Hey all!
It has been a wonderful week! It's been super weird for Sister Bayles and I. As we were doing our weekly planning, Sister Bayles realized she was planning her last week in the mission...which made me realize that in 6 weeks I'd be doing the same thing. It's so odd for me to think about. I can't believe that it's ending for her and then soon after it ends for me...it makes for odd musings when I start to think about things. But it's helping me to make resolutions and decisions about the future.
Other than the annoying thoughts of going home soon, we've been greatly blessed. We had a way awesome exchange last week! Sister Bayles went with Sister Rea (I was a little bit jealous. Sister Rea has become one of my favorite people ever) and I went with Sister Liao. Sister Liao is from Taiwan, and she's in her 3rd transfer here. She speaks pretty good English, and she was way excited to hear that I had a brother who served in Taiwan! We talked about it for a little while. It was really neat to get to be with Sister Liao, though. She is probably one of the happiest and most optimistic people I know, and it helped to remind me the power of expectations. Elder Holland has said that we need to expect miracles to happen. And that's what Sister Liao does! A couple things fell through that day, and she was just like, "It will all work out!" It made me smile, because it's so true. It was a really good reminder for me to be a little bit more optimistic and positive about things. I love it when I get to learn and be reminded of things on these exchanges - and I love it most when it's from young missionaries, because it just goes to show that every missionary, no matter how young or how old, has something to offer, and has something we can learn from.
We've been teaching Isabel, a friend of a member who is visiting from Spain. She actual goes back today, but the past month that we've had to teach her have been very special to me. She said she was willing to meet with the missionaries in Spain, so we're super excited to give that referral. But, it was such a sweet tender mercy teaching her because of her openness to learning, and her sweet spirit. She never has been able to recognize the spirit, but it's been neat to see how it is still working within and even changing her, though she's not recognizing it. Teaching Isabel has also been a wonderful example of one of my favorite things of being a missionary: being able to feel the love that God has for people. I have felt such an incredible amount of love for Isabel. It's been such a treat to teach her, because of the feelings I feel as we are there. It still dumbfounds me to think how the spirit can fill me with such love for a person that I barely know. I love it!
Susan Emory, who decided she didn't want to get baptized is slowly changing, again. Her heart is softening. I have to keep reminding myself that it's God's timing and now ours. But, she came to church this week, and even told us she felt the spirit - it's good that she's recognizing it on her own! She's been reading and has been a lot more...mellow, I guess would be a good word. Last week, she was really...aggressive when we met with her. Pretty much refusing the spirit. Now, she is listening and accepting, again. I'm confident she'll get baptized, still, but we'll just have to be patient with her. I'm hoping she'll get baptized before I leave...but I'll just be happy to know she actually gets baptized.
And THEN! The highlight of the week. :) Jerry Whitman! He has decided to be baptized! He's not on date, yet, because apparently he made the official decision after we left the lesson, but his wife at church said she was talking to her sister on the phone and she told her Jerry was getting baptized, and Jerry just sat there with a big grin on his face! So, the next time we meet with him, we'll get a solid date set - and make sure he actually is committed and converted. But, we are so excited!
Things have been going well. And I think week 6 will be a week of miracles. It's gotta be, because it's Sister Bayles' last week! I love you all! Thanks for all that you do to support me and all you do for me!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Letter from August 18th, 2014
Hey all!
Well...I don't really know what to even think about this last week. I feel like I blinked and it was over! By the time it was Saturday, I was completely shocked, and I didn't know where the time had gone. We did two exchanges and had a zone conference, which is why it went by so quickly.
The first exchange was with Sister Brewster. It was odd to go with her, since we were companions a few transfers ago. It was neat though, to see the little ways she has already begun to change. They were very subtle changes, but I feel like that's generally the changes we make on the mission. Definite changes, for sure, but not outside changes. Enough change that most people who know you will notice, but may not be able to put their finger on, unless they look a little bit more on the inward character.
Then we had zone conference. It was way good! The Blatters did it a little bit differently; we had breakout sessions where we broke into the three zones and went to different little workshops. Sister Bayles and I were asked to help with one of the workshops, so we didn't get to actually receive the training that everyone else did...which was a little bit sad, but it was fun all the same! The training was on open your mouth...so it was a little bit ironic that Sister Bayles and I were put in charge of that one. We all know how shy I am, and I still will sometimes struggle with it. But, it was really fun. We did some roleplays, and it was a good time. It mostly was just hilarious to see the interactions between the missionaries.
