Emaaaaaaaaailllll

You know, as time goes on, it gets harder and harder to want to email every week. I think this is when minor flashes of ADD come in. It's really hard to focus on anything. MY BRAIN IS MUSH.

 

Oh my goodness, this last week was a beast. I am so tired. We have worked so hard to see so many things happen and everything fell through. It was just a lame week. So I'm going to move on to happier/more spiritual things.

 

Last night we, again, had a missionary fireside. As I sat and listened to the prelude music, Be Still My Soul, I felt an overwhelming peace come over me and rest in my heart. Everything that I had been carrying around for the last few weeks was lifted away. My soul was finally still. I know that the peace that I felt can only come from God. As we moved through the program I was so grateful that I got to be there to just feel the Spirit and to testify of Jesus Christ. It was pure religion, pure testimony, pure love. Again, I reflected on my recent studies of the life of Jesus Christ. Coming to know Him has been the most rewarding experience I have ever had. My life truly has been changed by Him.

 

My whole outlook on my Rock has changed. I used to turn to others to help me or pick me up when I was down, but now I rely on God. I have personally seen the power of the Godhead, working together in unity for the fulfillment of man, in my life. My Father has blessed me with my life, my family, a plan, and a way. My Brother ransomed Himself for me, someone who is proud and unholy, short tempered and impatient, afraid and too often unwilling. My Comforter has strengthened me, pacified me, put words into my mouth, revealed truth to me, chastened me, and purified me. They are One: One in purpose, to bring ME happiness and to lead me back home.

 

We heard from President Weaver yesterday just a little preview of some of the changes that will happen with the new missionary ages and things. He said, "This is a new age. prophecies are being fulfilled. The church is coming our of obscurity and we can never go back. And we are part of it." That hit me like a ton of bricks from the top of the Tacoma Dome. We can never go back. The work of the Lord will go on, and no unhallowed hand will stop it. And we get to be a part of it. What an incredible time we live in. Bring it on. I'll let you know more when we get more details, but rumor has it missionaries will soon be coming straight to the mission field because the MTC will be too full. Just a rumor though :)

 

Have a great week. Keep up the good work. Remember who you are. Choose the right. Hold to the rod. Etc.

 

Sister Chronister

Doubling in is like a double stuff oreo

Original is better. And you have to work harder to work off the double stuff. Just stick with the original.

 

This transfer is flying by. It's already week 5. I don't know where all the time has gone. We have been working so hard lately. We got a text from the bishopric on Tuesday asking one of us to give a talk on Sunday about the role of prophets (Winner: Robinson!) and then we found out Saturday night that there was some miscommunication and BOTH of us were supposed to be speaking, me about the role of prophets and Robinson on a talk from an Ensign a few years back. Then we had less than 12 hours to prepare 10 minute talks each, AND we had already volunteered to help teach a Sunday School class, which 2 of our investigators are in, for the teenagers. On top of that, we had to be at meetings starting at 7 am. What does that equal? No sleep and lots of divine intervention. Luckily we have the greatest bishop in the world and when we went to meet with him he invited us to just go to his house and have a late lunch of french toast and hot chocolate with his family instead. Bless his heart. And his wife's, she made the best french toast I've ever had with homemade strawberry jam on top and 4 different flavors of whipped cream to choose from. We were living the high life. But then we crashed and burned in the car right before we went tracting. I accidentally fell asleep and woke up when I did one of those big twitches right when you're falling asleep. Robinson just laughed at me. I was just confused.

 

We have this legit guy named Tracy that we've been teaching. We met him a few weeks ago while we were knocking on doors. The front of his house is really weird, it kind of looks like a backyard and it's on a hill and has a big fence, so we almost missed it. Robinson actually walked right past it, but I could hear someone on the phone so I knew a house was there. I debated passing it up since he was on the phone, and normally when people are on the phone they really don't like being interrupted by missionaries, but as soon as our heads popped up over the top of the gate he walked over and ended his call and started talking to us.

