Amazing!

RACHEL - Hello!

Missionary work is really amazing and a lot harder than I had thought but it is a good surprise! Since I used to nap all the time going from always sleeping to feeling like I don’t get enough is tough haha but I can manage! I love it though, it feels wonderful to just walk up to some people and sometimes they don’t respond well but when that one person is genuinely interested it makes everything worth it!

My P-days are on Mondays. Only two sets of missionaries get cars and we are one of the lucky ones! My district there are only 6 haha not that many but they are all still great and welcoming.

I'm in a Ward called Manchester South Ward and they are truly amazing! Practically every single person is so enthusiastic about missionary work! We have a lot of members who want to sign up to go fellowshipping with us to appointments, it kind of makes me think every ward should be this involved with the missionaries cause really, they need all the help they can get even if they don't ask! Even after someone just gets recently baptized they are still fellowshipping them, after the mission I want to go home and suggest a few things :) It's a semi medium sized ward but I still haven't met everyone yet though, but I will soon!

Well I sent you a letter about my typical day at the MTC hopefully you typed that out and put that on the blog, but here its arise at 6:15 a.m. go for a jog ha! My comp likes that and I think it's a good habit I suppose and then get ready start personal study at 8 a.m. then companion study at 9 a.m. then out of the house by 10 a.m. and our day is mostly always filled with appointments and some street contacting and tracting and when we have we have had many who are interested and so we set up a time to meet with them. I'm starting to get the procedure and I think I’m catching on quicker than I thought! Its just all about always smiling and the way you talk has to be welcoming, that’s what I found :) Then for dinner appointments (which they ALWAYS call them Tea appointments) we usually always have those filled in by members so we are well fed. haha I’m worried I may gain a few lbs. cause sometimes I want to show respect by eating all of it. But man sometimes they just give you so much so I guess it’s just eating as much as you can, so I guess its a good thing that I run haha!

You know I have been taking pictures and I would looove to send them to you but I don’t know how! In the MTC I could because they had something I could put my memory card in but I don't have one with me so can someone help me with that by responding with what I should do, so probably wont get that many pics for a bit just a heads up!

Well I looove you all and no friends can email me cause I can't even open them so they have to send me letters.

Thank you! Well love you all!

Liff, Dundee, Scotland

TERESA - Hi Family!!

Yeah still send my letters to the mission home address. They forward them to me, so keep at it!

By the way, I love your letters mom, thanks! Tell Steven I say happy birthday!

Well, things are going good so far still trying to get used to everyone and everything. P-day is Monday and there are 4 missionaries including us in our district! We are serving in the Liff 2nd Ward and it is actually big for the area but smaller than what I am used to. I went to the ward for the first time on Sunday and it was crazy! I really think they have a reverence problem here because everybody just isn't quiet. haha It's weird because they say that the church is the same everywhere, which it is, but at the same time it's totally not! And plus I'm all switched around because they have Sacrament last and all their other meetings first. So I'm all backwards. But that’s ok :) just takes some getting used to I guess. But let me tell you, I REALLY took for granted my home ward and how people acted there because it is just sooo different. Now its not like this ward is awful or anything, it's just NOT the same if ya know what I mean.

But anyways, we teach recent converts and a lot of inactives. But inactives are especially really hard cause they are just not interested and really don’t care about holding true to the covenants that they have made. And that's what really bothers me the most. They all KNOW it's true (they have said it flat out), but they just can’t be bothered. It is so frustrating because their priorities are all mixed up and wrong and they are just lazy. That may sound bad, but that's the truth, they say they just can't be bothered and that's it! Ahhhh! It's crazy but we still try to be there. Recent converts on the other hand are the BEST! They totally get it, maybe not all the knowledge part of the gospel yet, but they have this amount of faith and desire to know that it is truly amazing to see. They just get it ya know? But there are the occasional few like the Andersons (Mom-Sharon-40, and her 2 daughters: Danny-19, and Katie-9) they are nice people but they are having problems keeping some of the commandments. And they are kind of spiritually immature, which makes it hard to teach them because they just are not focused on what's important ya know? But Sharon's sister, Helen is interested and even came to church with us this Sunday! But we really need to teach her thoroughly because she really doesn't have a strong support system in the gospel. And we want her testimony to be Unshakeable!

