Hey all!
It's been a pretty good week! We had exchanges, Zone Conference and then we had the wonderful opportunity to have an apostle come and talk with us. It was Elder Neil L Anderson. It was a really neat experience, one that I'm sure I will treasure for forever. So, it was a very spiritual week. Plus, I love getting to spend time with other missionaries. It always gets me pretty pumped.
We're still struggling a little bit with our teaching pool. I guess people here don't really want to talk with missionaries...but we've been trying to visit a lot of less actives. That's still hard work, and often hit or miss, but we're doing what we can. There's an awesome recent convert here, though. She's fantastic, and I think she might be my new favorite member. She's been baptized for almost a year, and is preparing for the temple. She's been through a lot, but she has a lot of strength and a lot of faith, and NOTHING is swaying her from what she knows is right. She has a lot of deep questions, and a lot of questions about random doctrinal things, so I just reminded her to go back to the basics. That, as she goes back to the answers she's received about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and the church, all other things will fall into place. As she continually reads the Book of Mormon and other scriptures, she'll gain greater understanding, maybe not in the timing she desires, but God will always answer her questions. She's just a really neat person, and it was a good reminder of the importance of the basics. You HAVE to have a testimony of the Savior, that God loves you, the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith if you're going to withstand the buffetings of Satan, and his persuassions to pull you away from the church. But, in reality it all goes down to the Savior. That's waht Elder Anderson talkeda bout, and a very powerful experience to hear an apostle's witness about the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that He truly does live.He said that is what we teach. That should be our focus. Everything else will fall into place. He promised us that as wwe seal the testimony of our Savior into our hreats, nothing will be able to sway us from our testimony of Joseph Smith, or anything else. Because Christ is the cornerstone to everything this Church is.The end. That's it. There's nothing else.No other message more important. Actually, there IS no other mesage. The Restoration would be NOTHING without the Savior.
I know this isn't a very long email. But, much of what I have learned this week is just that. Jesus Christ is everything. I wish I could sing it for all the world to hear. I wish I could open up my heart so people would hear the music of my heart that expresses my love and gratitude for the Savior, because mere words just don't cut it. They can't express even a hundreth part of what I feel for my Brother Jesus Christ. That's been the message I've been sharing with members this week. Just my love for teh Savior, and grateful I am to have the opportunity to be here, sharing itwith others!
You guys, Jesus Christ lives. His Atonement is for everyone, and encompasses anything and everything you might feel or experience in this life. IT's beautiful. I love it. I love Him. I'm so grateful for Him. Words just can't express it. I want all of you who read this to know that. He suffered for YOU. He loves YOU. If you're unsure of that, if you're feeling unloved, lost, alone, afraid, or weak, He is there. IF you don't believe it, furself that it's Open up the scriptures, read about Him, and pray. Through this process, you will be able to find our for yourself, and you will be able to feel His love. Because it's real. I know it! I've felt it! there's nothing better that I could share!
I love you all. Thanks for everything you do. Remember your Savior during this time. He loves you! I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Letter from November 18th, 2013
Hey all!
Well, it's been my first week in the Silverdale 6th ward. The area here is a lot slower than what I'm used to, so it's a bit of an adjustment...But I'm determined to get it to start picking up! A lot of our investigators are "eternals" - meaning, they've been taught for a really long time. So, it looks like we've really got to start kicking them into action, or start finding some new, solid investigators. The hard part about that, is, there's another set of missionaries in this ward, so this area has been tracted out A LOT. Apparently people get missionaries at their door about every other month. Most people are friendly...but only friendly enough to say, "Don't freeze out there!" and close the door. It's a rough adjustment to the hustle and bustle of being over two wards and trying to figure out who we had time to meet with!