Then, right after zone conference, we did another exchange. I went with Sister Rasmussen. She's a little greenie, who has been out for about 4 weeks. It actually was the first time that I've worked with someone who had been out for less than a transfer! It was a really neat experience, though. She's got the makings of a really good missionary - in fact, she already is. I loved getting to work with her, though; I made the point to trust her. I expected things of her, which I know a lot of greenies don't always get. And it was always really neat that, as I would pause in my teaching or in my talking, she would always step up and speak. It was really cool to see the way she taught, too. She is definitely putting thought into what she is saying; you can tell that she is thinking. She'll take the time to pause and anybody who is listening to her can see that it's not just some rote presentation, but that it's meaningful. Her trainer, Sister Allred, does the same exact thing. I think it's a very important thing to do as we talk with people in any situation. We don't just talk and talk and talk, or recite a memorized idea; when we respond to people, do we just plow through without taking the time to take in their thoughts and the things they say, so that we can give a proper and thoughtful response. I hope to be able to apply her example into my teaching, because that is the way for people to trust you, and I want people to trust me! I want people to be able feel that they can trust me with their thoughts, as well as trust the things that I say.
Susan Emory is no longer on-date - she's not quite sure she wants to be baptized anymore. That was a rough blow. She essentially said that she didn't want to live the commandments. It made me so sad, because she was on fire! It was such a drastic change! And it makes me sad because she is never going to find happiness in the life that she is leading. We had stake conference this week, and Elder Richard Hansen from the Seventy came. In the Sunday morning session, he made the statement, "The secret to happiness is to keep the covenants which you have made." If Susan never makes those covenants, she is never going to experience a fullness of joy. there is happiness to be found, but there is so much more. And the making and keeping of those covenants is what is necessary for experiencing that! That's why there are missionaries! To help people perform ordinances that signify that those covenants have been made.
Man. It's been quite a week. But, it's been a week of mostly good things. :) There are just two more weeks of this transfer, and that is so odd to me! Just two more exchanges. Haha, I've come to measure my time in exchanges more than weeks. They often are the highlight of my week. :) I have loved this time of being an STL. I think these last transfers will be the highlight of my mission, because of being an STL. It's brought a different element to my work. It's so different have responsibility over more than just your area. I have 12 extra sisters that I have stewardship over. And man, do I love those 12 sisters! IT's such a joy to see them progress, so see THEM have success, to see the joy that they are experiencing, to see the love they have for their missions, and to gain these friendships that I know will last longer than just my time in the WA-TAC. I love it!
I love you all! Thanks for everything that you have done for me! The love and the support! I'm so grateful that I am able to be here, and I'm grateful for those of you who have made it possible for me to be here. I hope you all have a great week! Notice the miracles, and don't forget to thank God for them. they happen each and every day, if you keep your eyes open! Love ya!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Well...I don't really know what to even think about this last week. I feel like I blinked and it was over! By the time it was Saturday, I was completely shocked, and I didn't know where the time had gone. We did two exchanges and had a zone conference, which is why it went by so quickly.
The first exchange was with Sister Brewster. It was odd to go with her, since we were companions a few transfers ago. It was neat though, to see the little ways she has already begun to change. They were very subtle changes, but I feel like that's generally the changes we make on the mission. Definite changes, for sure, but not outside changes. Enough change that most people who know you will notice, but may not be able to put their finger on, unless they look a little bit more on the inward character.
Then we had zone conference. It was way good! The Blatters did it a little bit differently; we had breakout sessions where we broke into the three zones and went to different little workshops. Sister Bayles and I were asked to help with one of the workshops, so we didn't get to actually receive the training that everyone else did...which was a little bit sad, but it was fun all the same! The training was on open your mouth...so it was a little bit ironic that Sister Bayles and I were put in charge of that one. We all know how shy I am, and I still will sometimes struggle with it. But, it was really fun. We did some roleplays, and it was a good time. It mostly was just hilarious to see the interactions between the missionaries.