I had my first baptism! Well, it wasn't really mine because I only came in at the end after he had made the decision to be baptized. But I did get to teach him a little and that was wonderful! He's related to the Shorts who are recent converts and they are the BEST! I wish every investigator were like them, they are seriously like sponges! They just soak up the gospel! haha

Since I've been out on my mission I have come to realize that I really know a lot; a lot more than I had even realized. People ask me questions and I know the answers. Now it is also the Spirit of course but at the same time, I totally took for granted the amount of knowledge I have and have come to know. WE really are lucky, because NO ONE here knows or even really thinks about God at all. It's horrible. Oh and EVERYONE smokes. Not just a few, but everyone! And they all have cats so try combining those two scents, ya? Mmm, yummy! haha Not. But I'm starting to get used to it, my comp, Sis Nelson cant doesn’t even notice it anymore, because she's been there so long!

We've had a lot of dinner apps already haha. So I'm afraid I’m gonna have problems working it off! But we are walking (no car or bike). Everywhere we go we are fed! (Well, not everywhere, I guess :) But one night I ate so much I got sick! But it's ok mom, I had Rolaids! haha (they are my best friend) So I'm being careful, I'm coming back the way I left!

Well, I'm not gonna lie, the mission is harder than I thought it would be, planning wise. Before the mission, I didn't really plan. So now it’s really tough to plan effectively and to fill my time usefully. That, I would say, has been the most difficult part, especially since I don’t really know anyone so it's hard to know whom to see. But it's ok; I’m starting to get some things.

But I’m glad to hear things are going swell back home! I really do miss everyone and I'm sorry if I don’t write too much. I have like NO time! I miss Rach A WHOLE LOT as well!!!!! But it is ok, time is already racing by I guess. But I love You All!!! Thanks mom for EVERYTHING! I took a lot of stuff for granted, that's for sure haha. But I'm glad to be getting letters. Thanks again for everything! I love you! Can’t write more, I have to go but love you!!!!

Love Always,

Sis Teresa Kullick

Scotland!!

TERESA - That’s so funny that you have been having awful rainy weather lately, we have been having sunshine and warmth here! I guess Rach and I brought the sun from California to the UK! But everyone is saying not to get used to it because it won’t last! Oh well, its nice for now. So my P-days are on Monday and we didn’t have a chance to get things done on that day because of moves.

But things are great here; I'm serving in the Dundee Zone and in the Liff District. My trainer's name is Sister Nelson and she's from Rexburg, Idaho. She is super friendly and bubbly and is really carefree, which is nice. :) She is showing me the ropes but to be honest I feel a little overwhelmed sometimes because I don't know the practical side of things here, like where we are or what’s in our area. We cover so much ground and don’t have a car so it really cuts into our work. But things are still good!

I’m ready to work and learn and to be a hard working, and effective, and diligent missionary! But I was thinking about it and I realized that if you didn’t want to go on a mission just to serve the Lord then you would NOT make it. A mission is not something you do to pass the time or because there is nothing better to do. If you went for any other reason than besides serving the Lord and working to build His Kingdom, you would have a really rough time. Just because there is so much to do that you cant even think sometimes! haha Its ok though.

I was at an appointment yesterday and we were talking with a man named Peter who is going to be baptized on Sunday! He is friends with the Shorts who are recent converts of a week and they are soo enthusiastic about the gospel! It was amazing to see the brand new happiness in their eyes! Sometimes we take this for granted, I know I do sometimes. But I was sitting there and I was just sooo happy! This, I thought, this is what it is all about and I don’t want to be anywhere but here!

People here love my accent, which I think is funny because I don’t have one, they do! haha. But things are great. I love you and I need to find time to write back Gma & Gpa Kullick...I'll try to do that ASAP. I love you mom and dad and thank you for ALL you have done for me! I seriously can't thank you enough. Tell Steven, Sheila, and Erika that I love them as well. I love you mom and if you have any questions about what I'm doing or anything let me know. When I get on here I tend to forget what to write so I just start writing! Ok I have to go but I miss and love you lots and I hope all is well! My prayers are with you :)

Love always, Sis. Teresa

I have finally arrived!

