Dear Family,
Another wonderful week. The Lord is really blessing Sister Boyd and I by leading us to those who are prepared to receive the gospel. Yesterday after church, we knocked a street we'd planned to knock the evening before during our nightly planning. After knocking a few houses a woman answered the door. We introduced ourselves and as we asked her if she'd ever talked to missionaries before she looked down, looked back up at us and said "You know what?...Come on in, Come on in."
As we went in she told us her name is Sonja and that she has an older sister who is a member of our church and she lives in California. She doesn't know too much about her sister because they recently found out they were related but she knew her sister was a "Mormon". She allowed us to say a prayer and then she opened right up to us and told us she knew she needed to be more religious. She told us the end of the year is always a difficult time for her because she sets goals at the beginning and when the end is close she looks back on the things she didn't accomplish.
After telling us about herself she asked us to tell her what we did as missionaries. We told her our purpose was to invite everyone to receive the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We told her about how we've had a living prophet on the earth since the 1800's and how we have a prophet today as well as twelve apostles. She inquisitively replied, "Really?" She loved the idea of having a prophet who speaks to God just like in the Bible, to help her receive more direction in her life. The Spirit was great and her heart was so open.
We read from the Book of Mormon and lots of questions about the purpose of life and life after death came up. We told her our message can't be learned all at once and we asked to set up a return appointment to share more with her. She thought about it for a minute and said "Can you come back tomorrow?" So we have an appointment to go see her tonight along with one of our Ward Missionaries.
When we asked Sonja how she felt about the things we shared she said she "would need to come to church so [she] could see for [herself]." She told us that we looked familiar to her and that she had seen us somewhere before but she didn't know where. Sister Boyd and I looked at each other and we could tell we were both thinking "pre-existence":)
It's been a great week and I love that I get to share the gospel with people especially this time of year. I remember when I first came out in the field I met a lot of people who had a lot of problems. It was more than what I expected and when they would tell us some of the things they were worried about or going through I had no idea how to help them. I soon realized that all I needed to do and all I'm expected to do is love them and share the gospel. I know that there is nothing we've experienced that our Savior has not experienced Himself, long before we did. No matter what we've been through or how real our trials seem to us, our Savior and His gospel are the only thing that can heal us.
I love you all and hope we don't forget the "Reason for the Season."
Merry Christmas,
Sister Green
Monday, December 20, 2010
12/13/10
Dear Family,
Before I proceed I want to say...Congratulations on your graduation Dad!
This week has been great. I love working with Sister Boyd. She has such a strong desire to please the Lord. Working with her is the equivalent of working with a greenie fresh from the MTC. She's never lost the MTC fire. We've struggled finding people to teach this week but we're hopeful and know that if we continue to be diligent the Lord will bless us. We've met a few people who want us to come see them this week and they seem promising so we'll see what happens.
We had two non-members come to church this week but we're currently not teaching either of them. We've taught them in the past but each of them have different areas where there testimony needs to be strengthened. They're both wonderful and they enjoy coming to church. Robbie is 19 years old and the previous sisters saw his dad working out in the yard and began to teach them. The other is Stephanie. I don't have time to go into too much detail about both of them but Stephanie has a great story I want to tell.
She was raised Baptist and when she was 16 years old she ordered a copy of the Book of Mormon. Her father was a Baptist preacher and when her mom found out she wasn't very happy. A few years ago her dad passed away. Her mother remarried a member of the church and she was baptized in February of this year. Her mother contacted the bishop here and asked him to send the missionaries over to Stephanie so she could also learn about the gospel. The previous Sisters were able to get to know Stephanie and share the gospel with her and her 8 year old son Austin.
Stephanie is also in the military and a couple months ago she found out she had to be to work early in the morning. She didn't have anyone to watch her son and her mom suggested she talk to someone from the church to help and she assured her that someone would be there for her. After talking to the sister missionaries, they asked around the ward and there was a family, the Hernandez's that stepped up and said they would be willing to take care of Austin while Stephanie made her way to work at 4:30 in the morning.
Austin is the same age as one of their boys and everything worked out perfectly.
Sister Rae, Sister Boyd, and I got to spend time with Stephanie and her parents, at the Hernandez's, when they came down a couple weeks ago to visit (they live in Alabama). It was so great to hear the testimony of Stephanie's mother who was also raised Baptist. She said she knew that this is the true church and she wants her family to be a part of it (right now she's the only member). I know the Lord has His hand in this families' life as he does for all of us.
Sister Boyd and I are really excited for this transfer. I want so much to bare my heart to the people here and have the Holy Ghost testify to them of the things I know to be true. I feel like Alma's words are my own when he says "I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins."
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Nothing in this world will bring as much joy or happiness than accepting our Savior and following Him.
Love you all,
Sister Green
Before I proceed I want to say...Congratulations on your graduation Dad!
This week has been great. I love working with Sister Boyd. She has such a strong desire to please the Lord. Working with her is the equivalent of working with a greenie fresh from the MTC. She's never lost the MTC fire. We've struggled finding people to teach this week but we're hopeful and know that if we continue to be diligent the Lord will bless us. We've met a few people who want us to come see them this week and they seem promising so we'll see what happens.
We had two non-members come to church this week but we're currently not teaching either of them. We've taught them in the past but each of them have different areas where there testimony needs to be strengthened. They're both wonderful and they enjoy coming to church. Robbie is 19 years old and the previous sisters saw his dad working out in the yard and began to teach them. The other is Stephanie. I don't have time to go into too much detail about both of them but Stephanie has a great story I want to tell.
She was raised Baptist and when she was 16 years old she ordered a copy of the Book of Mormon. Her father was a Baptist preacher and when her mom found out she wasn't very happy. A few years ago her dad passed away. Her mother remarried a member of the church and she was baptized in February of this year. Her mother contacted the bishop here and asked him to send the missionaries over to Stephanie so she could also learn about the gospel. The previous Sisters were able to get to know Stephanie and share the gospel with her and her 8 year old son Austin.
Stephanie is also in the military and a couple months ago she found out she had to be to work early in the morning. She didn't have anyone to watch her son and her mom suggested she talk to someone from the church to help and she assured her that someone would be there for her. After talking to the sister missionaries, they asked around the ward and there was a family, the Hernandez's that stepped up and said they would be willing to take care of Austin while Stephanie made her way to work at 4:30 in the morning.
Austin is the same age as one of their boys and everything worked out perfectly.
Sister Rae, Sister Boyd, and I got to spend time with Stephanie and her parents, at the Hernandez's, when they came down a couple weeks ago to visit (they live in Alabama). It was so great to hear the testimony of Stephanie's mother who was also raised Baptist. She said she knew that this is the true church and she wants her family to be a part of it (right now she's the only member). I know the Lord has His hand in this families' life as he does for all of us.
Sister Boyd and I are really excited for this transfer. I want so much to bare my heart to the people here and have the Holy Ghost testify to them of the things I know to be true. I feel like Alma's words are my own when he says "I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins."
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Nothing in this world will bring as much joy or happiness than accepting our Savior and following Him.
Love you all,
Sister Green
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
12/07/10
Dear Family,
We received our transfer calls last night and the results are....Sister Rae will be leaving and Sister Boyd and I will be staying here in Old Settlers. After this transfer is complete Sister Boyd and I will have served together for 6 months of our missions. Sister Rae will be missed but transfers are always such a fun time for me. I love that our Heavenly Father can reveal to us where He would have us be.
Both of my mission Presidents have explained the process they go through with transfers and both have testified of how they've been guided by our Heavenly Father to best place all 180 of us. That reminds me of Elder Rasband's talk for Easter Conference when he spoke about missionary work and how the General Authorities receive revelation when placing missionaries in their field of labor. Heavenly Father is too good to us.
This is a wonderful area to be in. the members are looking forward to some consistency because there have been a lot of changes made within the past few months. They're all still really supportive and they LOVE to do missionary work.
One highlight from this week happened a few days ago. We received a referral on our phone (meaning there's someone in our area who is interested in learning more about the gospel). The referral was for a woman named Sherri Shultz and she lives here with her husband and as far as we know two sons.
Sherri and her family really enjoy listening to Glen Beck and she was listening in when he spoke about emergency preparedness. He referenced a website that people could look at if they were interested and Sherri went online to search. She looked up the address for the local bishop's storehouse and dropped by the week before last. A member showed her around and answered some of her questions and there was also another member who had a copy of the Book of Mormon with her (just in case:). Sherri accepted and began her personal study of the Book of Mormon.
When we stopped by to see her she had lots of wonderful questions about the things she read in a little less than a week and we found out that she had read the first 100 pages of the Book of Mormon; with her favorite parts highlighted. We were able to pray and share more with her and she was so receptive and willing to listen. Her oldest son is having jaw surgery today and she'll be busy taking care of him for the next month or so. We won't be able to see her during that time but she wants to learn more when her son is better and I know she'll continue to feast on the Book of Mormon until then. She will have it read by our next appointment.
I love this gospel and I know there are people, our brothers and sisters who are searching for truth. We just need to be good examples and when the time comes open our mouths and share the good news.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Sorry it's taken so long to get a picture of my mission presidents off to y'all. The Cutlers are first and the Jones' are next. Have a great week
Love you guys,
Sister Green
We received our transfer calls last night and the results are....Sister Rae will be leaving and Sister Boyd and I will be staying here in Old Settlers. After this transfer is complete Sister Boyd and I will have served together for 6 months of our missions. Sister Rae will be missed but transfers are always such a fun time for me. I love that our Heavenly Father can reveal to us where He would have us be.
Both of my mission Presidents have explained the process they go through with transfers and both have testified of how they've been guided by our Heavenly Father to best place all 180 of us. That reminds me of Elder Rasband's talk for Easter Conference when he spoke about missionary work and how the General Authorities receive revelation when placing missionaries in their field of labor. Heavenly Father is too good to us.
This is a wonderful area to be in. the members are looking forward to some consistency because there have been a lot of changes made within the past few months. They're all still really supportive and they LOVE to do missionary work.
One highlight from this week happened a few days ago. We received a referral on our phone (meaning there's someone in our area who is interested in learning more about the gospel). The referral was for a woman named Sherri Shultz and she lives here with her husband and as far as we know two sons.
Sherri and her family really enjoy listening to Glen Beck and she was listening in when he spoke about emergency preparedness. He referenced a website that people could look at if they were interested and Sherri went online to search. She looked up the address for the local bishop's storehouse and dropped by the week before last. A member showed her around and answered some of her questions and there was also another member who had a copy of the Book of Mormon with her (just in case:). Sherri accepted and began her personal study of the Book of Mormon.
When we stopped by to see her she had lots of wonderful questions about the things she read in a little less than a week and we found out that she had read the first 100 pages of the Book of Mormon; with her favorite parts highlighted. We were able to pray and share more with her and she was so receptive and willing to listen. Her oldest son is having jaw surgery today and she'll be busy taking care of him for the next month or so. We won't be able to see her during that time but she wants to learn more when her son is better and I know she'll continue to feast on the Book of Mormon until then. She will have it read by our next appointment.
I love this gospel and I know there are people, our brothers and sisters who are searching for truth. We just need to be good examples and when the time comes open our mouths and share the good news.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Sorry it's taken so long to get a picture of my mission presidents off to y'all. The Cutlers are first and the Jones' are next. Have a great week
Love you guys,
Sister Green
11/29/10
Dear Family,
It was a great week again. Time is going by exceptionally fast. My companions and I were able to get to know more of the families in the ward this week. We continue to be blessed with people who are interested and we are looking forward to another week of sharing the gospel.
I'm reminded of President Cutler who told us that sometimes when we work we don;'t see the results of that work for a few weeks. The Lord is really blessing us for our previous weeks efforts. I've attached a few pictures that were taken on Thanksgiving at the Wolters and of another family (the Murffs) that we took a few days after Thanksgiving. Enjoy.
I also want to remind you that next week is transfer week and I won't be e-mailing until Tuesday. Love you guys lots and hope you have a wonderful week.
Sister Green :)
P.S. I'll try to write more next week
It was a great week again. Time is going by exceptionally fast. My companions and I were able to get to know more of the families in the ward this week. We continue to be blessed with people who are interested and we are looking forward to another week of sharing the gospel.
I'm reminded of President Cutler who told us that sometimes when we work we don;'t see the results of that work for a few weeks. The Lord is really blessing us for our previous weeks efforts. I've attached a few pictures that were taken on Thanksgiving at the Wolters and of another family (the Murffs) that we took a few days after Thanksgiving. Enjoy.
I also want to remind you that next week is transfer week and I won't be e-mailing until Tuesday. Love you guys lots and hope you have a wonderful week.
Sister Green :)
P.S. I'll try to write more next week
11/22/10
Dear Family,
The past week went well. This past week we had a meeting with our Zone to help strengthen us in our purpose. My companions and I have been praying to find families to share the gospel with and just this week we've met four families who are potentially interested in learning about the gospel. I'm reminded of the quote: "A missionary is someone who leaves their family for a time to help other families be together forever". People are busy with the holiday season but the Lord has prepared those who will listen and accept the gospel message.
I've been striving to have more sincere prayers and also to be more grateful for the blessings I've been given. I enjoy being in this area and I love the people here. For Thanksgiving we're eating with two of our ward missionaries, Brother and Sister Wolter. They moved here a couple months ago from Ohio.
I'm looking forward to this time of year. Last year Thanksgiving and Christmas were some of my favorite times when we were out because there isn't a greater gift to give than to share the gospel. I'm excited to see who we'll find this week:)
I love you all and am grateful for your love and support. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Sister Green
The past week went well. This past week we had a meeting with our Zone to help strengthen us in our purpose. My companions and I have been praying to find families to share the gospel with and just this week we've met four families who are potentially interested in learning about the gospel. I'm reminded of the quote: "A missionary is someone who leaves their family for a time to help other families be together forever". People are busy with the holiday season but the Lord has prepared those who will listen and accept the gospel message.
I've been striving to have more sincere prayers and also to be more grateful for the blessings I've been given. I enjoy being in this area and I love the people here. For Thanksgiving we're eating with two of our ward missionaries, Brother and Sister Wolter. They moved here a couple months ago from Ohio.
I'm looking forward to this time of year. Last year Thanksgiving and Christmas were some of my favorite times when we were out because there isn't a greater gift to give than to share the gospel. I'm excited to see who we'll find this week:)
I love you all and am grateful for your love and support. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Sister Green
11/15/10
Dear Family,
I don't have a lot of time today but this week has been great . We've gotten used to working with one another and the benefits of having a trio companionship are many. It's been nice to easily adapt to areas; what use to take an entire transfer now only takes a couple weeks (all in the Lord's timing and with His help).
I'm really impressed with and love the ward here. They have such a strong desire to serve and invite their friends to be a apart of the gospel. The ward had the primary program yesterday and there were several families that were not LDS who attended sacrament meeting. One family Sister Boyd, Sister Rae, and I met knocking a couple days ago (The Carter Family). Sister Carter (not yet a member) told us that a family in the neighborhood invited them to come see the program and they were planning on stopping by after their church was over. It was great to see them there and we were able to be friendly reminders when we knocked on their door. I know Heavenly Father is preparing people all over to hear and accept the gospel.
I'm looking forward to seeing wha tthe Lord has in store this week. Thank you all for your love and e-mails. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Love you
Sister Green
I don't have a lot of time today but this week has been great . We've gotten used to working with one another and the benefits of having a trio companionship are many. It's been nice to easily adapt to areas; what use to take an entire transfer now only takes a couple weeks (all in the Lord's timing and with His help).
I'm really impressed with and love the ward here. They have such a strong desire to serve and invite their friends to be a apart of the gospel. The ward had the primary program yesterday and there were several families that were not LDS who attended sacrament meeting. One family Sister Boyd, Sister Rae, and I met knocking a couple days ago (The Carter Family). Sister Carter (not yet a member) told us that a family in the neighborhood invited them to come see the program and they were planning on stopping by after their church was over. It was great to see them there and we were able to be friendly reminders when we knocked on their door. I know Heavenly Father is preparing people all over to hear and accept the gospel.
I'm looking forward to seeing wha tthe Lord has in store this week. Thank you all for your love and e-mails. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Love you
Sister Green
Monday, November 8, 2010
11/08/10
Dear Family,
It's been a great week in my new area. Having Elder Maynes come see us has really helped me improve my missionary work. One of the things he mentioned before he spoke was he knew we would learn new things from him and with those new things we should move forward. I love that the gospel is all about progression.
