Hey all!
Well, it's been another typical week in Silverdale. We saw a few miracles, did some service, went to a couple Christmas parties, and got our tranfer call - this transfer is a week shorter, because of Christmas. Next transfer will be an extra week.
Tuesday was our mission Christmas "celebration" (we can't call it a party...haha!) and that was awesome. Last preparation day was so much fun, because I spent all of it just putting stuff together and wrapping gifts, mailing gifts, and everything, getting ready for Christmas and for our "celebration." I love Christmas! :) It was fun to be able to be with all of my mission peeps, and talk with friends I don't get to see very often. It truly is incredible the friendships you make while on a mission. Some people you just have to go on a mission to meet!
Thursday evening, we went on a few visits with Sister Noble, a member of the primary presidency. (You know what's weird? She reminds me of Lisa. She participated in a musical number on Sunday, and even when she was singing, I was like, "Dude. She sings like Lisa! It was weird.) She's the one who is in charge of the baptisms for the 8 year olds, so we were visiting families with children who she hasn't seen in awhile who are 8 or will be turning 8 soon, in an effort to get them prepared for baptism. We planned it so we could invite them to the ward Christmas party, as well. So, we went out, and one of the families we visited just kind of...made everything worth it. It was AWESOME! We knocked on their door, they openned it, and Sister Noble started talking (she's really good at talking) and mentioned the Christmas party, and that she was the counselor over baptisms, and she was there to help plan and coordinate for the time their daughter was prepared to be baptized. The parents were like, "Yeah, we totally need to start going to church! That needs to happen...like immediately." So, the father pretty much committed himself, without us even extending and invitation - which...pretty much never happens - that they were going to start coming back to church that very Sunday. He said that if they came to church for the next 4 weeks, they'd invite us over for dinner - that was their incentive. They have a very busy life, and the mom has some back problems, so it's really hard for her to sit for an extended period of time. And, it's really hard to make the decision to go, when it's so easy just to stay home. So, I invited them to read the scriptures as a family, every single day, promising that it'd give them the strength to make the decision Sunday morning to go to church.
Saturday, we saw them at the Christmas party.
Sunday, they were at church. They told us they had read scriptures and prayed as a family every single night since we've been there. They said we had come at the right moment, when hearts were softened, and it made all the difference.
The humbling part...we didnt' even do anything. Their name was on a list that Sister Noble made. We went. We were just...there. The Spirit did all the work. You guys...this is the Lord's work. It's HIS. All He asks of us is to listen to the Spirit. He will work through us. And, where it started from? Us, a couple weeks ago, struggling to find something to do, so we openned up the ward directory, and there was teh Noble's name, righ thtere, on the street that we were on. We showed up, and things happened where we planned these visits. And, we went out, working with a member of the ward council. It was AMAZING! God put forth all that work, laid out all of that, to bring one family back to church. How incredible is that?! It was a good reminder for me that it's not all about baptisms. Baptism is SO important. As it says in John 3:5, "Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." So, it's something Heavenly Father wants to see. But, He wants ALL of His children to be with Him - including the ones who are baptized, but have forgotten what that means, or maybe have gotten a little bit lost. He wants ALL of His children to feel His love. To grow closer to Him. And that also is my role, is to help Him in all of these things. I needed that reminder.
Then, we got transfer calls. I'm staying, but Sister Stokes is heading up to Port Angeles. It's a zone up from Silverdale, and about as far north as you can get in our mission. My new companion will be Sister Bevan. She'll be hitting her year mark in January (when I'll be hitting my halfway mark. I haven't been out that long, have I?!) so I guess President Weaver likes to put me with seasoned missionaries. All but two have been out a year or longer! She also will be coming from just being an STL for the past 4 transfers - the sister training leader. Kinda like a district/zone leader for sisters, since we can't go on exchanges with elders. So, she's a pretty bomb missionary. I'm excited, but also a little bit intimidated to be working with her. Everybody loves her, and she seems like a ball of energy. She'll be fun to work with. I'll definitely learn a lot this next transfer! Maybe I'll actually stay with her a second transfer, instead of getting another new companion AGAIN! Haha!
It's going to be a good transfer. It's going to be a good Christmas - 9 days, you guys! 9 days! YAY!! (be sure you're extra nice to missionaries. It's the time for getting homesick, after all! Give them candy canes or something! Or peppermint ice cream...I might have to buy some...) Remember, Heavenly Father loves you! Jesus loves you! I've begun reading Jesus the Christ, for the second time, during lunch and decompression time, as well as the New Testament. I am loving it, because my mind is just being openned, and I'm gaining new understanding for all that our Savior has done for us. I love Him so much. There are no words to describe the feelings I feel for Him. The gratitude; the love; the overwhelming desire to become like Him - I've got a long ways to go! But, that's what I'm working towards!
I'm not going to lie...it's been a bit of a rough transfer for me. But. It's worth it. It's something Sister New taught me - just over a year ago, actually, when I was in Flagstaff. It's ALL worth it. SO worth it! I love it! I love this work. I love being able to put that nametag on, every single morning. I love being able to bear my testimony of my Savior. I love seeing the spirit touch someone's heart, so that, even if at that time they are not ready, I can tell they are going to be ready in the future. Although, it's hard to have people reject this wonderful message, it's a joy to be able to talk with people who ARE ready. To be able to see people's faith strengthened. There is no better feeling in the world than feeling the Savior work through you to do His work. It's a very humbling feeling, because you understand it has nothing to do with you. I love it. I love being here. Despite the trials, the cold, the wet, some people's rudeness. There is nothing better than being able to participate in God's work.
