Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the start of summer! Things here have been great! Well, mostly. Haha
I'm sorry this one is a little shorter than normal, but I promise I'm doing great, loving the work and am really happy!
- Sister Fernandez caught a cold and I sprained my knee. We'll be fine but it made this week . . . interesting. Haha
-I sang "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul" last night at seminary graduation with an elder on piano and an elder on violin. Went really well!
- We're teaching tons of people now that we cover the entire area of the ward. So we now have six, count em, SIX investigators with a baptismal date of June 20th!! We've got John and Kristina, a married couple, Vanessa, a young mom of three, Mario, a new investigator and Francisco and Alexis, two young men that the elders had been teaching. We are SO incredibly happy! If you'd like, we would appreciate any good vibes and prayers you could send our way to help strengthen these amazing people as they move forward.
- So one of our investigators, Kristina had set a baptismal date for June 20th but we were all a little unsure if she would take that step forward. Two days ago we found out- SHE WILL!! We went over the baptismal interview questions with her just to make sure that she understood everything and boy, does she have an understanding of this gospel! She bore testimony to us that she knows the gospel will bless her life. She said, "I would wake up in the morning and I could feel that something was missing. It was this. This is what will make me whole." I also know that this gospel can and will make us whole. I know that this gospel is true. I know that it can bless our lives. It can strengthen us as individuals and as families. I know that we have a Savior. I know that He lives and that He loves us.
Thank you all so much for your prayers, encouragement, love and support to me and to my family.
Sister A
Called to Serve
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, CALLI!
And ONE TRANSFER DOWN.
It has been quite a roller coaster ride but it has been great. My trainer and I are staying the our same ward but the elders are being transferred. So Sister Fernandez and I will cover both areas in our ward and will be the only missionaries here. It sounds a little daunting right now but we are excited!
- "You're Talkin' Jibberish!"
A crowning moment of my life- eating at the diner, Watson's, where "That Thing You Do" was filmed!!!
Not sure which scenes were filmed there but it was really fun being there. My other Sister Training Leader, Sister Fulton, took me there for dinner on a short exchange.
"Those guys don't know squat about service!"
- had some lemonade after a baptism that reminded me A LOT of my Dad's lemonade. Those of you who have had Dad's lemonade know exactly what I'm talking about!
- So my companion and I went to visit a woman my companion had taught just before I came in. We rang the doorbell and knocked twice but no one was answering. For some reason I thought that somebody was there but we turned around and started to leave. Just as we did, we hear the door open. In the doorway, we see this young man in a wheelchair. We talk with him for a little bit and find out that the woman we were wanting to see was his mother. As we kept talking I felt a very distinct prompting to ask him how he ended up in a wheelchair. I thought, "No way! I don't need to know that. It's something personal and he might feel too uncomfortable talking about it with a total stranger." But I made a promise to myself recently to not ignore spiritual promptings, no matter how uncomfortable or inconvenient. So I asked, "do you mind if I ask you what happened?" This twenty year old told us how a year and a half ago he was being robbed and got shot in the spine paralyzingly him from the waist down. I felt so much empathy for him. My companion shared a video with him entitled, "Mountains to Climb." The video, which I recommend highly to everyone, explains that even in the most difficult times, we can rely on our Savior Jesus Christ.
After the video I asked "How do you feel right now?" "I can't really explain it. I think I feel good." We were able to share with him the unique message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Before we had a chance to ask he said, "When can you come back?"
This gospel is true. The Lord knows us and loves us. That does not mean that trials and difficulties don't exist. It means that we can rely on the mercy and grace of Christ in those trials and difficulties.
Thank you ALL for your love, encouragement and support.
Sister A
And ONE TRANSFER DOWN.
It has been quite a roller coaster ride but it has been great. My trainer and I are staying the our same ward but the elders are being transferred. So Sister Fernandez and I will cover both areas in our ward and will be the only missionaries here. It sounds a little daunting right now but we are excited!
- "You're Talkin' Jibberish!"
A crowning moment of my life- eating at the diner, Watson's, where "That Thing You Do" was filmed!!!
Not sure which scenes were filmed there but it was really fun being there. My other Sister Training Leader, Sister Fulton, took me there for dinner on a short exchange.
"Those guys don't know squat about service!"
- had some lemonade after a baptism that reminded me A LOT of my Dad's lemonade. Those of you who have had Dad's lemonade know exactly what I'm talking about!
