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
Monday, May 24, 2010
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
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