Hey all! Hope all is going well back home! It's been a good week - though, about halfway through, I got sick. I've got this pesky little cold that will put me out of action sometimes. By the evening, I'm pretty much useless to Sister Johnston, which makes me feel bad, but I don't like having to stop in the middle of the day, just so I can keep working at night. It's hard! But, it's good. We've been working hard.
Tuesday evening, an area Seventy came to Port Orchard, and three or four different stakes - specifically the stake council, ward council, ward missionaries, and full-time missionaries - gathered at our stake center and we had an AWESOME training. President Weaver and Elder Bussy - the Seventy - spoke. It was AWESOME!! Elder Bussy talked about that scripture in Doctrine and Covenants that says, "I will hasten my work in its time." And, he said, "Well, it's time." There is SUCH a sense of urgency in the air. The Lord really IS hastening His work. It started about a year ago, when President Monson made that amazing announcement that missionaries could go out younger. And, it's moving forward. And, they made the emphasis on how it's NOT missionary work. It's the Lord's work. So, missionaries and ward members need to be working in unity. There's a link on LDS.org. If you go to resources, click on sharing the Gospel, there's a link on the left that says, "Hastening the Work of Salvation." It's amazing. Missionaries and members need to be working "shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm." Some people are like, "Oh, so nothing has changed." They don't get it. But...hopefully they will soon. I'm excited for General Conference; I'm positive much of it will be about this wonderful work.
On Friday, through a lot of finagling and A LOT of help from the YSA ward, we arranged a short exchange with the sisters in Bremerton. They have a young man they're teaching who would be able to come to the YSA ward, and they said it'd be good for him to know a bit more, so he can decide if he wants to come to the YSA ward or the family ward there in Bremerton. Sister Johnston and I called President Weaver to talk about it, and he approved an exchange. I went to Bremerton - which is just across this body of water...it'd be a lot more convenient to go over there if that water wasn't there - and went with Sister Graves. This is her first transfer, and being with her was so much fun. It made me excited for whenever I get to train - though, I think I'd prefer to followup train...haha. Sister Graves is a hoot. I really have grown to love her - she's in my zone - but that exchange really solidified that love for her. It was so cool to see how, as she was insecure in teaching and as I pushed her because I knew she knew the doctrine, we taught a fantastic lesson! And I was able to encourage her and help her grow in confidence. I hope I get to have that experience with a little greenie of my own! But, it really made me want to train.
Transfers are this week. Sister Johnston is opening up and area and training - pretty much, she's a beast - and I'm staying here in Port Orchard, getting another oldie. My new companion will be Sister Johnson. I'm pretty sure everyone is going to get super confused. I'm excited for this new transfer, to see what will happen. Truthfully, I feel l have not made as much growth this transfer as I should have, and I hope and pray I will be able to make more progress, and accomplish the things that I need to. The Southworth ward is sometimes a hard ward to be in, but I love many of the members there, and I love the YSA ward SO much! The YSAs are so eager and willing to help us - now, we just need to start getting them to give us referrals!
Our teaching pool has kind of shrunk, and we currently don't have anyone on date, but I'm determined to not let that stay the same. I want there to be success in these wards. I want things to progress and grow, and I want these wards to just flourish!
This work is amazing. I hope you all know that. I hope you all experience the incredible joy that can be found from participating in this work. It's beautiful. It's empowering. I don't think I've ever felt stronger, or more confident, or more sure of anything in my life. The Gospel is true and the Atonement is real. I've never been more sure of it. It's the best thing of my life.
I love you guys. Thank you all so much for what you do. I still would like to hear more from you...mail/email-wise, it's been a dry couple of weeks...but, I'm grateful for everything else you have done! Remember who you are - and whose you are! Heavenly Father loves you, and that is one of the most important thing you could know. Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Letter from September 23rd, 2013
Hey all!
It has been another absolutely fantastic week! We went to Zions Camp, had two baptisms, and just had fantastic things happen!