I did have the wonderful privlege of going back to Port Orchard to see TJ baptized, on Saturday. Friday night, Sister Johnson texted me and asked me if I'd be able to give the talk on baptism - apparently none of the YSAs were available, or they couldn't get ahold of any. So, I called President Weaver to ask for permission. Apparently the Brethren have asked for missionaries to no longer leave their areas for baptisms, but he said since I was asked to give the talk, he'd let me go. It was such a tender mercy for me. Friday had been a hard day for me. I was stressed, and everything had fallen through, and no body seemed to want to listen. So, to have that was a blessing. And then, going on Saturday just filled me with the spirit! I am so grateful I was able to see TJ baptized. It was such a blessing to be able to teach him and to see his desire to do what's right and follow the Savior, so being able to be there to see him step through that gate of baptism was the best! It did my heart good. Plus, it was a treat to be able to see Sister Johnson. I truly have come to love Sister Stokes, already, but the bond Sister Johnson and I formed is a very sweet and special one. So I was grateful for that chance to see her, just for a bit.
This Saturday, we're going to have the privilege of hearing one of the 12 apostles speak to us. We don't know which, yet, and I'm sure I'll have lots to tell you next week about it, but I'm pumped about it! Plus, there's zone conferences this week, too! (Where I'll get to see Sister Johnson, too. Woot! And Sister Douros! It'll be a fun time.)
Well, I don't have much else to say to you guys. Just, keep supporting me with prayers. I love you all, and am grateful for all that you do! (Congrats, Amy and Stephen, to having little Eli! So happy for you!) I love you all so much!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Well, it's been my first week in the Silverdale 6th ward. The area here is a lot slower than what I'm used to, so it's a bit of an adjustment...But I'm determined to get it to start picking up! A lot of our investigators are "eternals" - meaning, they've been taught for a really long time. So, it looks like we've really got to start kicking them into action, or start finding some new, solid investigators. The hard part about that, is, there's another set of missionaries in this ward, so this area has been tracted out A LOT. Apparently people get missionaries at their door about every other month. Most people are friendly...but only friendly enough to say, "Don't freeze out there!" and close the door. It's a rough adjustment to the hustle and bustle of being over two wards and trying to figure out who we had time to meet with!
I did have the wonderful privlege of going back to Port Orchard to see TJ baptized, on Saturday. Friday night, Sister Johnson texted me and asked me if I'd be able to give the talk on baptism - apparently none of the YSAs were available, or they couldn't get ahold of any. So, I called President Weaver to ask for permission. Apparently the Brethren have asked for missionaries to no longer leave their areas for baptisms, but he said since I was asked to give the talk, he'd let me go. It was such a tender mercy for me. Friday had been a hard day for me. I was stressed, and everything had fallen through, and no body seemed to want to listen. So, to have that was a blessing. And then, going on Saturday just filled me with the spirit! I am so grateful I was able to see TJ baptized. It was such a blessing to be able to teach him and to see his desire to do what's right and follow the Savior, so being able to be there to see him step through that gate of baptism was the best! It did my heart good. Plus, it was a treat to be able to see Sister Johnson. I truly have come to love Sister Stokes, already, but the bond Sister Johnson and I formed is a very sweet and special one. So I was grateful for that chance to see her, just for a bit.
This Saturday, we're going to have the privilege of hearing one of the 12 apostles speak to us. We don't know which, yet, and I'm sure I'll have lots to tell you next week about it, but I'm pumped about it! Plus, there's zone conferences this week, too! (Where I'll get to see Sister Johnson, too. Woot! And Sister Douros! It'll be a fun time.)
Well, I don't have much else to say to you guys. Just, keep supporting me with prayers. I love you all, and am grateful for all that you do! (Congrats, Amy and Stephen, to having little Eli! So happy for you!) I love you all so much!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Letter from November 12th, 2013
Hey all!
It's been a...sad few days. But also quite joyful! Saturday night, I got the transfer call...and I'm leaving these two wonderful wards and my wonderful companion. I can't help but still be bummed out about it. I'm heading to Silverdale, and my new companion will be Sister Stokes - we actually came out together. From what I've seen, she's a very quite person. Quieter than me! So, we'll see how this goes. But, I'm optimistic! Just...still bummed out that I'm leaving. But, it's in the Lord's hands.
This weekend, we had the amazing privilege of seeing Steve Melton baptized. It was a very powerful program. The spirit was SO strong! Sister Johnson sang "Oh Lord, My Redeemer" (thanks, Mom for sending the music!) and it was a really neat experience being able to accompany for her. It's hard to explain...but it was different than any other time I have accompanied someone singing. the spirit was just very present. It really was an amazing baptism.
