Hey all!
Fun fact for the week: Kitsap County is known to be the least religious county in the entire United States. Guess where Silverdale is located? Yup. Kitsap county. Something I've discovered? Either people are nonreligious or Baptist. Needless to say, tracting can sometimes be an adventure. We've been doing a lot of knocking, because we're trying to build up our teaching pool. (I don't think I've ever knocked this much, not even with Villatoro!) And, something I've found is that opposition comes in waves. This week was a wee bit rough. A lot of people yelling at us. We were called a cult several times this week (I'm pretty sure the definition of a cult includes any and all religions. I've decided to buy a pocket dictionary, and every time someone says we're a cult, I'll pull it out, read the definition to them, and then say, 'yep! you're right! And you're one too!" But, only if the spirit prompts me, of course...)
Needless to say, I was having a little bit of a rough time this week. But then Thursday or Friday, I kinda sucked it up, and then I was fine. We actually had a lot of fun the end of the week. Sister Bevan is a hoot, and she likes to make everything a party. There were a few times we'd walk away from rude people, and I'd just be laughing because of her reaction to them. A lovely old man started ripping into us, saying we believed in things that...well, we don't. I just stood their silently, with a big grin on my face (that always puts them off) and Sister Bevan, probably more polite than I've ever seen her in my life, told him we didn't believe those things. He started spouting off a few more things, and then she asked if there was anything we could do for him, and he said, "No. but I sure do feel sorry for you." And she was like, "Oh, why?" And he answered, "Because you will be going to hell!" Sister Bevan said, "Oh my gosh! That's so mean! Why would you say that?" and he said, "The Bible makes it very clear.' So she said, "Well, God is the one who judges," And he cut her off and said, "God tell us in the Bible how He's going to judge us!" So she responded with the best thing ever: "Well, I guess then, when I meet God, He'll tell me, and not you." Keep in mind, she was being very polite, and not rude and angry. It shut him up, and we went our separate ways. With me unsuccessfully trying to keep from cracking up.
But, this week just goes to show that the Lord blesses those who persevere. Saturday evening, doing our 5-7's - after an already unsuccessful day of some more knocking and checking up on potential investigators - we found a couple of sweet potential investigators. One whom looked a little rough around the edges, so when we asked him if he was interested in learning more, and in learning how to strengthen his relationship with Heavenly Father, and he responded with, "Yes!" we were both shocked. We'll be meeting with him this week, and we're hoping he becomes a way solid investigator. Regardless, he was a tender mercy. Moments like that just buoy you up hope and help you to keep on keeping on!
So, all in all, things are going good. Still slow, but still moving! There's a lot of good stuff happening; we just have to be patient, and keep working hard, so they don't stop happening! I feel like the past few transfers, we've just been prepping this area, so that it'll just explode. I hope I'm here when it does! Transfer predictions: Bevan leaves, I stay and train. It's a bit off an odd prediction, because the logical thing would be for me to leave, but both Sister Bevan and I feel like I'm staying and she's leaving. But, who knows! Sister Bevan always says she's wrong in her predictions, so I'm just trying to not care about it. and we've still got a couple of weeks, so it's not important right now. It just freaks me out that time is moving by so fast! In 5 weeks, I hit my year mark! I'm kinda hoping i get a greenie, so she doesn't have any idea how long I've been out, and I won't tell her, and I can just pretend it hasn't been that long...
Anyways. Life is great! I love it! I just gotta keep on keeping on, and that really isn't that hard to do, if I remind myself of how much I love it here. It's the best! I can't get enough of this work! It's tough, sometimes - a lot of the time - but I still love it. This work is so important, and I feel like this is simply training me to do this work for the rest of my life. I'm just learning how to be a missionary for forever!
I love you all! Thanks for all that you do and the support you give me. Remember how amazing the Gospel is, and that Jesus Christ loves you SO much!!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Letter from February 19th, 2014
Hey all!
this email is way late. (Hope you weren't too worried, Mom!) With President's Day, the library was closed, obviously, and then yesterday, when we arrived at the library, the internet was down. It was definitely a bummer. So, President Weaver told us to email first thing today! It's way weird emailing on a Wednesday. It feels kinda wrong...haha!