Bart's baptism was my favorite. Unfortunately, not very many people in the ward came...except for ward missionaries, the people involved in the baptism, and the parents of my favorite family here in Port Orchard (They might have stolen my camera and taken a few awesome pictures, while we were cleaning up afterwards). But, it was SO spiritual. It was so powerful. I was so glad to be there, to be a part of that wonderful miracle. Bart Lawrence is a wonderful example of how God does still perform miracles! It makes me think of Elder Anderson's talk "It's a Miracle!" Because it really is! This whole Gospel is a miracle, and I am SO blessed to be a part of it! To be so closely involved in the spreading forth of it, and getting to see many of these miracles first hand. It's the best!
Zions Camp is right up there on my list of favorite mission experience. I have a few nasty bruises from it...but it was SO much fun! And I learned a lot. I learned a lot about love. There were 5 "elements" or activities we did. I was in a group of 14 sisters. All 5 elements involved things that I hated...haha! Heights. Having my bubble invaded. And the chance of failing. The very first event: The Wall. I had heard about this wall before. It's pretty high, and we have to get over it. There's a sort of scaffolding on the back so some sisters could be up there helping pull people up, and then there were sisters at the bottom helping lift them. So, one sister had to get up there by herself, with just a boost - she was a beast - and then there could be up to 3 sisters helping up. I was terrified. The anticipation of getting up there was stressing me. But, once Sister Graves, one of the sisters giving the boost (I'm determined to be companions with her someday.) and I put myself into the hand of those sisters, the fear was gone. I knew those sisters had my back. And I was safe.
We went on, the next two elements involving a lot of team work, and a lot of trust - and a lot of allowing others to help you. It was interesting that, in just an hour and a half, I was beginning to care about these sisters, wanting them to succeed, and wanting to help them. So, then, we got to the 4th one. The trust fall. We had to stand on a post, that was pretty high. Maybe 2 1/2, maybe 3 feet high, and then fall into the arms of the sisters in our group. From the beginning, I was there, helping catch them, and it felt good! To be hleping them, to know they trusted me, and the others, and that I was there to catch them when they fell. So, when it came time for me to get on that post, when I glanced back, I was just kind of like, "Welp, no big deal! They've got me!" And I fell. I wasn't afraid.
After that, the scripture, "Perfect love casteth out fear" was shared. And, I realized THAT WAS IT. It was love. I just needed to love. When I love, all my worries, insecurities, my fears, could be banished. I just need to be motivated by love. "Love is the motive" We say that at every single meeting we have, as missionaries. Love is the motive. Essentially, Love IS the Gospel. It's everything! It's why we do what we do! Love of God, love of Christ, love of our family, friends, love of ourselves. Love. It's key.
I'm so grateful to be out here. The longer I'm out here, the more content I get. The more sure I am that this is where I'm supposed to be. The happier I get. The more confident I get. It's the best. I'm SO glad to be here! I'm grateful for this opportunity to share the Gospel. There's nothing better. This is God's work. This is His greatest desire, that all of His children know His Truth. If any of the missionaries around you seem to be struggling, or seem to be unhappy, have them tell you why they came out. Help them rekindle that fire, that excitement. Ask them their happiest moment. Ask them about their favorite investigator or recent convert. Sometimes we need the reminder.
I love you all. Thanks for everything you do! Remember, the Gospel is true and the Atonement is real. And, above all, remember WHO YOU ARE! You are a child of God! That means you're awesome!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It has been another absolutely fantastic week! We went to Zions Camp, had two baptisms, and just had fantastic things happen!
Bart's baptism was my favorite. Unfortunately, not very many people in the ward came...except for ward missionaries, the people involved in the baptism, and the parents of my favorite family here in Port Orchard (They might have stolen my camera and taken a few awesome pictures, while we were cleaning up afterwards). But, it was SO spiritual. It was so powerful. I was so glad to be there, to be a part of that wonderful miracle. Bart Lawrence is a wonderful example of how God does still perform miracles! It makes me think of Elder Anderson's talk "It's a Miracle!" Because it really is! This whole Gospel is a miracle, and I am SO blessed to be a part of it! To be so closely involved in the spreading forth of it, and getting to see many of these miracles first hand. It's the best!
