Cactus Mailbox and Chickens

Sister Heidi Bonham

Loving the new Fall weather - down to 99 in Palm Springs. With the weather cooling down Heidi and her companion get to get out of the car and walk around and meet people. 

Heidi has learned something:  Something I have been realizing more and more is the importance of fellow shipping and just being friendly with everyone.  I have seen a lot of judgment from others as well as from myself and that CAN'T happen.  It is so important for us to be there for each other and love each other.  I love not only learning about the gospel and having a testimony of it, but learning to be truly converted to it.  Actually acting and striving to develop those Christ-like attributes.  The world is getting worse, and we need to have strong people.  I'm grateful for this gospel and for the opportunity I have to share it with people!


Things are going so well in Palm Springs! Lots of great people there. Interesting mailboxes, too:

Sister Kelli Bonham:

Kelli had a great week of applying her faith to be able to teaching her lessons, and it worked! Her sincere prayers and total reliance on Heavenly Father helped her to get her confidence up and deliver a great lesson! She feels so happy!

The family she lives with has chickens. They also decorate for Fall, which makes the transition to rainy Fall sweet!

Great times!

Service project and Dole Whip!

Sister Kelli Bonham:

Thanks to the lady of the house where Kelli and her companion live, we got a couple more pictures of the Sisters. They were involved in a service project with their ward. Service projects are a fun way to be with people and work together in a worthy cause.

Kelli's companion wasn't feeling well this week, which was very hard on her, but they still worked so hard teaching many people! They are enjoying the people they work with. One person they have been working with will soon go to the temple and they get to go with her. They are really excited about that!

Kelli wrote:

Alright, I will talk to you later!  I love you all to death!  Be happy!  don't EVER forget the church is true. EVER!!  There are some TWISTED things going around on the media that is unbelievable.  Never stop reading the Book of Mormon, never stop praying, ever.  Always have a strong relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Helaman 5:12.  Let Him be your rock and foundation!!!!  Never give up, never surrender!  LOVE YOU ALL!! :)

Love, sister Kelli Bonham

Sister Heidi Bonham:

Heidi and her companion found out they get to stay together for another six weeks. Yay! They are so excited! They were able to attend the temple. The Sisters love to see people's lives change as they turn toward Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Miracles happen, and they are witnesses of them. Heidi wrote about a lady that got baptized last month:

...she's really trying hard to live the gospel and I have been able to witness the change in her.  There is a light in her eyes that was not there when we started teaching her.  She is amazing and I can tell that she is so much happier now.  What a blessing for me to have been a part of her growth in the church! She got to go to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.  I'm so proud of her!!

On a fun note, our family loves to eat Dole Whip at Disneyland. Well, the Sisters found a place in Palm Springs that serves Dole Whip. Heidi said:

Here I am with my precious Dole Whip.  IT WAS DELICIOUS!!

It was a great week for the Bonham Sisters!

Rainstorm, Fresh Peach Pie, and Lucille Ball Statue

Sister Kelli Bonham:

Kelli had heard so much about the rain in Vancouver. Several times in the past few years, it has rained for 45 days straight. She has been there over two months (summer) and Vancouver finally had a rainstorm. Kelli writes:

Everything is going well!  We had our first rain storm thing!  It only rained for like an hour, so it wasn't an actual rain storm, but it was big for us!  We both had our huge raincoats on and our boots, but everyone else had no jacket and sandals pretty much.  Haha, we are definitely not Washington-ers!

These Sisters are prepared!

Kelli really enjoyed the first family she lived with, but missionaries don't stay too long in any one area. Kelli and her companion have moved to a home in the ward where they are continuing to serve. The mother of the home sent this picture when the Sisters arrived in their new area:

                                                                       Kelli and her awesome trainer!

The mother of the home also made fresh peach pie for the Sisters. Yum! The best part? She sent another picture:

Kelli closed her letter to us with this:

The work is hastening and we are right in the middle of it!! :D  I am starting to feel true happiness here in the work!  THE CHURCH IS TRUE! :)  have a fabulous day and week!  Love you all!