Last week was kinda tough. Things just weren't working out and people kept canceling on us. The highlight? Park Day. We walked around, and it didn't rain once! It actually was a beautiful day, and I even regretted putting on my coat! And, don't worry about us walking around at night anymore (although there are a FEW more lights here than in Port Orchard. And sometimes there's sidewalk.) because the mission got us these wonderfully bright reflector belts. not exactly the most stylish, but it keeps the sweet old members in the ward from freaking out as bad to find out we're walking around at night. We found out Sunday that it's actually a topic of discussion at the dinner table when ward members get together. Haha we get scolded by certain ward members every time we're over at their house, because we walk at night. Sister Bevan humors them, while I politely tell them we're doing missionary work the way we're asked to. So, in case any of you are worrying for my safety, you don't need to. People here are worrying enough for you!
After Park day, the weather turned for the worst. It's been pretty stormy, and I've rediscovered how thoroughly ineffective my coat is at protecting me from the rain...haha! Even good raincoats get soaked after an hour or two of tracting! But, it's an adventure and people let us into their homes to warm up. And, as Sister Bevan always says, miracles happen in the rain. So, she's all about it.
Yesterday, we actually met with two potentials, and they both became new! It was awesome! while we can't really tell if they are going to progress, they both have agreed to listen to the lessons and to learn with an open mind. One of them, Ethan, lives on base. He's in the marines, and actually was given a Book of Mormon by someone in the ward! He's really open, and really strong in His faith in Christ. We're confident that if he keeps his open mind, and he's sincere in praying about the things we share with him, he's definitely going to get baptized. He's a sweetheart, and I can't wait to start teaching him!
Life is pretty great. Sister Bevan is really good at keeping a positive attitude, and the few times she gets down, I'm the positive one, and if for some reason that doesn't work, we just call the STLs, and they give the best pump ups ever! The members are taking care of us. Keeping us well fed. (Sister Bevan has convinced me to go on a diet for a few weeks. All this good food has caused us to gain a wee bit of weight...so we're trying to get rid of all of the "garbage" - as she calls all of my snacks - so we can start next week.) there really is nothing to worry about or complain about. Just keep praying for my peeps, and we'll get the baptized! We're also working hard at finding new people, because that's been a struggle, so if you could say a few extra prayers for that, too, we'd be SO grateful!
To end this way random and disjointed email (that's what happens when you email on a Wednesday, not on a preparation day) I just want to say, it has been a year, today, since I opened up my mission call. A year ago, I finally received that wonderful envelope - 5 days late - that let me know I was meant to come to the beautiful WA-TAC. I still remember how wonderful it felt to read the Washington Tacoma Mission, and to be filled with that feeling of just...knowing. That this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. and, that feeling has never gone away. I love it here. you guys, I could rant all day, stand on a soapbox and never get down. I FREAKING LOVE MY MISSION!
I'm so grateful for the gospel. I'm grateful for this privilege I have to spend my entire focus on sharing it. All day everyday. It's what I want to do for the rest of my life. You guys, it's so worth it! The Gospel is true. The Atonement is real. Jesus Christ is our Savior and loves us. SO much! And, it's all worth it. Because it's REAL.
I love you all! thanks for all you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
this email is way late. (Hope you weren't too worried, Mom!) With President's Day, the library was closed, obviously, and then yesterday, when we arrived at the library, the internet was down. It was definitely a bummer. So, President Weaver told us to email first thing today! It's way weird emailing on a Wednesday. It feels kinda wrong...haha!
Last week was kinda tough. Things just weren't working out and people kept canceling on us. The highlight? Park Day. We walked around, and it didn't rain once! It actually was a beautiful day, and I even regretted putting on my coat! And, don't worry about us walking around at night anymore (although there are a FEW more lights here than in Port Orchard. And sometimes there's sidewalk.) because the mission got us these wonderfully bright reflector belts. not exactly the most stylish, but it keeps the sweet old members in the ward from freaking out as bad to find out we're walking around at night. We found out Sunday that it's actually a topic of discussion at the dinner table when ward members get together. Haha we get scolded by certain ward members every time we're over at their house, because we walk at night. Sister Bevan humors them, while I politely tell them we're doing missionary work the way we're asked to. So, in case any of you are worrying for my safety, you don't need to. People here are worrying enough for you!