Zions Camp is right up there on my list of favorite mission experience. I have a few nasty bruises from it...but it was SO much fun! And I learned a lot. I learned a lot about love. There were 5 "elements" or activities we did. I was in a group of 14 sisters. All 5 elements involved things that I hated...haha! Heights. Having my bubble invaded. And the chance of failing. The very first event: The Wall. I had heard about this wall before. It's pretty high, and we have to get over it. There's a sort of scaffolding on the back so some sisters could be up there helping pull people up, and then there were sisters at the bottom helping lift them. So, one sister had to get up there by herself, with just a boost - she was a beast - and then there could be up to 3 sisters helping up. I was terrified. The anticipation of getting up there was stressing me. But, once Sister Graves, one of the sisters giving the boost (I'm determined to be companions with her someday.) and I put myself into the hand of those sisters, the fear was gone. I knew those sisters had my back. And I was safe.
We went on, the next two elements involving a lot of team work, and a lot of trust - and a lot of allowing others to help you. It was interesting that, in just an hour and a half, I was beginning to care about these sisters, wanting them to succeed, and wanting to help them. So, then, we got to the 4th one. The trust fall. We had to stand on a post, that was pretty high. Maybe 2 1/2, maybe 3 feet high, and then fall into the arms of the sisters in our group. From the beginning, I was there, helping catch them, and it felt good! To be hleping them, to know they trusted me, and the others, and that I was there to catch them when they fell. So, when it came time for me to get on that post, when I glanced back, I was just kind of like, "Welp, no big deal! They've got me!" And I fell. I wasn't afraid.
After that, the scripture, "Perfect love casteth out fear" was shared. And, I realized THAT WAS IT. It was love. I just needed to love. When I love, all my worries, insecurities, my fears, could be banished. I just need to be motivated by love. "Love is the motive" We say that at every single meeting we have, as missionaries. Love is the motive. Essentially, Love IS the Gospel. It's everything! It's why we do what we do! Love of God, love of Christ, love of our family, friends, love of ourselves. Love. It's key.
I'm so grateful to be out here. The longer I'm out here, the more content I get. The more sure I am that this is where I'm supposed to be. The happier I get. The more confident I get. It's the best. I'm SO glad to be here! I'm grateful for this opportunity to share the Gospel. There's nothing better. This is God's work. This is His greatest desire, that all of His children know His Truth. If any of the missionaries around you seem to be struggling, or seem to be unhappy, have them tell you why they came out. Help them rekindle that fire, that excitement. Ask them their happiest moment. Ask them about their favorite investigator or recent convert. Sometimes we need the reminder.
I love you all. Thanks for everything you do! Remember, the Gospel is true and the Atonement is real. And, above all, remember WHO YOU ARE! You are a child of God! That means you're awesome!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Letter from September 16th, 2013
Hey all!
It's been a fantastic week, and it's going to be another fantastic week! We have two baptisms set up for this weekend, as well as another baptism in our district. It's exciting! But, we know that this makes for a hard week. There's going to be a lot of opposition because of it, but I'm super pumped! It's going to be great!
One of these baptisms is Bart Lawrence! So amazing! It will be 2 weeks and 1 day since Sister Crosby and I knocked on his door that he'll be getting baptized. It's pretty much one of the most amazing things ever. He is SO prepared. When we taught him the word of wisdom, he was drinking 2 pots of coffee a day. The next day when we saw him, he said he quit cold turkey - he was pretty miserable from withdrawals, but he's still going strong. It's incredible to see him continue to make changes. I love it! He loves it! It's the best!
The second baptism is Dawn Carpenter. She's actually in a different ward, but she didn't want to be taught by elders - I think men make her a little bit uncomfortable. We had already been teaching her when I got here. But, she's super sweet. She has a few mental/learning disorders, so teaching her was a little bit different, and we were a little bit worried, but last night, when we taught her, the spirit just confirmed that she is so ready. Missionary work is so exciting!
Something that I'm learning a lot about is...just being flexible! The Lord is going to call us where we need to go, and if we're following the spirit, what's in our planners isn't necessarily the most important thing - but, also remembering that when we plan, we ARE led by the spirit. It's all about finding that balance, I guess...or, pretty much, just making sure that you are following the spirit! That's pretty much key! I'm SO grateful, this week, that I was worthy to receive the promptings of the spirit, that I recognized the spirit, and that I listened to it. And then, realizing that you were an instrument in God's hands...it's one of the most amazing feelings ever, as well as quite humbling.