I love you all. Thank you for all you do for me, and for all you have done. I love being out here. It's the best! I love the WA-TAC!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Letter from December 9th, 2013
"And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul." Alma 26:30
Hey all!
It's been just another typical week, here in Silverdale. In other words, a slow week. We've been out working hard, of course, and we've had the chance to see a few miracles and Heavenly Father's tender mercies, showing that He loves us! And showing that this is really HIS work, not Sister Root's or Sister Stokes' work. It's been absolutely freezing here. 5-7's have been brutal, but we've come across nice people who have let us in and given us hot chocolate or hot cider. Most don't want to listen to us, but their kind enough to talk with us a few minutes so we can warm up. It's been pretty dry, though. I think we're going to get a little bit of rain this week, which means it will be a little bit warmer. I don't know if I'd prefer being dry, or a few degrees warmer...either way...it'll be pretty rough!
One tender mercy we had this week happened Saturday afternoon. We had a few people cancel on us, so we were trying to figure out what we needed to be doing at that time. We went back to the car, I sat down, openned up the ward list, and the first name I saw happened to be a family who lived on the street where we were at. This family had signed up to feed us on Wednesday, but because of some things coming up, they had to cancel - of course, apologizing. We understood, of course. We weren't upset. But, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to go visit them! So, we went over to their house. About 30 seconds after we got there, they pulled up in their car - perfect timing! It just so happened that the wife is in the primary presidency, over the child of record baptisms. She had expressed concern that she didn't know a lot of them or their parents - because they were less active - and she felt like it was her responsibility to know them, but she didn't know how to go about that. We were like, "Hey! You can just go with us! Then we can meet them and do our missionary thing, and then you can get to know them!" It was kind of perfect, and we have a time set up where we're going to do that. IT was just really nice, because we've been struggling to fill our time with product things to do. But, this way, we are able to help the ward, and try to meet some less actives we haven't had the chance to talk with yet.
Then, Sunday morning, we receive a call from someone, asking the church's address, what time church was, and if we could meet with them before church. It was this sweet Philipino lady named Lorna. Her fiance is a member, and she wants to get baptized - her choice. She had been to church twice in the Philipines, and was looking forward to coming to church here. We met her, set up a time to meet with her again, and we're making plans for her to be baptized this month, if all goes well with her fiance (Who currently lives in Oregon.) It was a HUGE miracle! We are so pumped, so excited.She is totally prepared.
You know, the past few weeks have been really hard. We've been working super hard, trying to find people to teach. I know in some missions, you're lucky to find people in teach. But, in the WA-TAC, there are people prepared EVERYWHERE! It just happens to be one of those places. So, I was really struggling with the idea that we weren't finding poeple who were prepared. In fact, we - and the elders in this ward - have been losing investigators. I couldn't figure out what was going on, and it was really hard for me. Still is, a little bit. But, by Heavenly Father placing Lorna in our path - really, it has nothing to do with our own efforts, - it reminded me that this IS the LORD'S work, not mine. I cannot prepare people. It's just not going to happen. I just have to work my hardest and follow the spirit, so the Lord can trust me with His elect. I can't do it my way, I have to do it His way. And sometimes His way means a lot more work with a lot less immediate results, which is a hard pill for me to swallow, sometimes. But, that's ok! Because, I'm learning. I'm meant to learn. And we're working hard, trying to follow the prompting of the spirit.
It's so incredible to be out here. I have my struggles and my trials, my bad days. But, there has not a day gone by that I wish I had decided to stay in Flagstaff. There has not been a minute or a second where I have wanted to be home. Yes, I've missed my family and friends, but every fiber of my being desires to be here, doing this work. It's the best! There is a great amount of joy to be felt. I love it. I Can't express that love enough!
I love you all! Thank you for everything you do. Stay happy. Remember the reason for the season, and how amazing Christmas is. Keep Christ the center of it all, and it won't be a stressful time - instead, it will be a time of peace. Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Hey all!
It's been just another typical week, here in Silverdale. In other words, a slow week. We've been out working hard, of course, and we've had the chance to see a few miracles and Heavenly Father's tender mercies, showing that He loves us! And showing that this is really HIS work, not Sister Root's or Sister Stokes' work. It's been absolutely freezing here. 5-7's have been brutal, but we've come across nice people who have let us in and given us hot chocolate or hot cider. Most don't want to listen to us, but their kind enough to talk with us a few minutes so we can warm up. It's been pretty dry, though. I think we're going to get a little bit of rain this week, which means it will be a little bit warmer. I don't know if I'd prefer being dry, or a few degrees warmer...either way...it'll be pretty rough!
One tender mercy we had this week happened Saturday afternoon. We had a few people cancel on us, so we were trying to figure out what we needed to be doing at that time. We went back to the car, I sat down, openned up the ward list, and the first name I saw happened to be a family who lived on the street where we were at. This family had signed up to feed us on Wednesday, but because of some things coming up, they had to cancel - of course, apologizing. We understood, of course. We weren't upset. But, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to go visit them! So, we went over to their house. About 30 seconds after we got there, they pulled up in their car - perfect timing! It just so happened that the wife is in the primary presidency, over the child of record baptisms. She had expressed concern that she didn't know a lot of them or their parents - because they were less active - and she felt like it was her responsibility to know them, but she didn't know how to go about that. We were like, "Hey! You can just go with us! Then we can meet them and do our missionary thing, and then you can get to know them!" It was kind of perfect, and we have a time set up where we're going to do that. IT was just really nice, because we've been struggling to fill our time with product things to do. But, this way, we are able to help the ward, and try to meet some less actives we haven't had the chance to talk with yet.