I've been reminded of how great it was serving with Sister Boyd. It's nice to see the changes in each other even over the past eight months. The area is great and the members love missionaries and missionary work. They're especially excited that they get to have Sister missionaries in the ward; up until a few months ago the Elders were here for a long period of time.
Sister Rae, Sister Boyd, and I got to teach the lesson in Relief Society this past Sunday and we talked about missionary work. We were able to hear experiences from the Sisters on opportunities they've had to go out and also about some of the fears or hesitancy's they have about missionary work. Everyone was really involved which always makes things run smoothly.The Bishops wife Sister Parker, told us that because there are Sister missionaries in the ward all four of her daughters want to serve missions. We were excited for the opportunity to serve the Sisters here by talking about missionary work and in closing we watched the first vision from the Restoration DVD.
We've been blessed with people to teach and we've been developing the necessary faith to find people prepared by the Lord. He has repeatedly shown us that they are out there. I love finding. It's sort of like a big game of hide and seek:) On Saturday we were knocking in a neighborhood we prayerfully picked the night before during our planning, and the last door we knocked; before our next appointment, a man named Darren answered. We introduced ourselves and we told him that God has called another prophet and twelve apostles on the earth. When we asked him if we could come in and share more and accepted. We shared the restoration and the Spirit present during the lesson was great. I love the we have the Holy Ghost to testify of the truthfulness of our words.
Darren also accepted our invitation to read from the Book of Mormon and pray about the message of the restoration. We're meeting with him again this week and a recent convert of a month or so will be coming with us. We also have the Primary Program for our ward this coming Sunday so we're striving to invite people to come out and see them sing. The Spirit is always so strong when little children share their testimonies of Jesus Christ.
Another experience I had with the Holy Ghost happened this week also. My companions and I walked up to this older woman we saw sitting in her garage and we talked with her for a few minutes. She told us she was born and raised in the Baptist church and so were her children. We told her that there was a prophet again on the earth and around that time one of her sons pulled up. We began to talk to him as well and we invited them to learn more about the restored gospel. They didn't accept and when they said they weren't interested ( a phrase I've heard many times) I was really sad.
As we walked away I thought "How can you say no?" "There's a prophet on the earth.", "Your family can be together forever." I got a little teary and I felt the Spirit comfort me. It was like Heavenly Father giving me a big hug. I know this is the Lord's work. I know He watches over us. I'm grateful to be a missionary and to be having some of the same experiences as the powerful missionaries in the Book of Mormon.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
It's been a great week in my new area. Having Elder Maynes come see us has really helped me improve my missionary work. One of the things he mentioned before he spoke was he knew we would learn new things from him and with those new things we should move forward. I love that the gospel is all about progression.
I've been reminded of how great it was serving with Sister Boyd. It's nice to see the changes in each other even over the past eight months. The area is great and the members love missionaries and missionary work. They're especially excited that they get to have Sister missionaries in the ward; up until a few months ago the Elders were here for a long period of time.
Sister Rae, Sister Boyd, and I got to teach the lesson in Relief Society this past Sunday and we talked about missionary work. We were able to hear experiences from the Sisters on opportunities they've had to go out and also about some of the fears or hesitancy's they have about missionary work. Everyone was really involved which always makes things run smoothly.The Bishops wife Sister Parker, told us that because there are Sister missionaries in the ward all four of her daughters want to serve missions. We were excited for the opportunity to serve the Sisters here by talking about missionary work and in closing we watched the first vision from the Restoration DVD.
We've been blessed with people to teach and we've been developing the necessary faith to find people prepared by the Lord. He has repeatedly shown us that they are out there. I love finding. It's sort of like a big game of hide and seek:) On Saturday we were knocking in a neighborhood we prayerfully picked the night before during our planning, and the last door we knocked; before our next appointment, a man named Darren answered. We introduced ourselves and we told him that God has called another prophet and twelve apostles on the earth. When we asked him if we could come in and share more and accepted. We shared the restoration and the Spirit present during the lesson was great. I love the we have the Holy Ghost to testify of the truthfulness of our words.
Darren also accepted our invitation to read from the Book of Mormon and pray about the message of the restoration. We're meeting with him again this week and a recent convert of a month or so will be coming with us. We also have the Primary Program for our ward this coming Sunday so we're striving to invite people to come out and see them sing. The Spirit is always so strong when little children share their testimonies of Jesus Christ.
Another experience I had with the Holy Ghost happened this week also. My companions and I walked up to this older woman we saw sitting in her garage and we talked with her for a few minutes. She told us she was born and raised in the Baptist church and so were her children. We told her that there was a prophet again on the earth and around that time one of her sons pulled up. We began to talk to him as well and we invited them to learn more about the restored gospel. They didn't accept and when they said they weren't interested ( a phrase I've heard many times) I was really sad.
As we walked away I thought "How can you say no?" "There's a prophet on the earth.", "Your family can be together forever." I got a little teary and I felt the Spirit comfort me. It was like Heavenly Father giving me a big hug. I know this is the Lord's work. I know He watches over us. I'm grateful to be a missionary and to be having some of the same experiences as the powerful missionaries in the Book of Mormon.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Monday, November 1, 2010
11/01/10
Dear Family,
Transfer week has gone well. I was surprised by the results but I'm excited and looking forward to the next 6 weeks. Sister Boyd and I are companions again and we were transferred to North Austin (Round Rock) to be with Sister Rae who has been in the mission for 6 weeks. Currently there are an odd number of Sisters in the mission so we've been blessed to be in a trio, for at least a transfer.
Our area is called Old Settlers and it is a very rich and new area. There are a lot of nice people here and the members of the ward are amazing. Sister Rae is also a Spanish Sister so we've been learning more Spanish from her. I've heard nothing but great things and I feel humbled to know that Heavenly Father wanted me to be here.
Sister Boyd, Sister Rae, and I are adjusting well and quickly. Relationships where the Savior and gospel come first are always better than what we could make them on our own. I don't know of any other way that I'd be able to transition so quickly and adapt to frequent changes; but the Savior's grace is sufficient.Thank you all for your prayers and support and for all of your love. That's helped me a lot as well.
I posted some pictures up of my companions, another Sister (Chavez) who finished her mission on Friday, and our mailman in San Marcos, David. Sister Mauer and I taught him a couple of times and he's really sweet but he's also really Catholic too.
Hope you enjoy them. I'll write more next week.
Love you all,
Sister Green
P.S. My new address is:
1801 East Palm Valley #1623
Round Rock, TX 78664...(Mail is appreciated:)
Transfer week has gone well. I was surprised by the results but I'm excited and looking forward to the next 6 weeks. Sister Boyd and I are companions again and we were transferred to North Austin (Round Rock) to be with Sister Rae who has been in the mission for 6 weeks. Currently there are an odd number of Sisters in the mission so we've been blessed to be in a trio, for at least a transfer.
Our area is called Old Settlers and it is a very rich and new area. There are a lot of nice people here and the members of the ward are amazing. Sister Rae is also a Spanish Sister so we've been learning more Spanish from her. I've heard nothing but great things and I feel humbled to know that Heavenly Father wanted me to be here.
Sister Boyd, Sister Rae, and I are adjusting well and quickly. Relationships where the Savior and gospel come first are always better than what we could make them on our own. I don't know of any other way that I'd be able to transition so quickly and adapt to frequent changes; but the Savior's grace is sufficient.Thank you all for your prayers and support and for all of your love. That's helped me a lot as well.
I posted some pictures up of my companions, another Sister (Chavez) who finished her mission on Friday, and our mailman in San Marcos, David. Sister Mauer and I taught him a couple of times and he's really sweet but he's also really Catholic too.
Hope you enjoy them. I'll write more next week.
Love you all,
Sister Green
P.S. My new address is:
1801 East Palm Valley #1623
Round Rock, TX 78664...(Mail is appreciated:)
10/26/10
Dear Family,
The verdict for this transfer is in and I am going to be.....leaving to a new area; Sister Mauer is going to train. I'm excited for her and for myself too. I was getting a little ansy and feel like I've talked to everyone in San Marcos and I know where they all live because I've knocked on their door:) I don't know where I'm going or who my companion will be but I find out in a couple days.
The week has gone well and it's been nice to meet and teach new people. I'm hopeful for the future of the area it's been a good one. Still don't have much time this week (because of packing this time) but I'll be sure to keep you posted on any upcoming events.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
The verdict for this transfer is in and I am going to be.....leaving to a new area; Sister Mauer is going to train. I'm excited for her and for myself too. I was getting a little ansy and feel like I've talked to everyone in San Marcos and I know where they all live because I've knocked on their door:) I don't know where I'm going or who my companion will be but I find out in a couple days.
The week has gone well and it's been nice to meet and teach new people. I'm hopeful for the future of the area it's been a good one. Still don't have much time this week (because of packing this time) but I'll be sure to keep you posted on any upcoming events.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
10/18/10
Dear Family,
This week has gone well. Peter Wood was baptized on Saturday and received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday in sacrament meeting. His baptism was nothing short of a miracle and Heavenly Father helped us prepare everything in time.
I have pictures attached from the weekend. I don't have a lot of time today; I wanted to remind you of transfers next week so P-day will be on Tuesday instead of Monday.
Love you all,
Sister Green
This week has gone well. Peter Wood was baptized on Saturday and received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday in sacrament meeting. His baptism was nothing short of a miracle and Heavenly Father helped us prepare everything in time.
I have pictures attached from the weekend. I don't have a lot of time today; I wanted to remind you of transfers next week so P-day will be on Tuesday instead of Monday.
Love you all,
Sister Green
10/11/10
Dear Family,
This week has gone very well. I'm a little overwhelmed by the things we've learned the past few days. Our training with our Mission President was great and I learned a lot. I tried to remember the names of the eight lessons we focused on but I can only remember four of them. Next week I'll have them with me and then I can talk about them, briefly.
The month is going by pretty fast. Sister Mauer and I are in pure finding mode for the most part. We've had to let some of our investigators go but we're still working with a couple if them so that's good.
In our meetings this week our Mission President talked to us about how we can help build trust in the wards where we serve. We have five missionaries here in the San Marcos ward (3 Elders) and we all got together to talk about ways we can best help and serve the members of the ward. It's been challenging to find a balance between finding and reaching out to the members both active and inactive.
I've found strength in a scripture from the Ether 3:2 in the Book of Mormon. The Brother of Jared and his people have just built barges and he's trying to prepare a way for these barges to receive light. He finds 16 small transparent stones and carried them to the top of a mountain where he prayed to God saying:
..."O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires."
I like the humility of the Brother of Jared. He was a leader among his people but he trusted in the Lord. He knew his weaknesses and knew that the Lord would help him. I love weaknesses; they bring us closer to the our Heavenly Father and help us recognize just how much we need Him and our Savior. None of us can do it alone.
This is the Lord's work and we're blessed to be given the opportunity to be a part of it.:)
Love you guys,
Sister Green
This week has gone very well. I'm a little overwhelmed by the things we've learned the past few days. Our training with our Mission President was great and I learned a lot. I tried to remember the names of the eight lessons we focused on but I can only remember four of them. Next week I'll have them with me and then I can talk about them, briefly.
The month is going by pretty fast. Sister Mauer and I are in pure finding mode for the most part. We've had to let some of our investigators go but we're still working with a couple if them so that's good.
In our meetings this week our Mission President talked to us about how we can help build trust in the wards where we serve. We have five missionaries here in the San Marcos ward (3 Elders) and we all got together to talk about ways we can best help and serve the members of the ward. It's been challenging to find a balance between finding and reaching out to the members both active and inactive.
I've found strength in a scripture from the Ether 3:2 in the Book of Mormon. The Brother of Jared and his people have just built barges and he's trying to prepare a way for these barges to receive light. He finds 16 small transparent stones and carried them to the top of a mountain where he prayed to God saying:
..."O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires."
I like the humility of the Brother of Jared. He was a leader among his people but he trusted in the Lord. He knew his weaknesses and knew that the Lord would help him. I love weaknesses; they bring us closer to the our Heavenly Father and help us recognize just how much we need Him and our Savior. None of us can do it alone.
This is the Lord's work and we're blessed to be given the opportunity to be a part of it.:)
Love you guys,
Sister Green
10/04/10
Dear Family,
This weekend was amazing. I loved General Conference. Sister Mauer and I did our best to invite people to come see it; even people we met the day of, because it's such an important event. The weekend always seems to go by so quickly but in 6 months we'll be able to enjoy it again.
We met a young college student named Sarah a week ago today and we invited her to come watch Conference. Yesterday we went to the Institute building to watch the first session and around 10:45 Sarah walked in with her Book of Mormon, ready to hear from the leaders of the church. She was really excited to hear from President Monson and she kept asking us "Will I be able to hear from the prophet today?"
She could only stay for and hour because of obligations with a club she's in at school and unfortunately she left just before President Monson spoke. Sister Mauer and I were a little sad but then we thought about the blessing it was to have someone come and be so willing to learn. I'm grateful for technology because she'll be able to watch what she missed online when she has time.
We also have another investigator Peter Wood who we've been teaching. He went to every single session of Conference including Priesthood session Saturday night. One of his concerns was he questioned the authority of the leaders of the Church. We promised him that if he truly had a desire to know and was sincere, the Holy Ghost would testify to him that our Heavenly Father continues to speak to us today through his prophet, President Monson.
Saturday evening he called us and we spoke to him briefly about the things he had learned during the Priesthood session. He told us he was able to speak to the bishop after the session as well and he said he knew, without a doubt, that President Monson is a prophet.
Likewise after the last session yesterday we had a lesson with him at the church and he began to get teary eyed as he talked about the way conference made him feel.He said that some people choose not to believe that there is a prophet on the earth today and twelve apostles that are real but to him it's true, and it's real.
I love the Spirit and how He testifies to us of all truth. One of my favorite things as a missionary is when I'm given the opportunity to be present when someone receives a witness from the Holy Ghost that the gospel or principles we've shared or have been sharing is true, and they decide to act on what they've learned. Lives can be changed forever.
An exciting event coming up is all this week (Tuesday-Friday), half of the mission will be in Austin receiving training on the eight new lessons that the 1st Presidency want the missionaries to learn. The other half of the mission will be trained in San Antonio next week I believe. The lessons are still from Preach My Gospel but emphasis has been added to the most important things that we all need to learn. It's going to be such a spiritual feast:)
Speaking of spiritual feasts I'm reminded of something. I was reading my scriptures in 3 Nephi where the Savior appears here and teaches the Nephites. In chapter 17:1-3 He tells them He has to leave soon. He shares a lot of things and knowing they do not understand everything he says; He invites them to go home, to ponder what He shared, and then to pray to Heavenly Father for understanding.
The Savior's invitation reminds me of General Conference. Our leaders share the things our Savior would tell us if He were here. A lot is shared with us over a two day period and if we follow the counsel we receive it will eventually lead us back to our Father in Heaven.
We've been inviting families as we meet with them, to ponder the messages of General Conference and then to pray for an understanding of how they can apply the teaches individually and within their families. I'm looking forward to doing this and I invite all of you to do it if you haven't already. The Lord will bless you.
Thank you all for your love and support as always. Have a wonderful week.
Love you lots,
Sister Green
This weekend was amazing. I loved General Conference. Sister Mauer and I did our best to invite people to come see it; even people we met the day of, because it's such an important event. The weekend always seems to go by so quickly but in 6 months we'll be able to enjoy it again.
We met a young college student named Sarah a week ago today and we invited her to come watch Conference. Yesterday we went to the Institute building to watch the first session and around 10:45 Sarah walked in with her Book of Mormon, ready to hear from the leaders of the church. She was really excited to hear from President Monson and she kept asking us "Will I be able to hear from the prophet today?"
She could only stay for and hour because of obligations with a club she's in at school and unfortunately she left just before President Monson spoke. Sister Mauer and I were a little sad but then we thought about the blessing it was to have someone come and be so willing to learn. I'm grateful for technology because she'll be able to watch what she missed online when she has time.
We also have another investigator Peter Wood who we've been teaching. He went to every single session of Conference including Priesthood session Saturday night. One of his concerns was he questioned the authority of the leaders of the Church. We promised him that if he truly had a desire to know and was sincere, the Holy Ghost would testify to him that our Heavenly Father continues to speak to us today through his prophet, President Monson.
