Hey family! I am sorry for your worry- I am doing great! We had a mission conference in Orlando with Elder Zwick of the 70 and Bro Hemingway. Consequently, p-day was moved to Tuesday just for this week- I apologize that I forgot to tell you. But e meeting was incredible- my notes are chicken scratch. It's amazing that the more responsibility you hold in the church the more chastisement you receive, but also gain revelation for the needs of ones you interact with, and feel deeper love for the lord, his ministry, and his people. I will try to to type quickly so I can give you all the best highlights from the week- there were so many!
First of all, I a, glad to hear that it's snowed in my home town! And mom, despite you looking at the weather reports of it being in the 30s-60s here, it had felt freezing. Because the air is very thick, when it freezes it goes right through you- so it was a great thing that we have been so busy is week!
In regards to the work we are apart of over here, E___ is progressing so well! We showed up to our last lesson with another member from our Ward to find that he had the bible and Book of Mormon opened. He had written down questions, and was so honest with us about his concerns, his actions, and obstacles. Reading the scriptures works!!! I see him becoming lighter- but I also see him becoming more vulnerable as he is coming off the drugs and his relationships are very unstable. He even texted us this morning to confirm that we are coming over agin tomorrow!
Also, I had decided after my first few weeks in the mission that I wouldn't write home about anyone u less we had taught them several times because so often we would have to drop them the next week for noncommittal reasons. But this week we me a man named E (different name - starts with "Ë"), who I think deserves an exception. He was a referral from a family in our Ward. We went over to their home for dinner on Sunday to eat with E____ and the members' family. The spirit was so present, we were able to understand the things Ed needed to hear and were able to have a very short powerful lesson on faith and leave quickly. We very boldly told him our expectations for him (read, come to church, schedule another appointment) and left him with much to think about. We had plans to call him several days later, but to our surprise he called us the next day and said that had has been reading the part in the Book of Mormon that we assigned him and he wants to meet with us! He asked if we had plans for this evening! We in turn asked him if he wanted to do the lesson at the members home that he was just at, but he responded that he doesn't know so he will call them and schedule it then let us know! It's a rare thing that people keep their first commitments, let alone call us, and take the initiative to plan our schedule!!!
Sis Arsenault and I have been on fire. We are such good friends! This mission conference has been amazing. To our surprise, much of it was on the destruction of pornography. But it was nonetheless very relevant, and very powerful. Elder Zwick of the 70 came to our mission, because we are again a test mission for a new program with the iPads- like I am sure you know, everyone in the us, Canada, and several other countries will be required to buy their own iPad soon. My heart sunk when I heard that. But, it is such an incredible resource- a huge blessing in Missionary work. But as I mentioned s while back, Elder Zwick spoke at the MTC when I was there- and ironically at that time I had been kind of disappointed with the message given because it was all about protecting ourselves and, our companions. But at one point in the mission conference, elder z asked everyone that had been present at his talk to stand. So all of us newbies hesitantly stand in front of her whole mission. One by one he began to single us out on what we remembers of his talk and what insight we had gained. I was last. I think I could here my heart beating through my chest. He looked at me and said- we need a strong comment. We need a final comment that can enlighten us. He the asked me a question about a specific part of his a talk in the MTc (I was relieved that it was on the only thing that I could recall clearly). I don't even remember what I said. I know I said something suitable- but man, I couldn't hear anything anyone had to say for the next 10 min. I was called out by an elect of the lord in front of r whole mission!!!!!! But it was an amazing meeting. I will have to type up and send you my notes in it next week.
My heart has been struck with gratitude and admiration for the priesthood leadership within my area. As I have considered the revelation I have received from my district leader, zone leaders, Bishop, stake pres, mission pres, I have realized that it has come because we are worthy to receive the promptings of the spirit. There have been many moments where I have not felt qualified to be apart of this work, but I suppose that is how all of us feel. After experiencing the mission conference I walked away with a new drive to be obedient- knowing that it is the only thing I can control. And through my obedience the spirit will be present in my every moment- allowing me to understand what others need.
