Same old, same old

I'm not getting transferred this week! Woot woot. Granted, I shouldn't have been anyways. Being green and all. But I was half expecting it. It feels like I've been on my mission longer than a transfer but oh well. It's flown by as well. Good things to come for the rest of my 13 transfers! Super excited about all my little adventures.

Weirdest thing eaten on mission: Moon Cake

Red's Game!

Awkward Compliments: "You are really pretty" 

THE PLAGUE!

I Touched his hand....

Fairy tale moment!

Alright you all. If anyone from China says that they love Moon Cake, tell them it's an aquired taste and you'll pass. I can't even describe the taste. Pretty much I made the BIGGEST mistake and shoved the whole thing in my mouth. THEN I was SUPER happy that I had a full glass of water. Otherwise it wouldn't have gone down. AND I would have puked it up... with dinner... That would have been a rude missionary moment. 

The Red's Game was lots of fun! Can't send any pictures of me at the game cause those aren't allowed on social media. (they'll probably get posted on FB when I get home) But here's some pictures for Yall!

Sister Ryan and I were so excited that we were out talking to people and finding new people who were interested in the gospel. Then this weird boy appeared and just stared at us. Then he said "You guys are REALLY pretty." Sister Ryan and I smiled politely then booked it out of there.

Satan decided to poison the peanut-butter supply this week and half the zone fell ill with whatever bug is flying around the state. Sister Ryan fell ill for three days and we were stuck inside. It made me think, when I was back home, how come I didn't go this stir-crazy when I wasted a day inside? Well, that's because I had Facebook and Netflix. Yup... it's kinda hard to find things to do when all you have is Ensigns, scriptures, and notebooks. On the Up side, my wall is now all nice and pretty. And don't worry everyone, Sister Ryan is feeling lots better and planning on putting the elders in their place when we play dodge ball latter.

We found a New Investigator and asked if we could say a prayer with him and he was like "Of Course!" hand held out his hands for us to all join hands... Sister Ryan was between the two of us and had a member on the other side. So lucky me gets to hold a stranger's hand while we prayed. You know, not breaking mission rules or anything... Oh well We're passing him off to the Elders anyways so I don't have to worry!

The birds out here like to hide in bushes and they stick together in flocks of 20 or more. So when we were out walking one day I saw a few birds and was like, I bet they'll just stay in there. Oh boy was I wrong! All 20+ of them flew out of the bush before us like those fairy tale moments in movies when they're dramatically relieving something. I felt super special the rest of the day. Probably one of my favorite mission moments.

That's all for this week! Can't wait to see what happens next.

Sister Martineau

Good news all around!!

So guess what! We get to go to a Cincinnati Red's game tonight! Pictures to come next week! The whole mission is going and we're all really excited. Granted, logistics of getting 240 missionaries to down town Cincinnati is worse then transfer day. But it's all working out and we have the best mission president ever.

Sister Ryan: Quotes Oh my...

What I'm learning: How to be a mother

Best rule ever: Sisters ALWAYS win

What we want: THE BUNNY!

Mission life: Meh...

Sister Ryan is amazing at quoting things. She quotes things over and over and somehow it always pertains to what we're talking about. But sometimes not... Like when she's wearing her plaid skirt and yells "Feast yer eyes," as she re-enacts the scene. Yup. Best companion ever.

So in my six weeks on a mission I feel fairly prepared to be a mother. I think it helps that we have a less active that we visit that really isn't a good one. Her kids don't know how much she loves them because she always yells at them, she puts other things like cooking fresh (there are healthy ways to cook that's not 100% fresh) above having her home clean so the spirit can be there. ALSO, It's showing me the importance of having a husband/father to my kids.

This week at Zone Meeting we played Do You Love Your Neighbor. There was one rule, Sisters always win. I am a fan of that rule. Even though it's not really fair to the Elders. But hey, a mission is for teaching manners, and other things right?

After Zone meeting we tried to steal the Milford Elder's Bunny. He looks like Thumper. Sister Kiem managed to steal the bunny but just before they could drive away, she showed them and Elder Tanner jumped on the roof of their car. So Sister Ryan and I tried to help them, and Elder Tanner managed to slide of their car, and leap onto ours in one motion. (We were 1.5 stalls away). I was very impressed even though it dented our car :(. This continued until they got the bunny. This caused a war between Sister Kiem and the Milford Elders. Because she wanted to the bunny. So on Sunday, during Ward Council, we went to look for their car and IT WAS UNLOCKED! So Sister Kiem stole the bunny and took it home. I was hanging up on their chandelier until she bosted about having it. And this is what just took place. The Zone Leaders saw the pictures of the bunny in the Sister's apartment. And, seeing that the keys were out, stole the keys, took off in their car, and took the bunny back. Sister Keim sounded like she was in labor when we were driving over to their apartment to try and keep the bunny. And I was dying in the front seat. Yup. Our Zone pranks everyone but my companion and I. Apparently it's because I don't know how to have fun....

