Hey all!
It's just been another week in the mission field. I'm getting used to Lacey, though I'm still way lost all of the time. I ended up being the designated driver...probably karma for rubbing it into Sister Bevan's face that she had to drive and not me. I HATE driving. It's because Sister Brewster is a greenie, and greenies don't generally get blue cards. It might end up changing though...
Sister Brewster is a way good missionary, with a whole lot less greenie pride than I had. It makes it way easy to follow-up train her, because she's so ready to just learn new ways to do things, and to go out and work. We work really well together, and we're ready to tear this place apart! It's kinda slower, like Silverdale way, though not as slow. But, we're just gonna go out and knock till our knuckles bleed so we can find some golden investigators who are ready to receive the Gospel! (Haha words I never thought I'd say. Being companions with Sister Bevan gave me the itch to knock doors whenever I don't know what to do with our time. Which is way weird, but that's ok.)
So, Sister Brewster made the comment that she had never been anti-ed before, on the mission. So, of course, the next evening, we had a pretty intense bible bash/anti session. I've gotten to the point where anti just pumps me up, and fortifies my testimony. Not everyone is that way, though. Brewster struggled a little bit. I have a feeling we're going to deal with a good amount of anti this transfer. But, we shall see!
This past week, I've been filled with way weird emotions about the mission. I think it's because I'm with a greenie when I'm hitting my year mark. I look at her and realize I was in her shoes 10 months ago, which doesn't seem like a long time to me, but seems like an eternity to her. I've just been filled with this intense gratitude for being able to be out here. I LOVE it! So much! I know I say it all the time, but the feelings have just been so intense this week, I can't explain it fully. I was giving the spiritual thought at a member's house after dinner, and as I started bearing my testimony of being able to teach the first vision to people and how awesome it is, I started tearing up. I've NEVER teared up when talking about the first vision. It's happened a few other times, too, when bearing my testimony about random things. I LOVE it! You guys, the Gospel is the best! I love it!
I don't have much else to say. Sorry this is short. But, I love you all. Thanks so much for your support and love. Remember, the Gospel is true, the Atonement is real, and it's all worth it!!
Love ya!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Letter from March 17th, 2014
Hey all!
Transfer buzz: Sister Bevan is staying and will be getting a little greenie, fresh from the MTC! I'll be heading back down to the south end of the mission, in the Lacey 5th ward. My companion will be Sister Brewster, and I'll be follow up training her. So she's still a little greenie, just not quite so fresh from the MTC. :) It'll be a fun time, and I'm looking forward to what this transfer might bring! It's bittersweet leaving here...I've put my heart and soul into this area, but I've been preparing myself for this news all week, and I've taken it to God, and I know this is what is supposed to happen. I'm completely at peace, and ready to put my heart and soul into a new area!
This week, we found ourselves a little miracle! Actually, we didn't find it at all. It was pretty much given to us. One of the recent converts of the sisters in the 3rd ward had a referral who happened to be in our ward. His name is Eric Odom. He is recently divorced. His ex-wife was a less active member who started going back to church after the divorce. They've gotten back in touch, and are trying to work things out. Eric started taking the lessons in Utah, visiting his wife and their kids. Then, we started teaching him - on Tuesday. We've met with him 3 times, and have another appointment set up with him tonight. He has made the decision to be baptized, and we're goaling for this saturday, but it might be pushed back to the next weekend - it just kind of depends on him. He's just so prepared! He's the perfect example of how a person should progress - only because he's following his heart before his head. I know that sounds funny, but think about it. The spirit talks to both the heart and the mind - we learn that in Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3. But, it is a whole lot easier for it to put feelings in our hearts than try to reason with the thoughts and logic in our minds. As Eric put it, he feels so right about it all. He just feels good, he feels the spirit when the missionaries are around him, and whenever he's gone to church. But, he has lots of questions. But, despite his questions, he still wants to move forward. That is SO amazing to me! If only more people would do that! Because, let's face it, we're going to have questions all the time. That's kind of a part of life. We're supposed to ask questions. With questions comes greater understanding. But, we shouldn't let those questions become doubts that cause us to doubt the feelings in our hearts, that we've received from the spirit. Yes, you can ask for a confirming answer - we're told to do that with the Book of Mormon! - but we should still be acting in faith, even as we are asking. Remember what President Uchtdorf said,"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith!"
