Letter dated January 6, 2010
I love you all to smitherines! You're all so amazing---- keep it up!
Here's a little bit of detail of what's going on here in our new area. We are living with English Sisters and live in the upstairs separate apartment of a member's home. They're great! All the members here are throwing themselves at us and giving us referrals like crazy! :) Our area is GIGANTIC!!!! We can't even cover all of it in our car with our limited miles.... not exactly sure what the range of our area is- just know that it covers all of the eastern coast part of the mission..... we're literally right by the ocean area- crazy! Yep.... and it's bone chilling cold! :) Gotta love it! Hey, good side of it- we can actually go to the beach because it is so cold- when it's warm we can't!
Both Hermana L and I got shotgunned out here to this area and we're opening it up. We don't have an Area Book or anything, so we're starting on a completely blank canvas. We've been doing detective work and scoping out all of the Spanish stores, laundry mats, apartment complexes, trailer parks, and anywhere else where else the Spirit may lead us. Our nightime hours are spent eating lots of lessons with members and putting on the pounds :) as well as seeking for referrals. The Branch here is amazing! The people are so friendly! They have Elders here, but the Branch hasn't had sisters for over 4 years and have been praying ever since to have some come back. When they saw us walk in the door on Sunday they all about had a heart attack- I've never seen happier people! They truly want us here and want to work hard with us! We're so excited!
Well, love you lots! Remember the Lord loves you and will help you in all of your struggles if you let Him. Keep the faith!
3 Nephi 27:13-21
Monday, January 18, 2010
Transfers
Letter dated December 30, 2009
Hello Family!
It was so wonderful to hear from you all on Christmas! Thank you so much for making it a special day and for being so thoughtful with everything!
I literally have like 20 seconds to talk- but wanted to let you know that all is well and that I'm getting transferred Friday with Hermana L! :) We're pumped to open up this new area and are ready to find those who are ready and waiting for the Gospel! Catch you next week and give you updates..... oh yeah, we have four people set for baptism in January as well as a wedding coming up. The Lord is funny, right when you feel like you're getting something down then He switches it up and throws on a whole different opportunity to stretch and grow. I love it! Keep on smiling, keep on growing, and always remember that the Lord is behind you 100% of the way!
Hello Family!
It was so wonderful to hear from you all on Christmas! Thank you so much for making it a special day and for being so thoughtful with everything!
I literally have like 20 seconds to talk- but wanted to let you know that all is well and that I'm getting transferred Friday with Hermana L! :) We're pumped to open up this new area and are ready to find those who are ready and waiting for the Gospel! Catch you next week and give you updates..... oh yeah, we have four people set for baptism in January as well as a wedding coming up. The Lord is funny, right when you feel like you're getting something down then He switches it up and throws on a whole different opportunity to stretch and grow. I love it! Keep on smiling, keep on growing, and always remember that the Lord is behind you 100% of the way!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Merry Christmas
Letter dated December 16, 2009
What a wonderful time of year! I urge you all to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and lose yourself in the service of others. Remember the real reason and devote yourself in being devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Give Him the best gift that you could possibly give this year- the gift of yourself and striving to become a better person and all that He would have you become. He will help you all along the way. Enjoy this time of year, and find joy in the journey! I love you all with all of my heart! Merry Christmas!
What a wonderful time of year! I urge you all to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and lose yourself in the service of others. Remember the real reason and devote yourself in being devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Give Him the best gift that you could possibly give this year- the gift of yourself and striving to become a better person and all that He would have you become. He will help you all along the way. Enjoy this time of year, and find joy in the journey! I love you all with all of my heart! Merry Christmas!
Sacrifices
Letter dated November 25, 2009
First of all, I want to apologize if any of you have sent letters in the mail or e-mailed in the last few weeks. The mission office has been keeping the last two weeks worth of mail because of transfers, and I just received them Monday. As well, my e-mail is experiencing some glitches, and I haven't been able to receive e-mails for the last three weeks, and it's still not working. Not complaining- just letting you all know that I didn't forget about you and that I love you to bits and pieces!
Well, L was baptized on Sunday and will be confirmed next Sunday! Talk about making sacrifices- that man has pretty much sacrificed everything for the gospel, including getting kicked out of his house for his faith and leaving him pretty much homeless and jobless. The church is amazing- the way that it functions to take care of those in need- always looking out for one another- they've helped him get back on his feet. But L has a solid testimony and there is nothing that could ever waiver him. He has seen the great blessings that the Gospel has brought and is bringing into his life, and he is willing to give up everything in order to do that which is right and be a disciple of Jesus Christ. What an amazing example to each of us. What are we willing to give up and sacrifice for the Gospel?
First of all, I want to apologize if any of you have sent letters in the mail or e-mailed in the last few weeks. The mission office has been keeping the last two weeks worth of mail because of transfers, and I just received them Monday. As well, my e-mail is experiencing some glitches, and I haven't been able to receive e-mails for the last three weeks, and it's still not working. Not complaining- just letting you all know that I didn't forget about you and that I love you to bits and pieces!
