Hey all!
Well, it's the start of a new transfer. Time is beginning to tick even faster to a close. I'm just freaking out a little bit. Transfer call: Sister Brewster is going to the Lakewood zone. It's a sweet area and it's busy. I'm excited for her! I'm staying in Lacey 5th and getting Sister Bayles. I'm WAY stoked, because Bayles is a beast of a missionary. I'm excited for what I'm going to learn from her. Other less exciting news with transfers, President Weaver has decided to make Lacey 5th a Sister Training Leader area. So, Sister Bayles and I have been called to be STLs. It's typically a 4 transfer call, which means I'm probably going to die as an STL, which, honestly, is a great relief! I'll be focused on other sisters and helping them, so I won't be so caught up in the hubbub of going home and stuff. It'll be a nice way to keep me good and focused until the very end!
This week was pretty good. Lacey 5th had a baptism! It was the elders', but we helped teach him. His name is Sovec Valencia. He's been taught by many, many missionaries. Sisters Brewster and Wilcox actually were the ones who re-found him. Then, with transfers, Elders Miller and Meyer came over one time, and they connected with him and were able to be exactly what he needed, so we handed him over to them and let them take the lead. Though, Sovec loved having all four of us over, so we would all come, and Sister Brewster and I would just support the elders in their teaching. He's made a lot of changes, so it was really neat to be a part of it. Haha I made the mistake of singing at his baptism, and now the whole ward (which doesn't have too much musical talent) has cornered me! But, it was a very sweet and tender baptism. Sovec has such a tender heart and he has a lot of sincere desires, and he just wants to do what's right!
We had a sweet tender mercy at the beginning of the week. I was kind of having a rough day, and then, of course, during our 5-7s, it was pouring pretty hard. Which, doesn't really bother me much, anymore, but it definitely wasn't helping my mood that day. So, I kind of took it to Heavenly Father and was like, "So, I'm here. I'm trying hard. You know I'm not feeling the cheeriest right now. And, we haven't really been seeing much success or much positive reception from anyone. So...can you give us something? just to help me out." The next door we knocked on (after about 7 minutes of walking, because we were out in the sticks) this nice lady named Beth (go figure!) opened the door, was very sweet, accepted a Book of Mormon, and said she'd call us when she knew her work schedule. Well...who knows if she will actually call...I'm hoping for it, but it was just clear evidence that HeavenlyFather just listened and answered my prayer, because I was feeling pretty glum.
I love how Heavenly Father does that. He really does listen, you know! You just have to be paying attention to His answers. She wasn't a new investigator. She didn't invite us in. But she was kind, she listened, and she expressed interest. Which was really all I needed. just a sweet tender mercy. :)
There's not really much else to share, except to express the humility and gratitude I feel towards my calling as an STL. Please say a few extra prayers for me, as I try to figure out how the heck to actually do this! Sister Bayles and I are both new to this. I'm grateful to be trusted with this, but I know I can't do this on my own. But, I'm excited to see what will happen because of it! I'm excited to see who I can become because of it, if I let myself.
I love you all! Thanks for all that you do! Remember how amazing this Gospel is! It's the best! I finished the Book of Mormon again, yesterday, and it was incredible as I got down on my knees to test out Moroni's challenge, yet again, and I can say that I received a witness that the Book of Mormon is true. No doubt, you guys, no doubt! Every time I read it, the spirit fills me, and I'm so happy! It excites me to be able to read the Book of Mormon every day! Read it everyday, you guys! It's worth it! It's so incredibly worth it! I love it! I love the Gospel, and I love the WA-TAC. Thank you guys for everything. I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Letter from April 21st, 2014
Happy Easter, everyone! I hope yesterday was a wonderful day, where you were able to reflect on the Savior and His Atonement.