Then, Sunday morning, we receive a call from someone, asking the church's address, what time church was, and if we could meet with them before church. It was this sweet Philipino lady named Lorna. Her fiance is a member, and she wants to get baptized - her choice. She had been to church twice in the Philipines, and was looking forward to coming to church here. We met her, set up a time to meet with her again, and we're making plans for her to be baptized this month, if all goes well with her fiance (Who currently lives in Oregon.) It was a HUGE miracle! We are so pumped, so excited.She is totally prepared.
You know, the past few weeks have been really hard. We've been working super hard, trying to find people to teach. I know in some missions, you're lucky to find people in teach. But, in the WA-TAC, there are people prepared EVERYWHERE! It just happens to be one of those places. So, I was really struggling with the idea that we weren't finding poeple who were prepared. In fact, we - and the elders in this ward - have been losing investigators. I couldn't figure out what was going on, and it was really hard for me. Still is, a little bit. But, by Heavenly Father placing Lorna in our path - really, it has nothing to do with our own efforts, - it reminded me that this IS the LORD'S work, not mine. I cannot prepare people. It's just not going to happen. I just have to work my hardest and follow the spirit, so the Lord can trust me with His elect. I can't do it my way, I have to do it His way. And sometimes His way means a lot more work with a lot less immediate results, which is a hard pill for me to swallow, sometimes. But, that's ok! Because, I'm learning. I'm meant to learn. And we're working hard, trying to follow the prompting of the spirit.
It's so incredible to be out here. I have my struggles and my trials, my bad days. But, there has not a day gone by that I wish I had decided to stay in Flagstaff. There has not been a minute or a second where I have wanted to be home. Yes, I've missed my family and friends, but every fiber of my being desires to be here, doing this work. It's the best! There is a great amount of joy to be felt. I love it. I Can't express that love enough!
I love you all! Thank you for everything you do. Stay happy. Remember the reason for the season, and how amazing Christmas is. Keep Christ the center of it all, and it won't be a stressful time - instead, it will be a time of peace. Love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, December 2, 2013
Letter from December 2nd, 2013
Hey all!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It was pretty fun, here. The relief soctiety president had us over - and by us, I mean ALL the missionaries in the ward. Which is 8. There are two sets of missionaries - elders and sisters - and then the spanish missionaries in the stake (which is a recent thing) have kind of joined themselves to our ward - there isn't even a spanish branch, so they need kind of a place to actually bring investigators, when they have them - and then, there's a senior missionary couple that also lives in our ward boundaries. So, there was a lot of us, and that was fun! We came home stuffed! And then, as a treat, I let myself go to bed an hour early. I've been super tired all this week, so it was just a nice little thing to do for myself. We weren't allowed to proselyte Thanksgiving; we just went around a visited a few members, so we got home a little bit early, and planning went quick...so I just went to bed! It was nice.
Not much is really going on here. We're struggling to find new people to teach, and we just dropped an investigator. It was really hard to do, but he had pretty much said that he wasn't going to change. He just liked learning new things. Unfortunately, that's not our purpose! He has been taught for a year, so it's kinda past the missionaries teaching him just so he can learn new things. He wasn't progressing, which, unfortunately, meant that by spending time with him, we weren't able to fulfill our purpose as missionaries. It was really hard. I hate dropping investigators.
The highlight of the week: Friday, I was able to go to Port Orchard again! It kind of was a suprise to me! Aydan Summers' baptism was Friday night, and I had originally been asked to sing at it, but then I got transferred. I didn't think President Weaver would let me go back AGAIN since I had already been back for one baptism, but, through a member calling him, and then Sister Johnson convincing me to call him, too, he said I could go. It was such a treat for me to be able to sing If the Savior Stood Beside Me with Sister Johnson - the last time I sung that was at a baptism with Amy! It was pretty cool. And, Aydan's baptism was just so very sweet. As he came up out of the water, he had the biggest grin on his face. He was just glowing! Aydan is a very special kid. I can't wait for him to get the priesthood in a few years. He's going to be amazing. It was nice to be able to participate in a baptism the same weekend Elena was baptized. Sweet tender mercies from the Lord! :)
It's kind of odd. It hasn't really been too rainy. It's been cold, for sure, but not much rain! Someone said it was the driest November ever! I know Washington needs its rain...but it'd sure be nice if it wasn't too rainy when we're out tracting, 5-7 each day! I've liked the weather, mostly. It's just cold. But, that's ok. There are worse things!
Sorry, I don't have much else to say...there's not much going on, though we're trying! But, I truly am glad to be out here. Even as I think about what might be going on back home, and I might get a little bit sad, I still think of how there is no where else I would rather be. I can't even fathom being home right now. I love it here in the WA-TAC, even when it's hard! I love the people here, I love being iwth missionaries, and it's truly a joy to be serving the Lord in this capacity. I am so blessed! Thank you all for doing what you do to make it possible for me to be out here. I love you all! Remember that happiness comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it's through living it, that we gain access to the Atonement. And the Atonement brings us happiness; it doesn't necessarily mean that we will have our sorrows or hardships taken away, but that we can be lifted up to find joy in the journey - as well as joy in the destination. Both are important!
