysterious ways. It truly is a happy day! the BOM is exploding in Tupelo! #expecttheexplosion

On a brighter note, Sister training was fabulous! First of all, Sister Hanks's Mom and two sisters were there and they look and act just like her. Wow if I could be anyone when I grow up it would be them and of course just like my own mom and sisters. #sisterpower The Training consisted of Sister Hanks and President Hanks training. Wow it was better than Christmas. Funnest day of my life! Sister Hanks shared the story of the star thrower and invited us to be a star thrower. Which is very applicable to us Sisters in the bible belt. President Hanks invited us to "Be kind to my friend." This is President telling us to not be so hard on ourselves and to be kind to his best friends, us!:) After all of the training we had a clothing exchange and we decorated planners! Hahahah:) It was so fun:) We have the best mission President and his wife in the whole world!!!:)

Oh guess what! We had 4 investigators at church!!!!! Tommy!!!!!!!!!! Rebecca!!!!! She's new! and Christa!!!!!!!!!!! Wahoo!!!! It was a fabulous sacrament meeting. The Thorderson's spoke and one of the Chapman boys screamed in the middle of Gina's talk when she said, "My dad taught me many things including that it costs money to leave the lights on." Chapman boy: "SOMEONE DID THAT LAST NIGHT!" AHAHAHA so funny. The spirit was phenomenal. Everyone loved it!

We also went on an exchange to Starkville:) It was fabulous biking in the rain. It had been too long.

Christine and Shane are living the Word of Wisdom this week to see if it gives them the wisdom they need. We know it will. Do you? Thanks for your prayers! I love you and miss you!

Stay Steadfast in Christ

Love, Sister Gibbs

#angelswatchoverus

P.S. Bridget and Matt! Thank you for the package!!! It was Heaven sent!:)

#angelswatchoverus

 Sister Conference!!!

 

 

 Sister Belnap

As we were driving past the big baptist cross we hit a rain storm:) The Cross is right 

by the temple so when we tell people how to get to the temple we tell them it is right 

by the Baptist Cross :)

Crossing the border

After a long day at work...Chicken in a Biskit