The People Around Me

Sister Petersen: Honest

This is my girl on fire! I have loved every second of being her companion. Every on of her emotions is so honest and true. She will never deny that she feels the spirit, nor allow anyone else to either. She  has helped me to not be afraid of my feelings or impressions.  She has inspired me to be honest with the ones I love most in a way that encourages people to be better. I am grateful for you and I love you Pete. 

The People Around Me

Elders Van Buren and Linton: Bold

(of a person, action, or idea; showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.)

I have had the honor of with serving with 2 of the boldest missionaries in this mission. They wear their testimony on their sleeve and their heart is honest. It's amazing to watch how fearless they are when they testify of our Savior. They fear not what man can do to them. They understand what it means to care for the people around them and they don't hold back. They have been fierce friends to us and I will be forever grateful. Thanks Vanny and Lint for teaching me to be bold in my actions towards others and my God. Prattville BFFS for life!

The People Around Me

Elder Toro: Powerful

(Having great power or strength)

From his lessons to his interactions with the people around him, this guy is able to strengthen others through his inspirational words. Not only does he strive to understand his own power, he relies on the Ultimate power source to inspire others to go after what they desire most. "Only the humble are truly powerful". Humility allows one to be molded into the person God needs us to be. Thank you Elder Toro.

The People Around Me

Sister Cooper : Serenity

(the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled)

This girl is my sister. I found it extremely difficult to narrow down attributes for her. She has helped me through the hardest points of my mission and the most joyous. Every time I see her, an amazing wave of serenity fills my soul. That's exactly what she does. She fills you with peace with her energy. I will do our friendship injustice if I try to describe it. There are no words for how much she has blessed my life. I am grateful for her calm and peaceful mind. Thank you Sister Cooper.

The people around me

Sister Nelson: Meek

(quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive)

This dear human being has only brought me more peace of mind and comfort. I am grateful to have her in my life. If anyone has ever been around her, they can agree that her quiet and tame spirit can only humble the human spirit. I now see the value in a shy heart because of her. I have become more aware of others if I silence myself and listen to an even quieter voice. Thank you Sister Nelson.

The People Around Me

Elder "Freddy" Fredrickson: Loyal

giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.

This guy seals his word with his actions. He is there for anyone that God is there for. He is truly devoted to our Lord and Savior and I am humbled by his example. Because of him, I know that a devoted friend never gives up on your potential. Thank you Freddy for always showing your loyalty to our Heavenly Father and the people around you.

The People Around me

Sister Madsen: Light

the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible;having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark.

OK I honestly don't even know how I can describe this dear friend! She is literally Walking Sunshine! I promise it's not only that beautiful California glow! This girl's light is so apparent and radiant, you can feel the warmth from her presence! I am grateful to be inspired by her. She encourages me to be 100% of my best self, 100% of the time! Her humility is incredible and I know that God has blessed me with her! Thank you Sister Madsen for teaching me the value of my light though yours!

The People Around Me

President Hanks: Steadfast

resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

My mission president is a steadfast, diligent and valiant servant of the Lord. He knows that the foundation of God is the most important ground we should stand on. He is the perfect example of leaning on our Savior in every situation. He knows us and helps us to see the potential God has for each one of us! I am beyond grateful that he is set apart to help us grow and learn. I hope he knows that he has inspired a young life to "lean into the church" as he would say, and will be willing to"hunt us down" if we ever forgot it haha! I am grateful to have an immovable president. Thank you President Hanks!

The People Around Me

Sister Woomer : Spirit

OK besides being one of the most beautiful girls in the mission, this girl right here bring the power to every meeting with her presence alone. When she teaches there is no way that you can deny the spirit. You leave each meeting feeling like you can take on anything that comes in your path. The spirit that she earnestly strives to keep, provides her with the power she needs to pierce even the coldest of hearts. I love this girl. She's fashionable, petite, and she can pound down a Mugshot's burger and fries like it's nothing! She has inspired me to teach with the spirit and to bold in every situation.

The People Around Me

Elder Peterson : Charity

Besides the awesome Star Wars notebook that I have been tempted to snag once or twice, Elder Peterson is an amazing example of charity! He selflessly tries to serve anyone that comes in his path. He silently exercises the "pure love of Christ", never drawing attention to his works. To love everyone is a true gift. He truly cares for the happiness of Heavenly Father's children and Elder Peterson encourages me to not only serve others, but to serve them with love.

The People Around Me

Elder Vance : Hope

Hope can have so many definitions. In my opinion, Hope is believing that good can come out of any situation. Elder Vance encourages me to have hope in myself and others. He is constantly in a good mood and he always finds a way to make everyone smile. Missionary work isn't easy, but Elder Vance's hope in our Heavenly Father is inspiring. He expresses his trust in the Lord with enthusiasm and confidence! I am so happy to have cool kids like him around me!

Transfer Meeting

So this past Wednesday was transfer meeting! For those that don't know what that is, basically it's a meeting that we have when missionaries are being assigned a new area. My companion Sister Waters was leaving so I received a new companion. I was nervous at first to be getting a new companion, especially because I still felt so fresh and unfamiliar. I was a little scared to be on my own without a trainer. Then there is the horrible fear that my companion and I wouldn't be in harmony. Throughout the week, I was thinking of who I could possibly be with (out of like the 10 missionaries that I know) and one Sister kept popping into my head. Sister Cooper is another African American missionary from the East coast. We met at the Christmas Party and she seemed like a pretty chill person. For some reason I kept thinking about her and I being together as a companionship. When I got to transfer meeting, Sister Waters asked me who I thought my new companion was going to be. I pointed right to Sister Cooper.I had never felt so confident about my answer. I had the feeling to go up and talk to her for a bit before the meeting started. She told me that she kept thinking about me this week and that we were going to be companions! Trying not to freak out, I told her I felt the same! I personally didn't want to get my hopes up so I tried to push the thought out of my head. As they were anouncing the new companionships, I noticed Sisetr Cooper still hadn''t been called. Finally they announced the Montgomery Area. They usually show your picture and your new companion on a big screen.