There was a Stake Conference and Kelli's companion was one of the speakers. Kelli says she did a fabulous job!



Sister Heidi Bonham:

Heidi wrote:

THIS WEEK was...good...

It was a roller coaster, but we learned a lot. We learned to rely on the Lord for everything and just keep moving forward!!!

I'm slowly, but surely, realizing how useless I am without God.  The mission is humbling and eye-opening.  I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to learn and grow in ways that I never would have before.  My testimony is being questioned and bashed all the time and I've never had to cleave to my already weak testimony.  But, the more I cleave to it, the stronger it gets and the easier it is to hold on to.  I Love This Gospel.  I'm grateful to know about it and learn of it everyday.  This is the Lord's work.  I can only be an instrument in His hands and as I am an instrument in His hands, hopefully my hands can become more like His.  

Always PRAY FOR THE SPIRIT!!!  We're all in this battle together and we are on the winning team!  Now all we have to do is stay on it!

I love you all!!! 

One of the ups of the roller coaster is that the Sisters were introduced to a family of five who want to take the discussions. Nice!

One of the downs, the Sisters have been teaching one man and they realized that he lived one block out of their area. They gave him over to the Sisters in his area, so the other Sisters are now teaching him. That's good that he accepted the change.

Appointments fell through, disappointing, but a great way to develop more faith!

During P-Day, Heidi and her companion got to eat some Dole Whip, just like the Dole Whip from Disneyland! Here is a picture of Heidi with Lucille Ball on P-Day:

Yay, for the Sisters Bonham!

Time is a Weird Thing

Sister Kelli Bonham:

Kelli notes: "It's already September!! Time is moving fast! Yeah, time is a weird thing on the mission... days feel like weeks, weeks feel like hours, and months feel like blinks.  The trick is to stay busy, and then time will fly!" 

Kelli and her companion are so busy teaching the gospel! " ... the work is moving forward!!  We are over Fairway Village and they are on fire!  We are getting referrals left and right and new investigators being put on date and baptisms, and things are going really well!"  They have another baptism this week, the third since they have been in the ward. Kelli loves being in Washington with the wonderful people there. Her companion, Kelli's trainer, is fun and awesome and Kelli is learning soooo much from her.


Sister Heidi Bonham:

I think for Heidi, this past week seemed like months. She had a hard and discouraging week. As she said, "The mission is definitely humbling. :)"  But, she is learning that with hard weeks comes the great opportunity to learn to rely completely on the Lord. "The mission is hard.  We just have to keep going in faith.  My mission president described working in an area as a motor boat.  When you first start up the boat, the engine is PUSHING against the water so hard and the boat is barely moving.  But, once the boat gets going, it is smooth sailing.  I'm not saying that it will be rainbows from here on out, but if we keep working and don't stop, our efforts will pay off." 

Missionaries learn important lessons that will help them throughout their lives. It is amazing what the Lord can do with these young missionaries!

Here is Heidi and her companion and a friend:

Happiness All Around!

Sister Heidi Bonham and her new companion are having a marvelous time! They are teaching a man to pray. Prayer is one of the greatest gifts our Father in Heaven gives us and they are sharing that gift.

They also get many opportunities to teach lessons in church meetings. No wonder returned missionaries, RMs, can be asked to teach, even at a last minute's notice! Talents are blossoming!

Heidi also is realizing how important it is to reach out to others. "I'm also seeing how CRUCIAL fellowshipping in the church is.  Please, if you see someone who is sitting by themselves or who you don't recognize, GO INTRODUCE YOURSELF!!!  There are so many people who don't go to church because they didn't feel welcome."

Also, living in the desert, Heidi has seen some big lizards! Her nephews would love the lizards, but Heidi says, "Bluck!"

Leapin' Lizards!

A new word Heidi has learned on her mission is "Happytired", a true emotion for missionaries. Here's Heidi's happytired face.