This week was a bit odd. I was kind of in an odd funk, and most of the time I was utterly exhausted. But, I'm over it. We're going to have a good Preparation Day, which will give me the pump up I need for the week! It's so weird for me to think that this transfer is coming to a close. It's week 6! I have no clue where the time went! We'll find out this Saturday what's going to be happening to me and Sister Brewster. I'm finally getting settled into the area - it always takes me awhile - so, if I one-and-done it here, I'll be bummed - Sister Brewster seems to think I am - but, we'll see! I don't often keep the same companion for two transfers - it's only happened twice - so I'm expecting one of us to leave. But...I'm trying not to think about it. Thinking about transfer predictions is SO distracting!
On Wednesday, we went to the temple. It was AMAZING! Ah, man, I wish I could go all the time. The entire time I was there, I was thinking and trying to ponder on the questions I had come up with before going, but, for some reason, I just couldn't focus on them. Literally, my mind would just start wandering. I was so baffled by it, so I decided to just sit and try to get a feel for what the Lord wanted me to know, as opposed to me trying to force and answer from Him that, clearly, He didn't want to give me. I was just overwhelmed by gratitude for my mission. And the thought came to my mind, "You have 6 months left." Not in like, the depressed way that normally comes, as I think about how I have only 6 months left of my mission. Instead, it was excitement. Because I am blessed to have 6 months more to serve. I'm not going home after a year. I get to serve 18 months, and that is a huge blessing! I am able to serve for my remainder 6 months, and it's going to be amazing!
I seriously am just so grateful to be here. With yesterday being Easter, I was thinking about last Easter. Last Easter ended up being my last Sunday before entering the MTC. It was when I gave my farewell talk about how the Atonement has helped me prepare for my mission. Now, a little more than a year later, I think of how the Atonement has MADE my mission. How it's become everything. Without the Atonement, this wouldn't be successful, and truth be told, I would have come home after the first few months.
With the Atonement comes the gift of grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10 gives the wonderful line, "But by the grace of God I am what I am." I feel like this is one of the themes of my mission. By the grace of God given to me because of the Atonement, I've been able to change and to become. My mission has shaped me as I've used my experiences and the power and ability given to me through the gift of grace. I, with Paul, can say, "But by the grace of God I am what I am." There's no other reason for who I am right now. For the changes I've made. I have a lot more changes to make, a lot more flaws and rough patches to remove, but it's all because of this amazing grace. This is the Easter message I have to share with people. Because of Christ, doing what He did, I can overcome all things - death, sin, trials, sorrows, and, myself. I can overcome myself. Because of Him!
Man. I just love this Gospel, you guys. It's the best! I hope all is going well with all of you! I love you all, and I'm grateful for all you do! Remember: The Church is true, the Atonement is real, and it's all SO worth it!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
This week was a bit odd. I was kind of in an odd funk, and most of the time I was utterly exhausted. But, I'm over it. We're going to have a good Preparation Day, which will give me the pump up I need for the week! It's so weird for me to think that this transfer is coming to a close. It's week 6! I have no clue where the time went! We'll find out this Saturday what's going to be happening to me and Sister Brewster. I'm finally getting settled into the area - it always takes me awhile - so, if I one-and-done it here, I'll be bummed - Sister Brewster seems to think I am - but, we'll see! I don't often keep the same companion for two transfers - it's only happened twice - so I'm expecting one of us to leave. But...I'm trying not to think about it. Thinking about transfer predictions is SO distracting!
On Wednesday, we went to the temple. It was AMAZING! Ah, man, I wish I could go all the time. The entire time I was there, I was thinking and trying to ponder on the questions I had come up with before going, but, for some reason, I just couldn't focus on them. Literally, my mind would just start wandering. I was so baffled by it, so I decided to just sit and try to get a feel for what the Lord wanted me to know, as opposed to me trying to force and answer from Him that, clearly, He didn't want to give me. I was just overwhelmed by gratitude for my mission. And the thought came to my mind, "You have 6 months left." Not in like, the depressed way that normally comes, as I think about how I have only 6 months left of my mission. Instead, it was excitement. Because I am blessed to have 6 months more to serve. I'm not going home after a year. I get to serve 18 months, and that is a huge blessing! I am able to serve for my remainder 6 months, and it's going to be amazing!