This week has been funny and hilarious all in one. Not so good on the actual missionary work side. Our investigators either don't want to talk to us anymore or aren't really progressing. We're also having a hard time finding new people to teach. So that part of life is hard. But I'm tying to keep a positive attitude because Sister Ryan has now decided that every time I'm negative or sarcastic in any way she's going to yell at me. One day everyone will thing we have the worst companionship ever. But it's really not. Unless I'm in a bad mood...

Love All yall!

Sister Martineau

PS. Answer to last week's question. 

Pre- Pre-Transfer Week

So this week I started a gratitude Journal. AND I'M SUPER HAPPY I DID! It's helping me keep track of what when on on each day. :D It's really helpful when you're a missionary and all your days blend together.

District Meeting - There's a reason why Elder's go out for two years

Mission Stories - Brother Banner

Why I don't want a big family - Church

Grateful for - My mother

What? - Turn here!

At district meeting last week we made crepes with another district after our meeting. And holy heavens, there's a reason why Elders go for two years. Elder Clare (my district leader) ate  a sick of butter on a dare... And then Elder Clare, Elder Tanner (The other district leader), and Elder Seegmiller (Our zone leader) all attempted the egg drop challenge. I say attempted because no one actually was able to swallow the raw egg. I guess that's the reason why they did it around a garbage can. They also played milk pong... Some times I wonder. And then I remember all of my boys back home. Who are all older then me. And I question their maturity levels sometimes. I guess it's a part of being male.

We were invited over to the Banner's house for dinner last week as well. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We were told the funny stories... Like his companion getting so mad at an investigator that when they left his house he kicked the poor little thing across the street because it tried to bite his ankle. But then we also had an awesome experience where he told us that we should never give up. And shared stories to back it. I think Sister Ryan and I both needed it. We've been struggling the past little while.

I NEVER want to have more then 2 kids. 3 if my husband REALLY insists. Reason number 1: I don't think my poor nerves could handle it. AND I DON"T want to be a Mrs. Bennet to my kids. Reason number 2: I don't love ANYONE enough to be sandwiched into a bench with little elbow room. ESPECIALLY a flirty investigator. Yeah. Not doing that again. With anyone. EVER.

I am super grateful this week for my mother. Yup I said it. Brown nosing it, as Sister Ryan would say. But it's true. I'm glad my mom taught me how to clean so our house wouldn't look like a farret whole and I would be set up for success. Growing up we were able to have the spirit in our home because we learned how to work together and be awesome. That's right, the Martineau's are awesome. We might not have always gotten along (at least Wells and I didn't) or been the neatest. But at least I learned responsibility. And I'm greatful for that.

On our way to the liabrary today we got lost. Traveling on the eastern road system without a GPS does two things. 1: Gets you lost a lot. 2: Gets you to learn your area REALLY well. And when we were guessing how to get her, Sister Tracey (another Missionary in the ward) shouted at Sister Ryan who was driving, "Turn here!" and when we get off the road she adds. "That's a wrong turn! How do we get back?" I was dying of laughter and so was her companion Sister Kiem. Well, good news is we got here right?

That's all folks!

Sister Martineau, (Or Sister M and I'm starting to be called)

PS. How many missionaries does it take to change the oil. 

Another Week!

This week has been short. Yeah the days are long but I'm surprised it's preparation day again! Literately!

Sight seeing: Old Cemetery 

Event: Sister Ryan's Birthday!

What to do: When stuck behind a train just turn off your car, and roll down the windows.

Sister Ryan and I stop at little old cemeteries throughout the week the remind me of the ones we saw in Ireland. There is moldy mildew on the white stones and you can't even read them. It's pretty much amazing

Sister Ryan's birthday was on saturday and we got fed... ALL WEEKEND. It was amazing and I think I gained 10 pounds. A couple, the Alexanders, in Her last area came and took us to dinner. I really shouldn't have eaten as much as I did but it was so good. Also, Sister Alexander taught us how to make chickens out of our napkins. It was lots of fun.

Alright Everyone, when you're out east, and get stuck behind a train. (It'll happen about twice a week). Just turn off your car and roll down the windows. It's not worth wasting the gas when you have about 102 train cars to go.

Napkin Turkey 



Not missionary appropriate...


The long train

Week Two..or is it Three?

This week has been lots of fun. We were able to go out a lot, met lots of different people, got fed lots... like two meals a day sometime. (Not recomended diet for a missionary)

Random Experience: Headless Motorcycle Man

Bad Lesson: Ty

Miracles: Mcgerry and Courtney

Comments: "Go away I'm aggravated!"