Sister Kelli Bonham had a fabulous week! She hit her two month mark a couple days ago. Wow! Also, she was able to go to a mission conference and listen to an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. She was in the 2nd row! He spoke beautifully about missionary work in the Lord's kingdom on earth. All 177 missionaries were there. What a marvelous experience for her!

She is in a tricompanionship for one week. She is loving it! She rarely sends me a picture, but I am so excited that my neighbor, Jill, received this picture of Kelli and her two companions and texted it to me:

The three of them are in two wards and when the fourth Sister arrives, they will divide separate.  

Kelli's advice to me on going back to school: "Be safe and be excited for school!  Work hard and be amazing!! also, this whoooole time I've been on my mission everyone is emphasizing working hard, and it's the truth!  When we work hard, we are blessed and we feel so accomplished!!"

What a marvelous thing to learn! 

We love these young women and are so pleased with their lives!

Some Pictures from Sister Kelli Bonham

When Kelli was at the MTC, she found out about a sweet-smelling tree. There are various names for the tree. The Candy Tree, The Skittles Tree, The Soda Pop Tree. Here is a picture of the tree. It sure looks like it smells good!

When Kelli flew over Washington state, she was impressed with the volcano/mountains that dotted the state. Here is a picture of a large one with a smaller one in the background:

At the home where Kelli and her companion are staying, the Host Dad makes delicious 'green drinks' and Kelli said the drinks remind her of home:

Kelli and her companion have also enjoyed a baptism of a fantastic lady. Kelli serves in two wards and is really loving the people there.

A Ukulele, a Bakery, and a Baptism

SISTER KELLI BONHAM:


Sister Kelli Bonham's mission allows missionaries to have musical instruments, so Kelli wants us to ship her ukulele to her. She is so excited! Now, to figure out how I am supposed to ship a ukulele. Hmmmm...   Kelli loved playing her ukulele before her mission and she will love playing it again - after we ship it!

Kelli also has met an Italian woman who has been learning about the church. She was awesome to Kelli and has promised to make her some lasagna. Yum!

There is a baptism scheduled this Sunday.Kelli asked the woman to be baptized and she said Yes! This will be Kelli's first baptism on her mission. She has loved teaching the gospel. She is really enjoying her time with the people in Vancouver, Washington!



SISTER HEIDI BONHAM:

Heidi, and the missionary district she is in, loves to eat at this bakery. Heidi's two companions have been transferred and she is getting a new companion (not pictured). She has enjoyed her time with these Sisters and she looks forward to meeting the new Sister. Depending on Heavenly Father for every aspect of life, especially missionary life, is a blessing that is being learned.

Heidi had her first baptism! A wonderful woman that these Sisters taught, joined the church. It is a baptism to be remembered as there wasn't enough water in the font and the Elder kept trying to complete the baptism (full immersion). Well, after the third attempt, they added more water and Heidi said she was praying really hard. After the baptism was successful on the fourth attempt, Heidi said she almost clapped because she was so relieved! Heidi is loving this great opportunity to share the gospel. She is loving the people she teaches and the other missionaries.

Learning to Trust the Lord

This week has flown by! Kelli is less Italian (very open) and more stoic, but this week Kelli said she was able to be open with her feelings. She stated that the Lord was with her every minute during this time and that He is amazing. She feels so much better! Another great blessing of missionary work - learning to trust the Lord in all things.

Kelli stated that she and her companion inadvertently dress alike every other day. Fun times! All is well with Kelli!

Heidi states that she is gaining a stronger relationship and trust with Heavenly Father, that He is guiding her and she can feel His guidance so strongly sometimes. She says it is amazing! She also states that she is grateful for this gospel and for the Spirit.

              One particularly long planning session with her companions got the best of them, though.

                                                           When Sisters get bored!

Hugs from the Bonham Sisters!

When P-day, Preparation Day, arrives on Monday, the girls send emails and letters to family and friends. 

Both girls have struggled this week and they both mentioned how they wanted to give me a big hug! Melts my heart!

Heidi said, " Imagine me giving you a BIG hug and just holding it, because that's what I feel like doing right now.  

