7 August 1997

My first letter home...

Cher Famille,

Well here I am, at last, at the MTC (Missionary Training Center).  Can you believe it?  I can't yet.  I guess everything hasn't hit me yet.  We will start getting dirty today and really dirty later today.  I hope I have remembered how to study.

My companions name is Sister Ranzenberger and she is from Kansas City.  I think she is a pretty neat gal and I hope we will get along super.

We just got back from some meetings with the big guys.  The MTC president and a counselor and their wives.  They are cool.  They told us to forget everything and get into the work, well at least preparing for the work.  One of the guys related all of us to the movie Karate Kid I. Weird, eh?  But his talk was really good.  I enjoyed it.

I am the only one in my district going to my mission.  Everyone else is going to California.  It is cool though.  There are eight Elders and two sisters (me and my companion).

This place reminds me of college, only everyone is formally dressed.  I also like the fact that we don't have to walk a thousand miles an hour.  Everyone is laid back, but not to the extent that we are lazy because we do so much.  Does that make sense?

Everyone is happy here and that is a good sight to see.  The Spirit is everywhere.  Even in the cafeteria where it is noisy.  You know what I like to see in the cafeteria?  I like to see missionaries say the blessing before they eat.  Even though it is noisy we all take a minute and thank the Lord for what we have to eat.  Another awesome sight is all of the Elders.  When I first looked into the cafeteria I was shocked, blinded, or something because there are so many Elders here.  I was just surprised that's all.  I am definately outnumbered here...I wonder what the ratio of Elders to Sisters is.  Probably 1:500.  I don't know.

So did Peter, Gracie and Hanna make it home?  I was so glad that they came.  Grant went to California?  Wow!  He had better earn his keep what he is there.  Hey Evie, are you better yet?  The stomach influenza bites it all.

Mom, say hi to everyone and thanks for getting my supplies.  I appreciate it a hundred times.  And you too Dad since you are the one who brings the bread home.  You are all awesome.  Our whole family is awesome.

TR thanks for the letter.  I will try to write soon.  Oh, before I send you mail, I need  your address.  I forgot to get it.  You are an awesome brother.  Just always remember to have faith just like the woman who had the faith to be healed of her blood disease.  There are many, many more examples in the scriptures, today, everywhere.  You know you should read President Hinckley's biography.  (Actually you all should.)  Because it is really good and I think it is important to really know what kind of man he is.  You will all love him more.  I wish I could have read it all, but keep my place and I will finish it when I come home.

The MTC is the finest institution in the world.  And I am here!  It is a grand thing to be with people who all have the same goal.  At school it is hard to find that.  Know what I mean?

Love,
Sister Campbell

Reading this letter 13 years later cracked me up.  Talk about newsie!  I find my observations about being in the MTC rather amusing.  I had been there for one day when I wrote this...first impressions are lasting because I remember the sea of white shirts and ties in the cafeteria.  It was a cool thing to see.  I was also amused that I was impressed with how we all blessed our food before we ate like it was a new idea or something.  Good times, good times...

8 December 1998

Today was another big day and I'm not going to bed until I write about yesterday and today!  Last night I  briefly mentioned that I had met Jerry Seinfeld.  Well that was definitely an experience that I will never forget.  We were up in the arch taking photographs and as I was intently concentrating on looking out the window Sister Beck and Sister Gray came running up to me and Sister Gray says, "Did you hear them talking about Jerry Seinfeld?  He's here!" 

"What!?" I exclaimed.  "Where?"

"He's right over there!" Sister Gray pointed.  And there he was, to my nine o'clock, standing there with his back to me.  (I recognized the back of his head.)  I thought, "Hmm, I would like a picture of him."  So I expressed my idea to my companions and they both encouraged me to ask him to take one with me.  It was so crazy.  I was so nervous to ask him and I almost chickened out, but I did it!  I asked him.

I handed my camera to Sister Beck and walked up behind Jerry and tapped him on the shoulder.  (He had on a green life preserver looking coat.)  Slowly, he turned around and I said, "Are you Jerry Seinfeld?"  He looked at me like I was crazy!  It was a dumb thing to say because, duh, it was Jerry Seinfeld...  I was just so nervous and at a loss for words.  Then as he was looking at me like I was an idiot I said, "My name is Sister Campbell."

And he said, "I can see that." 

And me with a smile on my face asked, "Can I get a picture with you?"

"I'm not a religious person."  He replied.

"So?"  Was my retort.  I wasn't there to preach just to be his friend and to get a picture.  All the while he was looking at me like I was just plain dumb.  So I asked again.  (I'm getting good at restating.)  "So you don't want to get a picture?"