Then, just last night, after home evening with the YSAs, TJ had his baptismal interview and he passed. I don't know if that sounds like a big deal or not...but TJ is amazing. He is a little bit handicapped - he has to walk with a walker - and he lived out in Port Ludlow, which is about an hour away from Port Orchard (the area for the YSA ward is HUGE!!) so it's been really difficult to see him and teach him. Often times, it's for short 20 or 30 minute lessons after YSA activities. But, seeing him walk outside from the interview, with a huge grin on his face, and having the district leader walk up to Sister Johnson and I afterwards, and say, "Yep. He is so ready." It was a wonderful moment. TJ had a few concerns, and his response was, "I just want to be sure I do the right thing." Sometimes it's been like pulling teeth with him, so it's been amazing to see him just turn to Christ, and make these commitments, and have these righteous desires. It's SO hard leaving before he gets baptized - this Saturday! GAH! I feel like Heavenly Father is testing a little bit of my willingness with this transfer.
We also had a sweet lesson with our new investigator in the YSA ward, Logan. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and the spirit was very strong. He shared some things with us - he's lived a hard life, where he's made a few wrong choices - and then shared how he desires to do the right thing. Then, when he gave the closing prayer, it was one of the most sincere and sweetest prayers I've ever heard. He just simply said, "Thank you for this knowledge that will help me be with you, my family, and my friends for forever." It was so sweet. I'm SO sad I don't get to continue teaching him, either! Or see him baptized!
AND Aydan Summers! Our little 9 year old. He's started reading the Boom of Mormon on his phone (it's just the phone. He can't text or make calls on it. he just has teh apps) and he loves it! He's changed so much and I'm so sad I can't continue to teach him, too! But, his grandparents keep asking me if I can come back for his baptism - his grandfather even said Sister Johnson and I should sing at it. I'll have to talk to President Weaver (he'll probably say yes) but, I want to make sure that it comes from Aydan, if I'm going to be coming back. It's really hard to come back into an old area, but if the investigator wants it, I'll totally be there!
well, that's all I have to share from this week. Like I said, I'm bummed about this transfer...but I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me! It's going to be good. I love you all! thanks or everything! Keep me in your prayers - and all of these investigators, and these wards! I'm sad to be leaving, but I hope and pray these wards continue to flourish! They have changed SO much since 3 months ago. It's crazy! I love them. SO much. And I love all of you!!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's been a...sad few days. But also quite joyful! Saturday night, I got the transfer call...and I'm leaving these two wonderful wards and my wonderful companion. I can't help but still be bummed out about it. I'm heading to Silverdale, and my new companion will be Sister Stokes - we actually came out together. From what I've seen, she's a very quite person. Quieter than me! So, we'll see how this goes. But, I'm optimistic! Just...still bummed out that I'm leaving. But, it's in the Lord's hands.
This weekend, we had the amazing privilege of seeing Steve Melton baptized. It was a very powerful program. The spirit was SO strong! Sister Johnson sang "Oh Lord, My Redeemer" (thanks, Mom for sending the music!) and it was a really neat experience being able to accompany for her. It's hard to explain...but it was different than any other time I have accompanied someone singing. the spirit was just very present. It really was an amazing baptism.
Then, just last night, after home evening with the YSAs, TJ had his baptismal interview and he passed. I don't know if that sounds like a big deal or not...but TJ is amazing. He is a little bit handicapped - he has to walk with a walker - and he lived out in Port Ludlow, which is about an hour away from Port Orchard (the area for the YSA ward is HUGE!!) so it's been really difficult to see him and teach him. Often times, it's for short 20 or 30 minute lessons after YSA activities. But, seeing him walk outside from the interview, with a huge grin on his face, and having the district leader walk up to Sister Johnson and I afterwards, and say, "Yep. He is so ready." It was a wonderful moment. TJ had a few concerns, and his response was, "I just want to be sure I do the right thing." Sometimes it's been like pulling teeth with him, so it's been amazing to see him just turn to Christ, and make these commitments, and have these righteous desires. It's SO hard leaving before he gets baptized - this Saturday! GAH! I feel like Heavenly Father is testing a little bit of my willingness with this transfer.