After Park day, the weather turned for the worst. It's been pretty stormy, and I've rediscovered how thoroughly ineffective my coat is at protecting me from the rain...haha! Even good raincoats get soaked after an hour or two of tracting! But, it's an adventure and people let us into their homes to warm up. And, as Sister Bevan always says, miracles happen in the rain. So, she's all about it.
Yesterday, we actually met with two potentials, and they both became new! It was awesome! while we can't really tell if they are going to progress, they both have agreed to listen to the lessons and to learn with an open mind. One of them, Ethan, lives on base. He's in the marines, and actually was given a Book of Mormon by someone in the ward! He's really open, and really strong in His faith in Christ. We're confident that if he keeps his open mind, and he's sincere in praying about the things we share with him, he's definitely going to get baptized. He's a sweetheart, and I can't wait to start teaching him!
Life is pretty great. Sister Bevan is really good at keeping a positive attitude, and the few times she gets down, I'm the positive one, and if for some reason that doesn't work, we just call the STLs, and they give the best pump ups ever! The members are taking care of us. Keeping us well fed. (Sister Bevan has convinced me to go on a diet for a few weeks. All this good food has caused us to gain a wee bit of weight...so we're trying to get rid of all of the "garbage" - as she calls all of my snacks - so we can start next week.) there really is nothing to worry about or complain about. Just keep praying for my peeps, and we'll get the baptized! We're also working hard at finding new people, because that's been a struggle, so if you could say a few extra prayers for that, too, we'd be SO grateful!
To end this way random and disjointed email (that's what happens when you email on a Wednesday, not on a preparation day) I just want to say, it has been a year, today, since I opened up my mission call. A year ago, I finally received that wonderful envelope - 5 days late - that let me know I was meant to come to the beautiful WA-TAC. I still remember how wonderful it felt to read the Washington Tacoma Mission, and to be filled with that feeling of just...knowing. That this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. and, that feeling has never gone away. I love it here. you guys, I could rant all day, stand on a soapbox and never get down. I FREAKING LOVE MY MISSION!
I'm so grateful for the gospel. I'm grateful for this privilege I have to spend my entire focus on sharing it. All day everyday. It's what I want to do for the rest of my life. You guys, it's so worth it! The Gospel is true. The Atonement is real. Jesus Christ is our Savior and loves us. SO much! And, it's all worth it. Because it's REAL.
I love you all! thanks for all you do!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Letter from February 10th, 2014
Hey all!
Happy Valentine's Day! Sister Bevan are celebrating Valentine's Day today, early, by making dinner for the sisters in our zone. It's going to be a fun time! I actually really hate Valentine's Day...but then I just remind myself that there's all sorts of different kinds of love! So...I like to make Valentine's Day a day, not about romantic love, but the love I have in my heart for those around me (or those back home...:) ). Actually, that kind of came up in my study this morning. I've been reading the New TEstament and just finished The Acts, and started in on Romans. Towards the end of Romans 1, Paul starts pointing out some problems people have. One of them is "without natural affection." I started thinking and pondering on what exactly that means. I think it's just pointing out how we need to love others! It needs to be a NATURAL affection for people. Now, it's not always easy for some people. In fact, the way I like to describe how I used to be, is that I didn't feel things very deeply. I loved my family and my friends, but it was almost...surface level. But, here's the thing. If we are doing all we can to improve upon ourselves, to become Christlike, our love for others is going to develop into something deeper. You're going to love a whole lot more. And I've definitely experienced that! Not just on my mission, but befor emy mission - but it definitely has increased tremendously since I've been on my mission.
Anyways. Enough of my rant on love. This week has been...odd. Transfer meeting - Sister Johnson went home. It was WAY hard to see her go home. Half of the companions I've had have finished their missions, now. That is SO weird! I hope President sticks me with some young'uns soon, so I actually will have friends my last few transfers! haha!