- So my companion and I went to visit a woman my companion had taught just before I came in. We rang the doorbell and knocked twice but no one was answering. For some reason I thought that somebody was there but we turned around and started to leave. Just as we did, we hear the door open. In the doorway, we see this young man in a wheelchair. We talk with him for a little bit and find out that the woman we were wanting to see was his mother. As we kept talking I felt a very distinct prompting to ask him how he ended up in a wheelchair. I thought, "No way! I don't need to know that. It's something personal and he might feel too uncomfortable talking about it with a total stranger." But I made a promise to myself recently to not ignore spiritual promptings, no matter how uncomfortable or inconvenient. So I asked, "do you mind if I ask you what happened?" This twenty year old told us how a year and a half ago he was being robbed and got shot in the spine paralyzingly him from the waist down. I felt so much empathy for him. My companion shared a video with him entitled, "Mountains to Climb." The video, which I recommend highly to everyone, explains that even in the most difficult times, we can rely on our Savior Jesus Christ.
After the video I asked "How do you feel right now?" "I can't really explain it. I think I feel good." We were able to share with him the unique message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Before we had a chance to ask he said, "When can you come back?"
This gospel is true. The Lord knows us and loves us. That does not mean that trials and difficulties don't exist. It means that we can rely on the mercy and grace of Christ in those trials and difficulties.
Thank you ALL for your love, encouragement and support.
Sister A
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| Micah would kill me for posting this. But I love it. Not only is it one of my favorite Micah faces, I think it shows an aspect of being a missionary that is often overlooked: it's so hard and stressful! But it's the best. Plus Micah has her animal crackers in this one. Heavens. |
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENSON!
- got an email letting me know that they are still working on my visa and that if I'm in Anaheim 9 months without it then I will finish my mission here. So we will see! But two other sisters going to my mission just got their visa's after two transfers, so there's still a chance I'll have it within the next six weeks!
- I've been asked to sing "Oh How Lovely Was The Morning" for a stake musical fireside next Sunday the 31st. I'll sing with an Elder on piano and another Elder on the cello. So excited!
- I'm also speaking next Sunday in the ward I'm serving in about the Holy Ghost.
- my companion and I drew this board for an investigator so that he could better understand the doctrine of Christ. As we were taking it back to our apartment I asked my companion, "what if I just stood on the street corner with this sign like some of those people who hold advertisements and danced around?!"
We had been inviting two of our investigators, a married couple, to church for a few weeks. While they had both been maybe two or three times within the last several months, only she had been able to come lately. But yesterday, THEY BOTH CAME! And what a wonderful day it was for them to come! The talks given were about covenants and temples. It was such a great meeting with an awesome spirit. Afterward, we asked them how they felt about the meeting. Kristina, our investigator said that John, her husband, wants to go to the temple and she wants them to be sealed! They are still investigating but it was SO nice to hear her say that. She even said, "we both want to keep moving forward." I nearly cried happy tears! I just want to say that no matter what happens after today on my mission, I will remember what Kristina said and the feelings I had from the Spirit and it will make it all worth it. That is exactly why I am here; so that others can have the opportunity to experience the wonderful blessings of this gospel. I am so glad that they know and understand the importance of the temple and making covenants with Heavenly Father. I love this gospel and the light and blessings it brings to so many people, including myself and my family.
Love and miss you all!
Sister A
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Hello my wonderful friends and family!
- We had Zone Conference this last week which was great! I learned so much and have enjoyed applying those things into each day. One thing that we talked a lot about was faith. They emphasized it so much that I left the meeting thinking "I'm going to have more faith! I'm going to exercise more faith!" The next day my companion and I were visiting people and came to a cute little blue house. As we pulled up she said, "Oh we've tried to visit here several times but no one ever answers the door." Remembering that I was going to try to have more faith, I said "Well maybe this time will be different." We knocked on the door and not only were they home but they invited us in! This was an investigator couple that had met the missionaries only once before when they visited St George, Utah and visited the temple grounds about two or three years ago. It's also fairly uncommon for anyone to let us in, seeing as most just talk to us on the doorstep. We ended up having THE BEST conversation about temples and families. We got to share the Proclamation to the Family with them and discuss how families can be together not just for time but for eternity. It was one of the best and most spiritual experiences I have had on my mission so far. Once we left and throughout the day, I thought about my experience receiving my endowment with my family and then being able to see my mother get sealed for time and eternity to her parents all in the same day. I just want to tell you that I know that families really can be together for eternity. I know that this gospel is true and that with this gospel we can be better and happier as individuals and as families. I can also tell you that having faith AND exercising that faith is what can bring about true miracles in our lives.