I seriously am just so grateful to be here. With yesterday being Easter, I was thinking about last Easter. Last Easter ended up being my last Sunday before entering the MTC. It was when I gave my farewell talk about how the Atonement has helped me prepare for my mission. Now, a little more than a year later, I think of how the Atonement has MADE my mission. How it's become everything. Without the Atonement, this wouldn't be successful, and truth be told, I would have come home after the first few months.
With the Atonement comes the gift of grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10 gives the wonderful line, "But by the grace of God I am what I am." I feel like this is one of the themes of my mission. By the grace of God given to me because of the Atonement, I've been able to change and to become. My mission has shaped me as I've used my experiences and the power and ability given to me through the gift of grace. I, with Paul, can say, "But by the grace of God I am what I am." There's no other reason for who I am right now. For the changes I've made. I have a lot more changes to make, a lot more flaws and rough patches to remove, but it's all because of this amazing grace. This is the Easter message I have to share with people. Because of Christ, doing what He did, I can overcome all things - death, sin, trials, sorrows, and, myself. I can overcome myself. Because of Him!
Man. I just love this Gospel, you guys. It's the best! I hope all is going well with all of you! I love you all, and I'm grateful for all you do! Remember: The Church is true, the Atonement is real, and it's all SO worth it!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Letter from April 14th, 2014
Hey all!
It's been a pretty slow week. Our only on date, Susan Emory, just dropped us. Our progressing stopped progressing, and pretty much all of our investigators told us their life was too busy to put God first. I'm not frustrated, like I was when I first got to Silverdale, and things were way slow. I'm just...exhausted, I guess would be the right word for it. It's always easy to have those bursts of energy when you see amazing things happen, where people grab hold of the wonderful truth, and they not only feel the spirit, but recognize it and want to do anything and everything to keep it with them. Unfortunately, not much of that has been happening here in Lacey. But, we're working on it. We're trying!
We're going to the temple this week. You guys, I've been dying to go to the temple for about 11 months now. Since last time I've been. I'm SO excited!! So, in preparation, President and Sister Weaver have asked us to study certain things, in honor of the temple - AND Easter. We've been studying the temple and the Atonement. There's been a sentence that, at the beginning of this transfer, came to my mind, and it's been in it ever since. I haven't been able to get it out of my head, and I shared it yesterday in testimony meeting:
I stand all amazed at His amazing Grace.
It combines two of my favorite songs. I Stand All Amazed has been one of my favorite hymns for awhile, and Amazing Grace has become near and dear to my heart over the past year, and we sing it at ever major meeting we have. So, it so perfectly combines these two songs, and how I feel. I stand all amazed at His Amazing Grace. There are no words to express how I feel about my Savior. The gratitude I have. I'm in awe, I'm amazed, and it causes me to be speechless. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of the Atonement in our lives. We are so blessed to understand it's healing, redemptive, and enabling power. We are so lucky! Everything would be for naught, it'd be hopeless, pointless, pathetic, without Christ's Atonement, giving us grace, the power to overcome and become. The power to change and to do. True to the Faith make the statement that one cannot help to build the Kingdom of God without Christ's grace. We cannot do it on our own, based off our own abilities and strength. Anything we do within the Church contributes to the building of God's Kingdom. And, not only within the Church, but if we're living the Gospel correctly, anything we do in general contributes to it, as well! We need this grace each and every day of our lives. Without it, there is no lasting success. Without it we fail. Without it, we exhaust ourselves and fall short each and every time.