We had the amazing privilege this weekend to have stake conference with a member of the Seventy, Elder Richards. It was so incredible to hear him speak. He is a wonderful teacher. The few meetings we had with him were wonderful examples of how and WHAT we should teach. He taugh of the REstoration and of the Plan of Salvation, and of the Atonement. He taught simply, bold - straight to the point - and with great love. I loved it! The adult session was way awesome! It was about the hastening of the work - which, my understanding is, is that what it is for everyone. We were able to hear the stories of people in the stake sharing the Gospel. many of them were stories about the youth, so that was way cool. Youth have such a great opportunity to share the Gospel! IT's so easy and natural for them! Especially in the world today, when youth who live the Church standards have a huge contrast in the way other youth live. They have the opportunity to be examples and light, and lead others to the truth. Teens and YSAs, the pressure is on! But, of course, not only them, but everyone else! Be examples, show the love and the light, and sharing the Gospel will be SO natural!
What was way awesome was, after stake conference, and the huge emphasis on sharing the Gospel, we went to lunch at a member's place (homemade pizza! The best!) Lo and behold, they had a nonmember there. We shared a message from teh Book of Mormon, and were going to leave it up to him - Jeff - to get in contact with us if he was interested. Then, the members brought up a question he had about where the Pearl of Great Price came from. Bevan looked at me so I jumped in. It'd be kinda an odd explanation as to why this random dude bought som mummies and then translated som random scrolls, so I just started from the beginning, and did a mini-resto. It was way sweet, and he loved it. He said he was interested in learning more, because he wants to find out if it IS worth learning. So we have a return appointment. He is a sweet referral! I love it!
wE also were able to participate in a fireside last night. I love it! It always fills me with this great desire to just share the Gospel. There's no other way to describe what happens is that I'm just filled with...feelings. Almost an electricity. I love this work! IT's the best! GAH!!! So much love! haha! I'm so happy to be out on my mission. I love teh WA-TAC, I love the Gospel, and I love my Savior, and my Friend, Jesus Christ. Thank you for all you guys do for me! I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Happy Valentine's Day! Sister Bevan are celebrating Valentine's Day today, early, by making dinner for the sisters in our zone. It's going to be a fun time! I actually really hate Valentine's Day...but then I just remind myself that there's all sorts of different kinds of love! So...I like to make Valentine's Day a day, not about romantic love, but the love I have in my heart for those around me (or those back home...:) ). Actually, that kind of came up in my study this morning. I've been reading the New TEstament and just finished The Acts, and started in on Romans. Towards the end of Romans 1, Paul starts pointing out some problems people have. One of them is "without natural affection." I started thinking and pondering on what exactly that means. I think it's just pointing out how we need to love others! It needs to be a NATURAL affection for people. Now, it's not always easy for some people. In fact, the way I like to describe how I used to be, is that I didn't feel things very deeply. I loved my family and my friends, but it was almost...surface level. But, here's the thing. If we are doing all we can to improve upon ourselves, to become Christlike, our love for others is going to develop into something deeper. You're going to love a whole lot more. And I've definitely experienced that! Not just on my mission, but befor emy mission - but it definitely has increased tremendously since I've been on my mission.
Anyways. Enough of my rant on love. This week has been...odd. Transfer meeting - Sister Johnson went home. It was WAY hard to see her go home. Half of the companions I've had have finished their missions, now. That is SO weird! I hope President sticks me with some young'uns soon, so I actually will have friends my last few transfers! haha!
We had the amazing privilege this weekend to have stake conference with a member of the Seventy, Elder Richards. It was so incredible to hear him speak. He is a wonderful teacher. The few meetings we had with him were wonderful examples of how and WHAT we should teach. He taugh of the REstoration and of the Plan of Salvation, and of the Atonement. He taught simply, bold - straight to the point - and with great love. I loved it! The adult session was way awesome! It was about the hastening of the work - which, my understanding is, is that what it is for everyone. We were able to hear the stories of people in the stake sharing the Gospel. many of them were stories about the youth, so that was way cool. Youth have such a great opportunity to share the Gospel! IT's so easy and natural for them! Especially in the world today, when youth who live the Church standards have a huge contrast in the way other youth live. They have the opportunity to be examples and light, and lead others to the truth. Teens and YSAs, the pressure is on! But, of course, not only them, but everyone else! Be examples, show the love and the light, and sharing the Gospel will be SO natural!