It has been yet another great week and I'm SO excited to tell you about it!
- I got to participate in a little jam session with a few people from the ward and their musician friends. (Great missionary opportunity). They were sweet enough to include a familiar tune in the set list just for me! Not gonna lie, I got a little choked up while singing this one. Enjoy!!
- We had Zone Conference this last week which was great! I learned so much and have enjoyed applying those things into each day. One thing that we talked a lot about was faith. They emphasized it so much that I left the meeting thinking "I'm going to have more faith! I'm going to exercise more faith!" The next day my companion and I were visiting people and came to a cute little blue house. As we pulled up she said, "Oh we've tried to visit here several times but no one ever answers the door." Remembering that I was going to try to have more faith, I said "Well maybe this time will be different." We knocked on the door and not only were they home but they invited us in! This was an investigator couple that had met the missionaries only once before when they visited St George, Utah and visited the temple grounds about two or three years ago. It's also fairly uncommon for anyone to let us in, seeing as most just talk to us on the doorstep. We ended up having THE BEST conversation about temples and families. We got to share the Proclamation to the Family with them and discuss how families can be together not just for time but for eternity. It was one of the best and most spiritual experiences I have had on my mission so far. Once we left and throughout the day, I thought about my experience receiving my endowment with my family and then being able to see my mother get sealed for time and eternity to her parents all in the same day. I just want to tell you that I know that families really can be together for eternity. I know that this gospel is true and that with this gospel we can be better and happier as individuals and as families. I can also tell you that having faith AND exercising that faith is what can bring about true miracles in our lives.
Love and miss you all! Sister A
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Hello my friends!
First off- HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY to all of the mothers out there!
Second- I got to skype with the fam yesterday which was AWESOME! Loved seeing everyone.
Here are more random thoughts!
- I thought I lost our apartment keys but found them- in my purse. There was a hole in the pocket!
- Some fellow missionaries took me to Joe's Ice, an Italian ice place owned by a member. Missionaries eat free! Really good!!
- Went to visit some less actives and their cats loved us so much they followed us.
- And found Belmont Avenue. Go Bruins!
- We're still teaching some great investigators and they are really progressing!
- I told my trainer/companion that I would like to get better at door-to-door contacting. So we decided that some classic tracting would do the trick. We chose a street and knocked on each door. Although many were not home or weren't interested, I must say that the experience influenced me greatly. I was reminded yet again that this is work has nothing to do with me. Of all of those doors we knocked on, only one person seemed interested. But that doesn't mean that the Lord isn't preparing his children to hear the gospel. For all I know, more people could have learned something about the gospel that they didn't know before just by simply reading my name tag and seeing the name of the Church. I'm so glad that I am where The Lord wants me to be right now. Because even if I don't know it, others will come and are coming closer to Christ. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us, His children. And I know that He wants us all to know of the joy that this gospel can bring to our lives.
I love and miss you all!!!
Sister A
First off- HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY to all of the mothers out there!
Second- I got to skype with the fam yesterday which was AWESOME! Loved seeing everyone.
Here are more random thoughts!
- I thought I lost our apartment keys but found them- in my purse. There was a hole in the pocket!
- Some fellow missionaries took me to Joe's Ice, an Italian ice place owned by a member. Missionaries eat free! Really good!!
- Went to visit some less actives and their cats loved us so much they followed us.
- And found Belmont Avenue. Go Bruins!
- We're still teaching some great investigators and they are really progressing!
- I told my trainer/companion that I would like to get better at door-to-door contacting. So we decided that some classic tracting would do the trick. We chose a street and knocked on each door. Although many were not home or weren't interested, I must say that the experience influenced me greatly. I was reminded yet again that this is work has nothing to do with me. Of all of those doors we knocked on, only one person seemed interested. But that doesn't mean that the Lord isn't preparing his children to hear the gospel. For all I know, more people could have learned something about the gospel that they didn't know before just by simply reading my name tag and seeing the name of the Church. I'm so glad that I am where The Lord wants me to be right now. Because even if I don't know it, others will come and are coming closer to Christ. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us, His children. And I know that He wants us all to know of the joy that this gospel can bring to our lives.
I love and miss you all!!!
Sister A
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| Skyping on Mother's Day |
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Hello my friends! I'm sorry but this email will be in bullet points. I've been jotting down my random thoughts as they come throughout the week.