"No," he said.  "There are too many people."

"Oh, okay, I understand," I said a little disappointed and then I walked away.

Oh good golly, I was so nervous that my knees were shaking.  It was really weird and he was really unpleasant.

Sister Gray and Sister Beck says everyone in the arch were impressed and a little mad and disappointed in him.  I made a scene.  A few minutes later we got our stuff and left and had to walk past him and I couldn't even look at him.  Maybe because I felt a little snubbed or let down.  It was a fun thing.  Oh, I did get a picture of him after we left the arch.  He was quite a ways away though, but I still got my photo!

I wish he would have been a little nicer and I wish I wouldn't have acted so weird.  As I thought about it later, I wish I would have testified to him or something like that.  When we meet again at Jesus' feet I will ask him again...maybe he'll take a photo with me then.

I do not remember tapping him on the shoulder, but I definitely remember feeling like a piece of dirt in his presence.  I found out in January 1999, during the Super Bowl, exactly why he was visiting the St. Louis Arch.  He was filming for one of the infamous Super Bowl halftime commercials.  I went crazy when I saw it!  I have been searching the Internet for this particular ad and finally after a couple of hours, voila!  Enjoy the show and note the green life preserver coat.

REAL LIFE -1999

10 December, 1998

This journal entry is similar to the letter I wrote to my Mission President, on 9 December 1998, in that it contains a few more details about one of my visits to the St. Louis Temple.

Some thoughts that I had from Dec 8, 1998:  The beauty of the St Louis Temple can be seen from Highway 40.  Many people have commented on its splendore.  It is the House of The Lord.  As we entered the temple and after I showed my recommend I took just a moment to pay attention to the Spirit.  As soon as I did that I felt the Spirit so strong.  I felt as if a big warm ball was in my heart.  It was a feeling that was with me throughout the day and even into Wednesday and even this morning.

As I was looking at the beauty and splendore of the temple I thought, "This is truly a house built for a king."  There are magnificant pillars, chandeliers, beautiful carpets, gold trimmings.  Everything is in its finest of fine and the best of the best.  I wish I could go there more often.  Photographs that I've seen don't even do it justice.

At zone conference, after we went to the temple President Packer told us that the temple is a Urim and Thummin because through it we can gain greater knowledge and wisdom.  This is what President said, "This earth will become like it (the Urim and Thummin).  The temple is like a urim and thummin.  We can look into it and learn many things.  Things you have never known before."  The word urim means light and thummin is perfection.  That was neat what he said.

Well I learned something at the temple.  It was something I already knew but it brought it more to a reality for me.  I think I understand the importance and the sacredness of covenants that we make in the temple but something that stood out to me was the fact that Satan has power and if we break those covenants we will be in the clutches of the adversary.  He will have power over us.  But I know that if one does falter they can still come back.  The way may be very hard but Christ, as the mediator, made it possible.  Christ paid the penalties for our sins.  He fulfilled the demands of justice and granted mercy.  Something that nobody else can offer.  I know that through His grace we can become cleansed.

I guess Tuesday, I was reminded of the power that Satan really has.  And so through that reminder I see an ever increasing need to keep my "guard up" - to stay away from the evil and sin that is in the world.  I need to continue to study the Book of Mormon every day and attend the temple as often as occassion will permit.  I feel as if that is something that I need to do.

Well, after the endowment session, when I was in the Celestial Room I tried to imagine it as a place where Jesus walks.  I know he must visit there often.  It was neat to see everyone there.  All the missionaries.  Everyone looked so young.  President Packer even looked much younger.  The men (Elders) looked handsome and the women looked beautiful.  I was so grateful to be able to be in the Celestial Room with both of my companions.  I felt an overwhelming love for them.  I wish I could stuff them in my suitcase and take them home.

Now I must write about yesterday.  We had district meeting.  It was good but too long and the chair hurt my back.  Our afternoon was very uneventful.  We don't have the car this week so we ended up staying in too much.  At 5pm we had an appointment with Kelly (a man).  He hadn't read anything so we read the Introduction and Moroni 10:3-5.  He kept telling us that he thought he was okay without religion and maybe if and when he gets married he will want to get into it more.  How frustrating that was for me.  I testified to him over and over as boldly as I dared that the things we have to share are true and that they are important.  I apologized because I felt like I was being too pushy but when in fact what I really wanted to say was, "Behold now, I do not say these things shall be, of myself, because it is not of myself that I know these things; but behold, I know that these things are true because the Lord God has made them known unto me, therefore I testify that they shall be" (Helaman 7:29).