I love you all! Have a fantastic week! Happy December! Christmas is coming!!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It was pretty fun, here. The relief soctiety president had us over - and by us, I mean ALL the missionaries in the ward. Which is 8. There are two sets of missionaries - elders and sisters - and then the spanish missionaries in the stake (which is a recent thing) have kind of joined themselves to our ward - there isn't even a spanish branch, so they need kind of a place to actually bring investigators, when they have them - and then, there's a senior missionary couple that also lives in our ward boundaries. So, there was a lot of us, and that was fun! We came home stuffed! And then, as a treat, I let myself go to bed an hour early. I've been super tired all this week, so it was just a nice little thing to do for myself. We weren't allowed to proselyte Thanksgiving; we just went around a visited a few members, so we got home a little bit early, and planning went quick...so I just went to bed! It was nice.
Not much is really going on here. We're struggling to find new people to teach, and we just dropped an investigator. It was really hard to do, but he had pretty much said that he wasn't going to change. He just liked learning new things. Unfortunately, that's not our purpose! He has been taught for a year, so it's kinda past the missionaries teaching him just so he can learn new things. He wasn't progressing, which, unfortunately, meant that by spending time with him, we weren't able to fulfill our purpose as missionaries. It was really hard. I hate dropping investigators.
The highlight of the week: Friday, I was able to go to Port Orchard again! It kind of was a suprise to me! Aydan Summers' baptism was Friday night, and I had originally been asked to sing at it, but then I got transferred. I didn't think President Weaver would let me go back AGAIN since I had already been back for one baptism, but, through a member calling him, and then Sister Johnson convincing me to call him, too, he said I could go. It was such a treat for me to be able to sing If the Savior Stood Beside Me with Sister Johnson - the last time I sung that was at a baptism with Amy! It was pretty cool. And, Aydan's baptism was just so very sweet. As he came up out of the water, he had the biggest grin on his face. He was just glowing! Aydan is a very special kid. I can't wait for him to get the priesthood in a few years. He's going to be amazing. It was nice to be able to participate in a baptism the same weekend Elena was baptized. Sweet tender mercies from the Lord! :)
It's kind of odd. It hasn't really been too rainy. It's been cold, for sure, but not much rain! Someone said it was the driest November ever! I know Washington needs its rain...but it'd sure be nice if it wasn't too rainy when we're out tracting, 5-7 each day! I've liked the weather, mostly. It's just cold. But, that's ok. There are worse things!
Sorry, I don't have much else to say...there's not much going on, though we're trying! But, I truly am glad to be out here. Even as I think about what might be going on back home, and I might get a little bit sad, I still think of how there is no where else I would rather be. I can't even fathom being home right now. I love it here in the WA-TAC, even when it's hard! I love the people here, I love being iwth missionaries, and it's truly a joy to be serving the Lord in this capacity. I am so blessed! Thank you all for doing what you do to make it possible for me to be out here. I love you all! Remember that happiness comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it's through living it, that we gain access to the Atonement. And the Atonement brings us happiness; it doesn't necessarily mean that we will have our sorrows or hardships taken away, but that we can be lifted up to find joy in the journey - as well as joy in the destination. Both are important!
I love you all! Have a fantastic week! Happy December! Christmas is coming!!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Letter from November 25th, 2013
Hey all!
It's been a pretty good week! We had exchanges, Zone Conference and then we had the wonderful opportunity to have an apostle come and talk with us. It was Elder Neil L Anderson. It was a really neat experience, one that I'm sure I will treasure for forever. So, it was a very spiritual week. Plus, I love getting to spend time with other missionaries. It always gets me pretty pumped.
We're still struggling a little bit with our teaching pool. I guess people here don't really want to talk with missionaries...but we've been trying to visit a lot of less actives. That's still hard work, and often hit or miss, but we're doing what we can. There's an awesome recent convert here, though. She's fantastic, and I think she might be my new favorite member. She's been baptized for almost a year, and is preparing for the temple. She's been through a lot, but she has a lot of strength and a lot of faith, and NOTHING is swaying her from what she knows is right. She has a lot of deep questions, and a lot of questions about random doctrinal things, so I just reminded her to go back to the basics. That, as she goes back to the answers she's received about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and the church, all other things will fall into place. As she continually reads the Book of Mormon and other scriptures, she'll gain greater understanding, maybe not in the timing she desires, but God will always answer her questions. She's just a really neat person, and it was a good reminder of the importance of the basics. You HAVE to have a testimony of the Savior, that God loves you, the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith if you're going to withstand the buffetings of Satan, and his persuassions to pull you away from the church. But, in reality it all goes down to the Savior. That's waht Elder Anderson talkeda bout, and a very powerful experience to hear an apostle's witness about the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that He truly does live.He said that is what we teach. That should be our focus. Everything else will fall into place. He promised us that as wwe seal the testimony of our Savior into our hreats, nothing will be able to sway us from our testimony of Joseph Smith, or anything else. Because Christ is the cornerstone to everything this Church is.The end. That's it. There's nothing else.No other message more important. Actually, there IS no other mesage. The Restoration would be NOTHING without the Savior.
I know this isn't a very long email. But, much of what I have learned this week is just that. Jesus Christ is everything. I wish I could sing it for all the world to hear. I wish I could open up my heart so people would hear the music of my heart that expresses my love and gratitude for the Savior, because mere words just don't cut it. They can't express even a hundreth part of what I feel for my Brother Jesus Christ. That's been the message I've been sharing with members this week. Just my love for teh Savior, and grateful I am to have the opportunity to be here, sharing itwith others!