Saturday evening he called us and we spoke to him briefly about the things he had learned during the Priesthood session. He told us he was able to speak to the bishop after the session as well and he said he knew, without a doubt, that President Monson is a prophet.
Likewise after the last session yesterday we had a lesson with him at the church and he began to get teary eyed as he talked about the way conference made him feel.He said that some people choose not to believe that there is a prophet on the earth today and twelve apostles that are real but to him it's true, and it's real.
I love the Spirit and how He testifies to us of all truth. One of my favorite things as a missionary is when I'm given the opportunity to be present when someone receives a witness from the Holy Ghost that the gospel or principles we've shared or have been sharing is true, and they decide to act on what they've learned. Lives can be changed forever.
An exciting event coming up is all this week (Tuesday-Friday), half of the mission will be in Austin receiving training on the eight new lessons that the 1st Presidency want the missionaries to learn. The other half of the mission will be trained in San Antonio next week I believe. The lessons are still from Preach My Gospel but emphasis has been added to the most important things that we all need to learn. It's going to be such a spiritual feast:)
Speaking of spiritual feasts I'm reminded of something. I was reading my scriptures in 3 Nephi where the Savior appears here and teaches the Nephites. In chapter 17:1-3 He tells them He has to leave soon. He shares a lot of things and knowing they do not understand everything he says; He invites them to go home, to ponder what He shared, and then to pray to Heavenly Father for understanding.
The Savior's invitation reminds me of General Conference. Our leaders share the things our Savior would tell us if He were here. A lot is shared with us over a two day period and if we follow the counsel we receive it will eventually lead us back to our Father in Heaven.
We've been inviting families as we meet with them, to ponder the messages of General Conference and then to pray for an understanding of how they can apply the teaches individually and within their families. I'm looking forward to doing this and I invite all of you to do it if you haven't already. The Lord will bless you.
Thank you all for your love and support as always. Have a wonderful week.
Love you lots,
Sister Green
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
10/04/2010
Dear Family,
This weekend was amazing. I loved General Conference. Sister Mauer and I did our best to invite people to come see it; even people we met the day of, because it's such an important event. The weekend always seems to go by so quickly but in 6 months we'll be able to enjoy it again.
We met a young college student named Sarah a week ago today and we invited her to come watch Conference. Yesterday we went to the Institute building to watch the first session and around 10:45 Sarah walked in with her Book of Mormon, ready to hear from the leaders of the church. She was really excited to hear from President Monson and she kept asking us "Will I be able to hear from the prophet today?"
She could only stay for and hour because of obligations with a club she's in at school and unfortunately she left just before President Monson spoke. Sister Mauer and I were a little sad but then we thought about the blessing it was to have someone come and be so willing to learn. I'm grateful for technology because she'll be able to watch what she missed online when she has time.
We also have another investigator Peter Wood who we've been teaching. He went to every single session of Conference including Priesthood session Saturday night. One of his concerns was he questioned the authority of the leaders of the Church. We promised him that if he truly had a desire to know and was sincere, the Holy Ghost would testify to him that our Heavenly Father continues to speak to us today through his prophet, President Monson.
Saturday evening he called us and we spoke to him briefly about the things he had learned during the Priesthood session. He told us he was able to speak to the bishop after the session as well and he said he knew, without a doubt, that President Monson is a prophet.
Likewise after the last session yesterday we had a lesson with him at the church and he began to get teary eyed as he talked about the way conference made him feel.He said that some people choose not to believe that there is a prophet on the earth today and twelve apostles that are real but to him it's true, and it's real.
I love the Spirit and how He testifies to us of all truth. One of my favorite things as a missionary is when I'm given the opportunity to be present when someone receives a witness from the Holy Ghost that the gospel or principles we've shared or have been sharing is true, and they decide to act on what they've learned. Lives can be changed forever.
An exciting event coming up is all this week (Tuesday-Friday), half of the mission will be in Austin receiving training on the eight new lessons that the 1st Presidency want the missionaries to learn. The other half of the mission will be trained in San Antonio next week I believe. The lessons are still from Preach My Gospel but emphasis has been added to the most important things that we all need to learn. It's going to be such a spiritual feast:)
Speaking of spiritual feasts I'm reminded of something. I was reading my scriptures in 3 Nephi where the Savior appears here and teaches the Nephites. In chapter 17:1-3 He tells them He has to leave soon. He shares a lot of things and knowing they do not understand everything he says; He invites them to go home, to ponder what He shared, and then to pray to Heavenly Father for understanding.
The Savior's invitation reminds me of General Conference. Our leaders share the things our Savior would tell us if He were here. A lot is shared with us over a two day period and if we follow the counsel we receive it will eventually lead us back to our Father in Heaven.
We've been inviting families as we meet with them, to ponder the messages of General Conference and then to pray for an understanding of how they can apply the teaches individually and within their families. I'm looking forward to doing this and I invite all of you to do it if you haven't already. The Lord will bless you.
Thank you all for your love and support as always. Have a wonderful week.
Love you lots,
Sister Green
This weekend was amazing. I loved General Conference. Sister Mauer and I did our best to invite people to come see it; even people we met the day of, because it's such an important event. The weekend always seems to go by so quickly but in 6 months we'll be able to enjoy it again.
We met a young college student named Sarah a week ago today and we invited her to come watch Conference. Yesterday we went to the Institute building to watch the first session and around 10:45 Sarah walked in with her Book of Mormon, ready to hear from the leaders of the church. She was really excited to hear from President Monson and she kept asking us "Will I be able to hear from the prophet today?"
She could only stay for and hour because of obligations with a club she's in at school and unfortunately she left just before President Monson spoke. Sister Mauer and I were a little sad but then we thought about the blessing it was to have someone come and be so willing to learn. I'm grateful for technology because she'll be able to watch what she missed online when she has time.
We also have another investigator Peter Wood who we've been teaching. He went to every single session of Conference including Priesthood session Saturday night. One of his concerns was he questioned the authority of the leaders of the Church. We promised him that if he truly had a desire to know and was sincere, the Holy Ghost would testify to him that our Heavenly Father continues to speak to us today through his prophet, President Monson.
Saturday evening he called us and we spoke to him briefly about the things he had learned during the Priesthood session. He told us he was able to speak to the bishop after the session as well and he said he knew, without a doubt, that President Monson is a prophet.
Likewise after the last session yesterday we had a lesson with him at the church and he began to get teary eyed as he talked about the way conference made him feel.He said that some people choose not to believe that there is a prophet on the earth today and twelve apostles that are real but to him it's true, and it's real.
I love the Spirit and how He testifies to us of all truth. One of my favorite things as a missionary is when I'm given the opportunity to be present when someone receives a witness from the Holy Ghost that the gospel or principles we've shared or have been sharing is true, and they decide to act on what they've learned. Lives can be changed forever.
An exciting event coming up is all this week (Tuesday-Friday), half of the mission will be in Austin receiving training on the eight new lessons that the 1st Presidency want the missionaries to learn. The other half of the mission will be trained in San Antonio next week I believe. The lessons are still from Preach My Gospel but emphasis has been added to the most important things that we all need to learn. It's going to be such a spiritual feast:)
Speaking of spiritual feasts I'm reminded of something. I was reading my scriptures in 3 Nephi where the Savior appears here and teaches the Nephites. In chapter 17:1-3 He tells them He has to leave soon. He shares a lot of things and knowing they do not understand everything he says; He invites them to go home, to ponder what He shared, and then to pray to Heavenly Father for understanding.
The Savior's invitation reminds me of General Conference. Our leaders share the things our Savior would tell us if He were here. A lot is shared with us over a two day period and if we follow the counsel we receive it will eventually lead us back to our Father in Heaven.
We've been inviting families as we meet with them, to ponder the messages of General Conference and then to pray for an understanding of how they can apply the teaches individually and within their families. I'm looking forward to doing this and I invite all of you to do it if you haven't already. The Lord will bless you.
Thank you all for your love and support as always. Have a wonderful week.
Love you lots,
Sister Green
09/27/2010
Dear Family,
It has been another great week. The weather is cooling down a lot and we're supposed to be in the 60's throughout the week. When Sister Mauer and I stepped outside of our apartment this morning I was cold; and it's only 66 degrees!
We were able to go to the General Relief Society Broadcast on Saturday and that was great. A woman named Nicole has been taught by the Elders and she was baptized a few hours before the broadcast. She was and continues to be so excited about the gospel. I loved looking at the expression on her face as we watched the leaders of the church speak to us about how we can become better women. She loved listening to President Monson and she's so excited to see more of him and the twelve this weekend.
I gave a talk yesterday at the university congregation Sister Mauer and I cover. I'll post it here if I have time. Other highlights for the week were that we had our interviews with President Jones this past Friday. I love being able to sit across from him, one on one, and receive his counsel. We also just got an e-mail toady telling us that a member of the Seventy (can't remember his name) will be visiting our mission next weekend and we'll be meeting with him in San Antonio. I love it when General Authorities come to teach us.
I love you all and hope you're excited and will make time to hear from the prophet this weekend. I know the things he'll share will be beneficial to all of us because they come directly from our Savior...
Have a great week,
Sister Green
P.S. I don't have time to type up my talk but maybe I'll send it next week:)
It has been another great week. The weather is cooling down a lot and we're supposed to be in the 60's throughout the week. When Sister Mauer and I stepped outside of our apartment this morning I was cold; and it's only 66 degrees!
We were able to go to the General Relief Society Broadcast on Saturday and that was great. A woman named Nicole has been taught by the Elders and she was baptized a few hours before the broadcast. She was and continues to be so excited about the gospel. I loved looking at the expression on her face as we watched the leaders of the church speak to us about how we can become better women. She loved listening to President Monson and she's so excited to see more of him and the twelve this weekend.
I gave a talk yesterday at the university congregation Sister Mauer and I cover. I'll post it here if I have time. Other highlights for the week were that we had our interviews with President Jones this past Friday. I love being able to sit across from him, one on one, and receive his counsel. We also just got an e-mail toady telling us that a member of the Seventy (can't remember his name) will be visiting our mission next weekend and we'll be meeting with him in San Antonio. I love it when General Authorities come to teach us.
I love you all and hope you're excited and will make time to hear from the prophet this weekend. I know the things he'll share will be beneficial to all of us because they come directly from our Savior...
Have a great week,
Sister Green
P.S. I don't have time to type up my talk but maybe I'll send it next week:)
09/20/2010
Dear Family,
I've attached some pictures of this past weeks highlights. The part member family we've been teaching for the past month has now become a full member family:) Brandon and Brooke were married this weekend and Brook and Brandon's daughter Zoie were both baptized as well.
It was great to be a part of something so wonderful. They had family members come from all over to support them in their decisions. I love to look back; the reason Sister Mauer and I ever began teaching them was because of a phone call from Brandon's mother asking to send us to their house. They were already prepared, the Lord just allowed us to be a part of it.
During the baptism and also the marriage I could feel the love our Heavenly Father and Savior have for them and of Their approval of the choices they were making together; to follow the commandments more fully so that they could partake of all the blessings Heavenly Father has prepared for us.
Sister Mauer and I got to spend some extra time with everyone back at their house and that was also nice. As we prepared to leave, Brandon's dad who traveled from New Mexico said "See you in a year." They're sights are on the temple now and they told us they were preparing to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple next September.
Later that evening when I was writing in my journal I thought a lot about families and the gift our Father in Heaven has provided for us to all be together forever. Heavenly Father is helping me understand in many different ways that because He is the Creator and has designed our happiness, He knows how we can "truly" be happy. Life would not be as important or have much meaning if we couldn't continue in our family relationships after this life.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm reminded of a quote by Elder Bednar who quoted this from someone else. "The gospel is to make bad men good and good men better." The Lord is mindful of us and His arms are always outstretched, ready to receive. I'm grateful for His love and for the the opportunity I've been given to be a member of His church.
Love you all,
Sister Green
P.S. Don't forget to let your light shine this week:)
I've attached some pictures of this past weeks highlights. The part member family we've been teaching for the past month has now become a full member family:) Brandon and Brooke were married this weekend and Brook and Brandon's daughter Zoie were both baptized as well.
It was great to be a part of something so wonderful. They had family members come from all over to support them in their decisions. I love to look back; the reason Sister Mauer and I ever began teaching them was because of a phone call from Brandon's mother asking to send us to their house. They were already prepared, the Lord just allowed us to be a part of it.
During the baptism and also the marriage I could feel the love our Heavenly Father and Savior have for them and of Their approval of the choices they were making together; to follow the commandments more fully so that they could partake of all the blessings Heavenly Father has prepared for us.
Sister Mauer and I got to spend some extra time with everyone back at their house and that was also nice. As we prepared to leave, Brandon's dad who traveled from New Mexico said "See you in a year." They're sights are on the temple now and they told us they were preparing to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple next September.
Later that evening when I was writing in my journal I thought a lot about families and the gift our Father in Heaven has provided for us to all be together forever. Heavenly Father is helping me understand in many different ways that because He is the Creator and has designed our happiness, He knows how we can "truly" be happy. Life would not be as important or have much meaning if we couldn't continue in our family relationships after this life.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm reminded of a quote by Elder Bednar who quoted this from someone else. "The gospel is to make bad men good and good men better." The Lord is mindful of us and His arms are always outstretched, ready to receive. I'm grateful for His love and for the the opportunity I've been given to be a member of His church.
Love you all,
Sister Green
P.S. Don't forget to let your light shine this week:)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
09/14/10
Dear Family,
We got our transfer calls last night and Sister Mauer and I are staying together for another transfer in San Marcos. I知 really happy. I was fine with anything but I知 glad I get to spend six months in an area. Working with Sister Mauer has gone well so this next transfer will be great.
Things are really moving forward. Sorry for such a short e-mail but hopefully the pictures will make up for it. These pictures were taken last Monday and a couple families from the Ward invited us to spend the day with them at a nearby Lake. We of course did not do anything in the water but we had a picnic and got to play different sports on the grass. It was fun.
We're with the Lee Family (I've mentioned them in past e-mails). There's Brother ans Sister Lee. Paul who is 5. Chrital is 11 and Charlene (next to me) is 9. Elder Riley(behind me) is our Zone Leader and Elder Halversen was in the MTC with me but he's only here for a week. Hope you enjoy. I'll write more next week.
Love you all,
Sister Green
We got our transfer calls last night and Sister Mauer and I are staying together for another transfer in San Marcos. I知 really happy. I was fine with anything but I知 glad I get to spend six months in an area. Working with Sister Mauer has gone well so this next transfer will be great.
Things are really moving forward. Sorry for such a short e-mail but hopefully the pictures will make up for it. These pictures were taken last Monday and a couple families from the Ward invited us to spend the day with them at a nearby Lake. We of course did not do anything in the water but we had a picnic and got to play different sports on the grass. It was fun.
We're with the Lee Family (I've mentioned them in past e-mails). There's Brother ans Sister Lee. Paul who is 5. Chrital is 11 and Charlene (next to me) is 9. Elder Riley(behind me) is our Zone Leader and Elder Halversen was in the MTC with me but he's only here for a week. Hope you enjoy. I'll write more next week.
Love you all,
Sister Green
09/06/10
Dear Family,
Things are continuing to go well this transfer. One quick reminder before I forget; next week will be transfer week so I won't e-mail until Tuesday. I'm really enjoying San Marcos and the people that have come here now that school has started again. Things have picked up. I don't have too much time today but know that things are good:)
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Things are continuing to go well this transfer. One quick reminder before I forget; next week will be transfer week so I won't e-mail until Tuesday. I'm really enjoying San Marcos and the people that have come here now that school has started again. Things have picked up. I don't have too much time today but know that things are good:)
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Friday, August 27, 2010
08/23/10
Hello,
A lot has happened this week. For four days out of the week about half of the missionaries were sent to San Antonio to be trained by President Jones. It was something issued by the 1st Presidency to help us as missionaries become more effective teachers. Not everyone was able to go but eventually all of us will have an opportunity to participate. There are eight new lessons outside of the ones we learned in Preach My Gospel and the MTC.
We had two Sisters stay with us for a couple of nights because it was too far for them to travel back to their apartments after the meeting. They shared some of the things they learned with Sister Mauer and I and I’m so excited to learn more.
We’ve lost some of our investigators this week but the Lord has blessed us and we’ve been able to continue to find people to teach.