-My area is called the Anaheim North area. It's a fun family ward.
- Forgot to tell everyone that when I was in the Salt Lake City airport I saw Mitt Romney! He was just walking to his gate all by himself. Would have said hi but he looked like he was in a hurry.
- had exchanges (you switch companions with another set of sister missionaries for the day) yesterday with our sister training leaders. I went with Sister Kaitu. She's from an island near Fiji and wants to be a police officer. Yeah. She's kind of awesome. We had a bunch of service opportunities yesterday. We got to help clean the ward building and then do yard work for a nonmember. So fun!
- we went to visit some less active girls late in the afternoon but when we got there they said that they were just leaving. So after we talked with them, Sister Kaitu said I had to see the next street over. When we got there, each tree along the street (a lot of trees) had been made into a fairy house! Pics below. SO cute I HAD to take pictures for mom!
- teaching some awesome people. A couple, John and Kristina are committed to baptism at the end of this month! They've been investigating the church for almost a year! Let's pray that they continue to prepare themselves for that beautiful day. We're also teaching Juan who is golden!! He's diving right into the Book of Mormon and loves it! We've been visiting the Ramirez family, too. Their 14 year old son was diagnosed with cancer and is going through chemo right now. We went over and read some of the Book of Mormon with him which was great. He asked some great questions and really liked the stories we read. Wonderful kid. Wonderful family.
- visited an older woman with Alzheimer's this past week. Turns out she likes music so we got to sing some songs for her which she loved. At first, it was hard for me to keep from getting too emotional. I kept thinking " this is hard. I can't keep singing. I'm gonna sound awful. I need to stop." Then the thought came,"this isn't about you." What a great reminder that it is always about others. Especially in missionary work. When we focus outward and help others we forget about ourselves. President Hinckley was told as a young missionary "forget yourself and go to work." Sometimes we think "but how can I help others when I can't help myself?" I learned in the MTC that when we help others, The Lord helps us. He will take care of us if we can take care for those around us. I hope we can all try our best to remember this!
I love you all!
Sister A
P.S. When we asked Micah if she needed anything she just said, "SEND CHOCOLATE"
-My area is called the Anaheim North area. It's a fun family ward.
- Forgot to tell everyone that when I was in the Salt Lake City airport I saw Mitt Romney! He was just walking to his gate all by himself. Would have said hi but he looked like he was in a hurry.
- had exchanges (you switch companions with another set of sister missionaries for the day) yesterday with our sister training leaders. I went with Sister Kaitu. She's from an island near Fiji and wants to be a police officer. Yeah. She's kind of awesome. We had a bunch of service opportunities yesterday. We got to help clean the ward building and then do yard work for a nonmember. So fun!
- we went to visit some less active girls late in the afternoon but when we got there they said that they were just leaving. So after we talked with them, Sister Kaitu said I had to see the next street over. When we got there, each tree along the street (a lot of trees) had been made into a fairy house! Pics below. SO cute I HAD to take pictures for mom!
- teaching some awesome people. A couple, John and Kristina are committed to baptism at the end of this month! They've been investigating the church for almost a year! Let's pray that they continue to prepare themselves for that beautiful day. We're also teaching Juan who is golden!! He's diving right into the Book of Mormon and loves it! We've been visiting the Ramirez family, too. Their 14 year old son was diagnosed with cancer and is going through chemo right now. We went over and read some of the Book of Mormon with him which was great. He asked some great questions and really liked the stories we read. Wonderful kid. Wonderful family.
- visited an older woman with Alzheimer's this past week. Turns out she likes music so we got to sing some songs for her which she loved. At first, it was hard for me to keep from getting too emotional. I kept thinking " this is hard. I can't keep singing. I'm gonna sound awful. I need to stop." Then the thought came,"this isn't about you." What a great reminder that it is always about others. Especially in missionary work. When we focus outward and help others we forget about ourselves. President Hinckley was told as a young missionary "forget yourself and go to work." Sometimes we think "but how can I help others when I can't help myself?" I learned in the MTC that when we help others, The Lord helps us. He will take care of us if we can take care for those around us. I hope we can all try our best to remember this!
I love you all!
Sister A
P.S. When we asked Micah if she needed anything she just said, "SEND CHOCOLATE"
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Hello my wonderful family and friends!