 

He has been trying to make religion a bigger part of his life, he didn't ever really have it growing up (his mom was a hippie, according to him) but since his mom recently found church and God he decided he should look into it too. He's a super energetic guy, asks a lot of questions and tells really funny stories, but when it comes to religion he hasn't had much influence. That's actually perfect because it makes him more receptive to truth. He is the greatest example I've seen of what the Savior meant when He said to be like a child. Tracy knows that he doesn't know much about God, but every time we share something with him he soaks it all in and is ready to live whatever way he needs to. Last week we took him on a church tour and when he came he was wearing a nice shirt and he had shaved. We didn't even tell him to. He asked what the do's and don't's were, so we went over the WoW a little, and the poor guy thought we meant that he couldn't come to church if he drank coffee so he tried to quit and got a massive headache and didn't end up coming that week. (It was ok, it was Stake Conference and they were broadcasting from another building--it was a tough meeting to sit through and probably wouldn't be the best first experience at church.) But, we caught him later and cleared everything up and he came to church this week! He could only stay for a little, but he knew we were speaking and wanted to come support us and try out church. He was so nervous, he kept calling with different problems, like that he didn't have a good razor so he couldn't shave. But, right before the meeting started I saw him out in the foyer, waiting to come in. I went and grabbed him and got him a good seat next to some good fellowship. He is so legit. I can't wait to keep working with him. The other day before we left his house he said a prayer and told God the following: "Thank you for sending these two girls in my life, I've never felt more peace and love. They are doing what I've always heard is God's work. They are really doing it. They're the best little soldiers you have. I know you have a lot out there, but these two are the best." Oh man, best prayer ever.

 

Makayla wants to get baptized so bad, but her mom thinks that she should wait until she is 18 to get baptized. It's a tough situation for her, and she is trying to do the right thing. I am constantly, over and over again, amazed at youth and their commitment to do what's right. I think, "Would I have done that if I was in their shoes?" They really are some special people who are so prepared for the gospel and will do so many great things with it.

 

Have a great week. Read some scriptures. Say a prayer. Love you.

 

Sister Chronister

We got shot at every morning . . .

By the guy with the card scanner at the gym. Just thought I'd give you a little scare. We are in Tacoma and it is almost Halloween after all. Anyways, we go to the gym every morning bright and early. It sucks getting up and going, but once we're there I appreciate it. It helps me not fall asleep during personal study.

 

Oh, yeah, it was my birthday this week. Thank you thank you for all of the letters. That was definitely my favorite part. That and when we had a lesson with Kasondra, our investigator who is in a wheelchair, she didn't want to pray at the beginning of the lesson, at all, but by the end she decided that she would say the prayer for us. Wahooo!! I never would have thought a year ago that I would be so excited about someone saying a prayer. Other than that, it was a pretty laid back day, which is totally fine by me. No big celebrations, no center of attentions, just missionary work and letters. Oh, Washington finally decided to be Washington again and on my birthday it decided to rain for the first time in something like 82 days. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

 

So yes, fall is finally here. The summer was great, but now it's back to the misty grind and things are looking great here in Tacoma. Our people are starting to be more solid, we have more things to do during the day, and we don't get lost anymore!! Miracles.

 

Oh, so last Tuesday Sis. Robinson got a call from one of her recent converts in her first area. They were going to the temple to be sealed as a family and they wanted her to come! And, of course since she is a missionary and needs a companion all the time and there were no other sisters in the mission who knew them, I got to go with her! On Thursday!! Early birthday present, and I couldn't have asked for anything better. It was the first time I had seen a sealing and it was awesome. I loved just being in the temple and feeling the Spirit and not wanting to leave haha. So cool.

 

We had Stake Conference this weekend. At the Saturday night session (which one of the people we're teaching went to out of pity so we could go too, so kind) they invited a young man to get up and bear his testimony. He just got his mission call to the Nevada Reno mission. I couldn't help but think that he has no idea how much his life is about to change. Then I started thinking about how much my mission means to me and all of the great things that I've been able to see.

 

Every day I get to go out and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I get to study His life and His teachings and strive to become more like Him every day. I get to wear a name tag that has my name next to His. My mission has changed my life and I never want to leave. Washington has become such sacred ground for me. I thought of what it would be like to come back and see everyone--and it scared me haha because I don't want to not be a missionary. I will just stay here forever, I think. I love my Savior. I love the gospel. There is so much to be thankful for.