Then, right after zone conference, we did another exchange. I went with Sister Rasmussen. She's a little greenie, who has been out for about 4 weeks. It actually was the first time that I've worked with someone who had been out for less than a transfer! It was a really neat experience, though. She's got the makings of a really good missionary - in fact, she already is. I loved getting to work with her, though; I made the point to trust her. I expected things of her, which I know a lot of greenies don't always get. And it was always really neat that, as I would pause in my teaching or in my talking, she would always step up and speak. It was really cool to see the way she taught, too. She is definitely putting thought into what she is saying; you can tell that she is thinking. She'll take the time to pause and anybody who is listening to her can see that it's not just some rote presentation, but that it's meaningful. Her trainer, Sister Allred, does the same exact thing. I think it's a very important thing to do as we talk with people in any situation. We don't just talk and talk and talk, or recite a memorized idea; when we respond to people, do we just plow through without taking the time to take in their thoughts and the things they say, so that we can give a proper and thoughtful response. I hope to be able to apply her example into my teaching, because that is the way for people to trust you, and I want people to trust me! I want people to be able feel that they can trust me with their thoughts, as well as trust the things that I say.
Susan Emory is no longer on-date - she's not quite sure she wants to be baptized anymore. That was a rough blow. She essentially said that she didn't want to live the commandments. It made me so sad, because she was on fire! It was such a drastic change! And it makes me sad because she is never going to find happiness in the life that she is leading. We had stake conference this week, and Elder Richard Hansen from the Seventy came. In the Sunday morning session, he made the statement, "The secret to happiness is to keep the covenants which you have made." If Susan never makes those covenants, she is never going to experience a fullness of joy. there is happiness to be found, but there is so much more. And the making and keeping of those covenants is what is necessary for experiencing that! That's why there are missionaries! To help people perform ordinances that signify that those covenants have been made.
Man. It's been quite a week. But, it's been a week of mostly good things. :) There are just two more weeks of this transfer, and that is so odd to me! Just two more exchanges. Haha, I've come to measure my time in exchanges more than weeks. They often are the highlight of my week. :) I have loved this time of being an STL. I think these last transfers will be the highlight of my mission, because of being an STL. It's brought a different element to my work. It's so different have responsibility over more than just your area. I have 12 extra sisters that I have stewardship over. And man, do I love those 12 sisters! IT's such a joy to see them progress, so see THEM have success, to see the joy that they are experiencing, to see the love they have for their missions, and to gain these friendships that I know will last longer than just my time in the WA-TAC. I love it!
I love you all! Thanks for everything that you have done for me! The love and the support! I'm so grateful that I am able to be here, and I'm grateful for those of you who have made it possible for me to be here. I hope you all have a great week! Notice the miracles, and don't forget to thank God for them. they happen each and every day, if you keep your eyes open! Love ya!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Letter from August 11th, 2014
Hey all!
Well, the transfer is officially halfway over...and it's really hard to wrap my head around. But, the Lord has blessed us tremendously! Tuesday we did an exchange, and it was the exchange of miracles! Sister Chipman came here with me, and we had a hoot! She been companions with several of my dear mission friends, so we had a good chat about how much we just love people. Sister Chipman is the epitome of sunshine and happiness. She is the color yellow! So we had a good time!
While with Sister Chipman, we visited Susan Emory. She is very determined to give up her addictions, and she set for her quit date for August 18th. As we were talking with her, we were able to put her on date for the 23rd! She is working towards it, is nervous, but just wants to be able to be baptized, and is diligently working towards it!
Then, while knocking doors, we knocked into a part member family. A couple who is about in their 70's. They moved into this apartment about 2 weeks before. The wife, Jeanette, is less active, but as we talked with them, she was like, "Yeah, I just kind of stopped coming to church, but I know it's the right thing to do, and I need to start coming back." Then, the husband Jerry, who isn't a member, talked about how when he was in his 20's he met with missionaries and the only reason why he wasn't baptized was because he didn't receive an answer that Joseph Smith was a prophet. We talked about that for just a little bit, and then invited him to take the lessons again, and he agreed. we invited them to church, and Jerry excitedly agreed to come - and came! During sacrament meeting, he asked me a couple of questions. I love when people ask questions, because it means they are thinking about things. We are now teaching them; SO cool!
One last miracle of the exchange really had nothing to do with anyone that we taught or that we found, but some of our conversations. We talked a little bit about love and charity. and the spirit was able to then teach me a lot; he opened my eyes a little bit. President Weaver used to say that the mantle of missionary work is love. I believe that is true. Actually, of any calling you receive, the mantle is love. I've begun to notice this especially as a Sister Training Leader. I am SO grateful I have been able to have this calling. It is the perfect way to end my mission, because I feel my heart changing the most, as I have the privilege to work with these sisters. My heart is filled with such great love. After each exchange, I come away have made a new friend, a friend whom I love and care for deeply. I want to help them, I seek for ways to serve them. It is so much deeper than many friendships I've had before. I just love these sisters! And I love my investigators, and the ward members we work with! I just love! I've made the decision that for these last couple of months, I want that to kind of be my theme. Just...love. I want to love a new person each day. I want to feel love for deeply for people each day. I just want to be able to love people stronger and more deeply.