RACHEL - Hey everyone!

So I am finally here out in the field! Can you believe it?? It has been wonderful so far! I have the sweetest companion, her name is Sister Bowen and she's from Rexburg, Idaho. I also met a ton of missionaries down a very long line in the hallway to the chapel when I was to be assigned a trainer and area. haha They were all there to greet us. And a lot of the elders knew I played football! haha I guess that's important but I hope they aren't expecting much! But I am officially serving in the Manchester South mission, so that’s super nifty! And dad you wouldn't believe it but once I got assigned to my area and new companion, we were going out to put my stuff in the boot (trunk) of the car and she hands me the keys and says ok, you ready? hahaha I was so shocked and was sssooooooooo grateful you taught me how to drive a stick cause that is practically all they have here! It was just super weird putting my left hand down to switch gears! haha I thought that was interesting and I think I did pretty well even though I tended to drift to the right side of the road a little haha but yeah I bet I will defiantly get the hang of it for when you guys come here so i will be able to drive!

So Sister Bowen is my trainer and she went to Beauty School and so I asked if she could trim my hair cause I am in great need of that and she said she would! She is sooo nice! I can tell I was meant to be placed with her for her to train me! She said she really wants to prepare me for when she leaves cause I am her last transfer! Ahhh!! But I am super excited!

The MTC was great and I seriously loved that place! The people were amazing and I am seriously considering throwing an MTC reunion for after everyone's mission. haha

It was soooo hard saying goodbye to Teresie! We were both messes and crying, I tried to hold it in though cause I was leaving before she was and that was tough, but I can already feel the Lord blessing me with the strength to be away from her and I know because of that he is blessing her too! Our president in the MTC actually sat both of us down the night before everyone left to make sure we were going to be ok with being away from each other. That was the nicest thing ever! He helped us with what we will do when we started missing each other and so it was good to talk with him about it. And he wanted us to make sure that we let our mission presidents know that we would like to serve together in the end! He said to have us get a hold of him if there were any problems. That was really needed and sincere. So there may be a chance :)

Anyway I want to know Teresa’s email address cause I don't think I even know it! So please send it to me through e-mail! I also got your yellow envelope letter mom! Thanks! You’re awesome! I’m so glad you did well with your lesson and yeah - real scripture study is really intense I haven’t quite gotten the hang of it yet but I will! Tell Steven I wish him a VERY Happy Birthday! Give him a big hug for me and tell him I love him!

You can still send me emails just FYI and apparently right now it is 7:48 in the morning right now for you all! Haha Anyway I gotta go but I love you and tell Lauren I love her and Sheila too! And all that read my letters or send them to me! Thanks Zanny for the email!! I will write you back soon cause I can email all extended family just not friends. Anyway I gotta go but I love you!

My address to my flat is:

Sister Rachel Kullick

55 Dunmaston Ave

Timperley, Altrincham

WA15 7LQ, England

President Bullock, Sister Rachel Kullick, Sister Bullock

England Manchester Mission

Sister Rachel Kullick and Sister Bowen

Letter from Rachel

May 24, 2010

Dear Family!

So I may accidently repeat myself in this letter from what I already wrote in my email but you don’t mind. I received your letter mom and it was soo great to get it and read it! Wendy Penny is too funny ha ha! So sweet of her! But actually everyone that I have met so far is really polite but reserved. So it isn’t a bad thing though. And honestly Dad I don’t really feel like I’m in a different world or time so far, although that could be just because I haven’t been out much but when I have, a lot of different places reminded me of the many different places we have back home. So I feel comfortable which I think is a really good thing!

That is hilarious about what Aunt Linda wrote! I was cracking up so much that my companion wanted to know why but it was so hard to explain everything to her, so Teresa and I laughed together about it! (Linda wrote about Kaiyle being scared by a movie that Teresa and Rachel made; “Enjoy Your Peach Pie”!) Tell KK I’m glad she’s not scared of it anymore but laughs along with it.