I had the chance to give a talk in the YSA ward yesterday, as well. It was pretty fun. I like giving talks - I know, I'm crazy. I pretty much just talked about how awesome the Gospel was, and how important it is - and that, because of that, we should share it! I talked about how, to share it, we kind of need to be improving upon ourselves. Because we ARE a part of this Gospel, and that gives us responsibility. Doctrine and Covenants 4:5-6 give the requirements of sharing the Gospel. And, that's not supposed to overwhelm us. Because we're NOT going to reach perfection in this life. Instead, we just start where we are, just as President Uchtdorf says! That's all we have to do is take these steps forward, progress little by little. And THAT'S what the Gospel is about! It's a Gospel of change! Everyone can change, everyone. That's why Christ did what He did! So cool!
Anyways. Things are going good. I'm having all sorts of fun adventures. And some not so fun. But it's good! It's great! I love it out here. I'm loving it more and more. I still have those moments where I freeze...but I'm becoming more and more comfortable with being myself - and using that to share the Gospel. There's nothing better. :)
I love you all! Thanks for your love and support (despite the lack of letters and emails...;) no big deal. Oh! Side note. I really would appreciate pictures of the family. I really regret not bringing some. Leigh promised some pictures, but I'd love pictures from everyone! As well as any other peeps who might read this! Just so I can see your happy little faces and know that ya'll are actually real.) I'm having a blast out here, and it's crazy to think how much time has already passed by. Crazy stuff! Love ya!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's been a fantastic week, and it's going to be another fantastic week! We have two baptisms set up for this weekend, as well as another baptism in our district. It's exciting! But, we know that this makes for a hard week. There's going to be a lot of opposition because of it, but I'm super pumped! It's going to be great!
One of these baptisms is Bart Lawrence! So amazing! It will be 2 weeks and 1 day since Sister Crosby and I knocked on his door that he'll be getting baptized. It's pretty much one of the most amazing things ever. He is SO prepared. When we taught him the word of wisdom, he was drinking 2 pots of coffee a day. The next day when we saw him, he said he quit cold turkey - he was pretty miserable from withdrawals, but he's still going strong. It's incredible to see him continue to make changes. I love it! He loves it! It's the best!
The second baptism is Dawn Carpenter. She's actually in a different ward, but she didn't want to be taught by elders - I think men make her a little bit uncomfortable. We had already been teaching her when I got here. But, she's super sweet. She has a few mental/learning disorders, so teaching her was a little bit different, and we were a little bit worried, but last night, when we taught her, the spirit just confirmed that she is so ready. Missionary work is so exciting!
Something that I'm learning a lot about is...just being flexible! The Lord is going to call us where we need to go, and if we're following the spirit, what's in our planners isn't necessarily the most important thing - but, also remembering that when we plan, we ARE led by the spirit. It's all about finding that balance, I guess...or, pretty much, just making sure that you are following the spirit! That's pretty much key! I'm SO grateful, this week, that I was worthy to receive the promptings of the spirit, that I recognized the spirit, and that I listened to it. And then, realizing that you were an instrument in God's hands...it's one of the most amazing feelings ever, as well as quite humbling.
I had the chance to give a talk in the YSA ward yesterday, as well. It was pretty fun. I like giving talks - I know, I'm crazy. I pretty much just talked about how awesome the Gospel was, and how important it is - and that, because of that, we should share it! I talked about how, to share it, we kind of need to be improving upon ourselves. Because we ARE a part of this Gospel, and that gives us responsibility. Doctrine and Covenants 4:5-6 give the requirements of sharing the Gospel. And, that's not supposed to overwhelm us. Because we're NOT going to reach perfection in this life. Instead, we just start where we are, just as President Uchtdorf says! That's all we have to do is take these steps forward, progress little by little. And THAT'S what the Gospel is about! It's a Gospel of change! Everyone can change, everyone. That's why Christ did what He did! So cool!