Eric pretty much was the highlight of the week, though it's been a busy week. We've worked hard and things are just booming! I predict there are going to be quite a few baptisms in the next two transfers - perfect for a little greenie to walk into! Work to do, miracles to see, people to teach, and fonts to fill! This area needs a little greenie faith to keep the work expanding even more!
I've been reflecting a lot over the past 3 transfers, the past couple of days. I remember when I first got here, to the Silverdale 6th ward. I absolutely did not want to leave Southworth and the YSA ward. I felt like I was getting pulled out before I ward ready - though, of course, I knew the Lord knew best. I was frustrated and discouraged by the lack of work in the area, and how no matter how hard I worked, nothing seemed to be improving. But, as I kept moving forward, as Sister Bevan came in - she is exactly what this area needs! - and as we worked SO hard, things started working. I am so completely satisfied with what I've done here. The area has improved. What more can I ask? I've been blessed enough to have made myself available to the Lord here, and have been His hands these past few transfers. This area has improved. There is much work to be done. I was sad right after transfer calls. I'm still a little bit sad to be leaving. But, I know it's time to move on. I'm ready! Because I know I did my part, and it's time for someone else to come in, and I have work to do in Lacey. Honestly, I've never felt so satisfied before. Yes, there were moments I should have worked a little bit harder, but when I recognized those things, I strove to change and improve. I'm not here to be a perfect missionary. I'm here to to the best I can do, and to improve, and to become. I feel like I have achieved that here.
I can't really explain these feelings, so that's the best I can do. I'm just so happy, right now! I feel like the Lord has accepted my work here in the Silverdale 6th ward. I'm going to strive and work hard these next 6-7 months to feel this feeling when Im' preparing to go home. Bittersweet, sad, excited, but, above all, satisfied and confident. It will be a good next 6 weeks I know it!
I love you all! Thank you so much for your support and love! I lvoe it here, adn I know I'll love it in Lacey! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Transfer buzz: Sister Bevan is staying and will be getting a little greenie, fresh from the MTC! I'll be heading back down to the south end of the mission, in the Lacey 5th ward. My companion will be Sister Brewster, and I'll be follow up training her. So she's still a little greenie, just not quite so fresh from the MTC. :) It'll be a fun time, and I'm looking forward to what this transfer might bring! It's bittersweet leaving here...I've put my heart and soul into this area, but I've been preparing myself for this news all week, and I've taken it to God, and I know this is what is supposed to happen. I'm completely at peace, and ready to put my heart and soul into a new area!
This week, we found ourselves a little miracle! Actually, we didn't find it at all. It was pretty much given to us. One of the recent converts of the sisters in the 3rd ward had a referral who happened to be in our ward. His name is Eric Odom. He is recently divorced. His ex-wife was a less active member who started going back to church after the divorce. They've gotten back in touch, and are trying to work things out. Eric started taking the lessons in Utah, visiting his wife and their kids. Then, we started teaching him - on Tuesday. We've met with him 3 times, and have another appointment set up with him tonight. He has made the decision to be baptized, and we're goaling for this saturday, but it might be pushed back to the next weekend - it just kind of depends on him. He's just so prepared! He's the perfect example of how a person should progress - only because he's following his heart before his head. I know that sounds funny, but think about it. The spirit talks to both the heart and the mind - we learn that in Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3. But, it is a whole lot easier for it to put feelings in our hearts than try to reason with the thoughts and logic in our minds. As Eric put it, he feels so right about it all. He just feels good, he feels the spirit when the missionaries are around him, and whenever he's gone to church. But, he has lots of questions. But, despite his questions, he still wants to move forward. That is SO amazing to me! If only more people would do that! Because, let's face it, we're going to have questions all the time. That's kind of a part of life. We're supposed to ask questions. With questions comes greater understanding. But, we shouldn't let those questions become doubts that cause us to doubt the feelings in our hearts, that we've received from the spirit. Yes, you can ask for a confirming answer - we're told to do that with the Book of Mormon! - but we should still be acting in faith, even as we are asking. Remember what President Uchtdorf said,"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith!"
Eric pretty much was the highlight of the week, though it's been a busy week. We've worked hard and things are just booming! I predict there are going to be quite a few baptisms in the next two transfers - perfect for a little greenie to walk into! Work to do, miracles to see, people to teach, and fonts to fill! This area needs a little greenie faith to keep the work expanding even more!