We are SO lucky to be blessed with the knowledge of Christ's grace. There are 15 million members of the church. Out of how many billion?! You who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, think about how incredible it is that YOU are a member, when the percentage is infinitesimal. You've been blessed with this. So...what are you going to do about it?
Ah, man, I just love it. I'm so grateful to be where I am, doing what I do, knowing what I know. I love it! I am lucky and blessed to be here on my mission. Thank you for all those who help me and support me. I'm grateful for all you do!
Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
P.S. I'm still waiting to hear thoughts on Conference...I've gotten NOTHING! I want to know what ya'll thought! :)
It's been a pretty slow week. Our only on date, Susan Emory, just dropped us. Our progressing stopped progressing, and pretty much all of our investigators told us their life was too busy to put God first. I'm not frustrated, like I was when I first got to Silverdale, and things were way slow. I'm just...exhausted, I guess would be the right word for it. It's always easy to have those bursts of energy when you see amazing things happen, where people grab hold of the wonderful truth, and they not only feel the spirit, but recognize it and want to do anything and everything to keep it with them. Unfortunately, not much of that has been happening here in Lacey. But, we're working on it. We're trying!
We're going to the temple this week. You guys, I've been dying to go to the temple for about 11 months now. Since last time I've been. I'm SO excited!! So, in preparation, President and Sister Weaver have asked us to study certain things, in honor of the temple - AND Easter. We've been studying the temple and the Atonement. There's been a sentence that, at the beginning of this transfer, came to my mind, and it's been in it ever since. I haven't been able to get it out of my head, and I shared it yesterday in testimony meeting:
I stand all amazed at His amazing Grace.
It combines two of my favorite songs. I Stand All Amazed has been one of my favorite hymns for awhile, and Amazing Grace has become near and dear to my heart over the past year, and we sing it at ever major meeting we have. So, it so perfectly combines these two songs, and how I feel. I stand all amazed at His Amazing Grace. There are no words to express how I feel about my Savior. The gratitude I have. I'm in awe, I'm amazed, and it causes me to be speechless. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of the Atonement in our lives. We are so blessed to understand it's healing, redemptive, and enabling power. We are so lucky! Everything would be for naught, it'd be hopeless, pointless, pathetic, without Christ's Atonement, giving us grace, the power to overcome and become. The power to change and to do. True to the Faith make the statement that one cannot help to build the Kingdom of God without Christ's grace. We cannot do it on our own, based off our own abilities and strength. Anything we do within the Church contributes to the building of God's Kingdom. And, not only within the Church, but if we're living the Gospel correctly, anything we do in general contributes to it, as well! We need this grace each and every day of our lives. Without it, there is no lasting success. Without it we fail. Without it, we exhaust ourselves and fall short each and every time.
We are SO lucky to be blessed with the knowledge of Christ's grace. There are 15 million members of the church. Out of how many billion?! You who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, think about how incredible it is that YOU are a member, when the percentage is infinitesimal. You've been blessed with this. So...what are you going to do about it?
Ah, man, I just love it. I'm so grateful to be where I am, doing what I do, knowing what I know. I love it! I am lucky and blessed to be here on my mission. Thank you for all those who help me and support me. I'm grateful for all you do!
Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
P.S. I'm still waiting to hear thoughts on Conference...I've gotten NOTHING! I want to know what ya'll thought! :)
Letter from April 7th, 2014
Hey all!
This week was pretty sweet! I absolutely LOVE conference! I'm pretty sure I could rant and rave all day about it. And, we also had interviews with President and Sister Weaver. It was really nice. Though, other than that, it was a slow week...literally all of our set appointments fell through. Everyone bailed on us this week! It was a struggle. But, we're working on it. We had surprising success while tracting this week - only one new investigator, but we were able to teach a lot of "lessons" on doorsteps, which was nice. In Silverdale, that pretty much never happened at all. We've been going out to the sticks in Lacey, to get to places where missionaries normally don't go. So, people are a little bit more open. And, with General Conference going on, it was a great thing to tell people about and invite people to watch. If anybody listened to us for longer than a minute, we invited them to watch. So, I'm hoping at least a couple people did and that it planted a few seeds!