Among some of the things the Sisters shared with us was how to effectively use the Book of Mormon. I've grown to love the Book of Mormon even more than I did before. We went over the introduction and we focused on the 1st paragraph, the 2nd to last paragraph, and the last paragraph.
The 1st paragraph describes "what" the Book of Mormon is. The 2nd to last paragraph tells us how all men can know if the Book is true and identifies "three" things we must do to receive a witness from the Holy Ghost. The last paragraph explains "why" it's important to know. For the past few days we've been sharing this with people and we've been able to help them understand the importance of the Book of Mormon. They love their Bible but we're helping them see that Heavenly Father does not give us everything all at once. He does it "line upon line."
2 Nephi 31 has become one of my favorite chapters. This chapter (as the introduction describes), ..."puts forth the doctrines of the gospel...and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."
Verse 21 has helped me to understand that God is a God of order and He knows that order will eliminate confusion. It shows His love for us and how He requires that we all do the same thing if we want to return to His presence.
"And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end Amen."
The truthfulness of the Book of Mormon has helped me be a more powerful missionary. I know it is the word of God along with the Bible and it is tangible evidence of the Restoration of the gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith.
Love you,
Sister Green
A lot has happened this week. For four days out of the week about half of the missionaries were sent to San Antonio to be trained by President Jones. It was something issued by the 1st Presidency to help us as missionaries become more effective teachers. Not everyone was able to go but eventually all of us will have an opportunity to participate. There are eight new lessons outside of the ones we learned in Preach My Gospel and the MTC.
We had two Sisters stay with us for a couple of nights because it was too far for them to travel back to their apartments after the meeting. They shared some of the things they learned with Sister Mauer and I and I’m so excited to learn more.
We’ve lost some of our investigators this week but the Lord has blessed us and we’ve been able to continue to find people to teach.
Among some of the things the Sisters shared with us was how to effectively use the Book of Mormon. I've grown to love the Book of Mormon even more than I did before. We went over the introduction and we focused on the 1st paragraph, the 2nd to last paragraph, and the last paragraph.
The 1st paragraph describes "what" the Book of Mormon is. The 2nd to last paragraph tells us how all men can know if the Book is true and identifies "three" things we must do to receive a witness from the Holy Ghost. The last paragraph explains "why" it's important to know. For the past few days we've been sharing this with people and we've been able to help them understand the importance of the Book of Mormon. They love their Bible but we're helping them see that Heavenly Father does not give us everything all at once. He does it "line upon line."
2 Nephi 31 has become one of my favorite chapters. This chapter (as the introduction describes), ..."puts forth the doctrines of the gospel...and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."
Verse 21 has helped me to understand that God is a God of order and He knows that order will eliminate confusion. It shows His love for us and how He requires that we all do the same thing if we want to return to His presence.
"And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end Amen."
The truthfulness of the Book of Mormon has helped me be a more powerful missionary. I know it is the word of God along with the Bible and it is tangible evidence of the Restoration of the gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith.
Love you,
Sister Green
08/16/10
Hello all,
Another great week here in San Marcos. Sister Mauer and I are really enjoying working together and sharing the gospel. We had a Zone Meeting this past week with the eight companionship's of missionaries in the Zone. Sister Mauer and I are the only Sisters. Our Zone Leaders Elder Murphy and Elder Riley gave us all an Atonement talk last P-Day and asked us to study it throughout the week until our Meeting on Friday. The talk was titled "Atonement: All for All" and it talked about how our Savior gave "all" He had and how we need to give "all" we have if we want to return to our Heavenly Father. It's really helped me to refocus again and has given me a desire to work harder. The General Authority that gave the talk (I can't remember his name) spoke about how we can become like our Savior and achieve eternal life but only if there is nothing we want more.
Sister Mauer and I have been really excited to go our and find and we've been blessed. we received a referral from our bishop and he told us he'd gotten a call from a member in Utah (a mother) who wanted the missionaries to stop by to see her less- active son. We were given phone numbers to call and we ended up talking to this sons girlfriend who is interested in learning about the gospel. She invited us over to their house for dinner and a lesson Saturday evening.
She expressed her desires to learn more about her purpose in life was and what she needed to be doing here. We shared the restoration and watched the DVD with them. We talked to them about the BofM and left her a chapter with questions to help her as she read. She later told us that when we handed her the BofM the first thought that came to her mind was "Okay, now I can start my life". We invited them to church and they both came.
Miracles are occurring. Peter Wood is also doing great and He has gone a full 24 hours without smoking. Ginger Griggs came to church for the first time yesterday and we've been teaching her for a couple months. Sister Mauer and I were also able to teach some great people.
A few days ago we were trying to figure out how we could best use our time. We ended up having some appointments fall through and we didn't know where we needed to go We offered a prayer and felt impressed to go see some potentials we hadn't seen in awhile. I wanted to go see a man named Walter and a 17 year old named Ashton.
I was planning on seeing Walter first but on our way I felt that we should got to Ashton's. She lives in an apartment complex and we when we went to see her she wasn't there. I knew we didn't get sent there for no reason and as we were driving away we saw a woman on her porch smoking. we pulled over to talked to her and she allowed us to share more with her. She wasn't too interested at first but once we began to talk to her about how our families can be together forever and how the fullness of the gospel has been restored through a modern day prophet she opened up, and she wants to continue learning more.
I've been trying to focus on teaching more effectively and that includes following the impressions that I receive from the Spirit in every aspect of my life. It's been difficult but I feel a lot better. I'm learning the difference between teaching with authority and teaching with power. As missionaries we are given the authority but the power comes when we work for it.
The Spirit of the Lord is sensitive and he can depart from us even if we do something as simple as thinking and dwelling upon an unkind thought. It truly is the baptism of "fire" that purifies us and helps us to do away with evil things and become more like our Savior.
"...lay hold upon every good thing and condemn it not..." (Moroni 7:19)
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Another great week here in San Marcos. Sister Mauer and I are really enjoying working together and sharing the gospel. We had a Zone Meeting this past week with the eight companionship's of missionaries in the Zone. Sister Mauer and I are the only Sisters. Our Zone Leaders Elder Murphy and Elder Riley gave us all an Atonement talk last P-Day and asked us to study it throughout the week until our Meeting on Friday. The talk was titled "Atonement: All for All" and it talked about how our Savior gave "all" He had and how we need to give "all" we have if we want to return to our Heavenly Father. It's really helped me to refocus again and has given me a desire to work harder. The General Authority that gave the talk (I can't remember his name) spoke about how we can become like our Savior and achieve eternal life but only if there is nothing we want more.
Sister Mauer and I have been really excited to go our and find and we've been blessed. we received a referral from our bishop and he told us he'd gotten a call from a member in Utah (a mother) who wanted the missionaries to stop by to see her less- active son. We were given phone numbers to call and we ended up talking to this sons girlfriend who is interested in learning about the gospel. She invited us over to their house for dinner and a lesson Saturday evening.
She expressed her desires to learn more about her purpose in life was and what she needed to be doing here. We shared the restoration and watched the DVD with them. We talked to them about the BofM and left her a chapter with questions to help her as she read. She later told us that when we handed her the BofM the first thought that came to her mind was "Okay, now I can start my life". We invited them to church and they both came.
Miracles are occurring. Peter Wood is also doing great and He has gone a full 24 hours without smoking. Ginger Griggs came to church for the first time yesterday and we've been teaching her for a couple months. Sister Mauer and I were also able to teach some great people.
A few days ago we were trying to figure out how we could best use our time. We ended up having some appointments fall through and we didn't know where we needed to go We offered a prayer and felt impressed to go see some potentials we hadn't seen in awhile. I wanted to go see a man named Walter and a 17 year old named Ashton.
I was planning on seeing Walter first but on our way I felt that we should got to Ashton's. She lives in an apartment complex and we when we went to see her she wasn't there. I knew we didn't get sent there for no reason and as we were driving away we saw a woman on her porch smoking. we pulled over to talked to her and she allowed us to share more with her. She wasn't too interested at first but once we began to talk to her about how our families can be together forever and how the fullness of the gospel has been restored through a modern day prophet she opened up, and she wants to continue learning more.
I've been trying to focus on teaching more effectively and that includes following the impressions that I receive from the Spirit in every aspect of my life. It's been difficult but I feel a lot better. I'm learning the difference between teaching with authority and teaching with power. As missionaries we are given the authority but the power comes when we work for it.
The Spirit of the Lord is sensitive and he can depart from us even if we do something as simple as thinking and dwelling upon an unkind thought. It truly is the baptism of "fire" that purifies us and helps us to do away with evil things and become more like our Savior.
"...lay hold upon every good thing and condemn it not..." (Moroni 7:19)
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
08/09/10
Hello,
Transfer week was great. My new companion is Sister Mauer. She's from Carson City Nevada and she's been out a little over six months. Things have gone well so far and we're excited for another transfer. At transfer meeting this Thursday the Assistants testified of the inspired placement of each of us in our areas. This was President Jones' first transfer cycle and he sought diligently to do the Lord's will concerning each of us. It's been comforting and reassuring to work with Sister Mauer these past few days and to have the Spirit testify to me that the Lord is guiding our leaders and will guide us in our companionship as well.
This week we've been blessed to recognize and understand moments where the power of the Atonement was in effect. We're teaching a woman named Nicole who the Elders found a couple weeks ago. She lives in the same apartment complex that they do and she told us that the night before she met the Elders, she had been praying for the Lord's help in her life. When the Elders saw her the next day, she listened, and she was willing to act.
I've been impressed with the ability some people have to forsake a lifetime of bad habits when they learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm learning the importance of fully submitting our will to Heavenly Father so that we can fully receive and take part in the blessings of the Atonement. Our Savior gave His all and He asks us to give all we can in return, promising us that He will make up the difference.
This is a lesson I struggle with but being around people who are literally thirsting for knowledge, pure love, truth, forgiveness, and many other things we can receive from our Savior; I've been inspired to work and be better.
One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is 2 Nephi 26:24..."He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
I love you all,
Sister Green
Transfer week was great. My new companion is Sister Mauer. She's from Carson City Nevada and she's been out a little over six months. Things have gone well so far and we're excited for another transfer. At transfer meeting this Thursday the Assistants testified of the inspired placement of each of us in our areas. This was President Jones' first transfer cycle and he sought diligently to do the Lord's will concerning each of us. It's been comforting and reassuring to work with Sister Mauer these past few days and to have the Spirit testify to me that the Lord is guiding our leaders and will guide us in our companionship as well.
This week we've been blessed to recognize and understand moments where the power of the Atonement was in effect. We're teaching a woman named Nicole who the Elders found a couple weeks ago. She lives in the same apartment complex that they do and she told us that the night before she met the Elders, she had been praying for the Lord's help in her life. When the Elders saw her the next day, she listened, and she was willing to act.
I've been impressed with the ability some people have to forsake a lifetime of bad habits when they learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm learning the importance of fully submitting our will to Heavenly Father so that we can fully receive and take part in the blessings of the Atonement. Our Savior gave His all and He asks us to give all we can in return, promising us that He will make up the difference.
This is a lesson I struggle with but being around people who are literally thirsting for knowledge, pure love, truth, forgiveness, and many other things we can receive from our Savior; I've been inspired to work and be better.
One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is 2 Nephi 26:24..."He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
I love you all,
Sister Green
08/03/10
Hello Family,
Transfer week has arrived again and we received our calls last night. Sister Christensen is leaving and I will be staying here for at least another transfer. We'll find out who our new companions are this Thursday. We ended the transfer well and this past week we've seen many miracles.
One came this Friday. We were in a neighborhood trying to contact a few people but no one answered. We saw a man on his phone and we went to go talk to him. I usually am a little apprehensive about talking to people who are on the phone because most people don't like it, but we've been desperately looking for people to teach and nothing happens in missionary work until we find someone.
When we walked up he immediately told the person he was on the phone with that he had to let them go and then he allowed us to introduce ourselves. He told us his name was Peter and that he'd been taught by the missionaries a few years ago in San Antonio but they didn't move forward, because he couldn't stop smoking. He's a truck driver and is on the road a lot. He has a lot of time to think and he told us he knows he needs to change and wants to start learning about the church again and stop smoking.
We prayed and shared a brief restoration and talked about some of the things he remembered from when the Elders were teaching him. We invited him out to church and he seemed really excited to come. We planned to give him a call Saturday night to remind him but our night was full and it slipped our minds. After our PEC Meeting on Sunday we called him and he said he was on his way out the door. He showed up about fifteen minutes before church started and he loved it! We'd planned to meet up with him again this week and later that afternoon he left Sister Christensen and I a message thanking us for finding and inviting him to come out to church. It was great.
As you all know it was fast and testimony meeting this week and I always get a little nervous to have investigators there but it was a really spiritual meeting. I felt Saturday night that I should share my testimony (which is something I'd never done) and I felt that I should talk about the Atonement. When the meeting started my heart was pounding and it went even faster when it was time to share our testimonies. One of the Elders went to share his testimony and he spoke about the Atonement. His companion who is going home this week also went and talked about the Atonement. The Spirit was so overwhelming and I knew I needed to get up and talk about the Atonement too. So I did; and it was great. Sister Christensen also bore her testimony and everyone kept telling us how good it was to hear from the missionaries. I love fast and testimony meeting. I feel that I got so much more out of this one because I shared something that's been developing. It reminds me of a quote by President Monson regarding testimonies where he basically said as we share them they grow but when we don't we could lose what we have.
Another Sister in the ward shared her testimony and some of her comments are forever embedded in my mind. She told us a few nights ago she was on the phone with one of her friends and her friend asked her why she was a member of the Mormon church. She compared her desire to live the gospel to breathing and she said "If you breathe you stay alive, so why wouldn't you want to breathe?" and then she said "If you live the principles of the gospel you will have true happiness, so why wouldn't you live it"? It's simple but it made a lot of sense to me.
Later Sunday evening we attended a wedding that was for a couple the Elders found knocking a few weeks ago, they've been taking the lessons and will be baptized next week. Miracles are happening for sure in our little Zone and Mission. My testimony of the Lord preparing people to receive His gospel has been strengthened a lot this past week.
I feel like I could write forever but I'll let you go now. Thank you for your prayers and for all of your support. Have a great week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
P.S. I attached a few pictures. The first one is with a member in my last area (Sister Alvarado) and the other two were taken on my birthday...Don't mind the crooked candles on the cake:)
Transfer week has arrived again and we received our calls last night. Sister Christensen is leaving and I will be staying here for at least another transfer. We'll find out who our new companions are this Thursday. We ended the transfer well and this past week we've seen many miracles.
One came this Friday. We were in a neighborhood trying to contact a few people but no one answered. We saw a man on his phone and we went to go talk to him. I usually am a little apprehensive about talking to people who are on the phone because most people don't like it, but we've been desperately looking for people to teach and nothing happens in missionary work until we find someone.
When we walked up he immediately told the person he was on the phone with that he had to let them go and then he allowed us to introduce ourselves. He told us his name was Peter and that he'd been taught by the missionaries a few years ago in San Antonio but they didn't move forward, because he couldn't stop smoking. He's a truck driver and is on the road a lot. He has a lot of time to think and he told us he knows he needs to change and wants to start learning about the church again and stop smoking.
We prayed and shared a brief restoration and talked about some of the things he remembered from when the Elders were teaching him. We invited him out to church and he seemed really excited to come. We planned to give him a call Saturday night to remind him but our night was full and it slipped our minds. After our PEC Meeting on Sunday we called him and he said he was on his way out the door. He showed up about fifteen minutes before church started and he loved it! We'd planned to meet up with him again this week and later that afternoon he left Sister Christensen and I a message thanking us for finding and inviting him to come out to church. It was great.
As you all know it was fast and testimony meeting this week and I always get a little nervous to have investigators there but it was a really spiritual meeting. I felt Saturday night that I should share my testimony (which is something I'd never done) and I felt that I should talk about the Atonement. When the meeting started my heart was pounding and it went even faster when it was time to share our testimonies. One of the Elders went to share his testimony and he spoke about the Atonement. His companion who is going home this week also went and talked about the Atonement. The Spirit was so overwhelming and I knew I needed to get up and talk about the Atonement too. So I did; and it was great. Sister Christensen also bore her testimony and everyone kept telling us how good it was to hear from the missionaries. I love fast and testimony meeting. I feel that I got so much more out of this one because I shared something that's been developing. It reminds me of a quote by President Monson regarding testimonies where he basically said as we share them they grow but when we don't we could lose what we have.