I've been reflecting a lot over the past 3 transfers, the past couple of days. I remember when I first got here, to the Silverdale 6th ward. I absolutely did not want to leave Southworth and the YSA ward. I felt like I was getting pulled out before I ward ready - though, of course, I knew the Lord knew best. I was frustrated and discouraged by the lack of work in the area, and how no matter how hard I worked, nothing seemed to be improving. But, as I kept moving forward, as Sister Bevan came in - she is exactly what this area needs! - and as we worked SO hard, things started working. I am so completely satisfied with what I've done here. The area has improved. What more can I ask? I've been blessed enough to have made myself available to the Lord here, and have been His hands these past few transfers. This area has improved. There is much work to be done. I was sad right after transfer calls. I'm still a little bit sad to be leaving. But, I know it's time to move on. I'm ready! Because I know I did my part, and it's time for someone else to come in, and I have work to do in Lacey. Honestly, I've never felt so satisfied before. Yes, there were moments I should have worked a little bit harder, but when I recognized those things, I strove to change and improve. I'm not here to be a perfect missionary. I'm here to to the best I can do, and to improve, and to become. I feel like I have achieved that here.
I can't really explain these feelings, so that's the best I can do. I'm just so happy, right now! I feel like the Lord has accepted my work here in the Silverdale 6th ward. I'm going to strive and work hard these next 6-7 months to feel this feeling when Im' preparing to go home. Bittersweet, sad, excited, but, above all, satisfied and confident. It will be a good next 6 weeks I know it!
I love you all! Thank you so much for your support and love! I lvoe it here, adn I know I'll love it in Lacey! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Letter from March 10th, 2014
Hey all!
It's been a pretty good week! Minus me getting hit by a monster of a cold. I ended up being useless on Wednesday. We had District Meeting, and I really couldn't tell you about most of it. Then, we went to a few appointments - but both of them fell through. By 3:30, I was so miserable, that we just went home and I slept for a couple of hours. I ended up having a fever that reached 100, and I was so incredible achy. We went to an appointment at 7:00 and then went home again, so I could just sleep. The next couple of days weren't too bad, so I thought I was just going to get over it really fast! But then, last night, it all moved down into my chest, and we were going to a fireside, so of course, I had to sing (It was in Elma. I went back to the zone I was born in! I was able to see a few families that I absolutely LOVE!) and by the end of the night, my voice was shot. Today, I'm coughing more than I was before, and my voice has dropped an octave.
We had an amazing lesson with Jeff this week. He's the one who was referred to us from a family in the ward, the Roelofs - Sister Roelof is pretty much the best fellowship I've ever had in a lesson. She TTIPs! - Teach, testify, invite, and promise. I don't think she actually realizes it, because she never served a mission, but I've never had someone come who was so inspired. And she's not even an RM! Anyway, he really opened up to us, and we're really encouraged by it. He's one who is definitely going to get baptized. Now, it's just a matter of when.
We had to give one of our other solid investigators to the Elders. Apparently Shane dropped us on Tuesday - we were on exchange so I wasn't there - and he was acting way weird. So, we went back to talk to his neighbor - he lives in a trailer park, so everyone is homies there - and his neighbor, this old man named Kenny who we've become buddies with us, tells us why Shane dropped us. He looked at Sister Bevan and said with a toothless grin, "He's got the hots for ya!"Apparently Sister Bevan is just too dang attractive! It was really funny, but really frustrating. It says volumes for Shane's character. He doesn't want to do things for the wrong reasons. But WHY!! So, we told the Elders to go back and start teaching him. Because he's definitely going to get baptized. He already has expressed that desire, he just has to get his act together with some things.
Welp. That pretty much was the week! We found a few new investigators, and we're excited to see what's going to happen with transfers! We'll know this Saturday. Bevan has changed her mind. She thinks she's staying, and I'm going. Which is the logical thing. I just don't want to leave! It's definitely a...stressful area, but I love it, and I love the people we're teaching, and I love the members! But, we'll see where the Lord needs me.
Congrats to Michael and Dawn on Friday! I'll be thinking of ya'll. I expect pictures! :)
I love you all! Thanks for all that you do! Just remember, the Gospel is the BEST!! At the fireside last night, as we sang As Sisters in Zion/Army of Helaman (efy medley) and Amazing Grace, I was just filled with such joy and gratitude that I have the opportunity to know what I know and to do what I do. This is the best thing on the Earth. I love it! I love you all! Have a great week!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's been a pretty good week! Minus me getting hit by a monster of a cold. I ended up being useless on Wednesday. We had District Meeting, and I really couldn't tell you about most of it. Then, we went to a few appointments - but both of them fell through. By 3:30, I was so miserable, that we just went home and I slept for a couple of hours. I ended up having a fever that reached 100, and I was so incredible achy. We went to an appointment at 7:00 and then went home again, so I could just sleep. The next couple of days weren't too bad, so I thought I was just going to get over it really fast! But then, last night, it all moved down into my chest, and we were going to a fireside, so of course, I had to sing (It was in Elma. I went back to the zone I was born in! I was able to see a few families that I absolutely LOVE!) and by the end of the night, my voice was shot. Today, I'm coughing more than I was before, and my voice has dropped an octave.