I love you,

Sister Heidi Bonham"

I did imagine that hug! A GREAT, BIG hug! 

Kelli said, "Hi mom!!  I love you so much, and i miss you sooooooooooo much!!! i'm having the hardest time right now!! I want to come back and hug you!"

Kelli has always been a great hugger and I miss her and her hugs soooo much! I imagined a BIG hug from Kelli. Then I imagined Kelli and Heidi and I in a group hug. Then I imagined Jesus in our hug. Then I imagined Bob with us in a group hug. Then I imagined Dianna in our hug. Then I imagined Todd and the five boys joining our big family hug! It was glorious!

This week both girls mentioned that they had sought out and received priesthood blessings of comfort from their district leaders. "When the going gets tough, the tough get comfort through blessings". Heidi mentioned that she was grateful for growing up in a home where Bob was always worthy and willing to give our family blessings. It is amazing that young people, the age of these missionaries, have learned to put such faith in Heavenly Father. Their experiences and the lessons they learn will bless their families throughout eternity.

On a side note, there was a huge fire near to Palm Springs. Heidi sent  a picture of what the sky looked like where she lives. It was a few days before there was no more ash on the ground.

Kelli and her companion have been 'doubled-in', which means they are both new to the ward. After one week of becoming acquainted with the ward members, Kelli and her companion were 'doubled-in' to a second ward. Many new people and double the opportunity for service! My neighbor's sister and her family live in the ward in which Kelli serves. That sister has just been called to be a Ward Missionary and will work with Kelli and her companion! Small world!

Also, Kelli was thrilled to be able to speak Spanish to a few Hispanic people she met while proselyting. 

These are exciting times!

Redlands and Vancouver

Redlands:

Sister Heidi Bonham is loving Palm Springs. The weather is cooling down from 122 degrees to 113 degrees. Yay!

Heidi was the driver, which she loved, but one sister went home for medical reasons, so there are now three sisters together and Heidi, being the newbie, decided to sit in the back seat. No matter, she loves her companions and is enjoying her time with them!

She met the brand new mission president for Redlands and she said he is awesome!

Exciting for me is that she has met several Sicilian people (my mother was full Sicilian) and they love her! The first woman she met reminded her of my mother and then she found out she was full Sicilian. She wants to feed Heidi spaghetti. Ahhh... A taste of home.

Heidi's love for the Savior has grown, even in such a short time. Being able to devote hours a day to study of the scriptures, prayer to Heavenly Father, service to His children, and doing the work of the Lord brings the blessings of Heaven. She is awesome!

                                          Sister Heidi Bonham

Vancouver:

Sister Kelli Bonham has been in Vancouver for a little over a week.  She is loving it! She has a great companion and brand new mission president.They got a new car with 18.5 miles on it. I have never seen that before. She misses us and she said she does her mission during the day and dreams of us at night. Sweet girl!

Kelli is in the Forest Landing Ward, which is my neighbor's sister's ward and another neighbor's son and daughter-in-law's ward. Small world! She said the ward has been GREAT!

Kelli has had a cold this week, but she is feeling better. She and her companion live in a member's home and looking out the back window of the house, she can see Mount St. Helen's from afar! Beautiful!

A friend of mine from high school, who lives up that way, told me that Kelli will see 'the glory of God' in this beautiful place...in many ways. Wonderful!

Kelli hasn't sent any pictures yet, so I hope we get some on Monday.

Hearing from these girls brings us great joy! 

Package from home!

A friend happened to catch a picture of Sister Kelli Bonham picking up her package from home. Thank you! These are her companions in the MTC. From her letter, Kelli is loving her MTC experience! Sheri Dew came and spoke to the missionaries, which Kelli also LOVED! Tomorrow she flies to her mission in Vancouver, WA. Time is certainly going by so quickly!

P - Day means Preparation Day and emails to home!

