Hey all!
Another crazy week, here in Port Orchard! Things have begun to pick up, and it's going to be a crazy intense couple of weeks. We've begun to receive a lot of referrals, especially in the YSA ward (so proud of those YSAs!) and it's made for super busy weeks. I don't know how we're going to survive this week; I'm already getting stressed because of it, but I know that through lots of prayer and through faith, I'll get through it, and it'll be a FANTASTIC week!
Steve Melton has made HUGE progress this week! We didn't even get to meet with him at all, because he was sick, but on Sunday he came to church - and sat by us, because his wife is out of town - and in the beginning of sacrament, Sister Johnson wrote a little note, telling him to pay attention to the spirit, because it'd whisper messages just for him. Today, after sacrament meeting, he said that he was confident about being baptized on the 9th, and that because of that note, he was able to receive the confirming answers he needed. He is SUPER solid! Way more solid than he was before! So cool! And, of course, we're working hard with our other investigators. Three others are on date - two for the 9th, and one for the 16th, though one on the 9th is probably going to be pushed back, though we don't know for sure when. But, we have a decent sized teaching pool, and ALL of them are solid!
It really has been incredible to see all the miracles happening, all the changes. The members are just getting more and more excited and more and more eager to help. Southworth has been struggling to baptized, but since June, they've had 3 - two of them with me here. Their goal for the year is 15. I want to do all I can to help them reach that goal! It means getting 12 more baptisms in the next 2 months. But...goals are inspired, right? And, with Heavenly Father doing the heavy lifting, it's totally possible! If you all could help by specifically praying for this to happen, I'd really appreciate it. Crazy things are happening in Southworth, and I want this area to see success, even after I leave! Because these members are AWESOME and just ready to welcome people into the fold!
Also, if you could continue to pray that Sister Johnson and I remain companions for another transfer...that'd be awesome! President Weaver pretty much told Sister Johnson she'd be staying until she went home (she has two transfers left...but we don't talk about that...) and he hinted that I might be staying another transfer...but that's less certain. We keep making plans to do musical numbers and stuff for the next transfer...and we both get along really well, and I really want to stay with her another transfer, and I really want to continue to work in these two wards, and help the work progress. I know that it's what the Lord wants...but I know that He also answers the righteous desires of our hearts so...here's to hoping! :)
Things really are going great. We have had a few adventures; last night, a dog bit Sister Johnson (and then promptly ran away, which is good, because I probably would have done not nice things to it). Luckily, it didn't break the skin, but it shook her up a bit; she already was a little bit nervous about dogs. Just another thing you guys could specifically pray about that I would appreciate, that the dogs will stay away or be gentle. They don't ever both me - in fact, they like to jump on me and lick me to death, usually - but I just don't want dogs freaking anyone else out.
Thank you so much for all you do, for the love and support that all of you have shown and given. I really do love it out here, and I'm learning everyday. It's not easy, of course, but I'm so grateful to be out here. Have a great week, and remember to read the Book of Mormon everyday! (No, really. Do it. It's pretty awesome what happens when you make that effort. You WILL be happier, even if things aren't easier.) I love you all!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Letter from October 21st, 2013
Hey all!
It's been another awesome week! It was SUPER crazy, SUPER stressful, and both Sister Johnson and I had our moments of crankiness...but it was AMAZING! On Friday, we had the amazing privilege of seeing two people baptized - one in the Southworth ward, and one in the YSA ward - and then, yesterday, we were able to see them confirmed. Grace Teeters and Taylor Murphy are some of the newest members of the Church! It was crazy getting them ready, and we had a lot of...adventures Friday, before the baptism. BUT, everything was amazing when it came time for the baptisms. Especially Taylor's! His baptism was the smoothest baptism I've ever seen done. No hiccups, no complications, no crazy things happening to cause Sister Johnson and I stress, and it was a well attended baptism. It pretty much was awesome.