We had an amazing lesson with Jeff this week. He's the one who was referred to us from a family in the ward, the Roelofs - Sister Roelof is pretty much the best fellowship I've ever had in a lesson. She TTIPs! - Teach, testify, invite, and promise. I don't think she actually realizes it, because she never served a mission, but I've never had someone come who was so inspired. And she's not even an RM! Anyway, he really opened up to us, and we're really encouraged by it. He's one who is definitely going to get baptized. Now, it's just a matter of when.
We had to give one of our other solid investigators to the Elders. Apparently Shane dropped us on Tuesday - we were on exchange so I wasn't there - and he was acting way weird. So, we went back to talk to his neighbor - he lives in a trailer park, so everyone is homies there - and his neighbor, this old man named Kenny who we've become buddies with us, tells us why Shane dropped us. He looked at Sister Bevan and said with a toothless grin, "He's got the hots for ya!"Apparently Sister Bevan is just too dang attractive! It was really funny, but really frustrating. It says volumes for Shane's character. He doesn't want to do things for the wrong reasons. But WHY!! So, we told the Elders to go back and start teaching him. Because he's definitely going to get baptized. He already has expressed that desire, he just has to get his act together with some things.
Welp. That pretty much was the week! We found a few new investigators, and we're excited to see what's going to happen with transfers! We'll know this Saturday. Bevan has changed her mind. She thinks she's staying, and I'm going. Which is the logical thing. I just don't want to leave! It's definitely a...stressful area, but I love it, and I love the people we're teaching, and I love the members! But, we'll see where the Lord needs me.
Congrats to Michael and Dawn on Friday! I'll be thinking of ya'll. I expect pictures! :)
I love you all! Thanks for all that you do! Just remember, the Gospel is the BEST!! At the fireside last night, as we sang As Sisters in Zion/Army of Helaman (efy medley) and Amazing Grace, I was just filled with such joy and gratitude that I have the opportunity to know what I know and to do what I do. This is the best thing on the Earth. I love it! I love you all! Have a great week!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Letter from March 3rd, 2014
Hey all!
It's just been another typical week here in Silverdale. Knocking tons. Getting wet in the rain. Crazy spiritual lessons. Other lessons falling through. It was an up and down week. It was kind of funny, though. We ended up teaching almost all of our investigators the Plan of Salvation this week. Or, well, tried to. a lot of them got stuck on the Fall. In fact, we only got through the whole lesson with one of them! It's so interesting to me that people don't understand the necessity of opposition to progression. I think to a lot of people, the idea of just peace, harmony, and happiness, with no trials or hardships, just sounds like the best idea ever. Even if Adam and Eve could have children in the Garden of Eden, it would have been boring. And, in reality, with no opposition, it would have foiled God's over-arching goal - for us to learn and have experience. Because, let's face it. Yes, trials suck. we all wish hard times were easier. But, the ability to overcome our hardships and our trials, and find peace and happiness DESPITE them, that is the sweeter joy. That is the joy God intends for us. Because that is the joy that comes from growth and progression. Being stagnant doesn't bring joy. And it doesn't allow us to learn or reach our potential.
I guess this would be the theme of my past week. Opposition and finding peace and joy despite it. In reality it was a really rough week - I won't bore you with the details - because, in the end, even our most solid of investigators, with the most promise, flaked out on us. Knocking brought us, literally, no success. (I think I might have written down one potential investigator in my planner from the numerous hours of knocking we did.) And then, on the day we were feeling our lowest, it started raining. (In typical Washington fashion.) BUT. I am not down. I'm not depressed. I'm a little bit frustrated, but, I'm, overall, at peace. Because I know I'm working hard and I'm trying to follow the spirit, and the blessings and miracles always follow. It's a true principle of, not only the Gospel, but of life. For the first time, last night, I felt better and more...content, I guess, knocking doors in the rain than doing anything else at that moment. Despite the fact that most people either closed the door the moment they opened it, or in a not very polite way that they weren't interested. but, I was ok with it. Because I was content with just going out and working.