If Kelly will humble himself and make time to read the Book of Mormon he will see a difference in his life.  I can see him getting baptised but it will take some time and a bit of boldness with him.  I wish I could be here to witness it.

We left him with a re-challenge to read the passages:  Intro, 3 Nephi 11 and Moroni 10:3-5.  He said he would and even suggested it himself.  And he will pray.  I hope he won't forget the Spirit that he felt and I hope he won't be afraid of it.

Well I am tired.  Adios for tonight. 

9 December 1998

During the last month of my mission, I was placed in a threesome.  Which means that there were three missionaries working together instead of the traditional two.  (In case you wanted to know.) Sister Gray and I were both going home right before Christmas and so Sister Beck had to kill off two slightly trunky missionary companions.  To kill off a companion means that your companion is going home within the month.  (Missionaries have such intresting lingo.)

Dear President,

Where in the world is time going!?  I guess time flies when you're having fun.  You know, I have really enjoyed serving in this three-some.  I have heard many "horror" stories but I guess it is what you make it.  I love them both...my two best friends.  I have tried to learn something from all of my companions...as I observe and learn their attributes I become better.  Funny how that works.

I've been looking my whole mission for a family, now I'm down to my last week and still haven't found them.  I think about it a lot and wonder if I haven't been diligent enough or what.  I cannot dispute the fact that I've taught many people, parts of families, who have been baptised.  Maybe I'm missing the point.  But it makes me wonder.  We will see what happens this week.

My heart is full.  It is a culmination of the things I learned at the temple yesterday and the fact that my days are numbered.  It is just a really weird experience.  It's hard to describe.

I feel like sharing an interesting experience, that I had at the temple, with you.  I hope that is it appropriate.

I understand the sacredness of the covenants that we make but something that stood out to me is the fact that if we break those covenants we will be in the clutches of the adversary...he will have power over us.  But if we falter we can come back.  Even if the way is hard.  Christ paid the penalties for our sins.  I know that it is through His grace that we can become cleansed.

I guess yesterday I was reminded of the power that Satan really has.  And so through that reminder I see an ever increasing need to keep my guard up - to stay away from the evil and sin that is in the world.  It is true what you said about the temple being like a Urim and Thummin.  I am thankful and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to go there.  :)

Sister Campbell

p.s. On Monday we got to go to the arch...and while we were up in the top I met Jerry Seinfeld!  He wasn't very nice...  I introduced myself, and then asked if I could get a picture with him and he just said, "I'm not a religious person."  And he looked at me if I was dumb.  I wonder what he really thought of me and my companions.  It was a fun experience.

Looking back, I think it's interesting that I thought this was a fun experience because I distinctly remember feeling awkward and later embarrassed.  Today, I'm laughing because I think it's funny.

29 June 1998

I need to write quickly about all that has been happening this week.  Well actually, this whole month has been rather difficult.  Trying, discouraging, everything.

This last week was the worst.  Four of our investigators dropped us.  Yes, and some very prime investigators.

We stopped by Loria's on Wednesday and she wouldn't even let us into her house.  She wouldn't even let us see her children.  She talked to her pastor and he advised her to not see us anymore.  To not let us influence her.  When she told us it broke my heart and I wanted to cry but I didn't because it wouldn't have been appropriate in that moment.  It was hard for her because we are all really good friends and she told us that we were there when nobody else was.  She has been going through difficult times with her husband.  I don't know what we can do for her now except pray, of course.

On top of that Jeff, Jessi, and Melanie are out of the picture.  Jeff -13, Jessi -11, and Melanie -8.  Their mom said we can't come over anymore.  We don't understand why, we are just getting excuses.  That is sad because they all know that everything we have been teaching is true.  We just pray that they will always remember it.

I guess it is like the parable of the wheat and tares.  "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).  Those words of Jesus Christ have been flowing through my mind.

Well to top off my week here is the latest on Argie.  At church on Sunday President Griffiths of the branch presidency talked to Argie and basically this is what he told us.  "Either Argie will be baptised or you'll never see him again."  That broke my heart.  I do not think I could bare to see him drop us.  I couldn't take it.  I cried there.  I was so overwhelmed with everything that has been happening.  With no baptisms, getting so close and then nothing.  It has been hard.  I guess it all built up.

Yesterday we fasted for our area and for our investigators.  I pray the Lord recognized our fast.  I just feel as if I'm about to give up.  I don't feel like I can go on another step.

