Miracles in Tampa

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Hi all!

Here are a couple pictures of me and my companion Sister Gafa! There's also a picture of Charlotte and her daughter Krystle! We were doing service the other night and wore Sister Gafa's lava lava's. :) 

I just want to share one quick experience. We were knocking doors this past Friday at an apartment complex and a lady gave us a referral for across the complex. We went other there and the referral wasn't home. So we knocked on the floor below and met Mirna! She was on the phone when we knocked and usually people tell us they're busy and close the door. She finished her call and asked us to come in. We asked if we could pray with her and she went to get her father Emilio. She told us that her brother and uncle had just passed away and she was so grateful we were there to pray with them! We prayed and then taught the plan of salvation! The spirit was so strong and she told us that the plan made complete sense to her. It was a very emotional lesson for all of us. We invited them to church and Mirna came on Sunday! She's leaving Wednesday for Puerto Rico to figure out all the arrangements, but I hope she'll keep meeting with us! We are led to people who need us and it's the greatest thing ever! 

Whatever happens to the people we teach I want them to know that I have a testimony of our Savior  Jesus Christ. Sometimes people don't want to listen or they don't understand, but we can testify and help them feel of the spirit. The rest of it is up to them and whether they'll accept it.

Things are going well, still doing a lot of adjusting, but God is good. Saw an alligator my first couple days here, i'll have to get a picture sometime! 

Love you all! Thanks for your support!

If you want my physical address please email my mom or sister! michelle.proctor15@gmail.com, kathy.gessel@gmail.com

Sister Gessel 

Hey all!

Hello from the MTC!

There's so much to tell! Cristel was right! The MTC is really the TMC - Tender Mercy Center! So many little things that let me know that God is aware of me and he's guiding this work. Like how I was really hoping for french toast sticks the other day and tender mercy!!! They had french toast sticks for breakfast! I told sister Tilby that was what I wanted as we were walking to breakfast. So many little things. :) The gospel is true! 

My companion Sister Tilby is the best! Seriously, we get along so well! I feel like we have the same goals and the same motivation for why we are here and that makes all the difference. You can see her love for the gospel in her eyes. I don't doubt we will be lifelong friends. :) She's from Draper and she's going to Ft. Lauderdale.

We had a great devotional from Jenny Oaks Baker on Sunday night! She spoke and played some beautiful music with her 4 children! So great! Members of our district were also asked to usher for 2 meetings (mission conference - because of fast sunday and the devotional) on Sunday and then also the Tuesday night devotional with Elder Edward Dube and his wife Naume. What are the chances that I would usher in the MTC? Haha, the Lord will use even our most random of talents. 

Our teachers here at the MTC are fantastic! The main ones are Brother Norris and Brother Slavens with Brother Kottcamp and Sister Baer helping occasionally. I have learned so much while I've been here. The first couple days here can be overwhelming, but it's amazing how much you can learn! I know that the Lord hears and answers prayers. I thought I prayed a lot, but little did I know. Haha, we pray all the time and it's the best. I'm so grateful we were able to go to the temple this morning! We even were in the same session as our branch presidency! Tender mercy! Seriously, so many tender mercies here! Look for them and you will see how much the Lord wants to bless you! 

I want you to know how much I love all of you! I know the Lord will bless us as we serve him with everything we have. I invite you to find someone you can serve! It'll make your day and their day better! 

I know this is where I'm supposed to be. I know that with the Lord I can become the best missionary that He would want me to be! I haven't seen Sister Moffett or Sister Johnson yet, but I'll keep my eyes out! 

Love you all! You're in my prayers!

Sister Gessel

P.S. There should be a picture of my district on my blog! It's sistergesselflorida.blogspot.com! :) 

P.S. Read The Book of Mormon! God will answer your questions!

First Week in the MTC!

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This is my district in front of the Provo Temple on Sunday! They are great!! 3 sisters are going to Tampa, my companion and 2 elders are going to Ft. Lauderdale Florida and the rest of the elders are going to Tucson Arizona!

Florida Here I Come!

Well, I'm finishing everything up and getting ready to head out! I am excited to start this new adventure. I know it won't be easy, but I know it's what I need to do. I know the Lord will help me through it all. :)

Here's some helpful info if you'd like to stay in touch!

My mission email is kristina.gessel@myldsmail.net.

My MTC address until February 16 is:
   Sister Kristina Marie Gessel
   FEB16 FL-TAM
   2005 N 900 E Unit 24
   Provo, UT 84602

My mission address is:
   Sister Kristina Marie Gessel
   Florida Tampa Mission
   13510 N 42nd St
   Tampa, FL 33613

I can't thank everyone enough for all the support I've received from family and friends. I truly have the best friends and family in the world. Thank you for all the love you've shown me. It means the world to me. I'll keep in touch and I'll see you all in 18 months! Love you!