 

We finished reading the Book of Mormon as a mission this last week. That book is amazing. We read it with our companions out loud, and that was a really incredible experience. We actually finished it this morning and as I read Moroni's final words, for the umpteenth time in my life, I could feel, burning in my heart, the truth of that book. It changes lives. If you want proof, you're looking at it. Look all around. Read it. You'll never know until you try.

 

Hope everyone has a delightful week. we certainly will. Love you.

 

Sister Chronister

TUCSON TEMPLE!!!

TUCSON, AZ IS GETTING A TEMPLE!!!!!!!!!!! (Green, for a saguaro.)

I am just a little excited about this. Every single conference when the prophet opens the conference and makes his usual announcements, including new temples, I think in my mind, "Is this the day that Tucson will be announced?" For years we have been waiting for one, hoping and praying that we will be blessed with one. So this conference I sat in the chapel and listened quietly as he announced new temples. He said there would be 2 new temples announced in the following locations, and my heart kinda started to pound a little, like something big was about to happen, and in my head I thought, "Tucson, AZ" or maybe it was the Spirit, I don't know, but to my utter amazement I heard the words in my head spoken out loud simultaneously by President Monson. Tucson, AZ. My jaw dropped and all I could say was, "Shut your mouth." He did not shut his mouth. It was real. Tucson is getting a temple!!! I think my eyes may or may not have watered a little bit when I heard that and it sunk in. Just a little though.

I thought of everyone that I know and love in Tucson and how much joy they were all feeling at the new announcement. I never imagined what that would feel like, to know that my precious lil hometown is going to be blessed with a temple. We better live up to that responsibility now. Truthfully though, I have never wished to be home with the people that I love more than when I heard that announcement. I wanted to be able to rejoice and celebrate with everyone. I wanted to be able to share that joy that I felt with people that understood, like me, how long we have been waiting and how amazing that announcement actually was. But, I will have to suffice with continuing on the Lord's work in Tacoma. Maybe one day they'll get a temple here too and I will be able to feel just as much joy. Every time I think about it still, I wonder if it's a dream or if I just made it up, but then I remember that it's real.

But, then my world continued to be rocked with the announcement of new missionary ages! Oh dang. All of a sudden I feel old, you know, now that I'm on the brink of 22. Then I thought of what it would be like to train a 19 year old sister. Wieerrdd. Future greenie, if you are somehow reading this and you are 19, I'm wierded out that you are 19, but I will trust that God has prepared you. Ok, that's it, I'm done with that.

Conference was amazing. There were so many good talks. I had tried to think of a question to have answered, but I was really struggling to word it or phrase it, but I knew that it had to do with faith. Good thing God is smart and He knows how to answer my questions even when I don't really know what to ask. Some of my favorite talks included Elder Anderson's and Elder Bednar's. That was such a perfect analogy of why it's important to have a testimony and to be converted. The lamp is our testimony, but the oil that keeps it buuurrrrning briiiight is our conversion to the gospel. So, the question becomes, are you converted? If yes, keep being converted. If not, be converted. When you take a step toward Christ He takes a step toward you. It just takes one step of faith at a time.

Things are going pretty well with the work. We know our way around the area pretty well by now and we're doing good on sifting through potentials and people in our teaching pool, trying to figure out who is really progressing and who we need to focus on. We are feeling good, pushing through the tough days, and laughing as much as possible. That happens a lot cause my comp is super happy and thinks I'm really funny. Oh, happy day.

What about errbody else? What did you learn at Conference? How's life? Meet any cool people who want to learn about Jesus? Oh, we talked to a crazy guy yesterday who told us to stop wasting our time with what we were doing and go make as much money as possible and buy food and property somewhere out in the country cause the cities will be unlivable in 4 years. He told us to stop wasting time. I told him to do the same. Actually it was a perfect example of getting to carried away with the internet and with information. I thought of that one talk where he said information isn't enough. You need knowledge and application of it. This guy is 35, getting divorced, paranoid, and drunk. It made me so grateful for what I get to go do every day and for the perspective that I get. It isn't just the next 5 or 10 years. It's eternity. Don't waste time.

Send me some letters this week. And pictures. I want to see what people are up to. It would be nice, you know, to get them on the 12th. No particular reason. Love you guys. Be good, and in the immortal words of the great Joseph Ballantyne, "Don't suck."

Sister Chronister

How many days till p day?