I love this work. I'm so grateful to be here! I'm grateful for this opportunity I have to serve, and learn and change. It's so much more than I ever imagined. I will never be the same!
Thank you all for the things to do to help me and support me. I love you! Remember what is most important!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Well, the transfer is officially halfway over...and it's really hard to wrap my head around. But, the Lord has blessed us tremendously! Tuesday we did an exchange, and it was the exchange of miracles! Sister Chipman came here with me, and we had a hoot! She been companions with several of my dear mission friends, so we had a good chat about how much we just love people. Sister Chipman is the epitome of sunshine and happiness. She is the color yellow! So we had a good time!
While with Sister Chipman, we visited Susan Emory. She is very determined to give up her addictions, and she set for her quit date for August 18th. As we were talking with her, we were able to put her on date for the 23rd! She is working towards it, is nervous, but just wants to be able to be baptized, and is diligently working towards it!
Then, while knocking doors, we knocked into a part member family. A couple who is about in their 70's. They moved into this apartment about 2 weeks before. The wife, Jeanette, is less active, but as we talked with them, she was like, "Yeah, I just kind of stopped coming to church, but I know it's the right thing to do, and I need to start coming back." Then, the husband Jerry, who isn't a member, talked about how when he was in his 20's he met with missionaries and the only reason why he wasn't baptized was because he didn't receive an answer that Joseph Smith was a prophet. We talked about that for just a little bit, and then invited him to take the lessons again, and he agreed. we invited them to church, and Jerry excitedly agreed to come - and came! During sacrament meeting, he asked me a couple of questions. I love when people ask questions, because it means they are thinking about things. We are now teaching them; SO cool!
One last miracle of the exchange really had nothing to do with anyone that we taught or that we found, but some of our conversations. We talked a little bit about love and charity. and the spirit was able to then teach me a lot; he opened my eyes a little bit. President Weaver used to say that the mantle of missionary work is love. I believe that is true. Actually, of any calling you receive, the mantle is love. I've begun to notice this especially as a Sister Training Leader. I am SO grateful I have been able to have this calling. It is the perfect way to end my mission, because I feel my heart changing the most, as I have the privilege to work with these sisters. My heart is filled with such great love. After each exchange, I come away have made a new friend, a friend whom I love and care for deeply. I want to help them, I seek for ways to serve them. It is so much deeper than many friendships I've had before. I just love these sisters! And I love my investigators, and the ward members we work with! I just love! I've made the decision that for these last couple of months, I want that to kind of be my theme. Just...love. I want to love a new person each day. I want to feel love for deeply for people each day. I just want to be able to love people stronger and more deeply.
I love this work. I'm so grateful to be here! I'm grateful for this opportunity I have to serve, and learn and change. It's so much more than I ever imagined. I will never be the same!
Thank you all for the things to do to help me and support me. I love you! Remember what is most important!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, August 4, 2014
Letter from August 4th, 2014
Hey all!
Oh man, this week. It's been one heck of a week. Quite frankly, I'm very grateful that it's p-day. It wasn't a BAD week. But it was a hard week. Why? Because disasters happened to nearly everyone we are teaching. It took a toll on my heart. From the possibility of cancer, to someone's cancer getting worse, to someone giving in to her addictions, thus losing all of her money and her self-esteem crashing, to someone being in an abusive relationship and not knowing what to do, to one of the sisters we're over having health problems and she nor the mission president are quite sure if she can remain out - and she just return to the WA-TAC after being home for 8 months because of her health and all she wants to do is serve a mission. Man. My heart couldn't take it. I guess this is what I get for praying for charity...
But, in reality, it has been so neat to see how ALL of these events have been a blessing. I know. Weird. But, it's true. God is working on these people. He is humbling them. Because each and every person, whose lives have turned into disaster, has turned to God for support. In fact, Susan Emory, who has been struggling with her addictions, in a prayer said, "Thank you for letting me hit rock bottom so I can be built back up again." And then, going to a baptism with us on Saturday, talked with our mission president and said, "I liked the baptism. I hope mine can be soon!" Her heart is softening, and her determination is growing. She is seeking - and receiving - strength through studying the scriptures. She is truly becoming converted, and all she wants to do is do what God wants her to.