You guys, Jesus Christ lives. His Atonement is for everyone, and encompasses anything and everything you might feel or experience in this life. IT's beautiful. I love it. I love Him. I'm so grateful for Him. Words just can't express it. I want all of you who read this to know that. He suffered for YOU. He loves YOU. If you're unsure of that, if you're feeling unloved, lost, alone, afraid, or weak, He is there. IF you don't believe it, furself that it's Open up the scriptures, read about Him, and pray. Through this process, you will be able to find our for yourself, and you will be able to feel His love. Because it's real. I know it! I've felt it! there's nothing better that I could share!
I love you all. Thanks for everything you do. Remember your Savior during this time. He loves you! I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's been a pretty good week! We had exchanges, Zone Conference and then we had the wonderful opportunity to have an apostle come and talk with us. It was Elder Neil L Anderson. It was a really neat experience, one that I'm sure I will treasure for forever. So, it was a very spiritual week. Plus, I love getting to spend time with other missionaries. It always gets me pretty pumped.
We're still struggling a little bit with our teaching pool. I guess people here don't really want to talk with missionaries...but we've been trying to visit a lot of less actives. That's still hard work, and often hit or miss, but we're doing what we can. There's an awesome recent convert here, though. She's fantastic, and I think she might be my new favorite member. She's been baptized for almost a year, and is preparing for the temple. She's been through a lot, but she has a lot of strength and a lot of faith, and NOTHING is swaying her from what she knows is right. She has a lot of deep questions, and a lot of questions about random doctrinal things, so I just reminded her to go back to the basics. That, as she goes back to the answers she's received about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and the church, all other things will fall into place. As she continually reads the Book of Mormon and other scriptures, she'll gain greater understanding, maybe not in the timing she desires, but God will always answer her questions. She's just a really neat person, and it was a good reminder of the importance of the basics. You HAVE to have a testimony of the Savior, that God loves you, the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith if you're going to withstand the buffetings of Satan, and his persuassions to pull you away from the church. But, in reality it all goes down to the Savior. That's waht Elder Anderson talkeda bout, and a very powerful experience to hear an apostle's witness about the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that He truly does live.He said that is what we teach. That should be our focus. Everything else will fall into place. He promised us that as wwe seal the testimony of our Savior into our hreats, nothing will be able to sway us from our testimony of Joseph Smith, or anything else. Because Christ is the cornerstone to everything this Church is.The end. That's it. There's nothing else.No other message more important. Actually, there IS no other mesage. The Restoration would be NOTHING without the Savior.
I know this isn't a very long email. But, much of what I have learned this week is just that. Jesus Christ is everything. I wish I could sing it for all the world to hear. I wish I could open up my heart so people would hear the music of my heart that expresses my love and gratitude for the Savior, because mere words just don't cut it. They can't express even a hundreth part of what I feel for my Brother Jesus Christ. That's been the message I've been sharing with members this week. Just my love for teh Savior, and grateful I am to have the opportunity to be here, sharing itwith others!
You guys, Jesus Christ lives. His Atonement is for everyone, and encompasses anything and everything you might feel or experience in this life. IT's beautiful. I love it. I love Him. I'm so grateful for Him. Words just can't express it. I want all of you who read this to know that. He suffered for YOU. He loves YOU. If you're unsure of that, if you're feeling unloved, lost, alone, afraid, or weak, He is there. IF you don't believe it, furself that it's Open up the scriptures, read about Him, and pray. Through this process, you will be able to find our for yourself, and you will be able to feel His love. Because it's real. I know it! I've felt it! there's nothing better that I could share!
I love you all. Thanks for everything you do. Remember your Savior during this time. He loves you! I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Letter from November 18th, 2013
Hey all!
Well, it's been my first week in the Silverdale 6th ward. The area here is a lot slower than what I'm used to, so it's a bit of an adjustment...But I'm determined to get it to start picking up! A lot of our investigators are "eternals" - meaning, they've been taught for a really long time. So, it looks like we've really got to start kicking them into action, or start finding some new, solid investigators. The hard part about that, is, there's another set of missionaries in this ward, so this area has been tracted out A LOT. Apparently people get missionaries at their door about every other month. Most people are friendly...but only friendly enough to say, "Don't freeze out there!" and close the door. It's a rough adjustment to the hustle and bustle of being over two wards and trying to figure out who we had time to meet with!
I did have the wonderful privlege of going back to Port Orchard to see TJ baptized, on Saturday. Friday night, Sister Johnson texted me and asked me if I'd be able to give the talk on baptism - apparently none of the YSAs were available, or they couldn't get ahold of any. So, I called President Weaver to ask for permission. Apparently the Brethren have asked for missionaries to no longer leave their areas for baptisms, but he said since I was asked to give the talk, he'd let me go. It was such a tender mercy for me. Friday had been a hard day for me. I was stressed, and everything had fallen through, and no body seemed to want to listen. So, to have that was a blessing. And then, going on Saturday just filled me with the spirit! I am so grateful I was able to see TJ baptized. It was such a blessing to be able to teach him and to see his desire to do what's right and follow the Savior, so being able to be there to see him step through that gate of baptism was the best! It did my heart good. Plus, it was a treat to be able to see Sister Johnson. I truly have come to love Sister Stokes, already, but the bond Sister Johnson and I formed is a very sweet and special one. So I was grateful for that chance to see her, just for a bit.