Friday, Sister Johnson and I had the opportunity to sing at a funeral. The week before, our ward mission leader suggested that we visit a family, who's wife/mother was passing away. Sister Johnson and I have been working on a few hymns that we could sing at members' homes, just to fill them with the spirit, and when he mentioned this family, Sister Johnson received the impression that we needed to sing Jesus, Lover of My Soul. It turns out Sister Dorich loved music, and although she wasn't exactly...conscious when we were there, the family had us sing it to her. Afterwards, we were asked to sing it at the funeral as well. It was a sweet experience. I still don't like funerals...because of the feelings that permeate there. The active members of the family, though they were sad, still carried a measure of joy with them, but those who were less-active, it just hurt to be around them. But, that's why we're here, as missionaries! To heal up the broken hearts, and I hope that song was able to help them, in some way. (Also, it's super awesome to be able to sing with Sister Johnson. She has an INCREDIBLE voice. It's actually a little bit intimidating to sing with her, but our voices blend really well together. So it's fun!)
So, yeah. It's been a crazy week, prepping for two baptisms, singing at a funeral, being missionaries 'n stuff. But it's as awesome as ever! I truly feel myself just becoming a completely different person. I was reading Alma 26 and 27 this morning, and I just had this complete amazement at the difference these chapters mean to me now than they did about a year ago. I'm beginning to do things for the right reasons, and in the right manner, and so much more...fully than I was before. And I don't want to stop! I want to be able to keep going like this after I go home!
Things just continue to be going so good! We're struggling to find new people to teach, but the few people we are teaching are just continuing to progress! Both Aydan and Steve are on date for the 9th! Aydan - he's the 9 year old - is getting more and more excited, and Steve is becoming more and more sure of himself IN the Gospel. It's the best! AND yesterday was the Primary Program, and a young woman brought her friend to church. Her friend turned to her in the middle of the program and said she wanted to be baptized! Hopefully we'll be able to begin to start teaching her, and everything will go well with her parents. It pretty much was one of the best things ever to get this note in the middle of sacrament meeting that said, "My non-member friend just said she wanted to be baptized!" It was SWEET!! and we did absolutely nothing! It was just because someone invited their friend, and the spirit was able to work. that's all it takes! AHH!! It's the best!
I seriously love this work so much! I'm so glad to be out here, serving. This Gospel is true - I see proof of it everyday. I'm convinced, and I don't plan on turning from it, ever! I love it! I love you all! Thanks for everything you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's been another awesome week! It was SUPER crazy, SUPER stressful, and both Sister Johnson and I had our moments of crankiness...but it was AMAZING! On Friday, we had the amazing privilege of seeing two people baptized - one in the Southworth ward, and one in the YSA ward - and then, yesterday, we were able to see them confirmed. Grace Teeters and Taylor Murphy are some of the newest members of the Church! It was crazy getting them ready, and we had a lot of...adventures Friday, before the baptism. BUT, everything was amazing when it came time for the baptisms. Especially Taylor's! His baptism was the smoothest baptism I've ever seen done. No hiccups, no complications, no crazy things happening to cause Sister Johnson and I stress, and it was a well attended baptism. It pretty much was awesome.
Friday, Sister Johnson and I had the opportunity to sing at a funeral. The week before, our ward mission leader suggested that we visit a family, who's wife/mother was passing away. Sister Johnson and I have been working on a few hymns that we could sing at members' homes, just to fill them with the spirit, and when he mentioned this family, Sister Johnson received the impression that we needed to sing Jesus, Lover of My Soul. It turns out Sister Dorich loved music, and although she wasn't exactly...conscious when we were there, the family had us sing it to her. Afterwards, we were asked to sing it at the funeral as well. It was a sweet experience. I still don't like funerals...because of the feelings that permeate there. The active members of the family, though they were sad, still carried a measure of joy with them, but those who were less-active, it just hurt to be around them. But, that's why we're here, as missionaries! To heal up the broken hearts, and I hope that song was able to help them, in some way. (Also, it's super awesome to be able to sing with Sister Johnson. She has an INCREDIBLE voice. It's actually a little bit intimidating to sing with her, but our voices blend really well together. So it's fun!)