Another Sister in the ward shared her testimony and some of her comments are forever embedded in my mind. She told us a few nights ago she was on the phone with one of her friends and her friend asked her why she was a member of the Mormon church. She compared her desire to live the gospel to breathing and she said "If you breathe you stay alive, so why wouldn't you want to breathe?" and then she said "If you live the principles of the gospel you will have true happiness, so why wouldn't you live it"? It's simple but it made a lot of sense to me.
Later Sunday evening we attended a wedding that was for a couple the Elders found knocking a few weeks ago, they've been taking the lessons and will be baptized next week. Miracles are happening for sure in our little Zone and Mission. My testimony of the Lord preparing people to receive His gospel has been strengthened a lot this past week.
I feel like I could write forever but I'll let you go now. Thank you for your prayers and for all of your support. Have a great week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
P.S. I attached a few pictures. The first one is with a member in my last area (Sister Alvarado) and the other two were taken on my birthday...Don't mind the crooked candles on the cake:)
Monday, August 2, 2010
07/26/10
Wow,
Today has been a really great day so far. I feel very loved. I opened my e-mail this afternoon to tons of letters from all of you; my loved ones. Thank you for your support. It feels good.
This week has also gone well. Some of the investigators we've been teaching are slipping a little bit and it's been difficult to help them progress. Halfway during the week I got a little discouraged feeling that we were not fulfilling our purpose and I started to change my prayers. I wanted to do good and help someone so I told Heavenly Father I knew He could help us find people that would receive us, and I tried to focus more when we were out tracting.
One morning Sister Christensen and I walked to a trailer park close to our apartment complex. We'd knocked a little of it before but there were still some parts we hadn't touched. To start no one was too interested and some people who saw us coming went inside because they didn't want to talk to us....Good thing we were "knocking doors", we got to talk to them anyway:) On our way we started to pass a car that was parked next to a trailer. I glanced over as we walked by and saw a man sitting in the driver's seat. The window was partially rolled down so I went up to him and said hello. We began to talk to him and he told us he had a friend in high school who was a member and he would ask him questions all the time. He's now in his thirty's I believe and he hadn't heard anything about the church since.
We told him a little about the gospel and he opened up and asked us the famous question "If there truly is a God, then why does He allow bad things to happen"? He told us about some of the problems he was having in his family and he felt that no matter how hard he tried to keep them close it seemed like nothing worked. We told him about how God has called another prophet on the earth to help us with the different things we are going through today and also to help us know how we can strengthen our family relationships.
We gave him a pamphlet and The Family Proclamation and he told us it was comforting to hear something good. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I love sharing the gospel. I love being an instrument in the Lord's hands in helping others experience true joy.Since that day Sister Christensen and I have had several more experiences throughout the week where we've been led to people who were willing to listen. It's been great.
Thank you all again for remembering me. Have a great week:)
I love you guys,
Sister Green
Today has been a really great day so far. I feel very loved. I opened my e-mail this afternoon to tons of letters from all of you; my loved ones. Thank you for your support. It feels good.
This week has also gone well. Some of the investigators we've been teaching are slipping a little bit and it's been difficult to help them progress. Halfway during the week I got a little discouraged feeling that we were not fulfilling our purpose and I started to change my prayers. I wanted to do good and help someone so I told Heavenly Father I knew He could help us find people that would receive us, and I tried to focus more when we were out tracting.
One morning Sister Christensen and I walked to a trailer park close to our apartment complex. We'd knocked a little of it before but there were still some parts we hadn't touched. To start no one was too interested and some people who saw us coming went inside because they didn't want to talk to us....Good thing we were "knocking doors", we got to talk to them anyway:) On our way we started to pass a car that was parked next to a trailer. I glanced over as we walked by and saw a man sitting in the driver's seat. The window was partially rolled down so I went up to him and said hello. We began to talk to him and he told us he had a friend in high school who was a member and he would ask him questions all the time. He's now in his thirty's I believe and he hadn't heard anything about the church since.
We told him a little about the gospel and he opened up and asked us the famous question "If there truly is a God, then why does He allow bad things to happen"? He told us about some of the problems he was having in his family and he felt that no matter how hard he tried to keep them close it seemed like nothing worked. We told him about how God has called another prophet on the earth to help us with the different things we are going through today and also to help us know how we can strengthen our family relationships.
We gave him a pamphlet and The Family Proclamation and he told us it was comforting to hear something good. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I love sharing the gospel. I love being an instrument in the Lord's hands in helping others experience true joy.Since that day Sister Christensen and I have had several more experiences throughout the week where we've been led to people who were willing to listen. It's been great.
Thank you all again for remembering me. Have a great week:)
I love you guys,
Sister Green
Monday, July 19, 2010
07/19/10
Hello Family,
This week was nice. All week things happen and I'm excited to share it but then I get here and I always seem to have a block when I sit down. People are getting really excited about Pioneer Day this week. We're meeting in a town named Kyle (about 20 min. North of San Marco) at a place called Texas Old Town and from 5-11 there's going to be lots of everything there. We've met people who aren't members who say they've either been before or are planning on going. Sister Christensen and I will go if any of our investigators go but if not then there are other things we can do with our time.
Nothing too new to report. Sorry my e-mail is short but I have to get going. Life is good:)
Love you all,
Sister Green
This week was nice. All week things happen and I'm excited to share it but then I get here and I always seem to have a block when I sit down. People are getting really excited about Pioneer Day this week. We're meeting in a town named Kyle (about 20 min. North of San Marco) at a place called Texas Old Town and from 5-11 there's going to be lots of everything there. We've met people who aren't members who say they've either been before or are planning on going. Sister Christensen and I will go if any of our investigators go but if not then there are other things we can do with our time.
Nothing too new to report. Sorry my e-mail is short but I have to get going. Life is good:)
Love you all,
Sister Green
07/12/10
Hello family,
Zone Conference this week went well. The Jones are a great family. They came here with four of the six children they have. (12, 15, 17 & 22). Their daughter, the 22 year old will be getting married at the end of the month here in Texas and then she'll go back to California with her husband.
I'm really excited for everything. When President Jones was talking he told us about the process they went through when he was called to be a Mission President and testified of his and our calls to serve in Texas. There are a few changes that are going to be taking place in the Mission, issued by the First Presidency but we're looking forward to it. We will no longer be having Zone Conferences or President interviews once a transfer, it's been changed to once every 3 months. President said the purpose of this was so he would have more time to be in the field with us.
We're continuing to work with our investigators and helping them prepare for baptism. There isn't really anything too new to report on this week but things are moving forward. I don't have a lot of time to write today but I love you all.
Have a good week,
Sister Green
Zone Conference this week went well. The Jones are a great family. They came here with four of the six children they have. (12, 15, 17 & 22). Their daughter, the 22 year old will be getting married at the end of the month here in Texas and then she'll go back to California with her husband.
I'm really excited for everything. When President Jones was talking he told us about the process they went through when he was called to be a Mission President and testified of his and our calls to serve in Texas. There are a few changes that are going to be taking place in the Mission, issued by the First Presidency but we're looking forward to it. We will no longer be having Zone Conferences or President interviews once a transfer, it's been changed to once every 3 months. President said the purpose of this was so he would have more time to be in the field with us.
We're continuing to work with our investigators and helping them prepare for baptism. There isn't really anything too new to report on this week but things are moving forward. I don't have a lot of time to write today but I love you all.
Have a good week,
Sister Green
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
07/05/10
Hello hello,
Another great week here in the TSAM (Texas San Antonio Mission). The Jones' arrived on Wednesday and the Cutler's left Thursday. Wednesday night President Cutler sent all of us a message that read "Elders and Sisters, the Jones' have arrived safely. They are wonderful. We love you all and you are in our prayers. We are now signing off...God be with you til we meet again! Love Pres and Sis Cutler and family." My pillow got a little wet that night.
We get to meet and hear from the Jones' this Wednesday for our first Zone Conference of the month/transfer up in Austin. President Jones already sounds great. Because of the holiday weekend the library is closed and we hadn't heard from our Zone Leaders about using members computers or not so we called President Jones. He was very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing him in person.
One of our investigators Ginger Griggs, got really sick on Friday. She's on Oxygen and she's also in a wheelchair. She has C.O.P.D. She's told us several times what it is but it still hasn't clicked yet. It was really humid on Saturday and we'd planned to have a church tour with her before Sunday but she called us during our lunch and told us she wasn't going to make it because she was having a difficult time breathing and the humidity would make it worse. A thought came in my mind to ask her if she wanted a blessing but I didn't and we hung up. I kept thinking about it and I thought "why not?" I said a quick prayer asking for the right words to say and help for her to understand and I called her back. (Only a few minutes had gone by). I asked her if she wanted a blessing and it went silent. She said she didn't know what that was so I explained it briefly and asked her again and she said "That sounds good." We called people in the ward and several men were available and willing to help out. They showed up within the hour and were able to give Ginger a blessing. The Spirit was nice. She's doing better and we have another appointment with her tomorrow.
In our weekly missionary meeting we talked about setting goals in our companionship that will help us be better this transfer. In our companionship study Sister Christensen and I were praying about it and we opened up the scriptures to Jacob 1:19 which says: "And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day." This is good incentive to not be lazy:) and it's now our theme for the transfer and hopefully for the rest of our missions. It's really helped us to refocus and try a little harder.
On Saturday Sister Christensen and I went knocking in a neighborhood we haven't really working in much. We had been knocking for about and hour and we only had a few more houses left when we met three college-aged guys Colby, Ben, and Cameron who were outside. They had just gotten back from the lake that's not too far from here and everyone always goes there. They told us that they'd never talked to missionaries before but Ben has an aunt who is Mormon. Colby's father is a Methodist minister and Cameron was raised Methodist as well I believe. They allowed us to share more with them and we said a prayer and began to talk about the restoration. They like most people were surprised to hear that we have a living prophet on the earth and hadn't heard about him until then. We invited them to pray and promised them that if they did with a sincere desire to know, Heavenly Father would help them. I love the Spirit. I love that I can open my mouth and speak truth and that truth can be carried to all who hear it. My heart is growing.
Hope you all had a wonderful fourth of July holiday. Yesterday was a bit tough because everyone was preparing to be with their families for the day. Sister Christensen and I were able to meet two sisters who were cleaning out their car at a gas station and we talked to them for a few minutes. One of the Sisters Lydia, has two sons in prison and the other Sister Nina, just lost one of her daughters. They're not from here but they let us pray with them and we shared the Plan of Salvation pamphlet with them as well. We tried to reassure them of our Saviors and Heavenly Father's love for them. I can't wait to see what will come of all the pass-along cards, pamphlets, and Books of Mormon that have been given to people.
It's been a great week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Another great week here in the TSAM (Texas San Antonio Mission). The Jones' arrived on Wednesday and the Cutler's left Thursday. Wednesday night President Cutler sent all of us a message that read "Elders and Sisters, the Jones' have arrived safely. They are wonderful. We love you all and you are in our prayers. We are now signing off...God be with you til we meet again! Love Pres and Sis Cutler and family." My pillow got a little wet that night.
We get to meet and hear from the Jones' this Wednesday for our first Zone Conference of the month/transfer up in Austin. President Jones already sounds great. Because of the holiday weekend the library is closed and we hadn't heard from our Zone Leaders about using members computers or not so we called President Jones. He was very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing him in person.
One of our investigators Ginger Griggs, got really sick on Friday. She's on Oxygen and she's also in a wheelchair. She has C.O.P.D. She's told us several times what it is but it still hasn't clicked yet. It was really humid on Saturday and we'd planned to have a church tour with her before Sunday but she called us during our lunch and told us she wasn't going to make it because she was having a difficult time breathing and the humidity would make it worse. A thought came in my mind to ask her if she wanted a blessing but I didn't and we hung up. I kept thinking about it and I thought "why not?" I said a quick prayer asking for the right words to say and help for her to understand and I called her back. (Only a few minutes had gone by). I asked her if she wanted a blessing and it went silent. She said she didn't know what that was so I explained it briefly and asked her again and she said "That sounds good." We called people in the ward and several men were available and willing to help out. They showed up within the hour and were able to give Ginger a blessing. The Spirit was nice. She's doing better and we have another appointment with her tomorrow.
In our weekly missionary meeting we talked about setting goals in our companionship that will help us be better this transfer. In our companionship study Sister Christensen and I were praying about it and we opened up the scriptures to Jacob 1:19 which says: "And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day." This is good incentive to not be lazy:) and it's now our theme for the transfer and hopefully for the rest of our missions. It's really helped us to refocus and try a little harder.
On Saturday Sister Christensen and I went knocking in a neighborhood we haven't really working in much. We had been knocking for about and hour and we only had a few more houses left when we met three college-aged guys Colby, Ben, and Cameron who were outside. They had just gotten back from the lake that's not too far from here and everyone always goes there. They told us that they'd never talked to missionaries before but Ben has an aunt who is Mormon. Colby's father is a Methodist minister and Cameron was raised Methodist as well I believe. They allowed us to share more with them and we said a prayer and began to talk about the restoration. They like most people were surprised to hear that we have a living prophet on the earth and hadn't heard about him until then. We invited them to pray and promised them that if they did with a sincere desire to know, Heavenly Father would help them. I love the Spirit. I love that I can open my mouth and speak truth and that truth can be carried to all who hear it. My heart is growing.
Hope you all had a wonderful fourth of July holiday. Yesterday was a bit tough because everyone was preparing to be with their families for the day. Sister Christensen and I were able to meet two sisters who were cleaning out their car at a gas station and we talked to them for a few minutes. One of the Sisters Lydia, has two sons in prison and the other Sister Nina, just lost one of her daughters. They're not from here but they let us pray with them and we shared the Plan of Salvation pamphlet with them as well. We tried to reassure them of our Saviors and Heavenly Father's love for them. I can't wait to see what will come of all the pass-along cards, pamphlets, and Books of Mormon that have been given to people.
It's been a great week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
06/28/10
Hello,
It's been a busy but good transfer week. We had a lot of missionaries leave but we had the same amount come in. President and Sister Jones arrive this Wednesday with their family and President and Sister Cutler leave on Thursday; we're sad but excited. Sister Christensen and I were at a members house this morning and it was fun to see President Jones' name in the new Ensign for the month. There are a lot of new Mission Presidents this month.
We're continuing to see miracles and find people to teach. On Thursday we were trying to contact someone we found in our area book and we knocked on what we thought was her house. A man answered and he immediately invited us inside. His name is Eric and he's talked to missionaries on and off since 1998. He knew the woman we were looking for and told us she used to live in the building next door (which is identical to where he lives) but she had moved away. We got to know him a little bit and he began to tell us a little about his life. He's married but 3 weeks ago his wife left him and their three year old son Matthew, and now she wants a divorce. When he was talking I was praying to have Heavenly Father help us know what to say to him. All we could do was share our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ. We talked a little about the Atonement and read a few scriptures from the Book of Mormon about different people who were going through difficult times but found comfort in Christ.
He seemed to be doing a little better and as we prepared to leave we asked him if there was anything more we could do for him. He said he remembered how people in our church can give blessings and he asked if he had to be a member to receive one. We told him he was welcome to have one whenever he wanted and he requested for us to come back the next day (Friday).
Later that night we had a weekly meeting with our Ward Mission Leader and we talked about who would be best to fellowship Eric. We called the member our WML suggested, Brother Payne, and went with him to see Eric the next day. He's a young single adult and he was willing to help out. Eric told Brother Payne about some of the things he was going through and Brother Payne opened up and told him that he had gone through a similar experience which I hadn't known. I'm grateful and continue to be amazed at how aware Heavenly Father is of all of us.
The quote where an apostle says Heavenly Father is mindful of us bit it's usually through another person that he answers our needs, keeps going through my mind. There are a lot of people who are in need and I guess they stand out because I'm supposed to be looking for them. We never know it but people all around us are struggling with their individual battles. If we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost we can be the comfort and support they've been hoping for. I'm grateful to have been in the right place to help bring comfort to someone in need. Sister Christensen and I are excited for our appointment with him in a couple days.
I'm looking forward to another transfer. Some things will be new and different but I'm excited. I'm enjoying every minute of sharing the gospel and being a missionary; even in the hottest of moments:). Thank you for your love and support. Love you all and hope you have a great week.