This Saturday, we're going to have the privilege of hearing one of the 12 apostles speak to us. We don't know which, yet, and I'm sure I'll have lots to tell you next week about it, but I'm pumped about it! Plus, there's zone conferences this week, too! (Where I'll get to see Sister Johnson, too. Woot! And Sister Douros! It'll be a fun time.)
Well, I don't have much else to say to you guys. Just, keep supporting me with prayers. I love you all, and am grateful for all that you do! (Congrats, Amy and Stephen, to having little Eli! So happy for you!) I love you all so much!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Well, it's been my first week in the Silverdale 6th ward. The area here is a lot slower than what I'm used to, so it's a bit of an adjustment...But I'm determined to get it to start picking up! A lot of our investigators are "eternals" - meaning, they've been taught for a really long time. So, it looks like we've really got to start kicking them into action, or start finding some new, solid investigators. The hard part about that, is, there's another set of missionaries in this ward, so this area has been tracted out A LOT. Apparently people get missionaries at their door about every other month. Most people are friendly...but only friendly enough to say, "Don't freeze out there!" and close the door. It's a rough adjustment to the hustle and bustle of being over two wards and trying to figure out who we had time to meet with!
I did have the wonderful privlege of going back to Port Orchard to see TJ baptized, on Saturday. Friday night, Sister Johnson texted me and asked me if I'd be able to give the talk on baptism - apparently none of the YSAs were available, or they couldn't get ahold of any. So, I called President Weaver to ask for permission. Apparently the Brethren have asked for missionaries to no longer leave their areas for baptisms, but he said since I was asked to give the talk, he'd let me go. It was such a tender mercy for me. Friday had been a hard day for me. I was stressed, and everything had fallen through, and no body seemed to want to listen. So, to have that was a blessing. And then, going on Saturday just filled me with the spirit! I am so grateful I was able to see TJ baptized. It was such a blessing to be able to teach him and to see his desire to do what's right and follow the Savior, so being able to be there to see him step through that gate of baptism was the best! It did my heart good. Plus, it was a treat to be able to see Sister Johnson. I truly have come to love Sister Stokes, already, but the bond Sister Johnson and I formed is a very sweet and special one. So I was grateful for that chance to see her, just for a bit.
This Saturday, we're going to have the privilege of hearing one of the 12 apostles speak to us. We don't know which, yet, and I'm sure I'll have lots to tell you next week about it, but I'm pumped about it! Plus, there's zone conferences this week, too! (Where I'll get to see Sister Johnson, too. Woot! And Sister Douros! It'll be a fun time.)
Well, I don't have much else to say to you guys. Just, keep supporting me with prayers. I love you all, and am grateful for all that you do! (Congrats, Amy and Stephen, to having little Eli! So happy for you!) I love you all so much!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Letter from November 12th, 2013
Hey all!
It's been a...sad few days. But also quite joyful! Saturday night, I got the transfer call...and I'm leaving these two wonderful wards and my wonderful companion. I can't help but still be bummed out about it. I'm heading to Silverdale, and my new companion will be Sister Stokes - we actually came out together. From what I've seen, she's a very quite person. Quieter than me! So, we'll see how this goes. But, I'm optimistic! Just...still bummed out that I'm leaving. But, it's in the Lord's hands.
This weekend, we had the amazing privilege of seeing Steve Melton baptized. It was a very powerful program. The spirit was SO strong! Sister Johnson sang "Oh Lord, My Redeemer" (thanks, Mom for sending the music!) and it was a really neat experience being able to accompany for her. It's hard to explain...but it was different than any other time I have accompanied someone singing. the spirit was just very present. It really was an amazing baptism.
Then, just last night, after home evening with the YSAs, TJ had his baptismal interview and he passed. I don't know if that sounds like a big deal or not...but TJ is amazing. He is a little bit handicapped - he has to walk with a walker - and he lived out in Port Ludlow, which is about an hour away from Port Orchard (the area for the YSA ward is HUGE!!) so it's been really difficult to see him and teach him. Often times, it's for short 20 or 30 minute lessons after YSA activities. But, seeing him walk outside from the interview, with a huge grin on his face, and having the district leader walk up to Sister Johnson and I afterwards, and say, "Yep. He is so ready." It was a wonderful moment. TJ had a few concerns, and his response was, "I just want to be sure I do the right thing." Sometimes it's been like pulling teeth with him, so it's been amazing to see him just turn to Christ, and make these commitments, and have these righteous desires. It's SO hard leaving before he gets baptized - this Saturday! GAH! I feel like Heavenly Father is testing a little bit of my willingness with this transfer.
We also had a sweet lesson with our new investigator in the YSA ward, Logan. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and the spirit was very strong. He shared some things with us - he's lived a hard life, where he's made a few wrong choices - and then shared how he desires to do the right thing. Then, when he gave the closing prayer, it was one of the most sincere and sweetest prayers I've ever heard. He just simply said, "Thank you for this knowledge that will help me be with you, my family, and my friends for forever." It was so sweet. I'm SO sad I don't get to continue teaching him, either! Or see him baptized!