What was way awesome was, after stake conference, and the huge emphasis on sharing the Gospel, we went to lunch at a member's place (homemade pizza! The best!) Lo and behold, they had a nonmember there. We shared a message from teh Book of Mormon, and were going to leave it up to him - Jeff - to get in contact with us if he was interested. Then, the members brought up a question he had about where the Pearl of Great Price came from. Bevan looked at me so I jumped in. It'd be kinda an odd explanation as to why this random dude bought som mummies and then translated som random scrolls, so I just started from the beginning, and did a mini-resto. It was way sweet, and he loved it. He said he was interested in learning more, because he wants to find out if it IS worth learning. So we have a return appointment. He is a sweet referral! I love it!
wE also were able to participate in a fireside last night. I love it! It always fills me with this great desire to just share the Gospel. There's no other way to describe what happens is that I'm just filled with...feelings. Almost an electricity. I love this work! IT's the best! GAH!!! So much love! haha! I'm so happy to be out on my mission. I love teh WA-TAC, I love the Gospel, and I love my Savior, and my Friend, Jesus Christ. Thank you for all you guys do for me! I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, February 3, 2014
Letter from February 3rd, 2014
Hey all!
Transfer buzz: Sister Bevan and I are staying put! We're both super excited. Even better: all the sisters in the zone are staying, too! It's going to be a way fun transfer! Plus, we plan on seeing lots of things happen in our ward.
It's been a little bit of a rough week for us, though. All of our progressing investigators pretty much said baptism just got put on the back burner. Not that they're not thinking about it or they're not interested, but they're just not sure any more. Sally was way solid for the 14th - more solid than we were aware, actually! - but then, she said she's been getting mixed feelings when she spends time with her mom, who has dementia. She said her parents had her baptized Catholic for a reason, and she doesn't wan tto betray her parents. So, we're just trying to encourage her. If you could keep her in your prayers, I'd really appreciate it. A few other sad and discouraging things have happened this week, like an investigator dropping us. And some other stuff. But, the Lord still blesses us! We were able to go to 3rd ward's baptism (the sisters in that ward, Sister Hardy and Sister Peruch are our STLs, and pretty much our best friends) and it was way spiritual. I accompanied them singing Oh My Soul Hungered and Sister Bevan gave a little short missionary message while the guy who got baptized was changing. Because of that, we were able to convince Linda and Jim to come. It was way good for them to come, because the spirit was so strong! Gerald, who was the one who got baptized, bore his testimony at the end, and it was AMAZING!! I LOVE baptisms! They make me so happy!
Also, a couple potential investigators just randomly showed up to church yesterday, with their neighbors. It was such a tender mercy to us. They are Liz and Anna. Anna is 8 and Liz is her grandma. their neighbors, the Turmans, had told us about them a while ago, and so we recently stopped by to visit Liz, and she was very much, "I'm not getting baptized into your church! But, the door isn't closed. But don't come by again. I'll contact you." It was kind of an odd encounter. Especially since Sister Turman said Liz came over after that and was like, "I'm going to church with you guys soon!" I'm not really sure how to read her...but she seems fun. A little fireball. :) So, to see her there was awesome. She really enjoyed it, and so did Anna - we actually had gone into Primary to help with Sharing time, so I hope that gave Anna a little bit of a good impression of us. :) And Anna said she wanted to come back, so Liz said they would, because Anna is the boss! Hopefully Liz will actually let us teach her, soon. But, regardless, we were very blessed to have them come, and that it was a good experience for them.