We were able to have a mini miracle with a potential investigator. We were going to a lesson with a member, Sister Banks (who is totally teaching me how to play the cello on preparation days. she's like my favorite person ever in the ward. She's way chill. I can play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star! Maybe someday I'll actually get good at it.) and that lesson fell through. No surprise there. So, she was like, "So, any back-ups? Anywhere else I can take you?" So, we started going through our list of potentials, and ended up just taking them off the potential list...until we got to Mary! She had come to church before - her boy friend is a member (less active, we think) so she came with him and his family, once. She seemed really interested in learning more, but then had spring break, and she works full time, is back in school full time and has 3 kids. so, visiting her just doesn't work. But, we stopped by, she was home, and totally willing to visit for a few minutes! It was just some good positive contact that surprised Sister Brewster and me! Sister Banks was thrilled and was all about thinking of ways to fellowship Mary. Seriously, you guys, Sister Banks is way cool. We don't even have to ask her to do anything. She just offers and comes up with ideas! I want to be like her when I go home.
That pretty much was the most exciting thing, but it was still exciting! Interviews were absolutely wonderful. I cannot express the feelings I felt while talking with President and Sister Weaver. They go home July 1st, so it was probably my last interview with them. They both were way intense, and just made me so excited and pumped to get out there to work. I have been so blessed to serve, and I have felt myself change in indescribable ways. It's very humbling to realize how this change happens - through the giving up my will for the Lord's. As I've begun to do that, change has happened more quickly and more evidently. It makes me more determined to give my all the next 6 months, because I feel like I'm not going to be able to transform this quickly or dramatically when I'm home. I want to continue to change and to become!!
And then General Conference just got me way pumped again! Did you guys listen to Elder Ballard's talk? Missionary work, yo! I add my invitation to his for each of you to take the time to study from Preach My Gospel. It's funny, I've been telling people how it's says a guide to missionary work on the cover, not a guide of FULL TIME missionary work, so everyone should be reading it, and encouraging members to read it. He said pretty much the same thing, which was encouraging. But, really, read it, you guys! It's new scripture! In the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi, I think) it talks of how there will be new books of scripture coming forth. This is one of them! so read it! Please. :)
The overall feel I got from Conference, though, was just how we've just got to keep on keeping on. Things are going to get way bad fast. They're going to deteriorate faster than they are now. But, we have no need to worry. That's the feeling I got. They were telling us to not worry. We have no need to worry if we do the standard things we're always asked to do - daily scripture study and prayer, both personal and as a family, weekly family home evening, regular church and temple attendance. These things lead to lasting conversion and lasting conversion leads to never swaying or losing faith and hope. It's just as it says in the last verse of I Believe in Christ: "I believe in Christ, so come what may!" I loved how they ended conference by singing Come, Let us Anew. The last verse makes reference to Paul's declaration in 2Timothy 4 where he says, "I have fought the good faith, I have kept the faith." We just have to keep on keeping on. And we have no need to fear. Elder Nelson said, "Faith is the antidote to fear." We've got this!
Anyway, enough of me rambling. I hope you guys watched and love conference. Share with me your thoughts!
I love you guys! Thanks for everything, for your love and support! Have a great week!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
This week was pretty sweet! I absolutely LOVE conference! I'm pretty sure I could rant and rave all day about it. And, we also had interviews with President and Sister Weaver. It was really nice. Though, other than that, it was a slow week...literally all of our set appointments fell through. Everyone bailed on us this week! It was a struggle. But, we're working on it. We had surprising success while tracting this week - only one new investigator, but we were able to teach a lot of "lessons" on doorsteps, which was nice. In Silverdale, that pretty much never happened at all. We've been going out to the sticks in Lacey, to get to places where missionaries normally don't go. So, people are a little bit more open. And, with General Conference going on, it was a great thing to tell people about and invite people to watch. If anybody listened to us for longer than a minute, we invited them to watch. So, I'm hoping at least a couple people did and that it planted a few seeds!