AND Aydan Summers! Our little 9 year old. He's started reading the Boom of Mormon on his phone (it's just the phone. He can't text or make calls on it. he just has teh apps) and he loves it! He's changed so much and I'm so sad I can't continue to teach him, too! But, his grandparents keep asking me if I can come back for his baptism - his grandfather even said Sister Johnson and I should sing at it. I'll have to talk to President Weaver (he'll probably say yes) but, I want to make sure that it comes from Aydan, if I'm going to be coming back. It's really hard to come back into an old area, but if the investigator wants it, I'll totally be there!
well, that's all I have to share from this week. Like I said, I'm bummed about this transfer...but I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me! It's going to be good. I love you all! thanks or everything! Keep me in your prayers - and all of these investigators, and these wards! I'm sad to be leaving, but I hope and pray these wards continue to flourish! They have changed SO much since 3 months ago. It's crazy! I love them. SO much. And I love all of you!!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
It's been a...sad few days. But also quite joyful! Saturday night, I got the transfer call...and I'm leaving these two wonderful wards and my wonderful companion. I can't help but still be bummed out about it. I'm heading to Silverdale, and my new companion will be Sister Stokes - we actually came out together. From what I've seen, she's a very quite person. Quieter than me! So, we'll see how this goes. But, I'm optimistic! Just...still bummed out that I'm leaving. But, it's in the Lord's hands.
This weekend, we had the amazing privilege of seeing Steve Melton baptized. It was a very powerful program. The spirit was SO strong! Sister Johnson sang "Oh Lord, My Redeemer" (thanks, Mom for sending the music!) and it was a really neat experience being able to accompany for her. It's hard to explain...but it was different than any other time I have accompanied someone singing. the spirit was just very present. It really was an amazing baptism.
Then, just last night, after home evening with the YSAs, TJ had his baptismal interview and he passed. I don't know if that sounds like a big deal or not...but TJ is amazing. He is a little bit handicapped - he has to walk with a walker - and he lived out in Port Ludlow, which is about an hour away from Port Orchard (the area for the YSA ward is HUGE!!) so it's been really difficult to see him and teach him. Often times, it's for short 20 or 30 minute lessons after YSA activities. But, seeing him walk outside from the interview, with a huge grin on his face, and having the district leader walk up to Sister Johnson and I afterwards, and say, "Yep. He is so ready." It was a wonderful moment. TJ had a few concerns, and his response was, "I just want to be sure I do the right thing." Sometimes it's been like pulling teeth with him, so it's been amazing to see him just turn to Christ, and make these commitments, and have these righteous desires. It's SO hard leaving before he gets baptized - this Saturday! GAH! I feel like Heavenly Father is testing a little bit of my willingness with this transfer.
We also had a sweet lesson with our new investigator in the YSA ward, Logan. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and the spirit was very strong. He shared some things with us - he's lived a hard life, where he's made a few wrong choices - and then shared how he desires to do the right thing. Then, when he gave the closing prayer, it was one of the most sincere and sweetest prayers I've ever heard. He just simply said, "Thank you for this knowledge that will help me be with you, my family, and my friends for forever." It was so sweet. I'm SO sad I don't get to continue teaching him, either! Or see him baptized!
AND Aydan Summers! Our little 9 year old. He's started reading the Boom of Mormon on his phone (it's just the phone. He can't text or make calls on it. he just has teh apps) and he loves it! He's changed so much and I'm so sad I can't continue to teach him, too! But, his grandparents keep asking me if I can come back for his baptism - his grandfather even said Sister Johnson and I should sing at it. I'll have to talk to President Weaver (he'll probably say yes) but, I want to make sure that it comes from Aydan, if I'm going to be coming back. It's really hard to come back into an old area, but if the investigator wants it, I'll totally be there!
well, that's all I have to share from this week. Like I said, I'm bummed about this transfer...but I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for me! It's going to be good. I love you all! thanks or everything! Keep me in your prayers - and all of these investigators, and these wards! I'm sad to be leaving, but I hope and pray these wards continue to flourish! They have changed SO much since 3 months ago. It's crazy! I love them. SO much. And I love all of you!!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Letter from November 4th, 2013
Hey all!
Port Orchard library is back open...which is actually more inconvenient. I hate having to wait for 1:00 to email! And this computer is kinda slow...it's driving me a tad bit crazy. But...I guess I'm just meant to practice patience...
This week was a bit of an odd week...We have a new super solid investigator for the YSA ward! His name is Logan Knap! He came to church last Sunday with his friend, Rose, and we taught him on Friday, and put him on date to be baptized on the 26th. He is so ready. When we invited him to be baptized, he was like, "Yeah! Of course!" All he has to do is gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and he'll be super solid! And he'd said he'd read and pray, so Sister Johnson and I aren't to worried! TJ, though, the one in the YSA ward who is on date for the 16th...we have a few worries about. He hasn't come to church since we taught him the first time, and he doesn't seem too...committed. He loves everything we're teaching him, but I think he just doesn't understand the...commitment that is required. i mean, the whole point is to become more like our Heavenly Father, so it's not like you can just be baptized and continue living your life the way you were before. Life changes are needed - for everyone! Everyday! So. we're trying to figure out what he needs and how we can help him gain that understanding.
Aydan, in the Southworth ward got pushed back to the 30th. He wants his uncle to baptize him, and so we have to wait till Thanksgiving. He's pretty bummed out about it, and so are his grandparents - and so are we! - but, I think it might be better for his Mom. We still haven't had a chance to actually meet her, because I think she's afraid we're going to make her feel guilty for not being active...so it might give us a chance to meet her, and help build a bond with her. And hopefully encourage her to come to church with Aydan! And Steve is super solid. He's getting baptized this Saturday, and we're SO excited! Not worried about him at all!