We also had a sweet lesson with our new investigator in the YSA ward, Logan. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and the spirit was very strong. He shared some things with us - he's lived a hard life, where he's made a few wrong choices - and then shared how he desires to do the right thing. Then, when he gave the closing prayer, it was one of the most sincere and sweetest prayers I've ever heard. He just simply said, "Thank you for this knowledge that will help me be with you, my family, and my friends for forever." It was so sweet. I'm SO sad I don't get to continue teaching him, either! Or see him baptized!
AND Aydan Summers! Our little 9 year old. He's started reading the Boom of Mormon on his phone (it's just the phone. He can't text or make calls on it. he just has teh apps) and he loves it! He's changed so much and I'm so sad I can't continue to teach him, too! But, his grandparents keep asking me if I can come back for his baptism - his grandfather even said Sister Johnson and I should sing at it. I'll have to talk to President Weaver (he'll probably say yes) but, I want to make sure that it comes from Aydan, if I'm going to be coming back. It's really hard to come back into an old area, but if the investigator wants it, I'll totally be there!
well, that's all I have to share from this week. Like I said, I'm bummed about this transfer...but I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me! It's going to be good. I love you all! thanks or everything! Keep me in your prayers - and all of these investigators, and these wards! I'm sad to be leaving, but I hope and pray these wards continue to flourish! They have changed SO much since 3 months ago. It's crazy! I love them. SO much. And I love all of you!!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Letter from November 4th, 2013
Hey all!
Port Orchard library is back open...which is actually more inconvenient. I hate having to wait for 1:00 to email! And this computer is kinda slow...it's driving me a tad bit crazy. But...I guess I'm just meant to practice patience...
This week was a bit of an odd week...We have a new super solid investigator for the YSA ward! His name is Logan Knap! He came to church last Sunday with his friend, Rose, and we taught him on Friday, and put him on date to be baptized on the 26th. He is so ready. When we invited him to be baptized, he was like, "Yeah! Of course!" All he has to do is gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and he'll be super solid! And he'd said he'd read and pray, so Sister Johnson and I aren't to worried! TJ, though, the one in the YSA ward who is on date for the 16th...we have a few worries about. He hasn't come to church since we taught him the first time, and he doesn't seem too...committed. He loves everything we're teaching him, but I think he just doesn't understand the...commitment that is required. i mean, the whole point is to become more like our Heavenly Father, so it's not like you can just be baptized and continue living your life the way you were before. Life changes are needed - for everyone! Everyday! So. we're trying to figure out what he needs and how we can help him gain that understanding.
Aydan, in the Southworth ward got pushed back to the 30th. He wants his uncle to baptize him, and so we have to wait till Thanksgiving. He's pretty bummed out about it, and so are his grandparents - and so are we! - but, I think it might be better for his Mom. We still haven't had a chance to actually meet her, because I think she's afraid we're going to make her feel guilty for not being active...so it might give us a chance to meet her, and help build a bond with her. And hopefully encourage her to come to church with Aydan! And Steve is super solid. He's getting baptized this Saturday, and we're SO excited! Not worried about him at all!
Tuesday was fun. We had an exchange, and I went to Kitsap Lake - which actually is in our zone. I went with Sister Crosby, who I had been on exchange with last transfer. It was kind of weird, because I haven't been on exchange with her companion, so it was unexpected to go with her again. But, it was such a good experience! It's funny how quickly you can come to love someone.And, in the end, having been with her before was super good, because than she could actually see the changes I've made, and the growth that has happened. It was really good for me; it gave me a confidence boost, and helped me see that I actually AM improving. I learned a lot from that exchange, about myself, and about how I can be a better missionary - and a better companion. It was super awesome. I hope I get the chance to serve with Sister Crosby - for longer than 24 hours! haha! But, she lives like...7 minutes away from our house in Mesa. so we'll get to play when we're home. :) Maybe I'll send her over when she goes home - but that won't be for awhile. She just barely hit her halfway mark.
Halloween was pretty cool. We literally did nothing. We did our weekly planning, had our zone meeting, and then just hung out with our zone. We watched Ephriam's Rescue - arranged by President and sister Weaver. And then, we went home! We weren't allowed out, for our safety. So, we went from home to church building to home. It was and odd day, and it actually took me a little while to kinda recover from it. But, it was fun to hang out with the zone! And the movie was SO good! Watch it, if you haven't!