As you may have heard, I am in Anaheim, California! I've been temporarily reassigned here while I wait for my visa. To be honest- I am LOVING it!! The people here are great (missionaries, members and others) and it is a cool city. And yes, Disneyland is in Anaheim. Although I can't go there.
My companion and trainer is Sister Fernandez. She is Filipino and about 5'3. Seriously, the best, funniest and sassiest thing ever! We're getting along great and both working really hard. I am in a family ward that is amazing. We've had dinner with members every night so far and they are all so much fun. One couple, The Worley's are particularly great. They heard that I sing and went to school in Nashville and asked if I would sing for them. They love old folk music, play guitar and travel to Tennessee for festivals and things. After singing a couple of songs, per their request they said, "we're gonna pray that you don't get your visa!" Haha they have a jam session every month and they and I are hoping I'll still be here for the next one! (Which would be a great missionary opportunity). There are some videos posted below from our dinner last week.
My companion and I were driving to an appointment last Friday when all of a sudden a police officer on a motorcycle pulls up behind us. Naturally, I start freaking out wondering how fast I was going and why he would pull us over. He walks up, asks for my license and then says "are you a new sister missionary?" Turns out, he's in a local ward and just wanted to say hello. SCARIEST moment so far. I actually cried a little.
There are TWO missionaries here from West Virginia! Well, kind of. One missionary is from Franklin, WV which he said is right on the WV/ VA border so he's in a VA stake. And the other went to high school in Morgantown. He knows the Waldrons! Also, there are Waldrons (some relation) in my ward that we had dinner with last night!
Been teaching some great people, too. Taught a friend of a member who is a less active, Scott. Teaching him was GREAT! The Spirit was so strong AND he came to church! We taught him about a lot of things but he really understood scripture study and the priesthood. Seriously, amazing!
One night we were looking for some potential investigators and they either weren't home or they didn't live there anymore. Instead, we got to teach THREE new people and got an appointment with one! One woman initially did not want to talk to us, but after about two minutes opened up entirely and we got to testify of Jesus Christ, his love for us and his Atonement.
I love this gospel and I love all of you who continue to support me and my family.
Until next time!!
Sister A
As you may have heard, I am in Anaheim, California! I've been temporarily reassigned here while I wait for my visa. To be honest- I am LOVING it!! The people here are great (missionaries, members and others) and it is a cool city. And yes, Disneyland is in Anaheim. Although I can't go there.
My companion and trainer is Sister Fernandez. She is Filipino and about 5'3. Seriously, the best, funniest and sassiest thing ever! We're getting along great and both working really hard. I am in a family ward that is amazing. We've had dinner with members every night so far and they are all so much fun. One couple, The Worley's are particularly great. They heard that I sing and went to school in Nashville and asked if I would sing for them. They love old folk music, play guitar and travel to Tennessee for festivals and things. After singing a couple of songs, per their request they said, "we're gonna pray that you don't get your visa!" Haha they have a jam session every month and they and I are hoping I'll still be here for the next one! (Which would be a great missionary opportunity). There are some videos posted below from our dinner last week.
My companion and I were driving to an appointment last Friday when all of a sudden a police officer on a motorcycle pulls up behind us. Naturally, I start freaking out wondering how fast I was going and why he would pull us over. He walks up, asks for my license and then says "are you a new sister missionary?" Turns out, he's in a local ward and just wanted to say hello. SCARIEST moment so far. I actually cried a little.
There are TWO missionaries here from West Virginia! Well, kind of. One missionary is from Franklin, WV which he said is right on the WV/ VA border so he's in a VA stake. And the other went to high school in Morgantown. He knows the Waldrons! Also, there are Waldrons (some relation) in my ward that we had dinner with last night!
Been teaching some great people, too. Taught a friend of a member who is a less active, Scott. Teaching him was GREAT! The Spirit was so strong AND he came to church! We taught him about a lot of things but he really understood scripture study and the priesthood. Seriously, amazing!
One night we were looking for some potential investigators and they either weren't home or they didn't live there anymore. Instead, we got to teach THREE new people and got an appointment with one! One woman initially did not want to talk to us, but after about two minutes opened up entirely and we got to testify of Jesus Christ, his love for us and his Atonement.
I love this gospel and I love all of you who continue to support me and my family.
Until next time!!
Sister A
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| President and Sister Taggart Anaheim Mission President & Wife |
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| Sister Fernandez Companion and Trainer |
Sister Atkinson singing 'Nearer My God to Thee' and 'Down By the Riverside'
with Sister Worley, a local member in her ward.
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