Anyways. Things are going good. I'm having all sorts of fun adventures. And some not so fun. But it's good! It's great! I love it out here. I'm loving it more and more. I still have those moments where I freeze...but I'm becoming more and more comfortable with being myself - and using that to share the Gospel. There's nothing better. :)
I love you all! Thanks for your love and support (despite the lack of letters and emails...;) no big deal. Oh! Side note. I really would appreciate pictures of the family. I really regret not bringing some. Leigh promised some pictures, but I'd love pictures from everyone! As well as any other peeps who might read this! Just so I can see your happy little faces and know that ya'll are actually real.) I'm having a blast out here, and it's crazy to think how much time has already passed by. Crazy stuff! Love ya!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Letter from September 9th, 2013
Hey all!
How's life? We had a pretty good week this week! There were a few rough patches, but it turned out to be really good. We went on exchanges on Friday, and Sister Johnston went to Tacoma and Sister Crosby came here to Port Orchard. We had fun. Sister Crosby is from Mesa! She graduated from Westwood. Haha we had a nice chat about things. I think I might make the effort to hang out with her when we're both home from the mission. :) But, I learned a lot from her. She's a very bold missionary, and I never realized how...not bold I was, sometimes. So, that's definitely something I want to start working on! I've already noticed a slight difference as I've been knocking on doors.
We had a Zone Conference on Thursday, and it was AMAZING! Sister Weaver talked about us being superheroes. It was pretty sweet. I might be using an Avengers bookmark in my Book of Mormon right now to remind me...haha. But really! We as members of the church really do have this incredible power. We're superheroes! It's the best!!
While on the exchange with Sister Crosby, we found this man named Bart. He is a miracle, and he is totes getting baptized! I'm so excited! We taught him a mini resto on his doorstep, and taught him again on Saturday and Sunday. It was so good! He came to the adult session of stake conference on Saturday evening. (Stake Conference was a broadcast for the entire state, as well as Alaska. It was pretty cool. Elder Pretty and Elder Hales both spoke.) I'm really excited to be able to teach him, because he is SO ready. Things are beginning to move forward in our areas. I'm really excted.
Well, I don't have much else to say, I think. Just that, I love you! The Gospel is awesome. I'm SO glad to be out here. :) It truly is an incredible work. It's so worth everything I experience.
I love you all! Thanks for everything you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
How's life? We had a pretty good week this week! There were a few rough patches, but it turned out to be really good. We went on exchanges on Friday, and Sister Johnston went to Tacoma and Sister Crosby came here to Port Orchard. We had fun. Sister Crosby is from Mesa! She graduated from Westwood. Haha we had a nice chat about things. I think I might make the effort to hang out with her when we're both home from the mission. :) But, I learned a lot from her. She's a very bold missionary, and I never realized how...not bold I was, sometimes. So, that's definitely something I want to start working on! I've already noticed a slight difference as I've been knocking on doors.
We had a Zone Conference on Thursday, and it was AMAZING! Sister Weaver talked about us being superheroes. It was pretty sweet. I might be using an Avengers bookmark in my Book of Mormon right now to remind me...haha. But really! We as members of the church really do have this incredible power. We're superheroes! It's the best!!
While on the exchange with Sister Crosby, we found this man named Bart. He is a miracle, and he is totes getting baptized! I'm so excited! We taught him a mini resto on his doorstep, and taught him again on Saturday and Sunday. It was so good! He came to the adult session of stake conference on Saturday evening. (Stake Conference was a broadcast for the entire state, as well as Alaska. It was pretty cool. Elder Pretty and Elder Hales both spoke.) I'm really excited to be able to teach him, because he is SO ready. Things are beginning to move forward in our areas. I'm really excted.
Well, I don't have much else to say, I think. Just that, I love you! The Gospel is awesome. I'm SO glad to be out here. :) It truly is an incredible work. It's so worth everything I experience.
I love you all! Thanks for everything you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Letter from September 2nd, 2013
Hey all!
Surprise, surprise! I get to email you on Labor Day! The Port Orchard library is closed for the next 10 weeks, so we have permission to go to a member's home to email - so we get to email today, while all the other missionaries don't! I feel kinda special...plus emailing is my favorite part of P-day!