Sister Heidi Bonham sent an email on P - Day. It was great to hear from her! She feels the Savior's love for the people in Palm Springs. She is enjoying her experiences. Her life has only been threatened once (she didn't enjoy that!) Weather is 122 degrees this week. HOT! The people at church love these sister missionaries! Party at a member's house - hats included!

KELLI IS AT THE MTC!

Last week, Sister Kelli Bonham entered the MTC and, according to her letters, she is loving it! She is learning many wonderful things, has a great companion, and a beautiful room. We are so happy for her!

Kelli is now Sister Bonham!

Tonight, Sister Kelli Renee Bonham was set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Noble gave her a beautiful blessing. She is going to be a great missionary!



Before the setting apart:

After the setting apart:

Tomorrow Sister Bonham will enter the MTC and begin her 18 months of missionary service!

A Mother's Concern 

I thought a mission would help the missionary grow - but it helps the mother grow, too!

Well, it has happened. Heidi was only gone from the Mission Training Center, MTC, for one day when I started my fretting. I thought I was doing so well, until the mission home called my cell phone. Kelli took the call, as I was out of the room and I hadn't heard the phone. The CA Riverside Mission Home called to tell us that Heidi had arrived safely and was now located in the Palm Springs Valley.

WHAT? She had been called to an area in the Riverside Mission which will have new boundaries July 1st. We had been told that the 'Riverside section' of the mission was really awesome. Palm Springs is not within those new boundaries, not in the 'Riverside section'. Palm Springs area will be 113 degrees next week. WHAT? What is going on? She hasn't been sent to where she was supposed to be sent! It is true that mission papers always say  the mission president can adjust the call to fit the needs of the mission, but, come on! Palm Springs Valley? I was not ready for this!

It didn't ease my concern when, a couple days later, I ran into a second-cousin that had served a mission in Riverside and he said, "Oh. Out in Palm Springs valley where there is a nudist colony." You can imagine my facial expression, so he added, "Palm Springs Valley is a great place. Beautiful! And great people live there!" Did he say 'NUDIST COLONY'? My baby is serving  in a barren desert where it is 113 degrees or more. Wouldn't the nudists burn to a crisp? I was tempted to call the mission office and make them aware of their mistake!

Then, this was pointed out to me by a loved one: Drama: I love drama. I feed off it. I am addicted to it! So, naturally, I became all dramatic over this. I totally freaked out! I ranted and raved and worried. Just call me Martha. I needed to just calm down and listen to the Spirit! I turned to prayer.

Thank goodness Heavenly Father blessed me to realize that Sister Heidi Bonham is in His hands. Truly. I can 'Let go, and Let God'. I have strong faith in my Heavenly Father. He leads and guides His chosen servants, including the CA Riverside Mission President, in their responsibilities. I know, deep down, that Sister Heidi Bonham is exactly where the Lord wants her to be. I can know this because the Lord has always lead me in the paths He wants for me and I will be eternally grateful that I have followed Him, He is near to me and I  feel His love!

Heidi and Kelli - Sisters!

Sisters!

FLYING TO RIVERSIDE, CA

Heidi left early this morning to go to Riverside, CA. She had forgotten to take her debit card, so Kelli and our neighbor,  Samuel, went to visit her at the airport and give her the card.

Thanks, guys!

Our First Correspondence from Sister Bonham!

We were so happy to hear from Heidi!

                    We love the title! It was fun to hear about her adventures in the MTC!

MTC!

                  The Day has Arrived. Heidi is at the MTC!  

                                  Some tears...

                                   Some cheers...

                                 

                                  Then off to work!

                                   

The adventures begin!

We are starting a new blog for Heidi and Kelli Bonham. Our family is so excited and happy about the decision these young ladies have made to become Sister Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June, 2013! Heidi enters the Missionary Training Center, MTC, on June 5th. She will be there two weeks and then she will fly to Riverside, CA, where she will serve for 18 months. Kelli enters the MTC on June 26th, and after two weeks she will fly to Vancouver, WA, where she will serve for 18 months.

We look forward to their emails, cool experiences and wild rides!

The Bonham Family on Splash Mountain at Disneyland