Ahhh, time flies. I wish I could tell you everything about what I am, learning and experience out here. But know that I love you, and pray for many of you at home by name every day. I pray that you are remaining steadfast, are feeling strong and happy. I filled with love and pride in the things that are happening in good ol' lindon. I love you all
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Exchanges and a Temple Trip!
First of all, Happy Birthday TREY! I sent a little somthin' somethin' for you today- I am sorry it's late. Second of all, I love the messages that were sent and wish I could respond to everything but am so low on time because our p-day has been wild since our car broke down and we were stranded in the rain and we also have an early dinner appointment soon. P-days are not quite the relaxing day I thought they would be because there is always so much to do, and because we are in a car share we have to accommodate the other sisters as well- but we do our best to make sure that we include some activity during the day so we feel like we can take a little break.
Probably the highlight of the week was the exchange that took place on Saturday with our Sister Training Leaders. This is where there is a split between both companionships, and I either stay or go to a different area with one Sister Training Leader for one evening and one day. I was just thinking about how weird it is to consider that I have been out two months (which really feels no different than 1 month), when I had to leave my area for the first time. But I was pleasantly surprised to see how comfortable I feel in the mission field. It was such a great exchange- I didn't realize how hard I had been working till I saw the other sisters area. I didn't think much of biking 6 miles just to get to our area until I realized that in other areas missionaries can come home for an hour for lunch and dinner, and they don't bike a third of the miles we do!! I left exchange feeling very satisfied that I haven't tried to ease into my adjustment as a missionary. On this exchange, we were able to find and contact so many people, and I believe the difference in that days success was that we had discussed earlier in the day that we would envision success in each task, and indeed every conversation felt purposeful and were never discouraged.
Quick noteworthy hints- This week we also had Zone Training Meeting (ZTM) which of-course was so inspiring. I was asked to participate in the musical number along with the other sisters. We took pics for the church using our iPads which may or may not go in the ensign (keep an eye out). We found at that we will be holding a mission conference at which Pres Swick will be speaking (incidentally the same member of he 70 that spoke will I was at the MTC) in a couple weeks.
This week was not a fantastic numbers week as much of our time was spent with members trying to get referrals, and consequently this week I think we will be changing tactics. However, we were able to spend sufficient time with the Delgados this week as again we frequently see them because of Diane's new member lessons and Angelica's discussions. However, after reviewing Angelica's progress I think we are going to encourage her to be baptized in a couple weeks- not sure about the date yet.
We were also able to go on a temple tour with one of the less active families in our Ward. This was something that had been planned for a month, and was a very sweet occasion. I love visiting the Orlando temple. Their family has already been sealed, but nevertheless feels comfortable being a teetering family. Their circumstance is not an original one out here in Deltona, and I am unsure how to bring a sense of urgency to change their content attitude towards church attendance, reading scriptures, and daily prayer. So this temple trip was very tender, and they even consented to singing I love to see the temple right outside the temple doors.
I have tried to type as fast as I could for as long as I had, but I really have to go. Stay strong and hold down the fort!
Probably the highlight of the week was the exchange that took place on Saturday with our Sister Training Leaders. This is where there is a split between both companionships, and I either stay or go to a different area with one Sister Training Leader for one evening and one day. I was just thinking about how weird it is to consider that I have been out two months (which really feels no different than 1 month), when I had to leave my area for the first time. But I was pleasantly surprised to see how comfortable I feel in the mission field. It was such a great exchange- I didn't realize how hard I had been working till I saw the other sisters area. I didn't think much of biking 6 miles just to get to our area until I realized that in other areas missionaries can come home for an hour for lunch and dinner, and they don't bike a third of the miles we do!! I left exchange feeling very satisfied that I haven't tried to ease into my adjustment as a missionary. On this exchange, we were able to find and contact so many people, and I believe the difference in that days success was that we had discussed earlier in the day that we would envision success in each task, and indeed every conversation felt purposeful and were never discouraged.
Quick noteworthy hints- This week we also had Zone Training Meeting (ZTM) which of-course was so inspiring. I was asked to participate in the musical number along with the other sisters. We took pics for the church using our iPads which may or may not go in the ensign (keep an eye out). We found at that we will be holding a mission conference at which Pres Swick will be speaking (incidentally the same member of he 70 that spoke will I was at the MTC) in a couple weeks.
