SISTER DeGOOYER - WEEK 52

I sat here pondering how to start this email and then I came up with the genius idea of starting it backwards... the only problem is, I can't for the life of me figure out how to write a backwards email. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to email me at katia.degooyer@missionary.org

WHAT A WEEK?! Somebody, pinch me, because I think I dreamed it up.

First, I'd like to acknowledge that I am in love with my companion. I'm not sure how most of you will take that sentence, but I am leaving it there. But in all seriousness, she is my bestest friend, and I feel like that needs to be recorded.

My birthday was amazing! Seriously, one of the best birthday's of my life. It started with waking up at 5:30, hopping in the shower, and then going on a hike with my district. Sister Horton and I gave a training on the edge of a cliff, next to a roaring waterfall. A couple, came and joined us for the end. They weren't members, but we opened the scriptures with them and asked them to meet with missionaries when they get home from their vacation. They said they would!

Alright fam, we have found 7+ individals/families over the past week and a half to teach. Three of them were on my birthday. If any of you are willing to pray for them please message me and I will give you their names.  They are all so incredible and it's so uplifting to see them grasp onto the truths that we teach them!

We have seen soooo many miracles. We have seen a lot of rejections. The power of the adversary is real. I have learned that more this past week, but it is amazing how little power he has when you don't entertain his influence. We have been talking to literally EVERYONE we see. Haha, it has resulted in some pretty funny moments, but also in some incredibly uplifing moments.

It's been a while since I have written and so let me appease your souls and say that I am here in Kimberly for another fat minute-- 5 more weeks to be not completely exact. I love it here and I am so glad I will be here for 9 months! Woohooo!

We found a lady this week, she was the first contact on my birthday actually. In the first minute of talking to her, she said she had been waiting for us to come. Chills! We had a lesson with her yesterday and are planning another for Wednesday.

Y'all there have been so many amazing moments this week, and last week, and the week before that. God is good! Literally, I don't know where to begin. I am so behind on my jounral too, haha, I plan on catching up today. I don't want to forget a thing.

Here is something! Sister Horton and I have started running again. It feels so good! Not in the moment, though. It's funny, at the beginning of our run we'll just go. In the last stretch, however, we have started motivationally speaking to each other. We are out of energy at that point, completely exahsted, but we have to keep going. We say things like the classic "We can do this!" and "We're strong!" But we have also started talking about missionary work, anyone who watches us probably thinks we're crazy. My favorite the other day was this, "Our running is a pattern for our missionary work." - "We are showing God, that despite all odds we will keep going." - "Despite rejection. Despite the exahstion. Despite the overwhelming feeling that we just want to stop- we will keep going." - "We will keep going, because it will make us stronger, more resilient missionaries." - "We are showing God, that no matter what we face we will come out on top!" - ...and so on and so forth. It is funny, but oddly enough exceptionally motivating and true.

.You satisfied has email this, hopefully, well !July of 4th happy very a you wish and all you love I.

DeGooyer Sister 

birthday gogo

the district 

eat ur greens

the OGs 

...

SO MUCH GOOD

Although things are tough in the world right now, there is still so much good in the little things in our own lives.  I want to focus on the good on the little things....  So this is what I have been focusing on the past two weeks:

Good #1:

My grandson is handing me lids to line for work.
After each lid, I excitedly say, "Thank you!"

He grins and keeps "helping" me!

Good #2:

I've always wanted to learn to play the cello.
My husband encourages me in continuing to learn.
He got me this BEAUTIFUL, PURPLE cello.

I start lessons on July 1st!

Good #3:
My husband knows I LOVE flowers.

These he grew in our front yard!

Good #4:

Cody is an AWESOME father to my grandson!

Good #5:

Sometimes Skittles lets me take service naps with him still.

Good #6:

Most people see taco salad... my favorite!

I see, homegrown lettuce and cilantro, etc.

It was yummy too!

Good #7:

Lunch with my BFFs, Amy and Kiara!

And Skittles entertains us with his "coloring!"

Good #8:

Scott taught us how to make vision boards.

I LOVE how mine turned out.

And I'm excited to make my dreams come true!

Good #9:

Working together.

I helped pull up the carpet, etc. too.

Good #10:
My Storage Room

It was a lot of work.

But it's functional.

Easier.
And full.

Good #11:
Walking at Beckley Park with my besties... 

and the two cutest 1-year-olds in the world!

Good #12:
Skittles likes bean burritos from Taco Bell.

Good #13:
Cody discovered what the loops on his cargo pants are for:
carrying his utensils.

Good #14:

I LOVE my work family at Inter-State-Studios.

We all got together (minus a few whom I also love)!