I got a letter from Grandma Kullick and it was so nice! I’m going to write her back to tell her I really appreciate it! I loved the Mormon Times article about the girls that was talking about serving a mission! My companion loved it soo much too that she read it in a devotional that us sisters do together every night. And I was super bummed that I was not in the newsletter for our ward! (It came out before the girls left!) I am outraged ha ha nah, but I expect to be in there next time.

A typical day at the MTC is… wake up at 6:30 a.m. which is tough but I am the one getting my companion to get out of bed ha ha but she is so willing and obedient. :-) Then we take showers and get ready for the day. At 7:30 a.m. we have personal study time which can be a little difficult for me just because I don’t know how to direct my studies yet. Then at 8:30 a.m. we have breakfast which I look forward to! The after that we could have a class or missionary chat or companion study and exercise. Classes are always soo helpful, I have learned how to ask good questions that will help me understand a person more! So I can teach according to their needs. Missionary Chat is where you go online with your companion and people from all over the world log onto a live chat and ask question about the church and guess who tries to answer their questions? Ha! All the missionaries in training. I have definitely had some weird and nice experiences on there. Companionship study is pretty self-explanatory and it is so great to have my companion! She is awesome! You are right mom; it makes it easier to not be around Teresa. Exercise is always one of my highlights cause we always play soccer! But it is so surprising but Mom, you probably already know this (because you have a widget ha ha!) But it is super nice weather here! Other people in the MTC think it’s too hot but you know that’s how I like it! But apparently this will only last for a few weeks and then it’s all cold and downhill for there. Then after exercise we have lunch at 12:30 p.m. then Personal time where we can sleep (which sometimes I do) or write which I’m doing now. :-) Then we have classes until dinner at 5:00 p.m. and the food is really good here! Then we have to clean at 5:30 p.m. so we clean the bathrooms which I have perfected that task since I do it at home all the time anyway. Then we have more classes after that till 9:00 and that’s when we start planning for the next day with our companion. Then Bedtime at 10:30 p.m. and I welcome that time. But I am always so tired but I realize that I have to get use to the feeling for the next 18 months. Ha ha

But Mom and Dad, I have a question, what is the name of the Scottish man in our ward? (Brother Crozier) And can you mail me my farewell talk? It should be on my desktop on the computer. Or any other talks you think will benefit me being out here. Oh, and have you heard form Lauren at all? Does she know about the blog? Can you somehow get a hold of her and tell her about it and that we miss and love her! Tell me if there is anything else you want to know but I’ll keep you posted!

On this Wednesday, the 26th, I am going to my mission home and I am out in the field so does everyone else but I don’t think I’ll be able to write/email you cause that’s my P-day but since I’m being collected at 6:00 a.m. in the morning, I probably won’t be able to do that. I’m a little nervous but it’s all good!

Well I love you all Mom, Dad, Steven, Sheila, and Erika and Lauren! Ha ha Hope to hear from you soon! Love always, Rachel

England MTC #3

TERESA - We leave the MTC tomorrow!! Im going to Scotland FINALLY! just wanted to let you know!! I LOVE you guys and can't wait to write to you more soon! (they give us NO time!) LOVE YOU!!!

Love Sister Teresa Kullick :)

RACHEL - I only get 10 minutes to write to you right now to say that I am leaving super early like at 6:30 a.m. to Manchester in the mission home! But I cannot believe it the time has come!!! Its unreal, I am going to be super dooper officially a Missionary for the church! Hey can you show Erika "The Restoration" and maybe bear your testimonies to her that this is true and that this is what we are going to be teaching for the next year and a half cause we know this to be true and it has brought undescribable happiness in our lives! I want to share it with her!! Anyway I won't be able to write tomorrow cause I will be busy getting thrown into the mix of a mission! I looove you mom!! I looove you dad!! I love you both so much and I sent a letter to the family, so that will be my email :) haha tell Sheila and Steven I love them both dearly! Tell Lauren I looove her too!!

I am soo excited for what I am about to do! I was very nervous at first but the MTC president sat us down tonight to talk to us about how Teresa and I will be ok and we'll be great even though we will be apart! That was sooo nice!! Well I loooooove you all!!

love always, rach