We were able to have a mini miracle with a potential investigator. We were going to a lesson with a member, Sister Banks (who is totally teaching me how to play the cello on preparation days. she's like my favorite person ever in the ward. She's way chill. I can play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star! Maybe someday I'll actually get good at it.) and that lesson fell through. No surprise there. So, she was like, "So, any back-ups? Anywhere else I can take you?" So, we started going through our list of potentials, and ended up just taking them off the potential list...until we got to Mary! She had come to church before - her boy friend is a member (less active, we think) so she came with him and his family, once. She seemed really interested in learning more, but then had spring break, and she works full time, is back in school full time and has 3 kids. so, visiting her just doesn't work. But, we stopped by, she was home, and totally willing to visit for a few minutes! It was just some good positive contact that surprised Sister Brewster and me! Sister Banks was thrilled and was all about thinking of ways to fellowship Mary. Seriously, you guys, Sister Banks is way cool. We don't even have to ask her to do anything. She just offers and comes up with ideas! I want to be like her when I go home.
That pretty much was the most exciting thing, but it was still exciting! Interviews were absolutely wonderful. I cannot express the feelings I felt while talking with President and Sister Weaver. They go home July 1st, so it was probably my last interview with them. They both were way intense, and just made me so excited and pumped to get out there to work. I have been so blessed to serve, and I have felt myself change in indescribable ways. It's very humbling to realize how this change happens - through the giving up my will for the Lord's. As I've begun to do that, change has happened more quickly and more evidently. It makes me more determined to give my all the next 6 months, because I feel like I'm not going to be able to transform this quickly or dramatically when I'm home. I want to continue to change and to become!!
And then General Conference just got me way pumped again! Did you guys listen to Elder Ballard's talk? Missionary work, yo! I add my invitation to his for each of you to take the time to study from Preach My Gospel. It's funny, I've been telling people how it's says a guide to missionary work on the cover, not a guide of FULL TIME missionary work, so everyone should be reading it, and encouraging members to read it. He said pretty much the same thing, which was encouraging. But, really, read it, you guys! It's new scripture! In the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi, I think) it talks of how there will be new books of scripture coming forth. This is one of them! so read it! Please. :)
The overall feel I got from Conference, though, was just how we've just got to keep on keeping on. Things are going to get way bad fast. They're going to deteriorate faster than they are now. But, we have no need to worry. That's the feeling I got. They were telling us to not worry. We have no need to worry if we do the standard things we're always asked to do - daily scripture study and prayer, both personal and as a family, weekly family home evening, regular church and temple attendance. These things lead to lasting conversion and lasting conversion leads to never swaying or losing faith and hope. It's just as it says in the last verse of I Believe in Christ: "I believe in Christ, so come what may!" I loved how they ended conference by singing Come, Let us Anew. The last verse makes reference to Paul's declaration in 2Timothy 4 where he says, "I have fought the good faith, I have kept the faith." We just have to keep on keeping on. And we have no need to fear. Elder Nelson said, "Faith is the antidote to fear." We've got this!
Anyway, enough of me rambling. I hope you guys watched and love conference. Share with me your thoughts!
I love you guys! Thanks for everything, for your love and support! Have a great week!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Letter from March 31st, 2014
Hey all!