24 August 1997

Dear Family,

It is another Sunday.  Cool, eh?  This is my favorite day because I can take a nap.  It is weird because we go to bed at 10:30 pm and get up at 6 am, then we go to class and sit all day.  By the time 9 pm rolls around I am gased.  (No, I don't have gas -I'm just really tired.)  I don't understand how that is.

GRANT, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I know I already sent you a card but I just wanted to tell you HB again.  So when are you going to go on your first date, huh?  Did you have fun in Cali?

Evelyn, thanks for the letter.  You are awesome.  It always makes my day when I get mail, so yep, thanks.

Mom and Dad thanks for the letters, and the article, and the post-it notes.  I can really use those!  I haven't been able to read all of the article yet.  I just read the first part about the Bishop Store House.

I can't believe you went crazy and bought all of that new furniture.  Wow!  How come you guys always buy new stuff when I leave anyway?  That's cool though.

Did you get my flight plans?  What do you think about that?  I think it sucks!  I might as well stay up all night!  :)

{My flight out of Salt Lake City to St. Louis was booked for about 4:30 am.  I had to be up at 2 am to to get ready and on a bus that would take me from the MTC in Provo to SLC.  I guess I wasn't too happy about that.  I think it's funny now.}

I started working in the telecenter on Monday.  It is pretty cool.  They say it is a lot like tracting only we are on the phones.  Some people are really excited about having the missionaries come over.  One man called and I asked him, "What prompted you to call?"  He started to cry and said something like, "I've been a drug addict since I was 13 years old, and I've been an alcoholic too.  I hate the way I am."  You have to understand that when he called he was in the hospital with a broken neck.  I don't know what happened, but it must have jolted him enough so that he would have decided to re-evaluate his life.  Will you pray for him?  I don't remember his name, but will you pray for him that he will be able to recover and also that the missionaries will be able to find him soon.  He said he wanted them to go to his home in about 10 weeks.  But I thought that is too far away.  So please remember him in your prayers.

{Looking back, I don't know why I didn't send the missionaries to his hospital room anyway. I did not write about that little detail.  If it was today, I would have.  I have thought about this man throughout the years and I wonder whatever happened to him.  It is funny how people and their situations can create lasting memories.  The hymn "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" is playing in my mind.  I hope to meet this man face-to-face someday.}

There aren't always stories like that.  Most of the time people hang up.  Last night this woman called in and she was ordering a Bible.  Part of the procedure, our main goal, is to get the missionaries into the home of the person calling.  I started to ask her if she would like them to come -then she interupted me and asked, "What's your denomination?"  I answered, "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."  And there was silence.  She didn't even know who we were.  So I said, "Our nickname is Mormons."  Then she said, "Mormons!?!?  I don't even want to order."  And that was that.  What I don't understand is why people hate Mormons so much.  I can't figure it out.  It is probably nothing.  Just feelings passed through the generations maybe.  I don't know.  It's all weird.

mormon.org/jesus-christ/

{To this day I still wonder why people can be so anti-Mormon.  I know many of the other denominations out there do not believe that we are a Christian church.  " Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matt. 7:16).}

Mom, the MTC is great but as far as it being like heaven, I don't know.  I can't remember heaven.  Ha, ha, ha.  Well, I'd better get going so I can get this in the mail.  My comp is way cool.  We are a lot alike -I think.  I saw one of my friends from ISU (Idaho State University) here the other day.  It was cool to see her.  She is awesome!

Love y'all,

Sister Campbell 

20 August, 1997

Today was a pretty good day at the MTC (Missionary Training Center).  During my afternoon class with Sister S (our teacher), we learned how to relate experiences better.  And I really need to work at that -a lot!!!  Here it is:  Read the scripture and then give the principle and then think of an experience; share the experience and then tie it into the principle.
                                                                                 
                  1.  Identify a principle.                                         Experiences should be:
                  2.  Relate an experience.                                          -Uplifting
                  3.  Tie it back into the principle.                               -Short/to the point
                                                                                                     -Personal

Tonight in the telecenter I had a man, 28 years I think, who had just broken his neck and was in the hospital.  I asked him why he called, and he started to cry and said something like, "I was a drug addict and I have broken my neck."  And he wanted to change.  That is why he called.  He also said that he has been on drugs since he was thirteen and he has also been an alcoholic.  Oh I hope the missionaries will find him.  he won't be able to get out of the hospital for about two months.  I wish I could remember what his name was so that I could put his name in the temple.  Oh Father, I hope you will hear my prayers and send missionaries to find this man.  I know he needs to hear this message!  Be with him Father, and comfort him.  I remember a scripture that goes something like this:  "I will not leave you comfortless."  Be with him-please be with him.