Where to begin. This week has been crazy. I'm so tired. Being doubled in, is a trip. After transfer meeting we went to a member's house for lunch. They had all the sisters over that have served in the Skyline ward. So nice. Then one of the sisters that just left took us to our house (we live with a member, Sis. Renner. She's older and lives by herself and we live in the basement. It's not a bad set up and she's really nice) and gave us the 5 minute run-down of everything then left. Then we just stood there, looking back and forth at each other and our board with everyone that we're working with on it. What now? So we cracked open our area book, said a very mighty prayer, and went to work.

 

We've been able to get a hold of or meet everyone in our teaching pool, and some were definitely more successful than others. This girl Makayla that the sisters were working with had us come over and meet her the day we got there and she is way legit. She already knows she wants to get baptized, it's just a matter of when. So, when we saw her a few days later, we committed her to be baptized at the beginning of November. I know, I know, you're thinking, "Why so far out?" Because that's when she wanted it, but we're pretty sure we can get her to be baptized sooner. We'll help her see she's ready. She's already been taught pretty much everything. So that was cool. Some other folks are wary of meeting with us cause they were comfortable with the other sisters. Understandable. As hard as it is for us, I can't imagine what it's like for these people they were already working with. We just have to remember that we were sent here at this time in this way for a reason. It will all work out, it's all in God's hands.

 

Luckily the sisters before us talked us up a bit so most people were excited to meet us. The ward is AWESOME. They are so on top of missionary work. They take care of all of the not-so-fun stuff and we get to do all the good stuff, namely find, teach, and baptize. It's so great.

 

I got to go back to Steilacoom twice this weekend. Saturday Nikki and Meaghan got baptized!! It was awesome to go and see them. They were so excited and looked so good in white. I got to see a lot of people from Steilacoom, including Miss Jane. Haha she didn't see me at first, then when she realized it was me, she started crying and hugging me super tight. She thought she was never going to see me again.

 

Then on Sunday we had the musical fireside for the Lakewood Stake. I was asked to bear my testimony as part of the program. The firesides are totally focused on Christ so I was supposed to share a 2 minute or less testimony on the Savior. I thought a lot about that and about how much I have come to know and love my Savior over the past few months. One phrase came to mind: The Refiner's Fire. I talked about how a silver refiner is supposed to take a piece of silver ore and heat it so hot that all of the impurities in it burn up and melt off. The silver refiner knows when the silver is done when he can see his reflection in the metal. We are the silver. Christ is the Refiner. He allows us to go through trials and tribulations so our weaknesses are burnt off and melted away, leaving us pure. He doesn't change us into something different, but rather, He changes us into who we really are. I love my Savior. I know that He lives. He lives and loves me. I am so grateful to be here serving Him every day. Come to know Him. The happiness that comes from it, and the peace it brings your soul, is worth any price to get it.

 

Much love.

 

Sister Chronister

Tacoma on the Skyline

Well, the news that everyone's been waiting for is finally here. I am leaving Steilacoom. After 4 amazing transfers and sooooo manyyyyy miracles, I will finally be wrapping up my work here and heading out to a new area. Luckily, I can actually see my new area from Steilacoom. So it's a super long journey......

 

I am getting doubled in to the Tacoma Skyline ward with Sister Robinson. (I think this means they are both Sisters are going to be new to the area)  She goes home in 2 transfers and she is legit. I've been in the same zone as her for the last 4 transfers and we've been joking for a while that we were going to get doubled in together. Lo and behold, it happened without either of us actually relaying that little bit of hopefulness to President Weaver. Big things happening. The day of transfer calls we saw P Weavs and he wouldn't give us our calls early, but he did tell us that usually every transfer he throws some curveballs that make him giggle (yes, he said giggle) inside and he loves seeing it happen. The next day, after hearing where I was going, he pulled me aside and said my call was one of those that he was really excited and giggling about. There's a lot of confidence being put in Sister Robinson and I. When I first heard the call I was super excited and really, REALLY surprised, then I was jumping around the apartment for joy, but the next day it hit me what challenges this means. We won't know anyone or anything about the area. We'll have to hit the ground at a dead sprint and try not to trip too many times. But now I'm determined. It's going to be great. I just want to get there and start working without any pre-conceived notions of the area or any in/outside information other than the bare facts. Let's do this.