It's just been another week in the WA-TAC. A lot of knocking doors in the rain - which, honestly...I've grown to LOVE! Sister Brewster just thinks I'm nuts. But, the rain brings forth miracles, and I think I've finally reached this point on my mission that I'm going to be happy no matter what! Even when the elders in the ward are trying to steal our investigators (still sketchy about that...I might have to talk to them...) or if people yell at us or say silly, ignorant things, I'm just so happy to be out here. I've also gotten to the point where, after a morning and afternoon of appointments falling through, and no one being home that we try to check up on, all I want to do is knock on some doors. Even if no one wants to talk to us, I feel satisfied and content that I went out and knocked on some doors! I have control of what I do, not who talks to me. So when I decide to go out and work, and I can look down the street and see how many doors I knocked, and how many people I TRIED to talk to, I feel much satisfied that I did my best. It's a really good feeling. I'm glad I've finally accepted this whole door knocking business.
We were blessed to find a new investigator, named Aaron. We found him knocking my first week here, and has set up an appointment to see him this past Thursday. In all honesty, we were pretty sure he was going to bail. BUT! He was there! And he let us in! And we taught the Restoration! It was awesome! At the end of it, Sister Brewster had asked him, "What do you want most in life?" And his response was,, "Well, happiness, I guess. I just don't know where to find it." That is like music to a missionary's ears. He said he would read the Book of Mormon, for sure. We're seeing him again this week, and I just pray that he's able to find the peace and happiness that he is looking for within the Book of Mormon, and within the principles that we will teach him. I'm excited for where it could go with him.
We're also teaching this lady named Nicki. She's from Nigeria, which is pretty cool. She's willing to learn more, and find if this is where God would have her be. It seriously is always the best to have people who are earnestly seeking the path that God would have them take. Because then they're sincere, so when they ask God if things are true, like the Book of Mormon, the spirit can give that confirming witness! It makes me so happy!
We also have a few others that we're working with, and they struggle with the Word of Wisdom. It's really the only thing holding them back, but...they're kinda stubborn about it. So...we'll hafta work on that. But, we're just working hard! Things really are so good.
We also were able to watch the Women's Conference on Saturday. It was AMAZING!! I'm SO excited for General Conference this week! The Women's Conference just made me so grateful to be a part of this church. We never have to stand alone in our standards. Even if we feel like we are, there are hundreds, even thousands - millions! - who stand with us. I also was filled with excitement for the opportunity to teach children of my own, when the time comes, of the Gospel, of the Savior, and of their Divine Nature and Inheritance. The Gospel is pretty much the best, you guys. I'm SO grateful!
I'm so glad to be here on my mission. I love it! Sister Brewster just looks at me and shakes her head a lot, because I just get so pumped and passionate about serving a mission. I hit my year mark on Thursday, and I am just baffled and amazed at how fast time has gone by. I love it, and I'm so grateful for all of the support you guys have given me.
Remember how amazing it is to have this Gospel in your life. And, how amazing it is to have a Prophet who leads and guides us. And we actually get to hear from him this weekend! Be sure to watch and listen to Conference with a questions in your heart. They will be answered. The spirit will teach you and give you revelation as you listen to these mighty men and women of God. If, by any chance, any of you who read this are not a member of the church, or you aren't sure it's true, or your testimony is unsure, I would invite you to watch General Conference this weekend. Test it out! Our Prophet, called of God, will be speaking! As well as Apostles and others, called of God. If you come with a question, come asking for truth, or for guidance, or even just for peace and assurance, you will find it. I promise it! About a year and a half ago, I watched General Conference and my life was changed, as the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson declared a new piece of revelation - that sisters could go on missions at age 19. The spirit moved me, and I have never been the same. My life is forever altered. Because, here I am. In Lacey, Washington. Never happier, never so sure of myself and my purpose. This is what General Conference does. It moves us. It teaches us. It gives us a vision for what God has in store for us. So watch it! Please!