So, yeah. It's been a crazy week, prepping for two baptisms, singing at a funeral, being missionaries 'n stuff. But it's as awesome as ever! I truly feel myself just becoming a completely different person. I was reading Alma 26 and 27 this morning, and I just had this complete amazement at the difference these chapters mean to me now than they did about a year ago. I'm beginning to do things for the right reasons, and in the right manner, and so much more...fully than I was before. And I don't want to stop! I want to be able to keep going like this after I go home!
Things just continue to be going so good! We're struggling to find new people to teach, but the few people we are teaching are just continuing to progress! Both Aydan and Steve are on date for the 9th! Aydan - he's the 9 year old - is getting more and more excited, and Steve is becoming more and more sure of himself IN the Gospel. It's the best! AND yesterday was the Primary Program, and a young woman brought her friend to church. Her friend turned to her in the middle of the program and said she wanted to be baptized! Hopefully we'll be able to begin to start teaching her, and everything will go well with her parents. It pretty much was one of the best things ever to get this note in the middle of sacrament meeting that said, "My non-member friend just said she wanted to be baptized!" It was SWEET!! and we did absolutely nothing! It was just because someone invited their friend, and the spirit was able to work. that's all it takes! AHH!! It's the best!
I seriously love this work so much! I'm so glad to be out here, serving. This Gospel is true - I see proof of it everyday. I'm convinced, and I don't plan on turning from it, ever! I love it! I love you all! Thanks for everything you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Letter from October 14th, 2013
Hey all!
It has been another fantastic week! A lot of good stuff is going on, and I can't wait to see it all pan out. We have 3 people on date right now; Grace Teeters, Taylor Murphy, and Aydan Summers. Grace and Taylor are getting baptized this Friday (Or, at least, should be. But I'm not too worried!) And then Aydan is getting baptized on Noember 9th. We have another man, Steve Melton who is...dragging his feet. But he'll get baptized. He just is taking longer than some. And then, we're going to be teaching a young man in the YSA ward; he's a referral, and I think he's super solid. I'm pretty hopeful about him. It's so awesome to see what's going on in these two wards. It's incredible to be a part of the process, and I'm so grateful for this opportunity.
It's beginning to get a little chilly here - though, this week, we should be getting a good amount of sunshine! I've never been so grateful for the sun! But, it gets dark really early now, which makes knocking doors form 5-7 a little bit...interesting. Port Orchard doesn't believe in sidewalks. Or street lights. But, it's good. We might end up not knocking doors anymore, at least in this area while it's dark. There's been A LOT of safety issues in missions throughout the world. President and Sister Weaver are very concerned for our safety, especially since there are so many younger missionaries now, and...well, we all know how the prefrontal cortex isn't completely developed so thinking through things doesn't always happen...so, sometimes dumb things are done, and they are disastrous. But, don't worry! Sister Johnson and I have been cautious and safe! Nothing is going to happen to us, because we're taking care of ourselves and being obedient.
Sorry this is going to be a short email...I'm actually not real sure of what to write. It's been one of those weeks that has been super busy, but at the same time, I feel like I haven't done anything! But, that's ok! Good things are happening. Sister Johnson and I are getting along really well - though, sometimes I get cranky in the morning...and have to apologize...haha. But, I've really grown to love her a lot over the past almost 2 weeks, and we're having a blast together. We're working hard, but playing hard as well, and I'm excited for the rest of this transfer - and praying that we'll stay together another transfer. Added prayers to this cause would be appreciated. :) haha, but really! I'm learning a lot from her, and I'm pretty sure we're going to be eternal friends. Sometimes I feel like I came here to the WA-TAC to meet some of the missionaries - not just the people I teach. It's really neat to see how Heavenly Father places people into our paths.