"Sister Neufville and Sister Cooper will be serving together." My jaw practically unhinged and the whole room gasped. I tried not to scream. To be honest I was pretty freaked out. I had never "called" anything and have been right before. I quickly gathered my things and went to meet her. Her eyes were filled with tears and we were both shaking. We both felt the spirit super strong and we knew we were put together for a reason. We've only been together for a short time, but it feels like we've known each other before. We are both Liberian. We both have siblings in Africa. Our dads even have the same name!!! It's pretty freaky! I feel this companionship happened for a reason and I can't wait to find out what it is! 

 

 

We were also matching that day. No, it was not planned.

 

Sister Waters: Faith

My dear Trainer/ Companion Sister Waters will be leaving me on Wednesday. I have truly cherished every moment that we have had together. She has witnessed my awkward transition and did it with patience.She never once allowed me to feel inadequate! In my opinion, she is the perfect example of faith. Anytime that I felt like quitting, would always tell me to have faith in my calling! She sees the end product in every person she comes into contact with. She "believes in things which are not seen, that are true". She has been an amazing example to me and I will never forget our adventures in Mo-Town! Part of me hopes I have shown her just how much I love her. She is a leader in Faith, and in my opinion... those are the best leaders. I will miss her dearly and she has impacted me.

I will be staying in Montgomery and hopefully I don't burn down the city, but I am excited to continue on this journey with my new companion! Good people, If you want to write me my email address is 

cheryl.neufville@myldsmail.net

I love you all! Stay Rad!

The People Around Me

I have decided to start doing a segment about the people and missionaries that are around me here in Montgomery! These people have such wonderful Christlike attributes and they have inspired me.

Elder Evans : Humility

Humility is willingly submitting to the will of the Lord. Humility is giving praise to The Lord for everything. I think Elder Evans is the perfect example of this. He never boasts about himself. He is constantly thinking of others. He tries to serve everyone around him selflessly and he people are drawn to his kindness. He doesn't say much but his actions towards others says everything. He is truly a humble man and a quiet strength.

Sister Zackrison: Virtue

Virtue can me so many things. For me I think virtue is focusing on righteous, uplifting thoughts. I know that Sister Zackrison does just that. She is constantly searching for the positive in everyone. She relies on her Heavenly Father for strength when things get rough. She is constantly striving to live worthily. She always helps me see my worth. She refuses to let anyone think they aren't good enough! She also sends me letters of encouragement! I love this girl! She is beautiful inside and out. We were in the MTC together so it is wonderful having someone that can truly relate to my feelings. She is so aware of the Lord's hand in everything and she is an amazing friend to me.

Some of the many wonderful people around me.

2 Month Mark!!!!!

CHEERS EVERYONE!!!! I have now made it 2 months on the mission! I seriously can not believe how fast the time goes by! Did everyone have an amazing Thanksgiving? What happened? Write me, I really want to know! Thank you again for all of your support and love! I can't express to you how much easier it makes it being out here. the people in Alabama are really good at making you feel like one of their own!

Ok so things that have happened this past week! The day before Thanksgiving, We got to have a Southern Thanksgiving with a member and her family, Then we went to The Stake President's house for a Cajun Thanksgiving!!! It was absolutely delicious! While we were at his house, we got to hold a 1830s original Book of Mormon! It seriously was one of the most powerful moments on my mission! We also met a family earlier that day and they agreed to continue taking the lessons! We are beyond excited to work with them! Thanksgiving was amazing! The food was SO Freakin Good!!! Like I can't get over it! Don't worry I'm coming home with recipes!

Good People I love you so much! Please write me, I want to know how you are...like seriously! I am going to the zoo today and we are beyond excited! Stay rad my friends!
- Sister Cheryl Neufville
p.s.: I lost like 3 pounds...I don't know how that happened haha!

A Whole Lot Of News

Well my dear friends, it has been FAR to long!! So much has happened in the past few weeks I don't even know where to begin!! You already know I have pictures to go along with each little event in my life so... let's get started shall we?

So I guess I will start with the biggest news so far. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, girls at the age of 19 can serve a 18 month mission. For personal reasons, I felt it was my time to serve. I have been called to labor in the Birmingham, Alabama mission!!!! at first I was shocked to be going to the south but the more I let it sink in, the better I felt about it. I will be reporting to the  missionary training center in Provo, Utah October 2, 2013. I will be spending time with my family in boston from September 7th, until October 1st (when I head back to Utah). So basically friends in Utah, you will only have one more week with me so boys you better fill my canteen quick ;)!! the people that I have come into contact with here in Utah have seriously shaped me into a better person, I love you all, you are my second family!

So I met this amazing girl Adrienne a couple of weeks ago. She seriously just has an amazing light around her all the time and it causes you to be the best person you can be. I have been privileged to be around a person that just changes your perception on so many things. After 3 weeks of bonding with this girl, she had to go back to her beautiful home in New Zealand (cool I know)! I am keeping in touch with her and hopefully I can go out to see her soon!

Jewelry party at Shakira's house is always a good idea (the beautiful dog is jack... he's the best)

Finally, part 2 of my San Diego trip!!!! (sorry some of the pictures are sideways)

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