It's been an...interesting week. A bit hard. We have been working really hard, but we haven't really been seeing the fruits of our efforts. A lot of people not home, a lot of people not interested, and a lot of being a little rude. We've been dropped, ignored, and it's hard to keep that positive attitude. We know good things are about to happen; we can feel it! It's coming! It's just...not necessarily in the way we want, or in the time we want. Which is typical, I suppose. Heavenly Father's timing and planning is perfect. Those 6 months before coming out definitely testify of that!
Sister Johnston and I are definitely getting along really well, but sometimes it's hard to be silly, sarcastic me. She's always very composed and it's hard to be goofy around her. But, I know there's a time and a place to be silly and have fun, and a time and a place to work hard - but still try to have fun. Would you believe it, I'm actually the calm one of the companionship? She gets super stressed and worried, and I'm trying to teach her to be a wee bit more calm. It's weird being the one who's not freaking out, but I think Sister Douros taught me how to just...chill. Obviously not to the extent where you don't care, and you don't try to work hard to make things work out, but to be at the point where you're not frazzled, so you're not effective. Ya know? I probably should thank Sister Douros for teaching me that; otherwise, I'm pretty sure I'd burn myself out halfway through the mission.
Nothing too terribly new or exciting is going on. We're teaching this sweet old woman, Grace. She and her husband have a lot of health stuff going on, but she's super receptive to the spirit, and it's amazing. Every single lesson with her is like a mini-miracle. She's definitely going to get baptized! Now, we just have to figure out when it's supposed to happen...haha! Because it's ALL in the Lord's timing! Just like little Elizabeth Ryan, back in my first transfer. Then, Erica Gonzalez, who FINALLY decided August 3rd WAS when she was supposed to get baptized. Definitely all in the Lord's timing. Not in Sister Root's timing!
One thing Sister Johnston and I are both kinda stressed about is miles. Southworth is quite a big area - not including the YSA ward, which covers several cities, like Gig Harbor, Silverdale, and pretty much every place I've never been...haha (we normally can finagle rides when it's for YSA business) and we don't have as many miles as...I would like. And, yesterday, we kinda dug ourselves into a hole. Gerret finally got baptized yesterday, and we had permission from President Weaver to go to Shelton to see it. That took a good chunk from our miles to do it. And it was only the first day of the month! I know Sister Johnston is really worried about it, but she was the one who encouraged me to go to the baptism, so I'm trying to stay optimistic for both of our sakes, and to figure out a way to make this month work. I have a feeling we're going to end up walking a lot...and I'll end up losing all the weight I've gained in the past 5 months - Tomorrow will be my 5 month mark!! Crazy, right?!
Anyway...I don't think I have much else to share. You know, it's funny. This last week was really hard. Honestly, I wasn't very happy; I was just having a really hard time, you know? Just one of those times. Then, one day, the conversation turned towards what we were going to be doing after our mission. I'm excited for the time when I can start studying psychology again, and go back to school - even if it is really stressful for me - but, we started talking about it, and I was just like, "Well...I don't feel like talking about this. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go back to school right now. I want to be here. That's all I want. I just want to be out here on my mission, doing work, and seeing people accept the Light of the Gospel." And...it was like a weight was lifted. It was awesome!
I really am so glad to be out here. It's hard work, and sometimes I get sad or frustrated. But, there really is no other place I'd rather be. The WA-TAC is the only place for me to be, at this time. I'm grateful to be here, helping the Lord in His work. It's the best! I love you all, and I'm SO grateful for all you do. Keep the temple in your sights, because it is THE place to be; I miss it! It is in the temple, that we catch glimpses of eternity, where we catch glimpses of our fullest potential. If, for whatever reason you can't make it to the temple, make sure you make the time for the spirit to create a holy place where YOU are. So, you can still see the Lord's vision for you, as well as for those around you. I love the temple. It's my favorite thing to share with recent converts. It was the last thing I was able to teach Erica, and that made me SO happy!
This is the best thing. I hope the Lord is able to make me who He needs to be, for the next 13 months. love you all!! Sister Beth Ann Root!
Surprise, surprise! I get to email you on Labor Day! The Port Orchard library is closed for the next 10 weeks, so we have permission to go to a member's home to email - so we get to email today, while all the other missionaries don't! I feel kinda special...plus emailing is my favorite part of P-day!