Anyways. I really don't have much to tell you, other than...it was a rough week. But, I'm happy. I'm actually doing really well - although I'm normally just way tired at the end of the day, and end up a wee bit frustrated. But, that's ok.
Oh. And for Amy and Stephen's sake: We had a way good lesson with Ethan Barrett, the Marine. we taught the Restoration. He is doing really well at keeping an open mind, and not forming any preconceived ideas. In fact, Sister Bevan invited him to be baptized, asking him if he found these things were true, if he would get baptized. He said he had to learn more (obviously. we wouldn't just baptize him right then!) but if he comes to know these things are true, then yes. It's still not very close to being solid with him, but he is so open, that we know that if he does pray, with an open heart and real intent, he'll come to know they are true. Especially if he has an open heart about the Book of Mormon. It's really refreshing to teach people like him. And, because it's all true, we know it's all up to him. And it's comforting to know that we can rely on the spirit to testify of the truthfulness of these things. Because it is true! IT's all up to Ethan, now!
I love you all! Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your support! Life really is great! Even with rough times, I'm still in love with Washington, and my mission. There's no other place I'd rather be, than right here, wearing my nametag, plodding through the rain, teaching people about my Savior. It's the best!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's just been another typical week here in Silverdale. Knocking tons. Getting wet in the rain. Crazy spiritual lessons. Other lessons falling through. It was an up and down week. It was kind of funny, though. We ended up teaching almost all of our investigators the Plan of Salvation this week. Or, well, tried to. a lot of them got stuck on the Fall. In fact, we only got through the whole lesson with one of them! It's so interesting to me that people don't understand the necessity of opposition to progression. I think to a lot of people, the idea of just peace, harmony, and happiness, with no trials or hardships, just sounds like the best idea ever. Even if Adam and Eve could have children in the Garden of Eden, it would have been boring. And, in reality, with no opposition, it would have foiled God's over-arching goal - for us to learn and have experience. Because, let's face it. Yes, trials suck. we all wish hard times were easier. But, the ability to overcome our hardships and our trials, and find peace and happiness DESPITE them, that is the sweeter joy. That is the joy God intends for us. Because that is the joy that comes from growth and progression. Being stagnant doesn't bring joy. And it doesn't allow us to learn or reach our potential.
I guess this would be the theme of my past week. Opposition and finding peace and joy despite it. In reality it was a really rough week - I won't bore you with the details - because, in the end, even our most solid of investigators, with the most promise, flaked out on us. Knocking brought us, literally, no success. (I think I might have written down one potential investigator in my planner from the numerous hours of knocking we did.) And then, on the day we were feeling our lowest, it started raining. (In typical Washington fashion.) BUT. I am not down. I'm not depressed. I'm a little bit frustrated, but, I'm, overall, at peace. Because I know I'm working hard and I'm trying to follow the spirit, and the blessings and miracles always follow. It's a true principle of, not only the Gospel, but of life. For the first time, last night, I felt better and more...content, I guess, knocking doors in the rain than doing anything else at that moment. Despite the fact that most people either closed the door the moment they opened it, or in a not very polite way that they weren't interested. but, I was ok with it. Because I was content with just going out and working.
Anyways. I really don't have much to tell you, other than...it was a rough week. But, I'm happy. I'm actually doing really well - although I'm normally just way tired at the end of the day, and end up a wee bit frustrated. But, that's ok.
Oh. And for Amy and Stephen's sake: We had a way good lesson with Ethan Barrett, the Marine. we taught the Restoration. He is doing really well at keeping an open mind, and not forming any preconceived ideas. In fact, Sister Bevan invited him to be baptized, asking him if he found these things were true, if he would get baptized. He said he had to learn more (obviously. we wouldn't just baptize him right then!) but if he comes to know these things are true, then yes. It's still not very close to being solid with him, but he is so open, that we know that if he does pray, with an open heart and real intent, he'll come to know they are true. Especially if he has an open heart about the Book of Mormon. It's really refreshing to teach people like him. And, because it's all true, we know it's all up to him. And it's comforting to know that we can rely on the spirit to testify of the truthfulness of these things. Because it is true! IT's all up to Ethan, now!
I love you all! Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your support! Life really is great! Even with rough times, I'm still in love with Washington, and my mission. There's no other place I'd rather be, than right here, wearing my nametag, plodding through the rain, teaching people about my Savior. It's the best!
Sister Beth Ann Root!