You know, it's kind of cool to see how the Lord blesses your work. You do all you can, and you work with the people you can, and the people you think you're supposed to focus and work with, but, it's the Lord's work. We actually aren't doing much. Because, then there comes someone you haven't been working with, but the spirit has been, and...it's actually kinda better than if you had been. Like Liz just showing up to church, without us inviting her. The Lord acknowledged the work we do, and knows we're doing our best, accordin gto the knowledge we have, and then he just blesses us to reap the rewards of the work HE is doing.
It's not exactly "missionary work." It's Heavenly Father's work. Which is why missionaries and members need to be working together so closely. Because neither of us can do it alone. And all of us need to be united with Christ and Heavenly Father. And, if we are, we'll be striving to do His work. It's perfect! I'm so grateful I can be here. I'm learning so much, and I've never been so aware of God's hand in my life. I love it! Thank you for all you guys do to support me. I love you all! Remember! The Church is true, the Atonement is real, and it's all worth it!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Transfer buzz: Sister Bevan and I are staying put! We're both super excited. Even better: all the sisters in the zone are staying, too! It's going to be a way fun transfer! Plus, we plan on seeing lots of things happen in our ward.
It's been a little bit of a rough week for us, though. All of our progressing investigators pretty much said baptism just got put on the back burner. Not that they're not thinking about it or they're not interested, but they're just not sure any more. Sally was way solid for the 14th - more solid than we were aware, actually! - but then, she said she's been getting mixed feelings when she spends time with her mom, who has dementia. She said her parents had her baptized Catholic for a reason, and she doesn't wan tto betray her parents. So, we're just trying to encourage her. If you could keep her in your prayers, I'd really appreciate it. A few other sad and discouraging things have happened this week, like an investigator dropping us. And some other stuff. But, the Lord still blesses us! We were able to go to 3rd ward's baptism (the sisters in that ward, Sister Hardy and Sister Peruch are our STLs, and pretty much our best friends) and it was way spiritual. I accompanied them singing Oh My Soul Hungered and Sister Bevan gave a little short missionary message while the guy who got baptized was changing. Because of that, we were able to convince Linda and Jim to come. It was way good for them to come, because the spirit was so strong! Gerald, who was the one who got baptized, bore his testimony at the end, and it was AMAZING!! I LOVE baptisms! They make me so happy!
Also, a couple potential investigators just randomly showed up to church yesterday, with their neighbors. It was such a tender mercy to us. They are Liz and Anna. Anna is 8 and Liz is her grandma. their neighbors, the Turmans, had told us about them a while ago, and so we recently stopped by to visit Liz, and she was very much, "I'm not getting baptized into your church! But, the door isn't closed. But don't come by again. I'll contact you." It was kind of an odd encounter. Especially since Sister Turman said Liz came over after that and was like, "I'm going to church with you guys soon!" I'm not really sure how to read her...but she seems fun. A little fireball. :) So, to see her there was awesome. She really enjoyed it, and so did Anna - we actually had gone into Primary to help with Sharing time, so I hope that gave Anna a little bit of a good impression of us. :) And Anna said she wanted to come back, so Liz said they would, because Anna is the boss! Hopefully Liz will actually let us teach her, soon. But, regardless, we were very blessed to have them come, and that it was a good experience for them.
You know, it's kind of cool to see how the Lord blesses your work. You do all you can, and you work with the people you can, and the people you think you're supposed to focus and work with, but, it's the Lord's work. We actually aren't doing much. Because, then there comes someone you haven't been working with, but the spirit has been, and...it's actually kinda better than if you had been. Like Liz just showing up to church, without us inviting her. The Lord acknowledged the work we do, and knows we're doing our best, accordin gto the knowledge we have, and then he just blesses us to reap the rewards of the work HE is doing.
It's not exactly "missionary work." It's Heavenly Father's work. Which is why missionaries and members need to be working together so closely. Because neither of us can do it alone. And all of us need to be united with Christ and Heavenly Father. And, if we are, we'll be striving to do His work. It's perfect! I'm so grateful I can be here. I'm learning so much, and I've never been so aware of God's hand in my life. I love it! Thank you for all you guys do to support me. I love you all! Remember! The Church is true, the Atonement is real, and it's all worth it!
Sister Beth Ann Root!