I love you all! Thanks for everything! Hope you have a good week! Email me next week with insights from Conference! I'd love to hear them!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's just been another week in the WA-TAC. A lot of knocking doors in the rain - which, honestly...I've grown to LOVE! Sister Brewster just thinks I'm nuts. But, the rain brings forth miracles, and I think I've finally reached this point on my mission that I'm going to be happy no matter what! Even when the elders in the ward are trying to steal our investigators (still sketchy about that...I might have to talk to them...) or if people yell at us or say silly, ignorant things, I'm just so happy to be out here. I've also gotten to the point where, after a morning and afternoon of appointments falling through, and no one being home that we try to check up on, all I want to do is knock on some doors. Even if no one wants to talk to us, I feel satisfied and content that I went out and knocked on some doors! I have control of what I do, not who talks to me. So when I decide to go out and work, and I can look down the street and see how many doors I knocked, and how many people I TRIED to talk to, I feel much satisfied that I did my best. It's a really good feeling. I'm glad I've finally accepted this whole door knocking business.
We were blessed to find a new investigator, named Aaron. We found him knocking my first week here, and has set up an appointment to see him this past Thursday. In all honesty, we were pretty sure he was going to bail. BUT! He was there! And he let us in! And we taught the Restoration! It was awesome! At the end of it, Sister Brewster had asked him, "What do you want most in life?" And his response was,, "Well, happiness, I guess. I just don't know where to find it." That is like music to a missionary's ears. He said he would read the Book of Mormon, for sure. We're seeing him again this week, and I just pray that he's able to find the peace and happiness that he is looking for within the Book of Mormon, and within the principles that we will teach him. I'm excited for where it could go with him.
We're also teaching this lady named Nicki. She's from Nigeria, which is pretty cool. She's willing to learn more, and find if this is where God would have her be. It seriously is always the best to have people who are earnestly seeking the path that God would have them take. Because then they're sincere, so when they ask God if things are true, like the Book of Mormon, the spirit can give that confirming witness! It makes me so happy!
We also have a few others that we're working with, and they struggle with the Word of Wisdom. It's really the only thing holding them back, but...they're kinda stubborn about it. So...we'll hafta work on that. But, we're just working hard! Things really are so good.
We also were able to watch the Women's Conference on Saturday. It was AMAZING!! I'm SO excited for General Conference this week! The Women's Conference just made me so grateful to be a part of this church. We never have to stand alone in our standards. Even if we feel like we are, there are hundreds, even thousands - millions! - who stand with us. I also was filled with excitement for the opportunity to teach children of my own, when the time comes, of the Gospel, of the Savior, and of their Divine Nature and Inheritance. The Gospel is pretty much the best, you guys. I'm SO grateful!
I'm so glad to be here on my mission. I love it! Sister Brewster just looks at me and shakes her head a lot, because I just get so pumped and passionate about serving a mission. I hit my year mark on Thursday, and I am just baffled and amazed at how fast time has gone by. I love it, and I'm so grateful for all of the support you guys have given me.
Remember how amazing it is to have this Gospel in your life. And, how amazing it is to have a Prophet who leads and guides us. And we actually get to hear from him this weekend! Be sure to watch and listen to Conference with a questions in your heart. They will be answered. The spirit will teach you and give you revelation as you listen to these mighty men and women of God. If, by any chance, any of you who read this are not a member of the church, or you aren't sure it's true, or your testimony is unsure, I would invite you to watch General Conference this weekend. Test it out! Our Prophet, called of God, will be speaking! As well as Apostles and others, called of God. If you come with a question, come asking for truth, or for guidance, or even just for peace and assurance, you will find it. I promise it! About a year and a half ago, I watched General Conference and my life was changed, as the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson declared a new piece of revelation - that sisters could go on missions at age 19. The spirit moved me, and I have never been the same. My life is forever altered. Because, here I am. In Lacey, Washington. Never happier, never so sure of myself and my purpose. This is what General Conference does. It moves us. It teaches us. It gives us a vision for what God has in store for us. So watch it! Please!
I love you all! Thanks for everything! Hope you have a good week! Email me next week with insights from Conference! I'd love to hear them!
Sister Beth Ann Root!