But...all in all, it's been a good week. Full of teaching and the spirit! And, as always, I feel myself learning and growing. My testimony of my Savior increases all the time, and I know it's such a blessing to me to be here. I only hope I am blessing others' lives. And Sister Johnson and I are ALWAYS having fun! She puts up with me when I am cranky, and I try to make sure she doesn't go into a diabetic coma. It's fun! Haha but really. We find out this Saturday what's happening with transfers, so we're going to make the most of this week, in case we don't stay together next transfer. though, I hope we do!
I love you all! Thank you so much for all that you do! I hope this week brings you wonderment and joy! Love, love, love!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Port Orchard library is back open...which is actually more inconvenient. I hate having to wait for 1:00 to email! And this computer is kinda slow...it's driving me a tad bit crazy. But...I guess I'm just meant to practice patience...
This week was a bit of an odd week...We have a new super solid investigator for the YSA ward! His name is Logan Knap! He came to church last Sunday with his friend, Rose, and we taught him on Friday, and put him on date to be baptized on the 26th. He is so ready. When we invited him to be baptized, he was like, "Yeah! Of course!" All he has to do is gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and he'll be super solid! And he'd said he'd read and pray, so Sister Johnson and I aren't to worried! TJ, though, the one in the YSA ward who is on date for the 16th...we have a few worries about. He hasn't come to church since we taught him the first time, and he doesn't seem too...committed. He loves everything we're teaching him, but I think he just doesn't understand the...commitment that is required. i mean, the whole point is to become more like our Heavenly Father, so it's not like you can just be baptized and continue living your life the way you were before. Life changes are needed - for everyone! Everyday! So. we're trying to figure out what he needs and how we can help him gain that understanding.
Aydan, in the Southworth ward got pushed back to the 30th. He wants his uncle to baptize him, and so we have to wait till Thanksgiving. He's pretty bummed out about it, and so are his grandparents - and so are we! - but, I think it might be better for his Mom. We still haven't had a chance to actually meet her, because I think she's afraid we're going to make her feel guilty for not being active...so it might give us a chance to meet her, and help build a bond with her. And hopefully encourage her to come to church with Aydan! And Steve is super solid. He's getting baptized this Saturday, and we're SO excited! Not worried about him at all!
Tuesday was fun. We had an exchange, and I went to Kitsap Lake - which actually is in our zone. I went with Sister Crosby, who I had been on exchange with last transfer. It was kind of weird, because I haven't been on exchange with her companion, so it was unexpected to go with her again. But, it was such a good experience! It's funny how quickly you can come to love someone.And, in the end, having been with her before was super good, because than she could actually see the changes I've made, and the growth that has happened. It was really good for me; it gave me a confidence boost, and helped me see that I actually AM improving. I learned a lot from that exchange, about myself, and about how I can be a better missionary - and a better companion. It was super awesome. I hope I get the chance to serve with Sister Crosby - for longer than 24 hours! haha! But, she lives like...7 minutes away from our house in Mesa. so we'll get to play when we're home. :) Maybe I'll send her over when she goes home - but that won't be for awhile. She just barely hit her halfway mark.
Halloween was pretty cool. We literally did nothing. We did our weekly planning, had our zone meeting, and then just hung out with our zone. We watched Ephriam's Rescue - arranged by President and sister Weaver. And then, we went home! We weren't allowed out, for our safety. So, we went from home to church building to home. It was and odd day, and it actually took me a little while to kinda recover from it. But, it was fun to hang out with the zone! And the movie was SO good! Watch it, if you haven't!
But...all in all, it's been a good week. Full of teaching and the spirit! And, as always, I feel myself learning and growing. My testimony of my Savior increases all the time, and I know it's such a blessing to me to be here. I only hope I am blessing others' lives. And Sister Johnson and I are ALWAYS having fun! She puts up with me when I am cranky, and I try to make sure she doesn't go into a diabetic coma. It's fun! Haha but really. We find out this Saturday what's happening with transfers, so we're going to make the most of this week, in case we don't stay together next transfer. though, I hope we do!
I love you all! Thank you so much for all that you do! I hope this week brings you wonderment and joy! Love, love, love!
Sister Beth Ann Root!