This week was not a fantastic numbers week as much of our time was spent with members trying to get referrals, and consequently this week I think we will be changing tactics. However, we were able to spend sufficient time with the Delgados this week as again we frequently see them because of Diane's new member lessons and Angelica's discussions. However, after reviewing Angelica's progress I think we are going to encourage her to be baptized in a couple weeks- not sure about the date yet.
We were also able to go on a temple tour with one of the less active families in our Ward. This was something that had been planned for a month, and was a very sweet occasion. I love visiting the Orlando temple. Their family has already been sealed, but nevertheless feels comfortable being a teetering family. Their circumstance is not an original one out here in Deltona, and I am unsure how to bring a sense of urgency to change their content attitude towards church attendance, reading scriptures, and daily prayer. So this temple trip was very tender, and they even consented to singing I love to see the temple right outside the temple doors.
I have tried to type as fast as I could for as long as I had, but I really have to go. Stay strong and hold down the fort!
Monday, February 2, 2015
I am sharing a message that is supposed to be tested!
Wow- I just love you all!
I am so glad that you saw the spot on Orlando FL Mission! I didn't know about it until it was released, and I haven't been able to see it because I can't go anywhere on the internet unless it is on lds.org, mormon.org, or facebook. Bummer. But Sis Krienberg was the first Sister Missionary that I met coming off the plane to a dinner that they had prepared at the church for all the new-coming missionaries- she is just as bubbly and positive as I am sure she was represented. I am so lucky to be in this mission.
Real Quick- I have meant to say this every single week, but just haven't been able to come around to it. It's a no go for the family to come out to FL while I am on my mission. This is something that was explicitly explained. Basically, I need to come home and be released- no exceptions- unless they change the rules :). I am of-course welcome to come back and visit everyone and go to all the fun Orlando hot spots with my family- and have even begun to discuss that with some of the people we see and teach because they want to meet my amazing family! This week has been a good week. We have taught more lessons this week than before- I love being with a companion that wants to work hard, follow the rules, and love everyone. Seriously, we accomplish so much. We are such good leaders, followers, and teachers together. However, there have been some challenging moments this week because we have had 2 recent converts and 1 member that has just begun coming around really take a turn for the worse this week. It has been so hard to see a transformation of people that I knew and were bright jsut a couple weeks ago, but because of poor choices, reading destructive material, and avoiding the standard CPR (church, prayer, read scriptures) have dulled thier sensativity to the spirit, questioned that they ever had a testimony, and have a hard time recognizing the truth that we share with them personally. When you feel so devoted to an area and a people, it takes a toll. However, prayers were answered (like they always are) and we have been able to remain focussed on finding those who are ready to progress!
It's funny because I get to the end of each week and think to myself, Man, I love car/bike week- do I have to switch again? This week was car week- I love it because we JAM to our EFY/MO-TAB/or One Girl Nation (a girl christian pop band- a cd that Diane gave us :) ) in between the hard moments. It also is a nice relief to not have to be active all day. BUT- it is also getting easier riding a bike. I have noticed that I am seeing lines in my legs that haven't ever seen there before (aka- MUSCLE!) But it always takes a couple days to warm up to riding all-day-err-day and to get used to being sore. However, I really love biking and talking to alot of people- also people take more pitty on us when we are on our bikes and are willing to speak with us.
This week I have been PREACHIN' that Spiritual truths come to us through Holy Ghost but most often as a result of personal prayer. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you……" were the words of the Savior as he concluded the Sermon on the Mount. Mormon quoted the Savior saying "And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." We become His people through earnest, heartfelt prayer. This is a message that is suppossed to be tested. Though it breaks my heart to see that some just refuse and even lie about their own efforts in discovering this truth, all those moments are quickly forgotten as I have also seen others come to the knowledge that the Plan of Salvation is real and they are apart of it.
I love this work! Keep workin' hard at home!
Sister Earl
P.s.