Well, L was baptized on Sunday and will be confirmed next Sunday! Talk about making sacrifices- that man has pretty much sacrificed everything for the gospel, including getting kicked out of his house for his faith and leaving him pretty much homeless and jobless. The church is amazing- the way that it functions to take care of those in need- always looking out for one another- they've helped him get back on his feet. But L has a solid testimony and there is nothing that could ever waiver him. He has seen the great blessings that the Gospel has brought and is bringing into his life, and he is willing to give up everything in order to do that which is right and be a disciple of Jesus Christ. What an amazing example to each of us. What are we willing to give up and sacrifice for the Gospel?
Transfers and One Year Mark
Letter dated November 18, 2009
We received transfer calls last night- yep, we're all staying together again here! Yay! :) We've still got lots of work to do here and the members are on fire! But we got word that next transfers will be different- they'll be opening up the beach area to the Spanish sisters and all will be splitting up in pairs....we'll see what happens.So, we've had a little bit of opposition this month- we had three of our brothers set for baptism, but it looks like only one of them, L, will receive that blessing for now. No worries- S will still be baptized- he just needs a little more time. Oh yes, and the Lord is blessing like crazy! He loves the people here as well as us! :) We'll just continue to work hard and do as he would have us do, and all things fall into place. I love it! He's so wonderful and is definitely in charge!
I hope you all know that I love you and more importantly, the Lord loves you. Keep on smiling and live every day in gratitude to the blessings that He has bestowed upon you. You'll never go wrong by being in the service of others. Count your many blessings and share them with others! Love you loads and loads!
We received transfer calls last night- yep, we're all staying together again here! Yay! :) We've still got lots of work to do here and the members are on fire! But we got word that next transfers will be different- they'll be opening up the beach area to the Spanish sisters and all will be splitting up in pairs....we'll see what happens.So, we've had a little bit of opposition this month- we had three of our brothers set for baptism, but it looks like only one of them, L, will receive that blessing for now. No worries- S will still be baptized- he just needs a little more time. Oh yes, and the Lord is blessing like crazy! He loves the people here as well as us! :) We'll just continue to work hard and do as he would have us do, and all things fall into place. I love it! He's so wonderful and is definitely in charge!
I hope you all know that I love you and more importantly, the Lord loves you. Keep on smiling and live every day in gratitude to the blessings that He has bestowed upon you. You'll never go wrong by being in the service of others. Count your many blessings and share them with others! Love you loads and loads!
The 3 O's
Letter dated November 10, 2009
Hola Familia! Thank you all for a wonderful birthday and for all of your thoughts and prayers! You all are truly incredible and I love you over and over and over again! (times infinity and again) :)
What an eventful week- we started out with E still set for baptism at the end of this month, and also two more of the Lord's children, L and S, accepted the invitation to enter into the waters of baptism and be confirmed in the Lord's church at the end of this month as well. :) The Lord is blessing in so many ways- He always pulls something out of His hat! :) But on the contrary, the Adversy doesn't want those good things to happen and will do all that he can to double his efforts and throw some wrenches in the works of things (go figure!). Long story short, E dropped us and is no longer getting baptized. Of course we were devastated- but over many tears and many prayers and following the Spirit, we know that the Lord has a plan for every single one of His children. E will come around again. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. Our mission president always says, "Opposition faced with Optimism always brings about great Opportunity" - the 3 O's - that is our personal creed. Despite adversity in our lives, the Lord always blesses and brings opportunity. It's all in our attitude. Don't ever get discouraged. The Lord loves you.
Hola Familia! Thank you all for a wonderful birthday and for all of your thoughts and prayers! You all are truly incredible and I love you over and over and over again! (times infinity and again) :)
What an eventful week- we started out with E still set for baptism at the end of this month, and also two more of the Lord's children, L and S, accepted the invitation to enter into the waters of baptism and be confirmed in the Lord's church at the end of this month as well. :) The Lord is blessing in so many ways- He always pulls something out of His hat! :) But on the contrary, the Adversy doesn't want those good things to happen and will do all that he can to double his efforts and throw some wrenches in the works of things (go figure!). Long story short, E dropped us and is no longer getting baptized. Of course we were devastated- but over many tears and many prayers and following the Spirit, we know that the Lord has a plan for every single one of His children. E will come around again. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. Our mission president always says, "Opposition faced with Optimism always brings about great Opportunity" - the 3 O's - that is our personal creed. Despite adversity in our lives, the Lord always blesses and brings opportunity. It's all in our attitude. Don't ever get discouraged. The Lord loves you.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Zone Conference
Letter dated November 4, 2009
We had the most amazing Zone Conference yesterday with President M and all the Spanish missionaries. We're all cracking down the whip and set some goals for our zone- we're going to have 28 baptisms in the month of November- and at least four of those are going to be on behalf of our efforts! We've got lots of work to do, but we're so excited to redouble our efforts and know that the Lord will continue to bless us as we give it our everything.......... :) Happy face! We're excited to see all the miracles that will take place through our combined faith and works!
Keep on smiling, believe in yourself and others, and don't let little things get you down. You can do hard things!