 

But this means that I have to leave Steilacoom. The Sunday before I left home last year the primary was practicing for their program. I remember being really sad that I would miss is it because, other than General Conference, I think the primary program might be my favorite Sunday of the year. So it was fitting that my last Sunday in Steilacoom, a place that has become like home to me, was the primary program. So tender. So many yelling children picking their noses and wiggling around on the stand. It sucks saying goodbye to people. But, it's great to hear that they want you to come back. I have been SO BLESSED to be here. I don't think I'll realize all of it until actually leave.

 

Last week we had our park day. Two days before my foot randomly started hurting way bad, and I wouldn't really walk around on it more than around the apartment or to and from the car. That's a problem when you don't have a car and you're schedule is packed for the day. By the grace of God I was able to ride a bike without it hurting my foot. So we rode bikes for a day! And then we liked it so much we decieded to do it for the next 2 days. It was actually really fun, and by the end my butt didn't hurt too bad. And my foot is better. Almost. Whatevs.

 

Nikki and Meaghan are getting baptized this weekend!! Thank goodness I'm just going to go to Tacoma because it means that I'll be able to come back for it. They were way bummed when they found out I was leaving, and so was I. I didn't really tell them in advance though because I didn't want it to affect their decision to get baptized, which it didn't. Either way, I had to leave soon, so it was better that they were prepared and had enough time to think about everything and learn everything for their baptism. Yeahhhhh buddy.

 

This week I'm going to need a lot of prayers. Don't forget about me, ok? I'll get my address to you........soon. Haha. Have a great week! Look for the tiny miracles every day. Like those lil flecks of gold, they add up and eventually become a nugget.

 

Sister Chronister

I saw Canadaaaaa

Not a bad week for only having basically 4 work days available to us. Last Tuesday we had the chance to go up to Zion's Camp in Belfair (which, in case you are wondering, is forever away from nowhere, but not as far as Port Angeles....which we also went to). We did a bunch of ropes course, team building stuff. I was pretty hesitant because it involved 30 sisters in the middle of the Washington forest together for a couple hours, but it ended up being a really great experience. I came home with plenty of bruises and sore muscles, but with a greater understanding of my purpose and the things that I need to do in order to help others. I think that's one of the biggest lessons we can learn, is that before you can help other people you need to be able to help yourself.

 

I got to go back and see all of my people in Silverdale!! It was so great. I felt like I really needed that this week. I'm facing leaving Steilacoom in a week or so and it's sad and hard to leave, but going back and having all of these people that I love remember me and miss me and want to talk to me helped me feel a lot better about leaving here. The missionaries always have to leave but the ones you love remember you. I've been to a few of the firesides now, but the one in Silverdale was the best for me becuase I LOVED the people that I was singing too. Not that they could hear me individually, but it made me sing better and with more feeling because I wanted them to know that I love them and I love my Savior. It was so great. Sunday night was interesting. Port Angeles is way the heck out in the middle of nowhere, but it is so beautiful!! I loved seeing it. And, I got to see Canada! Gooood times haha.

 

Our wonder-investigators Nikki nad Meaghan are so awesome. Nikki went up to Deseret Book the other day and knew that Sister Grenfell and I both really wanted copies of the D+C church history dvd's and they were on sale and she bought us each a copy of it. She's only been an investigator for like 2 weeks!! So legit. They're getting ready for baptism, probably next weekend. Nikki's husband gave the ok, and he's cool with Meaghan getting baptized too. That was such a huge miracle, one that we had been praying very, very hard for.

 

There's a quote in PMG that talks about how the study of doctrine improves behavior better than the study of behavior improves behavior. Try it. I know it works. It has helped me so much the last few weeks to study pure doctrine and the life of my Savior. I feel like I know Him so much better and I have such a stronger desire to be like Him. That doesn't necessarily mean that I am, but I want to be, so little by little it will happen as long as I keep putting forth the effort.

 

We're working really hard at finding new people to teach. Things have been slow and we're hoping and praying that things pick up. I really want to leave the area with a solid teaching pool so there isn't a gap in the work when I leave and the new sister gets the shaft and has to do tons of work for something that I should have taken care of. Gotta leave it better than when I came.

 

Hope you are all having a great week. Love you!!

 

Sister Chronister