So last night we were driving home and we turn the last corner into our apartment and there's a motorcyclist half way in the road with a crossing guard vest on! The first thing out my mouth was, "That's a motorcycle!" And then I realized, the person on the motorcycle didn't have a head. And then I realize he didn't have any legs either... Turns out it was just pillows (or something we didn't get a close look) strapped to the seat of a motorcycle to make people think someone was there.... And thus, we now have the Headless Motorcycle Man.

Sister Ryan had been talking about the investigator Ty for a long time. (Since I'd gotten there.) And we finally went to visit him this week. He was high and we told him if he wasn't able to keep commitments and get over addictions, we couldn't keep coming back. Yup, we probably won't be going back there any time soon...

We had two miracles this week. we met Mcgerry who had been wanting a change in his life for a while now and when we asked him to come to church he did... Didn't even teach the first lesson. Sister Ryan and I felt awesome :D

Courtney is a Member's friend. Before meeting with us, she was given and overview of the lessons, read the first book of Nephi, and already has a strong belief in Christ. She's all but a dry Mormon.

We dropped by an investigators house to see if we could teach them the plan of salvation. His wife answered the door and we hear from behind her, "Send them away, I'm aggravated!" Needless to say, we didn't see him this week...

Love Sister Martineau

In the Mission Field

This week has been interesting and I'm being very entertained by all the elders talking about what their families are saying right now. apparently none of them are trunky but all of their families are.

Companion: Sister Ryan!!! :) :D :)

Address: 10857 Sharondale Rd. #38

               Cincinnati OH 45241

Awesome Person: Sister Davit

Sad Story: Allyson

New best friend: Elder Frog.

Treat Stop: The Rootbeer stand, and UDF!

Sister Ryan is amazing! We're both blold/blunt and literately think the same thing at the same time. We're a power house when it comes to sharing the gospel and finding people. PLUS I think I have another person that's going to play SCA when I get back :D she's always wanted to be apart of our little world and just hasn't found it until half way through her mission.

I'm in Montgomery Ohio. It's one of the suburbs outside of Cincinnati. Apparently it has a reputation for hanging onto missionaries. The Sister that I replaced was here for 9 months O.o that's half a mission. Right now that seems like a long time. But it's not. It's just until like... April, or Mama's birthday.... That's not too far away, right?

Sister Davit is amazing. She's the reason why we have 4 new investigators. Just like the force is strong with Anikin, the spirit is strong with Sister Davit. Somehow she knows how to get people church and talk to them about the gospel. I want to be a missionary like Sister Davit. But first I need to get out of my head.

Allyson is a recent convert. She's had a rough life but what makes me sad is the face that she's so focused inwards that she doesn't look outwards. Everything is a pitty party in her mind and she doesn't see how it's affecting her children. Yeah. I left her house a little depressed last night.

And on a happy note, Elder Frog is my new best friend. And he's pretty much amazing.

The Rootbeer stand reminds me of the malt shop in Manti. Only they don't offer shakes. Just Rootbeer floats with homemade Rootbeer. It's pretty much amazing. OH and if you're ever at a Unified Dairy Farmer's Gas station it's well worth your time to walk inside and get yourself some AMAZING ice cream. Seriously. it's the best.

And that's all folks!

Love Sister Martineau

Second Week

Super excited about surviving! I wish things weren't so hard. but when you're away from all of your distractions and have to face your problems, well, that's when you have your true test of endurance.

Break down yet? Yes

Having fun yet? Yes

Learning lots? Yes

Want to stay at the MTC forever? NO!

I had a major break down on monday night. But you know, lots of good came from it. We all were able to talk about our Ish and are closer now. PS I wasn't the only one who broke down. And I think in the MTC they should put Sister Martineau (Handle with care) under all of our name tags. Cause girls are just more emotional and stuffs.

I am having lots of fun Sister C found bubbles and Sister Sandys and I sang a song together really off key. I just really wish I could wear pants... I think that's going to be one of my biggest struggles. But I put my jeans on before we came and got super happy... like my awkward bouncy, squeely happy. You guys know what I mean. If not, maybe we should get to know each other more...

I'm learning lots but I'm also learning that I don't know anything. But BREAKTHROUGH I don't have to know everything... Yeah kinda backwards thinking but let me explain. I don't have to know everything I just have to do my best, read, ponder, pray (all that good stuff) and listen to the investigator AND the Spirit. Yup simple as that. PS reading the scriptures to them is the best way to teach them.

I think this song explains my feelings about the MTC.

To the tune of "Do you want to build a Snowman"

I think I'm going crazy

Or maybe just insane

There was a time

When I was fine

Before the MTC

I use to feel so free

But now I'm not

I think I'm going crazy

Now Good bye