It's been an...interesting week. A bit hard. We have been working really hard, but we haven't really been seeing the fruits of our efforts. A lot of people not home, a lot of people not interested, and a lot of being a little rude. We've been dropped, ignored, and it's hard to keep that positive attitude. We know good things are about to happen; we can feel it! It's coming! It's just...not necessarily in the way we want, or in the time we want. Which is typical, I suppose. Heavenly Father's timing and planning is perfect. Those 6 months before coming out definitely testify of that!
Sister Johnston and I are definitely getting along really well, but sometimes it's hard to be silly, sarcastic me. She's always very composed and it's hard to be goofy around her. But, I know there's a time and a place to be silly and have fun, and a time and a place to work hard - but still try to have fun. Would you believe it, I'm actually the calm one of the companionship? She gets super stressed and worried, and I'm trying to teach her to be a wee bit more calm. It's weird being the one who's not freaking out, but I think Sister Douros taught me how to just...chill. Obviously not to the extent where you don't care, and you don't try to work hard to make things work out, but to be at the point where you're not frazzled, so you're not effective. Ya know? I probably should thank Sister Douros for teaching me that; otherwise, I'm pretty sure I'd burn myself out halfway through the mission.
Nothing too terribly new or exciting is going on. We're teaching this sweet old woman, Grace. She and her husband have a lot of health stuff going on, but she's super receptive to the spirit, and it's amazing. Every single lesson with her is like a mini-miracle. She's definitely going to get baptized! Now, we just have to figure out when it's supposed to happen...haha! Because it's ALL in the Lord's timing! Just like little Elizabeth Ryan, back in my first transfer. Then, Erica Gonzalez, who FINALLY decided August 3rd WAS when she was supposed to get baptized. Definitely all in the Lord's timing. Not in Sister Root's timing!
One thing Sister Johnston and I are both kinda stressed about is miles. Southworth is quite a big area - not including the YSA ward, which covers several cities, like Gig Harbor, Silverdale, and pretty much every place I've never been...haha (we normally can finagle rides when it's for YSA business) and we don't have as many miles as...I would like. And, yesterday, we kinda dug ourselves into a hole. Gerret finally got baptized yesterday, and we had permission from President Weaver to go to Shelton to see it. That took a good chunk from our miles to do it. And it was only the first day of the month! I know Sister Johnston is really worried about it, but she was the one who encouraged me to go to the baptism, so I'm trying to stay optimistic for both of our sakes, and to figure out a way to make this month work. I have a feeling we're going to end up walking a lot...and I'll end up losing all the weight I've gained in the past 5 months - Tomorrow will be my 5 month mark!! Crazy, right?!
Anyway...I don't think I have much else to share. You know, it's funny. This last week was really hard. Honestly, I wasn't very happy; I was just having a really hard time, you know? Just one of those times. Then, one day, the conversation turned towards what we were going to be doing after our mission. I'm excited for the time when I can start studying psychology again, and go back to school - even if it is really stressful for me - but, we started talking about it, and I was just like, "Well...I don't feel like talking about this. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go back to school right now. I want to be here. That's all I want. I just want to be out here on my mission, doing work, and seeing people accept the Light of the Gospel." And...it was like a weight was lifted. It was awesome!
I really am so glad to be out here. It's hard work, and sometimes I get sad or frustrated. But, there really is no other place I'd rather be. The WA-TAC is the only place for me to be, at this time. I'm grateful to be here, helping the Lord in His work. It's the best! I love you all, and I'm SO grateful for all you do. Keep the temple in your sights, because it is THE place to be; I miss it! It is in the temple, that we catch glimpses of eternity, where we catch glimpses of our fullest potential. If, for whatever reason you can't make it to the temple, make sure you make the time for the spirit to create a holy place where YOU are. So, you can still see the Lord's vision for you, as well as for those around you. I love the temple. It's my favorite thing to share with recent converts. It was the last thing I was able to teach Erica, and that made me SO happy!
This is the best thing. I hope the Lord is able to make me who He needs to be, for the next 13 months. love you all!! Sister Beth Ann Root!