This morning we were doing our usual thing. Got up at 6:30, exercised, cleaned up a little bit, hoped in the shower- but just as I was getting out of the bathroom Sis Arsenault began screaming (like a man with a gun is in our apartment screaming) like a mad woman. I ran around the corner to find her backed up again (almost sitting on) our kitchen counter. Turns out what had happened was while she was cooking our turkey bacon a HUGE cock-roach had crawled up behind the stove. Naturally, I was no help. I (only in my robe) shoved on my tennis shoes and got on my bed. After discussing our options we tried to call our district leader but he wouldn't answer his phone, so we decided after quickly putting clothes on to go get the other elders in out district who live across the street. To make a long story short the elders left our apartment 30 min later killing 3 cockroaches that were were about 2 inches long!!!!! Haha, I have to go, but I thought you would enjoy the story knowi that things are never dull in Florida!!!!!
Real Quick- I have meant to say this every single week, but just haven't been able to come around to it. It's a no go for the family to come out to FL while I am on my mission. This is something that was explicitly explained. Basically, I need to come home and be released- no exceptions- unless they change the rules :). I am of-course welcome to come back and visit everyone and go to all the fun Orlando hot spots with my family- and have even begun to discuss that with some of the people we see and teach because they want to meet my amazing family! This week has been a good week. We have taught more lessons this week than before- I love being with a companion that wants to work hard, follow the rules, and love everyone. Seriously, we accomplish so much. We are such good leaders, followers, and teachers together. However, there have been some challenging moments this week because we have had 2 recent converts and 1 member that has just begun coming around really take a turn for the worse this week. It has been so hard to see a transformation of people that I knew and were bright jsut a couple weeks ago, but because of poor choices, reading destructive material, and avoiding the standard CPR (church, prayer, read scriptures) have dulled thier sensativity to the spirit, questioned that they ever had a testimony, and have a hard time recognizing the truth that we share with them personally. When you feel so devoted to an area and a people, it takes a toll. However, prayers were answered (like they always are) and we have been able to remain focussed on finding those who are ready to progress!
It's funny because I get to the end of each week and think to myself, Man, I love car/bike week- do I have to switch again? This week was car week- I love it because we JAM to our EFY/MO-TAB/or One Girl Nation (a girl christian pop band- a cd that Diane gave us :) ) in between the hard moments. It also is a nice relief to not have to be active all day. BUT- it is also getting easier riding a bike. I have noticed that I am seeing lines in my legs that haven't ever seen there before (aka- MUSCLE!) But it always takes a couple days to warm up to riding all-day-err-day and to get used to being sore. However, I really love biking and talking to alot of people- also people take more pitty on us when we are on our bikes and are willing to speak with us.
This week I have been PREACHIN' that Spiritual truths come to us through Holy Ghost but most often as a result of personal prayer. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you……" were the words of the Savior as he concluded the Sermon on the Mount. Mormon quoted the Savior saying "And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." We become His people through earnest, heartfelt prayer. This is a message that is suppossed to be tested. Though it breaks my heart to see that some just refuse and even lie about their own efforts in discovering this truth, all those moments are quickly forgotten as I have also seen others come to the knowledge that the Plan of Salvation is real and they are apart of it.
I love this work! Keep workin' hard at home!
Sister Earl
P.s.
This morning we were doing our usual thing. Got up at 6:30, exercised, cleaned up a little bit, hoped in the shower- but just as I was getting out of the bathroom Sis Arsenault began screaming (like a man with a gun is in our apartment screaming) like a mad woman. I ran around the corner to find her backed up again (almost sitting on) our kitchen counter. Turns out what had happened was while she was cooking our turkey bacon a HUGE cock-roach had crawled up behind the stove. Naturally, I was no help. I (only in my robe) shoved on my tennis shoes and got on my bed. After discussing our options we tried to call our district leader but he wouldn't answer his phone, so we decided after quickly putting clothes on to go get the other elders in out district who live across the street. To make a long story short the elders left our apartment 30 min later killing 3 cockroaches that were were about 2 inches long!!!!! Haha, I have to go, but I thought you would enjoy the story knowi that things are never dull in Florida!!!!!
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