Anyways. The Gospel is true. The Atonement is real. Jesus Christ loves you! I'm so glad to be a part of this work. It still blows my mind that I'm out here, as a legit full-time missionary! I was sitting in a lesson with Taylor this last week, and had a flashback to when I would help with lessons with the sisters in Flagstaff, and I was just like, "Whoa. This is ME this time! When did that happen?!" It was really cool. I'm SO glad to be here. I'm grateful for this time; for the things I'm learning, for the people who touch my life, for the spirit I feel, for the growth I am making. It's a blessing in my life, and Im' so grateful for all of you who have helped me in this endeavor. I love you all! Thanks for all that you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It has been another fantastic week! A lot of good stuff is going on, and I can't wait to see it all pan out. We have 3 people on date right now; Grace Teeters, Taylor Murphy, and Aydan Summers. Grace and Taylor are getting baptized this Friday (Or, at least, should be. But I'm not too worried!) And then Aydan is getting baptized on Noember 9th. We have another man, Steve Melton who is...dragging his feet. But he'll get baptized. He just is taking longer than some. And then, we're going to be teaching a young man in the YSA ward; he's a referral, and I think he's super solid. I'm pretty hopeful about him. It's so awesome to see what's going on in these two wards. It's incredible to be a part of the process, and I'm so grateful for this opportunity.
It's beginning to get a little chilly here - though, this week, we should be getting a good amount of sunshine! I've never been so grateful for the sun! But, it gets dark really early now, which makes knocking doors form 5-7 a little bit...interesting. Port Orchard doesn't believe in sidewalks. Or street lights. But, it's good. We might end up not knocking doors anymore, at least in this area while it's dark. There's been A LOT of safety issues in missions throughout the world. President and Sister Weaver are very concerned for our safety, especially since there are so many younger missionaries now, and...well, we all know how the prefrontal cortex isn't completely developed so thinking through things doesn't always happen...so, sometimes dumb things are done, and they are disastrous. But, don't worry! Sister Johnson and I have been cautious and safe! Nothing is going to happen to us, because we're taking care of ourselves and being obedient.
Sorry this is going to be a short email...I'm actually not real sure of what to write. It's been one of those weeks that has been super busy, but at the same time, I feel like I haven't done anything! But, that's ok! Good things are happening. Sister Johnson and I are getting along really well - though, sometimes I get cranky in the morning...and have to apologize...haha. But, I've really grown to love her a lot over the past almost 2 weeks, and we're having a blast together. We're working hard, but playing hard as well, and I'm excited for the rest of this transfer - and praying that we'll stay together another transfer. Added prayers to this cause would be appreciated. :) haha, but really! I'm learning a lot from her, and I'm pretty sure we're going to be eternal friends. Sometimes I feel like I came here to the WA-TAC to meet some of the missionaries - not just the people I teach. It's really neat to see how Heavenly Father places people into our paths.
Anyways. The Gospel is true. The Atonement is real. Jesus Christ loves you! I'm so glad to be a part of this work. It still blows my mind that I'm out here, as a legit full-time missionary! I was sitting in a lesson with Taylor this last week, and had a flashback to when I would help with lessons with the sisters in Flagstaff, and I was just like, "Whoa. This is ME this time! When did that happen?!" It was really cool. I'm SO glad to be here. I'm grateful for this time; for the things I'm learning, for the people who touch my life, for the spirit I feel, for the growth I am making. It's a blessing in my life, and Im' so grateful for all of you who have helped me in this endeavor. I love you all! Thanks for all that you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Letter from October 7th, 2013
Hey all!