And extra good news: I get to go back to work at the end of July!

 

 Good #15:
Veggie Towers to make Skittles laugh!

Good #16:
Homemade mini bundt cakes!

 

 Kiara and Scott spent all day Saturday making them!

They were DELICIOUS!

Skittles loved them too!

IN MY SHOES

If you spent a few days in my shoes, this is what it would look like:
First: My book is published!  I'm so excited!  And so far, a few of my friends have read it and said they liked it.  :-)

Saturday I mowed our acre of lawn.  It was exhausting but fun.  I did it to help my husband who was busy doing this:

He was so excited... like a child with a brand new toy!  He even got stung twice but it didn't dampen his enthusiasm for the bees!
Then I got take-out from the new restaurant my brother introduced to me in Idaho, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, for my family.  I was excited to share with them!

So that evening we did something we RARELY do.  We watched a TV show.  We actually don't subscribe to any TV services (no Netflix or anything).  But sometimes, based on a recommendation, I'll purchase a season of a television show on DVD.  My parents had recommended Blacklist.  So we decided to watch the pilot:

So far... so good.  We are intrigued.
Today, Sunday, we celebrated Scott's birthday a bit late.  His birthday was Monday while I was in Idaho.  Due to planning we decided to celebrate when I came home.  So we had a delicious dinner, I made his favorite cake, and we opened presents.  We didn't take a lot of pictures, because even though Scott was all smiles, his swollen eye looks so sad.

He is such an amazing man!  I feel so blessed everyday to have an eternal companion who supports me and encourages me and even calls me out when I need it.  He is a honest man, who loves service, hard work and God.  I look forward to spending every minute I can with the guy!  And I'm truly grateful to "The Keeper of the Stars" for getting us together!
We also watched a good movie called Just Mercy.  Thanks, Ben, for the recommendations.  I had ALL the feelings watching it.
And throughout my few days, this little guy has kept me all smiles:

Barking out the window with Karmel 

All smiles for Grandma!

Another smile! 

He loves PBJ! 

Aunt GJ got him this toy farm!  It's his new favorite toy! 

He explains it excitedly to EVERYONE!

And really loves it!

LIFE IS A JOURNEY

A week ago, I journeyed to Idaho with my best friend.  You might ask, what is in Idaho?  The answer is my childhood family!  My sister/BF just moved here.  My brothers and their amazing families already live in the Boise area.  And my parents are moving from Colorado to Idaho this weekend.  I've already posted about visiting with my wonderful missionary daughter. 
While in Idaho, I also got to spend time with my brothers and their families.  Friday night was "Siblings Night."  We had a progressive dinner and spent the evening catching up.  I have the coolest siblings!  We started with appetizers at GJ's apartment.  (GJ and I made Grandma T's cheese ball and my pico.)  Then Ben took us to a delicious restaurant called Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe.  I fell in love with the tomato and cucumber salad.  I can't wait to try making some at home.  Then we ended the evening at Zane's house for ice-cream and Fudge Jumbles (but GJ kept calling them Fudge Jambalaya - so that will be what I call them from now on.)

Zane, Tara, Kristi, Ben, Me, GJ, Ken

The whole "famn damily" minus Scott.

On Monday I got to spend some time with my amazing nieces and nephews.  I can't tell you how much I love and miss each and everyone of them.  They are all such cool kids!  I took selfies with the two future missionaries that will be going out into the field in about 4-6 weeks.  I like to pretend it's my influence that makes them such terrific kids.  But really, Zane & Tara and Ben & Kristi are fantastic parents!

I LOVE all 8 of these crazies!

C hasn't seen me since she was 2 months old.  She gave me huge hugs!  

I told L that I hadn't seen him for 100 years which made him 105 years old. 
He thought that was completely insane.

J was so precious!  She wouldn't leave my side and gave me tons of hugs!

I even got a yellow picture from her - because she remembered that it was my favorite color!

T can jam on the guitar and the banjo.  He played both for my enjoyment!

A is still an amazing soccer player and showed me her violin skills.  Impressive!  

She looks like a young woman now instead of a kid.

T plays the cello!  I'm kinda jealous!  

He also has definitely "grown a foot or two."  He's as tall as Kade.

S is still beautiful and still delightful!  She promises to come live with me so I can have another daughter to call my own soon!  I can't wait!  

Kade is the only boy I've "sent" on a mission.  He was my boy for 8 months and I cried when he left.  I'm so excited for his adventure in Texas!  He's such a great "son!"

Y is absolutely stunning and talented to boot!  She made French style coconut macroons.  DELICIOUS!  And her smile lights up a room!