The one who is in an abusive relationship came to church - chose to come to church, out of everything she could have done. She's been praying fervently, and after I showed her a couple verses during sacrament meeting, hoping they might give her some comfort, she texted after church asking where those verses were. She is now seeking solace and strength and answers in the right places, whereas a few months ago, she'd probably just looking for some alcohol or some easy way to escape her feelings.
And more and more! Despite how my heart aches for these people, despite the helpless feeling I felt, each day, when some new person told me how their life has turned for the worse, I am lifted by hope as I recognize the hand of God, touching the lives of these people. Not causing things to happen, but allowing these things to happen, so that they might turn towards God. So that they have another opportunity to make a right choice - and that they ARE making the right choice. And we get to be here, supporting them, encouraging them, guiding them so that they know what the right choice is.
It's just as Mormon tells his son in Moroni 9:25 when he says, "My son, be faithful in Christ, and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever." There is always hope to be found. There is always good to be seen. And there is always happiness to be felt.
I've been exhausted this week, because of how emotionally draining it has been for me, but it has been incredible to see how I truly have been given the grace to continue on - just as it says in Jacob 4:7. I've been given the power to do "these things" because of God's grace!
I'm so grateful for the things I am able to learn and experience out here. And I'm so grateful that I can be someone that people trust and confide in - not really because of me but because of who I represent. I'm grateful I can represent my Savior, and that I can, in some part, minister grace to these people whom I love dearly.
I love you all! Thank you for all you do for me and the support you give me.
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Oh man, this week. It's been one heck of a week. Quite frankly, I'm very grateful that it's p-day. It wasn't a BAD week. But it was a hard week. Why? Because disasters happened to nearly everyone we are teaching. It took a toll on my heart. From the possibility of cancer, to someone's cancer getting worse, to someone giving in to her addictions, thus losing all of her money and her self-esteem crashing, to someone being in an abusive relationship and not knowing what to do, to one of the sisters we're over having health problems and she nor the mission president are quite sure if she can remain out - and she just return to the WA-TAC after being home for 8 months because of her health and all she wants to do is serve a mission. Man. My heart couldn't take it. I guess this is what I get for praying for charity...
But, in reality, it has been so neat to see how ALL of these events have been a blessing. I know. Weird. But, it's true. God is working on these people. He is humbling them. Because each and every person, whose lives have turned into disaster, has turned to God for support. In fact, Susan Emory, who has been struggling with her addictions, in a prayer said, "Thank you for letting me hit rock bottom so I can be built back up again." And then, going to a baptism with us on Saturday, talked with our mission president and said, "I liked the baptism. I hope mine can be soon!" Her heart is softening, and her determination is growing. She is seeking - and receiving - strength through studying the scriptures. She is truly becoming converted, and all she wants to do is do what God wants her to.
The one who is in an abusive relationship came to church - chose to come to church, out of everything she could have done. She's been praying fervently, and after I showed her a couple verses during sacrament meeting, hoping they might give her some comfort, she texted after church asking where those verses were. She is now seeking solace and strength and answers in the right places, whereas a few months ago, she'd probably just looking for some alcohol or some easy way to escape her feelings.
And more and more! Despite how my heart aches for these people, despite the helpless feeling I felt, each day, when some new person told me how their life has turned for the worse, I am lifted by hope as I recognize the hand of God, touching the lives of these people. Not causing things to happen, but allowing these things to happen, so that they might turn towards God. So that they have another opportunity to make a right choice - and that they ARE making the right choice. And we get to be here, supporting them, encouraging them, guiding them so that they know what the right choice is.
It's just as Mormon tells his son in Moroni 9:25 when he says, "My son, be faithful in Christ, and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever." There is always hope to be found. There is always good to be seen. And there is always happiness to be felt.
I've been exhausted this week, because of how emotionally draining it has been for me, but it has been incredible to see how I truly have been given the grace to continue on - just as it says in Jacob 4:7. I've been given the power to do "these things" because of God's grace!
I'm so grateful for the things I am able to learn and experience out here. And I'm so grateful that I can be someone that people trust and confide in - not really because of me but because of who I represent. I'm grateful I can represent my Savior, and that I can, in some part, minister grace to these people whom I love dearly.
I love you all! Thank you for all you do for me and the support you give me.
Sister Beth Ann Root!