We had the most amazing Zone Conference yesterday with President M and all the Spanish missionaries. We're all cracking down the whip and set some goals for our zone- we're going to have 28 baptisms in the month of November- and at least four of those are going to be on behalf of our efforts! We've got lots of work to do, but we're so excited to redouble our efforts and know that the Lord will continue to bless us as we give it our everything.......... :) Happy face! We're excited to see all the miracles that will take place through our combined faith and works!
Keep on smiling, believe in yourself and others, and don't let little things get you down. You can do hard things!
The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways
Letter dated October 28, 2009
Just wanted to share a quick experience with you all. A few days ago we were all going about doing missionary work, but all of our plans and back-up plans kept on falling through (which isn't too much of a surprise in Hispanic culture). We hadn't eaten in a long time and decided to run to Wendy's and grab a bite. While we were there we ended up contacting and sharing the Gospel with a lot of English people and were able to pass them on to the English Elders. One young man named D even came out to talk with us during his break and we had a powerful lesson with him there in Wendy's. Come to find out the English Elders had talked with him a day or two earlier and were arranging an appointment with him- he was definitely ready and prepared to accept the Gospel. After we left, we had a few more minutes with our dinner time and were driving down the road and decided that we might as well fill up on gas. As we entered the store we met a man from El Salvador and his family standing behind us in line and our conversations turned to the Gospel. We now have this wonderful family that we're teaching! Come to find out, the wife had been seeing the missionaries for a year back in her country and was almost baptized.... we're still investigating the situation..... but nevertheless, they are prepared! It's amazing to me how the Spirit guides you when you don't even realize it. It's also such a blessing to know that as you open your mouth to share the Gospel with everyone, the Lord will place in your path those who are more willing to accept the Gospel into their lives. I love this great work and know that the Lord is at the head of it all. I love you all so very much and pray for you daily.
Just wanted to share a quick experience with you all. A few days ago we were all going about doing missionary work, but all of our plans and back-up plans kept on falling through (which isn't too much of a surprise in Hispanic culture). We hadn't eaten in a long time and decided to run to Wendy's and grab a bite. While we were there we ended up contacting and sharing the Gospel with a lot of English people and were able to pass them on to the English Elders. One young man named D even came out to talk with us during his break and we had a powerful lesson with him there in Wendy's. Come to find out the English Elders had talked with him a day or two earlier and were arranging an appointment with him- he was definitely ready and prepared to accept the Gospel. After we left, we had a few more minutes with our dinner time and were driving down the road and decided that we might as well fill up on gas. As we entered the store we met a man from El Salvador and his family standing behind us in line and our conversations turned to the Gospel. We now have this wonderful family that we're teaching! Come to find out, the wife had been seeing the missionaries for a year back in her country and was almost baptized.... we're still investigating the situation..... but nevertheless, they are prepared! It's amazing to me how the Spirit guides you when you don't even realize it. It's also such a blessing to know that as you open your mouth to share the Gospel with everyone, the Lord will place in your path those who are more willing to accept the Gospel into their lives. I love this great work and know that the Lord is at the head of it all. I love you all so very much and pray for you daily.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Letter dated October 21, 2009
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! YOU'RE ALL SO SPECIAL!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, LETTERS, PRAYERS, AND FOR BEING YOU!!!!!
So, we had the great privilege to have a Mission Conference as well as Stake Conference with Elder Kenneth E. Johnson of the Seventy come and visit us and be counseled by his word. What an inspiring and upbeat man- so full of life and excitement! He really got me to thinking how very precious each and every day of life is and that we should be excited and anxious to live it. He talked of waking up every day by jumping out of bed and cheering because of the breath that you have been given to live, and to recognize each and every tiny detailed blessing that the Lord has given you. Be grateful! Be happy! Live with passion and enthusiasm! Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ! One thing that he said that really stood out to me was this-
"Are you happy? Then tell your face about it!"
May we never forget to smile and to focus on the countless ways the Lord has entered into our lives to make us happy. You are loved and blessed, and don't you forget it!
I love you all and pray daily for your happiness and success. Keep on smiling, support and love one another in all things, and do all that you can to keep moving forward and love every step of the way.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! YOU'RE ALL SO SPECIAL!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, LETTERS, PRAYERS, AND FOR BEING YOU!!!!!
So, we had the great privilege to have a Mission Conference as well as Stake Conference with Elder Kenneth E. Johnson of the Seventy come and visit us and be counseled by his word. What an inspiring and upbeat man- so full of life and excitement! He really got me to thinking how very precious each and every day of life is and that we should be excited and anxious to live it. He talked of waking up every day by jumping out of bed and cheering because of the breath that you have been given to live, and to recognize each and every tiny detailed blessing that the Lord has given you. Be grateful! Be happy! Live with passion and enthusiasm! Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ! One thing that he said that really stood out to me was this-
"Are you happy? Then tell your face about it!"
May we never forget to smile and to focus on the countless ways the Lord has entered into our lives to make us happy. You are loved and blessed, and don't you forget it!
I love you all and pray daily for your happiness and success. Keep on smiling, support and love one another in all things, and do all that you can to keep moving forward and love every step of the way.
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