Happy 4th of July,
Sister Green
It's been a busy but good transfer week. We had a lot of missionaries leave but we had the same amount come in. President and Sister Jones arrive this Wednesday with their family and President and Sister Cutler leave on Thursday; we're sad but excited. Sister Christensen and I were at a members house this morning and it was fun to see President Jones' name in the new Ensign for the month. There are a lot of new Mission Presidents this month.
We're continuing to see miracles and find people to teach. On Thursday we were trying to contact someone we found in our area book and we knocked on what we thought was her house. A man answered and he immediately invited us inside. His name is Eric and he's talked to missionaries on and off since 1998. He knew the woman we were looking for and told us she used to live in the building next door (which is identical to where he lives) but she had moved away. We got to know him a little bit and he began to tell us a little about his life. He's married but 3 weeks ago his wife left him and their three year old son Matthew, and now she wants a divorce. When he was talking I was praying to have Heavenly Father help us know what to say to him. All we could do was share our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ. We talked a little about the Atonement and read a few scriptures from the Book of Mormon about different people who were going through difficult times but found comfort in Christ.
He seemed to be doing a little better and as we prepared to leave we asked him if there was anything more we could do for him. He said he remembered how people in our church can give blessings and he asked if he had to be a member to receive one. We told him he was welcome to have one whenever he wanted and he requested for us to come back the next day (Friday).
Later that night we had a weekly meeting with our Ward Mission Leader and we talked about who would be best to fellowship Eric. We called the member our WML suggested, Brother Payne, and went with him to see Eric the next day. He's a young single adult and he was willing to help out. Eric told Brother Payne about some of the things he was going through and Brother Payne opened up and told him that he had gone through a similar experience which I hadn't known. I'm grateful and continue to be amazed at how aware Heavenly Father is of all of us.
The quote where an apostle says Heavenly Father is mindful of us bit it's usually through another person that he answers our needs, keeps going through my mind. There are a lot of people who are in need and I guess they stand out because I'm supposed to be looking for them. We never know it but people all around us are struggling with their individual battles. If we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost we can be the comfort and support they've been hoping for. I'm grateful to have been in the right place to help bring comfort to someone in need. Sister Christensen and I are excited for our appointment with him in a couple days.
I'm looking forward to another transfer. Some things will be new and different but I'm excited. I'm enjoying every minute of sharing the gospel and being a missionary; even in the hottest of moments:). Thank you for your love and support. Love you all and hope you have a great week.
Happy 4th of July,
Sister Green
06/22/10
Hello all,
I don't have much time this week but life continues to go well here in the land of Texas.Yesterday Sister Christensen and I met a lady named Ginger Griggs. Missionaries have taught her before but they stopped and wrote her down in our area book. We were looking through it and figured we'd stop by to meet her.
She was/is really sweet and asked us inside before we could introduce ourselves. We got to know her a little bit and she told us she has a desire to learn more about the gospel but she said she's not going to convert....We'll see about that:) Through talking with her it turns out that she has family members who are in our ward. Her granddaughter is 12 years old and she comes to visit her all the time so she wants to learn more about the things she's learning. We're hoping that her desire to learn will also help her to gain a testimony for herself.
The temperature is rising and I was a little disappointed when someone told us that summer officially started a couple of days ago. It's been hot since April! People here have been really good about offering us something to drink and I've been really good at giving them an opportunity to serve us by always accepting:)
Other then that I can't thing of anything else that's happened this week. Promise my next e-mail will be longer. Have a wonderful week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
P.S. Sister Christensen and I are staying together for another transfer:) Our first one was tough but I was praying that we'd stay together for at least one more so it'll be good. Love ya
I don't have much time this week but life continues to go well here in the land of Texas.Yesterday Sister Christensen and I met a lady named Ginger Griggs. Missionaries have taught her before but they stopped and wrote her down in our area book. We were looking through it and figured we'd stop by to meet her.
She was/is really sweet and asked us inside before we could introduce ourselves. We got to know her a little bit and she told us she has a desire to learn more about the gospel but she said she's not going to convert....We'll see about that:) Through talking with her it turns out that she has family members who are in our ward. Her granddaughter is 12 years old and she comes to visit her all the time so she wants to learn more about the things she's learning. We're hoping that her desire to learn will also help her to gain a testimony for herself.
The temperature is rising and I was a little disappointed when someone told us that summer officially started a couple of days ago. It's been hot since April! People here have been really good about offering us something to drink and I've been really good at giving them an opportunity to serve us by always accepting:)
Other then that I can't thing of anything else that's happened this week. Promise my next e-mail will be longer. Have a wonderful week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
P.S. Sister Christensen and I are staying together for another transfer:) Our first one was tough but I was praying that we'd stay together for at least one more so it'll be good. Love ya
Monday, June 14, 2010
06/14/10
Hello,
Another good week here. We've been really blessed with a lot of new people to teach and things are picking up with the University Branch. We're having an activity on Thursday that we've asked the members to bring their friends to so we can try to find more people to share the gospel with. Before I forget transfers are next week so I won't be e-mailing until Tuesday. 6 weeks and time goes by fast (in a couple days it'll be a year ago that I got my call). Things continue to go well with Sister Christensen and I. I kind of hope we stay together for at least one more transfer because we're starting to work really well together. If not then that's okay too.
Tonight we're having dinner/f.h.e. with a part-member family, the Cheng's. We've been teaching their 9 year old daughter Sarah and trying to prepare her for baptism. Her parents are just starting to come around to go back to church so we're trying to help them become active again; that way they all can be in the church together.
A couple of days ago we knocked into two students going to Texas State (Matt & Ian). They're both in grad school for physical therapy. Matt was raised Church of Christ and Ian was raised Catholic. Ian wasn't too excited to talk to us but Matt answered the door and immediately invited us in. He went on a couple of different missions for his church so he knows all about going door to door. He had never had anyone come to his door and he didn't know a lot about Mormons but he was really receptive.
We got to learn a little about them then we started with a prayer and they allowed us to share the Restoration. The Spirit helped me to be really bold with them. When we talked about how there is a living prophet on the earth today Ian asked us what the difference between the pope and the prophet was. We talked to them about the priesthood being restored to the earth. I use to be hesitant when I explained how Joseph Smith received the priesthood but know I love talking about it. Nothing brings the Spirit faster than when we share truth with people; then they can chose for themselves.
They're not converted or convinced but they didn't reject anything we said. Matt asked us if he could have the Book of Mormon and we left them with that as well as a pamphlet they could read. They're both really busy with school right now and we weren't able to set up a return appointment but I keep thinking about and praying for them. I love it when we can help people learn more about the church.
Other than that there's nothing too new to report. The work is moving forward. Love you all. Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men in my life:)
Sister Green
Another good week here. We've been really blessed with a lot of new people to teach and things are picking up with the University Branch. We're having an activity on Thursday that we've asked the members to bring their friends to so we can try to find more people to share the gospel with. Before I forget transfers are next week so I won't be e-mailing until Tuesday. 6 weeks and time goes by fast (in a couple days it'll be a year ago that I got my call). Things continue to go well with Sister Christensen and I. I kind of hope we stay together for at least one more transfer because we're starting to work really well together. If not then that's okay too.
Tonight we're having dinner/f.h.e. with a part-member family, the Cheng's. We've been teaching their 9 year old daughter Sarah and trying to prepare her for baptism. Her parents are just starting to come around to go back to church so we're trying to help them become active again; that way they all can be in the church together.
A couple of days ago we knocked into two students going to Texas State (Matt & Ian). They're both in grad school for physical therapy. Matt was raised Church of Christ and Ian was raised Catholic. Ian wasn't too excited to talk to us but Matt answered the door and immediately invited us in. He went on a couple of different missions for his church so he knows all about going door to door. He had never had anyone come to his door and he didn't know a lot about Mormons but he was really receptive.
We got to learn a little about them then we started with a prayer and they allowed us to share the Restoration. The Spirit helped me to be really bold with them. When we talked about how there is a living prophet on the earth today Ian asked us what the difference between the pope and the prophet was. We talked to them about the priesthood being restored to the earth. I use to be hesitant when I explained how Joseph Smith received the priesthood but know I love talking about it. Nothing brings the Spirit faster than when we share truth with people; then they can chose for themselves.
They're not converted or convinced but they didn't reject anything we said. Matt asked us if he could have the Book of Mormon and we left them with that as well as a pamphlet they could read. They're both really busy with school right now and we weren't able to set up a return appointment but I keep thinking about and praying for them. I love it when we can help people learn more about the church.
Other than that there's nothing too new to report. The work is moving forward. Love you all. Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men in my life:)
Sister Green
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
05/31/10
Hello hello,
(You're probably still sleeping and since it's a holiday I suppose that's okay)
Each week gets better and better here in San Marcos. I'm getting used to being a missionary in the family ward and also in the singles branch. Lots of good things have happened and Sister Christensen and I have been able to meet a lot of nice people this week.
On Tuesday we fasted as a Zone to pray for different ways that we could help our brothers and sisters come unto our Savior through baptism. Sister Christensen and I specifically prayed to have more love for the people here; to see them the way Heavenly Father sees them. We also prayed and asked Heavenly Father to soften the hearts of the people here (Alma 8:10). Throughout the day we were counting our blessings and looking for little miracles. People were more receptive and although most of them said they were comfortable where they were, more people listened and we were able to plant seeds.
Last night on our way home we met a young man sitting on his porch. We went to talk to him and we introduced ourselves as the missionaries. He told us his family was Christian and very religious but that he wasn't. We asked him if he believed in God and he said No. We asked him why and he said it was because he doesn't see a reason to. We told him that God loved him and knew who he was and what he needs in life. We talked about how as missionaries we go out and help strengthen peoples faith in our Savior and in Heavenly Father. We mentioned the Book of Mormon and how reading it can help us in our lives. Before we could invite him to learn more he said "Okay, tell me about it". He got up from his chair and walked closer to us.
We said a prayer with him and we told him a little history about where the Book of Mormon came from. He opened up and told us a little about his life. (His name is Darrion by the way) He's 17 years old and he's preparing to go to Afghanistan at the end of the summer when he turns 18. He has an older brother and he'll be going to Iraq at the same time. He seems really happy about his life and his parents have raised him well. Even though he doesn't have a strong belief in God he believes in living a good, honorable life. He'll be gone to San Antonio for a week but he's planning on going to church on the base there and we'll be getting in touch with him when he comes back into town.
Another miracle happened this week as well. Sister Johnson and her new companion have been working with Linda Sue Perryman (the black lady who had a stroke) to help her prepare for baptism. She had her interview on Saturday and she got baptized yesterday. The sisters let her call me from their phone and she left a message after she got baptized. I was able to call her last night and I got to talk to her for a few minutes. She doesn't know our names, she calls us her ladies or angels and she knows our voices. When I called she said "Oh baby that's you?, I'm so happy!" I asked her if she liked being in the water and she said " Oh yes, I got baptized by a big man...and it was beautiful". She sounds so happy. The Lord's hand was in this for sure. It was such a huge blessing. He's so mindful of each of us.
It was a really nice week and we're looking forward to more miracles this week. Today for P-Day we're spending the day with the Lee family. They're in our ward and they're really good to the missionaries. Brother Lee's off work today so we're going up to Austin to for the day. Other than that nothing too new to report. Have a good day today.
Love you all,
Sister Green
(You're probably still sleeping and since it's a holiday I suppose that's okay)
Each week gets better and better here in San Marcos. I'm getting used to being a missionary in the family ward and also in the singles branch. Lots of good things have happened and Sister Christensen and I have been able to meet a lot of nice people this week.
On Tuesday we fasted as a Zone to pray for different ways that we could help our brothers and sisters come unto our Savior through baptism. Sister Christensen and I specifically prayed to have more love for the people here; to see them the way Heavenly Father sees them. We also prayed and asked Heavenly Father to soften the hearts of the people here (Alma 8:10). Throughout the day we were counting our blessings and looking for little miracles. People were more receptive and although most of them said they were comfortable where they were, more people listened and we were able to plant seeds.
Last night on our way home we met a young man sitting on his porch. We went to talk to him and we introduced ourselves as the missionaries. He told us his family was Christian and very religious but that he wasn't. We asked him if he believed in God and he said No. We asked him why and he said it was because he doesn't see a reason to. We told him that God loved him and knew who he was and what he needs in life. We talked about how as missionaries we go out and help strengthen peoples faith in our Savior and in Heavenly Father. We mentioned the Book of Mormon and how reading it can help us in our lives. Before we could invite him to learn more he said "Okay, tell me about it". He got up from his chair and walked closer to us.
We said a prayer with him and we told him a little history about where the Book of Mormon came from. He opened up and told us a little about his life. (His name is Darrion by the way) He's 17 years old and he's preparing to go to Afghanistan at the end of the summer when he turns 18. He has an older brother and he'll be going to Iraq at the same time. He seems really happy about his life and his parents have raised him well. Even though he doesn't have a strong belief in God he believes in living a good, honorable life. He'll be gone to San Antonio for a week but he's planning on going to church on the base there and we'll be getting in touch with him when he comes back into town.
Another miracle happened this week as well. Sister Johnson and her new companion have been working with Linda Sue Perryman (the black lady who had a stroke) to help her prepare for baptism. She had her interview on Saturday and she got baptized yesterday. The sisters let her call me from their phone and she left a message after she got baptized. I was able to call her last night and I got to talk to her for a few minutes. She doesn't know our names, she calls us her ladies or angels and she knows our voices. When I called she said "Oh baby that's you?, I'm so happy!" I asked her if she liked being in the water and she said " Oh yes, I got baptized by a big man...and it was beautiful". She sounds so happy. The Lord's hand was in this for sure. It was such a huge blessing. He's so mindful of each of us.
It was a really nice week and we're looking forward to more miracles this week. Today for P-Day we're spending the day with the Lee family. They're in our ward and they're really good to the missionaries. Brother Lee's off work today so we're going up to Austin to for the day. Other than that nothing too new to report. Have a good day today.
Love you all,
Sister Green
Monday, May 24, 2010
05/24/10
Hello all,
My first full week in San Marcos went well. A big highlight was our last Zone Conference with the Cutler's. The trainings that they give are always inspiring. Sister Cutler talked about how she's personally grown over the past three years while serving as a mission president's wife. She said when they first received the call to serve she felt overwhelmed and a little inadequate but as time went by the Lord strengthened her and her family. She also talked about the love she has for President Cutler. It might sound different and before she started talking she said " I know you're all missionaries... I'm fully aware, but your missions will end soon and you'll need to be thinking about marriage." She told us to be working on the things we want in a spouse and to be improving ourselves right now.
President Cutler also talked about how he's seen growth in his life and in the life of his family. He said his kids were crying on the way here and now they'll be crying on the way back to Utah. He too spoke about Sister Cutler and he told us a little about how they met. He said he knew she was someone he wanted to marry because he wanted to be a better person when she was around and vis a versa (sp?). He talked about when they were dating and how Sister Cutler grew up in a home where her parents were less-active. President Cutler didn't and whenever she went to his home, his family always talked about the gospel. He could see Sister Cutler "eat up" the discussions they had and he knew it was important to her to create a home where the gospel was talked about freely. It was really sweet.They don't pretend to have a perfect relationship but they stress the importance of love. If everything they do is done out of love then they grow together and it shows. They talked about how that can help us in all of our relationships, including our companionships and later in our marriages.
Our Savior is the perfect example of the way He expressed love and every action, every word He spoke, was done out of love.
As far as the work goes things are picking up a little bit. Sister Christensen and I are still trying to think of different things we can do and this week we're going to fast as a Zone so we can receive inspiration from Heavenly Father on how we can improve ourselves and our areas. I love when we do things that help unite us...
I remember in my last area Sister Boyd and I met a man who was going through a lot of problems with his girlfriend and he drank a lot. We ran into him a few times in just a couple weeks. The first time we talked to him he wasn't interested and he told us little about his problems. We gave him encouragement and we didn't see him again for a couple of days. When we talked to him then he told us he was still going through the same things except they had gotten worse and he asked us to pray for him. He said he'd been praying but he talked about how there are strength in numbers so he asked us to pray that he'd receive strength to resist temptation. We haven't seen him since but I hope things got better. I'll never forget him.