Tuesday was fun. We had an exchange, and I went to Kitsap Lake - which actually is in our zone. I went with Sister Crosby, who I had been on exchange with last transfer. It was kind of weird, because I haven't been on exchange with her companion, so it was unexpected to go with her again. But, it was such a good experience! It's funny how quickly you can come to love someone.And, in the end, having been with her before was super good, because than she could actually see the changes I've made, and the growth that has happened. It was really good for me; it gave me a confidence boost, and helped me see that I actually AM improving. I learned a lot from that exchange, about myself, and about how I can be a better missionary - and a better companion. It was super awesome. I hope I get the chance to serve with Sister Crosby - for longer than 24 hours! haha! But, she lives like...7 minutes away from our house in Mesa. so we'll get to play when we're home. :) Maybe I'll send her over when she goes home - but that won't be for awhile. She just barely hit her halfway mark.
Halloween was pretty cool. We literally did nothing. We did our weekly planning, had our zone meeting, and then just hung out with our zone. We watched Ephriam's Rescue - arranged by President and sister Weaver. And then, we went home! We weren't allowed out, for our safety. So, we went from home to church building to home. It was and odd day, and it actually took me a little while to kinda recover from it. But, it was fun to hang out with the zone! And the movie was SO good! Watch it, if you haven't!
But...all in all, it's been a good week. Full of teaching and the spirit! And, as always, I feel myself learning and growing. My testimony of my Savior increases all the time, and I know it's such a blessing to me to be here. I only hope I am blessing others' lives. And Sister Johnson and I are ALWAYS having fun! She puts up with me when I am cranky, and I try to make sure she doesn't go into a diabetic coma. It's fun! Haha but really. We find out this Saturday what's happening with transfers, so we're going to make the most of this week, in case we don't stay together next transfer. though, I hope we do!
I love you all! Thank you so much for all that you do! I hope this week brings you wonderment and joy! Love, love, love!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Port Orchard library is back open...which is actually more inconvenient. I hate having to wait for 1:00 to email! And this computer is kinda slow...it's driving me a tad bit crazy. But...I guess I'm just meant to practice patience...
This week was a bit of an odd week...We have a new super solid investigator for the YSA ward! His name is Logan Knap! He came to church last Sunday with his friend, Rose, and we taught him on Friday, and put him on date to be baptized on the 26th. He is so ready. When we invited him to be baptized, he was like, "Yeah! Of course!" All he has to do is gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and he'll be super solid! And he'd said he'd read and pray, so Sister Johnson and I aren't to worried! TJ, though, the one in the YSA ward who is on date for the 16th...we have a few worries about. He hasn't come to church since we taught him the first time, and he doesn't seem too...committed. He loves everything we're teaching him, but I think he just doesn't understand the...commitment that is required. i mean, the whole point is to become more like our Heavenly Father, so it's not like you can just be baptized and continue living your life the way you were before. Life changes are needed - for everyone! Everyday! So. we're trying to figure out what he needs and how we can help him gain that understanding.
Aydan, in the Southworth ward got pushed back to the 30th. He wants his uncle to baptize him, and so we have to wait till Thanksgiving. He's pretty bummed out about it, and so are his grandparents - and so are we! - but, I think it might be better for his Mom. We still haven't had a chance to actually meet her, because I think she's afraid we're going to make her feel guilty for not being active...so it might give us a chance to meet her, and help build a bond with her. And hopefully encourage her to come to church with Aydan! And Steve is super solid. He's getting baptized this Saturday, and we're SO excited! Not worried about him at all!
Tuesday was fun. We had an exchange, and I went to Kitsap Lake - which actually is in our zone. I went with Sister Crosby, who I had been on exchange with last transfer. It was kind of weird, because I haven't been on exchange with her companion, so it was unexpected to go with her again. But, it was such a good experience! It's funny how quickly you can come to love someone.And, in the end, having been with her before was super good, because than she could actually see the changes I've made, and the growth that has happened. It was really good for me; it gave me a confidence boost, and helped me see that I actually AM improving. I learned a lot from that exchange, about myself, and about how I can be a better missionary - and a better companion. It was super awesome. I hope I get the chance to serve with Sister Crosby - for longer than 24 hours! haha! But, she lives like...7 minutes away from our house in Mesa. so we'll get to play when we're home. :) Maybe I'll send her over when she goes home - but that won't be for awhile. She just barely hit her halfway mark.
Halloween was pretty cool. We literally did nothing. We did our weekly planning, had our zone meeting, and then just hung out with our zone. We watched Ephriam's Rescue - arranged by President and sister Weaver. And then, we went home! We weren't allowed out, for our safety. So, we went from home to church building to home. It was and odd day, and it actually took me a little while to kinda recover from it. But, it was fun to hang out with the zone! And the movie was SO good! Watch it, if you haven't!
But...all in all, it's been a good week. Full of teaching and the spirit! And, as always, I feel myself learning and growing. My testimony of my Savior increases all the time, and I know it's such a blessing to me to be here. I only hope I am blessing others' lives. And Sister Johnson and I are ALWAYS having fun! She puts up with me when I am cranky, and I try to make sure she doesn't go into a diabetic coma. It's fun! Haha but really. We find out this Saturday what's happening with transfers, so we're going to make the most of this week, in case we don't stay together next transfer. though, I hope we do!
I love you all! Thank you so much for all that you do! I hope this week brings you wonderment and joy! Love, love, love!
Sister Beth Ann Root!