K is "my Pugsley!"  He played the role of Pugsley in the Addam's Family musical and since then, 

he's "my Pugsley!"  He makes me smile!  And has such a joyful countenance.

Ender is a missionary already.  He's learning Swedish.  (I couldn't do it.)  His humor makes me laugh.  His companions are going to love him!

Chance is actually home from his mission to the Dominican Republic early because of Covid-19.  He's been reassigned to Oklahoma (and if you don't sing the word: "Oklahoma," I'm not sure if you're human.)  He's super tall and always lets me know he's taller than I am!  (Like father like son)

Swedish Elder McCallister and his favorite aunt!

Texas Elder McCallister and his favorite aunt!

Also... I got to get to know GJ's daughter-in-law this week.  She is so sweet!  And really lovable.  And I'm glad she puts up with my nephew, Gary.  JK  They are going to be great parents in about a month.  And GJ will be a great grandmother.  She'll love the new role!  And my grand nephew will be adorable!  (Although as a grandmother, I have to say he won't be more adorable than Skittles.)

My Best Friend and Sister

I also got to see the land my sister and parents are building their homes on.  It's incredible!  GJ is so excited.  And the view is incredible.  I love the creek/river/ditch behind their homes.  I'm glad I don't have to pull weeds though.  I'll come visit them after it's done.

Anyways, I go home tomorrow.  I'll miss my family!  I'll especially miss my BFF, GJ!  But I am looking forward to spending time with my cute husband, sweet daughter, fun son, and adorable grandson!
Thanks, Idaho!  I can't wait to come back for a visit!

SISTER DeGOOYER - WEEK 48

Katia didn't have time to write a group note this week... so with her permission, I'm sharing my personal letter.  Also... I would NEVER pray for a trial.  My daughter has not yet learned that trials come no matter when or where or what is happening.  Patience is all she needs before her next test that Heavenly Father allows her to experience.

Mom, 

Your visit meant so much to me! It was so good to see you! I was nervous but excited ;) to introduce you to my friends, but of course, they all loved you. The takeaway? They all said that they can see where my weirdness comes from. They all agreed that we are vastly different, but extremely similar. Haha, I am glad. I have always thought I had a good mix of both you and Dad. 

I can’t describe to you the feeling of hugging my Mom after so long. It was truly the best. You think too highly of me, but I am grateful and always have been, for your support. 

This letter is already ending up a bit rambley, but it just goes to show that I am still me. I feel very “on the brink” right now. Life feels as if it has slowed down today and I am looking at my life and who I want to be; while at the same time enjoying where I have come to in the present. I am a human being, but also a daughter of God, who has made a million mistakes- and yet, I am still me. It’s beautiful and confusing and amazing all at once. 

Mom, I feel as if something is about to happen in life. I am not even 100% sure what, but something is coming. Yesterday, I prayed for a trial. Today, I partook of the Sacrament and prayed again for a trial. I don’t know what God will give me, but I am ready to learn and grow in new ways. A pattern for trials in my life, has been dealing with people. I often love too deeply and instantly, but I am ready for whatever God will give me. God sends us different challenges, to help us grow in different ways. I am far from perfect, but that is where I am trying to go and the only road to, is marked with failure. I have a good pair of tennis shoes and I just drank some water, so I think I am ready. 

Goodness, Mom, life is good! I keep saying this and I probably will not stop soon. “God is in Heaven and all is right in the world!” -Anne of Green Gables. I am sitting at my desk typing, as I look out my window. The wind is howling and the trees are swaying. There is not a blue sky to be seen, just a lot of gray. The temperature is cold and windy- and yet still, I feel joy! I’m not sure what the future holds specifically, but I know with everything that I have, that I will not let go of what I have gained. 

I am grateful for your prayers, and I hope when times get rough in your life you can feel mine. I do not deserve all that you think of me. I am happy, Mom, happier than I have been in a minute. 

I wrote down every wrong I could think of in my life. Every single thing that I haven’t repented of and I am going down the long list and making those changes. Some are small, others are bigger-- I am grateful for you and Dad, for how much you guided me. I have so much learning and growing left to do, but I know with you two by my side, as well as Kiara and her little family, we will all make it back to Heavenly Father!

I feel as if there is more I could and should say, but I will leave it at this. I love and admire you Mom! 

Much love, 

Katia Rae

Sister Tree wanted to go hiking and Sister Clark-o was sick.
Horton stayed with Clark-o so we could go. 

Our hiking gang!

The waterfall was ... wet!

Horton and I found a dead squirrel on our door step.

So sad!

Mom with Horton and me

The gang at Red Robin.
Thanks, Mom, for treating us!

I love my Mom!

(And Mom loves me!)