We were able to meet and work with a couple of new people this week and we're looking forward to finding others. Thank you for your encouraging words, your prayers, and your love. As always have a great week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
My first full week in San Marcos went well. A big highlight was our last Zone Conference with the Cutler's. The trainings that they give are always inspiring. Sister Cutler talked about how she's personally grown over the past three years while serving as a mission president's wife. She said when they first received the call to serve she felt overwhelmed and a little inadequate but as time went by the Lord strengthened her and her family. She also talked about the love she has for President Cutler. It might sound different and before she started talking she said " I know you're all missionaries... I'm fully aware, but your missions will end soon and you'll need to be thinking about marriage." She told us to be working on the things we want in a spouse and to be improving ourselves right now.
President Cutler also talked about how he's seen growth in his life and in the life of his family. He said his kids were crying on the way here and now they'll be crying on the way back to Utah. He too spoke about Sister Cutler and he told us a little about how they met. He said he knew she was someone he wanted to marry because he wanted to be a better person when she was around and vis a versa (sp?). He talked about when they were dating and how Sister Cutler grew up in a home where her parents were less-active. President Cutler didn't and whenever she went to his home, his family always talked about the gospel. He could see Sister Cutler "eat up" the discussions they had and he knew it was important to her to create a home where the gospel was talked about freely. It was really sweet.They don't pretend to have a perfect relationship but they stress the importance of love. If everything they do is done out of love then they grow together and it shows. They talked about how that can help us in all of our relationships, including our companionships and later in our marriages.
Our Savior is the perfect example of the way He expressed love and every action, every word He spoke, was done out of love.
As far as the work goes things are picking up a little bit. Sister Christensen and I are still trying to think of different things we can do and this week we're going to fast as a Zone so we can receive inspiration from Heavenly Father on how we can improve ourselves and our areas. I love when we do things that help unite us...
I remember in my last area Sister Boyd and I met a man who was going through a lot of problems with his girlfriend and he drank a lot. We ran into him a few times in just a couple weeks. The first time we talked to him he wasn't interested and he told us little about his problems. We gave him encouragement and we didn't see him again for a couple of days. When we talked to him then he told us he was still going through the same things except they had gotten worse and he asked us to pray for him. He said he'd been praying but he talked about how there are strength in numbers so he asked us to pray that he'd receive strength to resist temptation. We haven't seen him since but I hope things got better. I'll never forget him.
We were able to meet and work with a couple of new people this week and we're looking forward to finding others. Thank you for your encouraging words, your prayers, and your love. As always have a great week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Monday, May 17, 2010
05/17/10
Hello all,
Transfer Meeting this week. I'm now in between Austin and San Antonio in a place called San Marcos. It's a really nice area for the most part and there are a lot of college students here. We cover a regular ward and a branch for the students that go to Texas State. The past few days have been a little overwhelming. There are a lot of changes and a lot to learn about the area. My new companions name is Sister Christensen; she's a transfer ahead of me and she's been here in San Marcos for one transfer. She's 23 and she's from Utah also but I can't remember which part; somewhere up north. Her previous companion was out sick for most of their transfer together so things were and are really slow right now. I'm looking forward to a fresh transfer and a fresh week to get out and start finding people so the work can get going again.
Yesterday we had Stake Conference which was nice. President and Sister Cutler were also there and they spoke after our Stake President (Allen). The Cutlers did their talk together and they spoke about three standards which are 1.) Prayer 2.) Scripture Study and 3.) Going to Church.
Sister Cutler told a story about a small town basketball team who were able to go to State. When they got to the gym and saw how big it was they were hesitant to play. Their coach pulled out a tape measure and measured the hoop. It was 10 feet just like the hoop they played on at their gym. He told them that was the standard everywhere they went and they didn't need to be overwhelmed.
President Cutler also told a couple of stories about his interviews with departing missionaries and how he always asks them "Elder, Sister, Can you ever imagine a day when you don't say your prayers or read from the scriptures, or a week when you don't go to church"? The missionaries always say no because it's something we've been doing for the past 18 to 24 months but it's still something he talks to them about and he said he pleads with them to keep the standard after they go home.
They then brought it back to all of us as members of the church and how we all, be we missionaries or not, have a standard to follow. To pray everyday, read our scriptures everyday, and go to church once a week to renew our baptismal covenants. It was really good and I liked how they spoke together. It made/makes me really sad to think about them leaving. This Friday is our last Zone Conference with them before they go home.
Another speaker I really liked at Conference was Elder Villarreal of the Seventy. He also spoke about keeping our standards and improving ourselves. He told a story about his son and how he's on the college swim team. One day he was talking to him on the phone and he asked his son if he had ever won first place in a competition before. His son told him no but he said that every time he's competed he's beaten his previous time. Sometimes it only by a half a second and sometimes it's by a whole second but he's always beat his time. Elder Villarreal then told his son that to him he was a winner. He encouraged us to not compare ourselves with anyone else but to only compare ourselves with ourselves and to keep trying to make each day better than the previous one by improving upon our habits and talents. That to me was really helpful especially after coming here to a new area. It brought a lot of comfort to me and it was just what I needed. All of the areas we're placed in have potential and my testimony of President being called and inspired of the Lord to know where we should go has been strengthened and confirmed throughout my mission. I know good things can happen here.
At transfer meeting we always have departing missionaries who bare their testimonies before they go home. Every time it reminds me that my life as a missionary isn't going to last forever. Usually on the way to Austin we ride in one of the two vans they have but since a car needed to make it up to Austin Sister Larrosa (my trainer) and her new companion and myself drove it up. Sister Larrosa was where I am in the mission when we were companions and now she has 6 weeks left. Through out the trip we were talking and I kept thinking about how wonderful my mission has been so far, even through the most difficult times. I'm grateful and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. If I could think of one word to describe my mission it would be change. It's never too late to change and to become a better person. The Lord is so patient with us even when we're not with ourselves because He knows and He wants us to change.
It's been a blessing to be a part of the Lord's work and to see people have faith in Him which leads them to have faith in themselves. They then realize that they can do without certain things that used to be a real part of them and they replace them with the things Heavenly Father wants them to have in this life like baptism by proper authority and eternal marriages and families. That same Spirit that works with them has worked with me in my own life helping me realize like them that I can be better too. I love being a missionary. I love the gospel.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
P.S. My address here is:
117 Seguin St. #214
San Marcos, TX 78666 <----- (interesting I know).
Transfer Meeting this week. I'm now in between Austin and San Antonio in a place called San Marcos. It's a really nice area for the most part and there are a lot of college students here. We cover a regular ward and a branch for the students that go to Texas State. The past few days have been a little overwhelming. There are a lot of changes and a lot to learn about the area. My new companions name is Sister Christensen; she's a transfer ahead of me and she's been here in San Marcos for one transfer. She's 23 and she's from Utah also but I can't remember which part; somewhere up north. Her previous companion was out sick for most of their transfer together so things were and are really slow right now. I'm looking forward to a fresh transfer and a fresh week to get out and start finding people so the work can get going again.
Yesterday we had Stake Conference which was nice. President and Sister Cutler were also there and they spoke after our Stake President (Allen). The Cutlers did their talk together and they spoke about three standards which are 1.) Prayer 2.) Scripture Study and 3.) Going to Church.
Sister Cutler told a story about a small town basketball team who were able to go to State. When they got to the gym and saw how big it was they were hesitant to play. Their coach pulled out a tape measure and measured the hoop. It was 10 feet just like the hoop they played on at their gym. He told them that was the standard everywhere they went and they didn't need to be overwhelmed.
President Cutler also told a couple of stories about his interviews with departing missionaries and how he always asks them "Elder, Sister, Can you ever imagine a day when you don't say your prayers or read from the scriptures, or a week when you don't go to church"? The missionaries always say no because it's something we've been doing for the past 18 to 24 months but it's still something he talks to them about and he said he pleads with them to keep the standard after they go home.
They then brought it back to all of us as members of the church and how we all, be we missionaries or not, have a standard to follow. To pray everyday, read our scriptures everyday, and go to church once a week to renew our baptismal covenants. It was really good and I liked how they spoke together. It made/makes me really sad to think about them leaving. This Friday is our last Zone Conference with them before they go home.
Another speaker I really liked at Conference was Elder Villarreal of the Seventy. He also spoke about keeping our standards and improving ourselves. He told a story about his son and how he's on the college swim team. One day he was talking to him on the phone and he asked his son if he had ever won first place in a competition before. His son told him no but he said that every time he's competed he's beaten his previous time. Sometimes it only by a half a second and sometimes it's by a whole second but he's always beat his time. Elder Villarreal then told his son that to him he was a winner. He encouraged us to not compare ourselves with anyone else but to only compare ourselves with ourselves and to keep trying to make each day better than the previous one by improving upon our habits and talents. That to me was really helpful especially after coming here to a new area. It brought a lot of comfort to me and it was just what I needed. All of the areas we're placed in have potential and my testimony of President being called and inspired of the Lord to know where we should go has been strengthened and confirmed throughout my mission. I know good things can happen here.
At transfer meeting we always have departing missionaries who bare their testimonies before they go home. Every time it reminds me that my life as a missionary isn't going to last forever. Usually on the way to Austin we ride in one of the two vans they have but since a car needed to make it up to Austin Sister Larrosa (my trainer) and her new companion and myself drove it up. Sister Larrosa was where I am in the mission when we were companions and now she has 6 weeks left. Through out the trip we were talking and I kept thinking about how wonderful my mission has been so far, even through the most difficult times. I'm grateful and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. If I could think of one word to describe my mission it would be change. It's never too late to change and to become a better person. The Lord is so patient with us even when we're not with ourselves because He knows and He wants us to change.
It's been a blessing to be a part of the Lord's work and to see people have faith in Him which leads them to have faith in themselves. They then realize that they can do without certain things that used to be a real part of them and they replace them with the things Heavenly Father wants them to have in this life like baptism by proper authority and eternal marriages and families. That same Spirit that works with them has worked with me in my own life helping me realize like them that I can be better too. I love being a missionary. I love the gospel.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
P.S. My address here is:
117 Seguin St. #214
San Marcos, TX 78666 <----- (interesting I know).
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
05/11/10
Hello all,
Transfers this week! We got our calls last night and I'm being transferred to a new area; Sister Johnson will be staying here for her last transfer. I'm excited to go to another area and to keep learning. Things continue to go well. This e-mail is super short because I need to get packed up but I'm sure next week I'll have lots to talk about. Have a good week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Transfers this week! We got our calls last night and I'm being transferred to a new area; Sister Johnson will be staying here for her last transfer. I'm excited to go to another area and to keep learning. Things continue to go well. This e-mail is super short because I need to get packed up but I'm sure next week I'll have lots to talk about. Have a good week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Monday, May 3, 2010
05/03/10
Hello,
Hope you all got the pictures I just sent to you. My favorite picture is with Linda Sue Perryman; she's awesome. Sister Boyd and I were led to her but now Sister Johnson and I are teaching her. She's been to church for a baptism and yesterday she came for Fast Sunday. During testimony meeting she wanted to share her testimony but she couldn't walk up the stairs; because of her stroke the right side of her body is partially paralyzed but she can still get around on a cane that she calls her "extra leg". It was a really good meeting and the testimonies were inspiring and everyone brought it back to the love they shared for the Savior.
As far as the week goes this one has gone by fast. I feel like I was just here e-mailing you. I still love this area and the people are great here. One thing that's stood out to me during my studies this week has to do with the Atonement. I love learning more about the Atonement. I was reading in the Book of Mormon and I came across a verse talking about how our Savior was "prepared" for us "from the foundation of the world". I love sciptures that say "from the foundation of the world" because it helps me remember that Heavenly Father planned everything out before He sent us here. I don't remember where exactly but there are several verses that talk about it and I was thinking about the Atonement and how powerful it is. It's so powerful and real that people were able to receive strength and draw from that power long before our Savior came to earth to fullfill the Atonement, because of their faith. I mentioned this in a meeting that we have once a week with other missionaries in the area and one Elder talked about how the Atonement is eternal, making it possible for everyone to receive strength from it. It's something that I can't fully comprehend but I like thinking about it.
Being a missionary is a very interesting experience. I wonder if I'll still see the world the same way when I come home. I'm learning more and more that all of our lives have a distinct purpose. We've met a lot of people who are just "getting by" and don't really have a strong hope for anything but they're just taking it one day at a time. This is why I love the gospel because it helps people know that there is more for them. Everyone's life has a purpose and Heavenly Father knew exactly what He was doing when He placed us here. Part of this life is trying to figure out (with His help) what He wants us to accomplish. I'm so glad He hasn't left us alone. There are a lot of ways to feel and know of His love for us.
Sorry this is short:(
I love you all,
Sister Green
Hope you all got the pictures I just sent to you. My favorite picture is with Linda Sue Perryman; she's awesome. Sister Boyd and I were led to her but now Sister Johnson and I are teaching her. She's been to church for a baptism and yesterday she came for Fast Sunday. During testimony meeting she wanted to share her testimony but she couldn't walk up the stairs; because of her stroke the right side of her body is partially paralyzed but she can still get around on a cane that she calls her "extra leg". It was a really good meeting and the testimonies were inspiring and everyone brought it back to the love they shared for the Savior.
As far as the week goes this one has gone by fast. I feel like I was just here e-mailing you. I still love this area and the people are great here. One thing that's stood out to me during my studies this week has to do with the Atonement. I love learning more about the Atonement. I was reading in the Book of Mormon and I came across a verse talking about how our Savior was "prepared" for us "from the foundation of the world". I love sciptures that say "from the foundation of the world" because it helps me remember that Heavenly Father planned everything out before He sent us here. I don't remember where exactly but there are several verses that talk about it and I was thinking about the Atonement and how powerful it is. It's so powerful and real that people were able to receive strength and draw from that power long before our Savior came to earth to fullfill the Atonement, because of their faith. I mentioned this in a meeting that we have once a week with other missionaries in the area and one Elder talked about how the Atonement is eternal, making it possible for everyone to receive strength from it. It's something that I can't fully comprehend but I like thinking about it.
Being a missionary is a very interesting experience. I wonder if I'll still see the world the same way when I come home. I'm learning more and more that all of our lives have a distinct purpose. We've met a lot of people who are just "getting by" and don't really have a strong hope for anything but they're just taking it one day at a time. This is why I love the gospel because it helps people know that there is more for them. Everyone's life has a purpose and Heavenly Father knew exactly what He was doing when He placed us here. Part of this life is trying to figure out (with His help) what He wants us to accomplish. I'm so glad He hasn't left us alone. There are a lot of ways to feel and know of His love for us.
Sorry this is short:(
I love you all,
Sister Green
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
04/26/10
Hello All,
This has been one of my favorite weeks on my mission so far. There are some changes happening in our area (our boundaries have gotten bigger) but I'm excited to keep serving here. The Lord has really helped us find people He's prepared to receive the gospel. We're busy with teaching appointments all throughout the week with people we've met recently. It's awesome.
I had my second to last interview with President Cutler on Friday; it was kind of sad. During our most recent Zone Conference he showed us a picture of our new Mission President and his wife (President and Sister Jones). We don't know too much but they're from California and they have seven children too. President told us he talks to them frequently and he got teary-eyed when he shared his testimony about how he knows they're going to be great. He also read a scripture out of D&C that talked about changes in the church but the gospel and the direction from God stayed the same.
One of the big things I've learned on my mission is how to feel comfortable with and accept change. It's comforting knowing the Lord is in charge of everything and He knows what's best for us. Whenever I've been unsure about something it's been nice to take my doubts to Heavenly Father to ask for a confirmation from Him...and he always comes through:)
Yesterday Sister Johnson and met a nice lady who was really involved in her faith. We knocked on her door and we talked with her for about and hour. She had heard a lot of negative things about the church and there were some things she thought we still practiced; we were more than happy to answer her questions. She wasn't really interested in us coming back but I love it when we are able to give people a better understanding of the things we believe.
It's getting hotter here...pray for me! Sister Johnson loves the heat and I love being cold so it's been interesting trying to accommodate each other. She let's me keep it pretty cool in our apartment but we don't spend too much time there. People here are really friendly and lots of them offer us water when we're out even if they don't want to talk to us, so that's been good.
Other than that there's nothing too new to report. Our investigators are doing well. i'm looking forward to another week here in Windcrest:). Thank you for all of your prayers.