It's been another amazing week. My new companion and I, Sister Johnson, are getting along great! She's super awesome. We've been working hard, and things have just been exploding! I don't even know what happened, but I guess this area just needed Sister Johnson! Things are really picking up, and I hope they stay this way. We have two investigators on date for the 19th. We're SO excited. One of them is Grace Teeters; I think I've mentioned her before. She's older, and has been pretty...hesitant about coming to church, but yesterday, she watched the morning session of conference! And she loved it! We're so excited! But, we know it will be harder to get her to actually come to church, but we're working on how we can best get her to come!
And then, yesterday, we just taught an amazing referral from the YSA ward. The member, Andrew, is a fantastic member missionary - he just asked us for 5 copies of the Book of Mormon to keep on hand, so he can pass them out - and has prepared this kid SO well. His name is Taylor Murphy, and I'm so excited for this kid! We taught him for the first time and put him on date for the 19th. He is so ready, so excited, and the spirit is just working in him! It's the best!
Pretty much, it's going to be a fantastic transfer. Sister Johnson is going to be really good for me. I have been realizing that I really need to work on being more loving, and Sister Johnson is SO full of love. There's also a whole lot that I can learn from her. She's been out a little bit over a year - this is her third to last transfer - so she has a lot of experience and is a really hard worker - and loves the work! AND she sings! We can sing together! It's the best! We're putting together a number that we can sing when we visit members, to bring the spirit into their homes. We're SUPER excited. It's going to be awesome.
All in all, I really am just loving this work. It truly is the best. This work is amazing - this Gospel is amazing! I LOVED General Conference this weekend. I had so many questions answer, and I feel all the more prepared to just face the world and conquer. And that's what the point of the Gospel is! To help us conquer. I love it. I love the spirit and the power it gives me. I'm so pumped for this week. It's going to be aweosme - it'll probably be really hard, because of all the good things going on, but I'm so pumped to face it!
I love you all! Thanks for everything. For the support and the love. It means a lot, and I'm always so grateful for the prayers and the love that I feel. Hope ya'll have a fantastic week! Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's been another amazing week. My new companion and I, Sister Johnson, are getting along great! She's super awesome. We've been working hard, and things have just been exploding! I don't even know what happened, but I guess this area just needed Sister Johnson! Things are really picking up, and I hope they stay this way. We have two investigators on date for the 19th. We're SO excited. One of them is Grace Teeters; I think I've mentioned her before. She's older, and has been pretty...hesitant about coming to church, but yesterday, she watched the morning session of conference! And she loved it! We're so excited! But, we know it will be harder to get her to actually come to church, but we're working on how we can best get her to come!
And then, yesterday, we just taught an amazing referral from the YSA ward. The member, Andrew, is a fantastic member missionary - he just asked us for 5 copies of the Book of Mormon to keep on hand, so he can pass them out - and has prepared this kid SO well. His name is Taylor Murphy, and I'm so excited for this kid! We taught him for the first time and put him on date for the 19th. He is so ready, so excited, and the spirit is just working in him! It's the best!
Pretty much, it's going to be a fantastic transfer. Sister Johnson is going to be really good for me. I have been realizing that I really need to work on being more loving, and Sister Johnson is SO full of love. There's also a whole lot that I can learn from her. She's been out a little bit over a year - this is her third to last transfer - so she has a lot of experience and is a really hard worker - and loves the work! AND she sings! We can sing together! It's the best! We're putting together a number that we can sing when we visit members, to bring the spirit into their homes. We're SUPER excited. It's going to be awesome.
All in all, I really am just loving this work. It truly is the best. This work is amazing - this Gospel is amazing! I LOVED General Conference this weekend. I had so many questions answer, and I feel all the more prepared to just face the world and conquer. And that's what the point of the Gospel is! To help us conquer. I love it. I love the spirit and the power it gives me. I'm so pumped for this week. It's going to be aweosme - it'll probably be really hard, because of all the good things going on, but I'm so pumped to face it!
I love you all! Thanks for everything. For the support and the love. It means a lot, and I'm always so grateful for the prayers and the love that I feel. Hope ya'll have a fantastic week! Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!