Have a great week,
Sister Green
This has been one of my favorite weeks on my mission so far. There are some changes happening in our area (our boundaries have gotten bigger) but I'm excited to keep serving here. The Lord has really helped us find people He's prepared to receive the gospel. We're busy with teaching appointments all throughout the week with people we've met recently. It's awesome.
I had my second to last interview with President Cutler on Friday; it was kind of sad. During our most recent Zone Conference he showed us a picture of our new Mission President and his wife (President and Sister Jones). We don't know too much but they're from California and they have seven children too. President told us he talks to them frequently and he got teary-eyed when he shared his testimony about how he knows they're going to be great. He also read a scripture out of D&C that talked about changes in the church but the gospel and the direction from God stayed the same.
One of the big things I've learned on my mission is how to feel comfortable with and accept change. It's comforting knowing the Lord is in charge of everything and He knows what's best for us. Whenever I've been unsure about something it's been nice to take my doubts to Heavenly Father to ask for a confirmation from Him...and he always comes through:)
Yesterday Sister Johnson and met a nice lady who was really involved in her faith. We knocked on her door and we talked with her for about and hour. She had heard a lot of negative things about the church and there were some things she thought we still practiced; we were more than happy to answer her questions. She wasn't really interested in us coming back but I love it when we are able to give people a better understanding of the things we believe.
It's getting hotter here...pray for me! Sister Johnson loves the heat and I love being cold so it's been interesting trying to accommodate each other. She let's me keep it pretty cool in our apartment but we don't spend too much time there. People here are really friendly and lots of them offer us water when we're out even if they don't want to talk to us, so that's been good.
Other than that there's nothing too new to report. Our investigators are doing well. i'm looking forward to another week here in Windcrest:). Thank you for all of your prayers.
Have a great week,
Sister Green
Monday, April 19, 2010
04/19/10
Hello all,
This week went well; I loved hearing from all of you. We were a little late getting to the library today so it took us awhile to get started and now there are lots of people waiting to get on. We'll try to be better next week. Thanks for all that you do. Have a great week.
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Monday, April 12, 2010
04/12/10
Hello,
This week was nice. We're working with a lot of wonderful people the Lord has helped us find. We also have our Zone Conference tomorrow so we're all excited for that. It's been nice working with Sister Johnson and learning from her. She's such and awesome missionary and she's really dedicated too...
A couple of months ago our Mission President compiled a series of talks by General Authorities who spoke about the Atonement. We had a schedule outlined for us each day as a mission for what we should read and it went all the way to Easter. I learned so much more about the Atonement just from reading these talks.
One big thing I took away from it was how I (we) can use the Atonement everyday. I use to think I had to wait until Sunday to partake of the sacrament to feel "clean". It's important to renew the covenants we made at baptism but for the past week or so, when I say my nightly prayers the Spirit lets me know of things I need to work on and do better the next day. Change use to be overwhelming but I've found that the Atonement of our Savior strengthens me as I strive to become like Him. I sleep better now.
Of the people we've been able to teach this week one of them is a lady named Maria. Sister Johnson and I were on our bikes when we saw her husband working outside in the yard. He told us his wife (Maria) was inside and that we could knock on the door. She let us in and we got to know her a little bit. She's a devout Catholic and she has a lot of faith in our Savior. From talking with and being around her she's a great example of someone who lives what she believes. She doesn't know much about our religion but she has a desire to learn more. We taught her the restoration when we first met her and a couple of days later we brought a member (Sister Coopwood) the bishop's wife with us.
The Coopwoods use to be Southern Baptist but they were converted forty years ago in Finland. In our appointment with Maria she asked Sister Coopwood what made her want to join the church and she bore a strong, powerful testimony as she shared her conversion story. It was great. She's not ready to change religions but she's so open to learning more and she enjoys reading from the scriptures (including the BofM).
Matt also came to church this Sunday. It's one of the best feelings in the world to see people come to church. Of all the things I've enjoyed on my mission that's been one of them, helping people build upon their faith. It reminds me of something our Mission President told us once at a Zone Conference.
He told us to imagine we were on a boat in the middle of the ocean and we have an unlimited supply of life reservers. All around us there are people who are drowning in different distances in the water. It's up to us to do everything we can to get those life resrevers to them. After all we do, they make the decision to grab onto the life reserver to be saved but we still do everything we can to help them.
So it is with all of us who have the gospel in our lives. It's up to us to share it with those around us who are "looking for the truth but they know not where to find it". We may be rejected, we may have to try our hardest with some, and with others we won't have to try as hard because they were waiting (prepared), but we still do what we can.
I love analogies, especially this one. I love you all and hope you have a great week.
The church is true,
Sister Green
Monday, April 5, 2010
04/05/10
Hello Family,
This week for transfers went well like it always does. I'm getting use to this routine now. My new companion is Sister Johnson. She and I went on exchanges together for 24 hours a couple of weeks ago and now she's my companion. She's an awesome missionary. She's a really hard worker and is really good with the people. She only has about twelve weeks before she goes home (She leaves the same time my trainer, Sister Larrosa leaves). I've already learned a lot from her so I have a feeling that our time together will go well.
We also have a new Elder/District Leader, Elder Wilms. I mention him because his story is awesome. He was baptised with his family when he was fourteen years old. They all instantly became less-active and through the love and support of good friends and members a long the way he started going back to church when he was nineteen. He left for his mission when he was twenty and he's been out a little over a year. His dad also started to go back to church a year into his mission so his service is blessing the lives of his family. I'm so amazed with eveyone's story. All of the missionaries I've gotten to know have atleast one BIG thing that could've stopped them from being a missionary but with the help of the Lord they were able to overcome it and their testimonies, in return are so solid. It's been such a blessing to be able to associate with them.
We continue to see miracles here. Saturday after the last session of Conference we picked a part of our area and started trackting there. Everyone we talked to wasn't interested and no one really answered thier doors when we knocked. the whole time we just didn't feel like that was the place for us to be but we kept through it trying to be diligent. For about an hour and a half we did this until we both decided to head in the opposite direction.
We walked for about ten minutes and on our way we met a couple (in their late thirty's early forties) named Matt and Nikki who were on their way home after a bike ride. We introduced ourselves and started to talk about the gospel. Matt was interested and accepted our invitation to share more with them. We began with a prayer and we started to teach the restoration. After we finished Matt told us how he had been looking for a church to go to. He told us he studied and looked into lots of different religions to join but wasn't able to find one yet. He also told us that he wondered why we as [Mormons] have another "bible" and one day he picked up a copy of the Book of Mormon and he opened up to 2 Nephi 29; where it talks about why the Lord gives us more scriptures. He said it helped him to understand it better. Talking to him we could see how the Lord prepared him and how his heart was opened to learning more. He told us he knew things happened for a reason. We explained and invited them to General Conference and gave them directions to the church. When Sister Johnson and I got home we retraced our steps and realized that it was nothing short of a miracle being able to meet them when we did. If we would have been a couple minutes off we would've missed seeing them.
.....Okay so this story gets exceptionally better. The next day (Sunday) Sister Johnson and I went to the church with the Elders to watch Conference again. Five minutes before the first session starts Sister Johnson goes in the hallway (where I can still see and hear her:) to call Matt to see if he can make it. She gets his voicemail and leaves him a message. When she's hanging up she hears someone behind her say "Nikki won't be able to make it". It was Matt! He came by himself, dressed very nicely may I add, and he had his Book of Mormon in his hand. It was awesome! The feeling (although I've never experienced this yet) is equivalent to how a parent feels when their child is away from home but still decides to go to church and make good choices. It was nice.
Throughout the session I kept looking at him through my peripheral vision and he never took his eyes off the screen. I also loved that President Monson spoke during the first session because he got to see and hear from a living prophet. We were able to talk to him for a few minutes afterwards and he said he enjoyed it. All of the talks were wonderful and I was so happy that he could hear from the Leaders of out church.
This Easter went well also. We had dinner with the Rodriguez family. They feed us a lot and we ate with them in between Conference sessions. It was my first Texan Easter I've had in a long time. We had brisket as the main meat with a black bean salad, some rice that Sister Rodriguez makes and it's really good, and other little things to go on the side. They have a son on a mission right now so they're really good about making sure we're taken care of especially on the holidays.
That's pretty much all of the news over here. I'll keep you posted on any other changes. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter (it sounds like you did). Love you guys.
Sister Green
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
03/30/10
Hello everyone,
Sorry I'm not good at remembering to tell you about transfers; but as you've guessed they are this week. We got our calls last night and Sister Boyd will be leaving and I will be staying for at least one more transfer. Time goes by fast but I've learned a lot from each of my companions so I'm excited to keep learning.
This past week has been nothing short of miracles. I don't even know where to begin. The Hernandez family, the family where the husband's a member but his wife and fourteen year old daughter aren't are doing very well. We've been teaching them a little over a month and their testimonies have really grown. This Sunday exactly a year from when Brother Hernandez was baptised, he got to see and baptise his wife and daughter. We asked him to give a talk on baptism and the Holy Ghost and it was so powerful. There isn't a better feeling than to see families living and enjoying the blessings of the gospel together. He was so happy to have his family be together.
On Friday Sister Boyd and I had the rare and probably only opportunity to have two youth from another ward (about thirty minutes away) come spend a day with us. Our Mission President called us to give us more information and there were only 13 youth who were doing it. The purpose was to get the youth excited about missionary work and hopefully spark a desire for them to serve missions. The girls were sixteen and seventeen years old (not related) and they were with us from 6:00 P.M. until 11:00 A.M. It was a vey interesting experience. We weren't told much but the only big requirement was that we needed to teach the restoration to someone.
They were both so willing and ready to go out and work. We ended up teaching the restoration to a recent convert, Sister Laurie (the nineteen year old blind girl). They did a great job teaching different principles and their testimonies were so pure and perfect. The night went by fast and after our lesson we went back to the apartment to have dinner, and they cooked!
The next morning (Saturday) they exercised with us, had breakfast, and we did our studies. During companionship study we did some role plays with them which consisted of teaching lessons and door approaches! We also took time to answer questions that they had. I was so surpised at some of the questions they've been asked by their friends and they actually took time to answer and wanted to explain things to them rather then just letting the moment pass by. One of the girls even got on LDS.org and typed in a couple questions online to get an answer.
I never realized how different it is for youth in the church, even in a different state. Sister Boyd and I thought 6:30 was going to be too early for them but they wake up every morning at 5:30 to go to seminary. I use to worry about the youth, especially my younger brothers and sisters but after this experience I don't anymore. My testimony of the the knowledge Heavenly Father has has been reaffirmed. We're all on this earth at the exact moment and time that we need to be. They were both so bold and very mature even in difficult situations. It made me want to be more like them and look at what I can do to be a better missionary/ person.
My time is running out on the computer and there are people waiting to get on after me but I love you all and will update you next week on how transfers go. Thank you for all of your support.
Love you lots,
Sister Green
03/22/10
Hello,
This weeks e-mail is super short. I spent most of my e-mailing time updating this new MyLDS account. It's faster and it's Googles Gmail so it's supposed to be a lot better. My new e-mail address is sadie.green@myldsmail.net. I'll still get other e-mails if you use ssg193 but just letting you all know. I'll write more next week....I know I say that every week but I mean it:)
Love you,
Sister Green
Monday, March 15, 2010
03/15/10
Hello Everyone,
So...this past week has been quite the character builder. On Friday we talked to the Elders in our area who had received a call from a member in the ward Bro. Ratliff. He was asked to give a talk in church on missionary work and he wanted us to sing the first verse of "Called to Serve". The Elders accepted and told Brother Ratliff that they would tell us so he didn't need to give us a call.
When they told us we were singing in sacrament meeting my first reaction was "No way"! but the Spirit softened my heart and I decided to just do it. It took me awhile to become excited but my fellow missionaries were patient with me and we all wanted to help Brother Ratliff with whatever he needed. He asked us to sing the first verse of "Called to Serve" and he wanted the congregation to join in on the second verse.
When we were up there singing my leg (the right one) was shaking.... bad! I don't know why but I guess that's my soft spot for when I have to sing in public. We made it through and I quickly came to the conclusion that that was a lot better than having to do a solo.
When the congregation joined in on the secong verse I thought "Wow, that sounds a lot better when everyone's singing". After we sang and sat down Brother Ratliff continued with his talk and said " As good as they sounded, wasn't it better when we all sang together"? He then bore testimony that that's how missionary work should be. Not just the missionaries working alone but the members also getting involved and helping out. It was a really good talk and it was worth getting up there singing to help him get a good message across.
We also had our Zone Conference earlier in the week and it was nice to see President and Sister Cutler. They talked about changing for the better and continuing to improve ourselves. President Cutler used a really good scripture from the Book of Mormon in Moroni Chapter 9:6. I don't remember it word for word but Mormon is writing to Moroni telling him about all of the bad things that their people are doing. He knows that their hearts are hardened but Mormon tells Moroni to continue to be diligent. He tells him that they have a labor to perform and if they would cease to labor, then they would come under condemnation.
President Cutler gave us the same incouragement and it's something that Sister Boyd and I have shared when we have our dinner appointments with members as well. Sometimes we don't see the "fruits of our labors" but we still need to be diligent and go about doing good. We need to keep preparing ourselves and become better in this life. The verse reads a lot better than I can so feel free to look it up:)
The area here is still going well. My Spanish is going well also. I still don't/can't speak as much because I don't have anyone to really speak to, but I still study everyday and my understanding of the language continues to improve. Since Sister Boyd and I are both English Sisters and the area that we're in doesn't have a lot of Spanish, our Mission President wants us to study the language for 1/2 hour instead of and hour.
Other than that I can't really think of anything else this week. I still love being a missionary. It's great to be able to share the gospel with people and help them feel the pure love of Christ.
As always thank you all for your support and love. Have a wonderful week. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Love you guys,
Sister Green
So...this past week has been quite the character builder. On Friday we talked to the Elders in our area who had received a call from a member in the ward Bro. Ratliff. He was asked to give a talk in church on missionary work and he wanted us to sing the first verse of "Called to Serve". The Elders accepted and told Brother Ratliff that they would tell us so he didn't need to give us a call.
When they told us we were singing in sacrament meeting my first reaction was "No way"! but the Spirit softened my heart and I decided to just do it. It took me awhile to become excited but my fellow missionaries were patient with me and we all wanted to help Brother Ratliff with whatever he needed. He asked us to sing the first verse of "Called to Serve" and he wanted the congregation to join in on the second verse.
When we were up there singing my leg (the right one) was shaking.... bad! I don't know why but I guess that's my soft spot for when I have to sing in public. We made it through and I quickly came to the conclusion that that was a lot better than having to do a solo.
When the congregation joined in on the secong verse I thought "Wow, that sounds a lot better when everyone's singing". After we sang and sat down Brother Ratliff continued with his talk and said " As good as they sounded, wasn't it better when we all sang together"? He then bore testimony that that's how missionary work should be. Not just the missionaries working alone but the members also getting involved and helping out. It was a really good talk and it was worth getting up there singing to help him get a good message across.
We also had our Zone Conference earlier in the week and it was nice to see President and Sister Cutler. They talked about changing for the better and continuing to improve ourselves. President Cutler used a really good scripture from the Book of Mormon in Moroni Chapter 9:6. I don't remember it word for word but Mormon is writing to Moroni telling him about all of the bad things that their people are doing. He knows that their hearts are hardened but Mormon tells Moroni to continue to be diligent. He tells him that they have a labor to perform and if they would cease to labor, then they would come under condemnation.
President Cutler gave us the same incouragement and it's something that Sister Boyd and I have shared when we have our dinner appointments with members as well. Sometimes we don't see the "fruits of our labors" but we still need to be diligent and go about doing good. We need to keep preparing ourselves and become better in this life. The verse reads a lot better than I can so feel free to look it up:)
The area here is still going well. My Spanish is going well also. I still don't/can't speak as much because I don't have anyone to really speak to, but I still study everyday and my understanding of the language continues to improve. Since Sister Boyd and I are both English Sisters and the area that we're in doesn't have a lot of Spanish, our Mission President wants us to study the language for 1/2 hour instead of and hour.
Other than that I can't really think of anything else this week. I still love being a missionary. It's great to be able to share the gospel with people and help them feel the pure love of Christ.
As always thank you all for your support and love. Have a wonderful week. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Love you guys,
Sister Green
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)