Hey all!
This week was a good one! Of course. :) Probably one of the coolest things of my mission happened this week. And it may not seem like a big deal, but it seriously was just a wonderful manifestation of God's love for His children.
A few weeks ago, Sister Fowkes had lost a necklace. It's one that means a lot to her, and she had worn it every day of her mission. It had somehow fallen off of her neck and fell down underneath the deck of some random door we were knocking, one evening. She was super bummed about it - more bummed, I knew, than she let on. We actually stopped by one other time. No one answered the door, so we got down on our hands and knees in the yard to see if it would be possible to get it; it seemed impossible.
Friday, I was on exchange with Sister Olsen - a sister who came out with me and, exactly a year ago, was Sister Fowkes' companion. Everything had fallen through, and I was scrambling through my brain to think of people we could visit or places we could go. we went to go visit a less active who normally is home on Fridays...but she wasn't home. So we sat there in the car, seeking for something productive to do, when suddenly I remembered that we were in the neighborhood where Sister Fowkes had lost her necklace. And I had the crazy idea that maybe we'd be successful in getting it this time. I threw the idea out to Sister Olsen, and then prefaced it with, "It's probably a lost cause." But for some reason I just couldn't let it drop. I needed to go find out if we could get it!
So, we go and knock on this guy's door - his name is Ralph - and you could tell that he kind of was like, "Weren't you guys here like 2 weeks ago?" But then we were like, "So, last time we were here, a necklace fell off and fell through your deck...do you think there would be any possible way we can see if we can find it?" His demeanor instantly changed, and he was so very concerned, and agreed. He ran inside and grabbed a flashlight and was out there with us, scanning underneath the porch for any glimpse of the necklace. I was praying with all my heart that we could find it, but I knew I probably was just nuts thinking that we could get it. Then, Ralph is like, "I think there is enough room for me to climb under" and proceeds to army crawl, through the dirt and cobwebs, 10-12 feet, searching for the necklace. He was nearly to the end, and was like, "Man, I don't see it! I'm so sorry!" Inside I was just begging that he would just look one more time, hoping beyond all hope God would perform a miracle. Then he's like, "Ok, there is just one more section that I can't see. I'll move just a little bit forward to check it out." He crawled forward, and there, at the very end, reached forward, and picked up the necklace.
I cannot express to you how incredible this is. God cares about us enough that he will pull out all the stops to cater to our smallest, earnest desires. That necklace means a lot to Sister Fowkes, therefore it meant a lot to me and Sister Olsen. As we sent up our prayers, pleading that there would be some way we'd be able to retrieve it, He listened. There have been few moments where I have felt God's love so strongly. I know that may sound super silly, but really! God cared enough.
Yesterday I read in Lamentations 3:58 which says, "O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul." As we plead the causes of our soul - small and big, life changing or not - our Brother, Jesus Christ, will then plead them to our Father. And they will provide.
This was not the only miracle we witnessed this week. Among other things - and just as joyous as finding Sister Fowkes necklace - was that Jerry Whitman was baptized. He is SUCH a miracle! He is so excited and happy, as well as his wife Jeannette. I am so incredibly humbled by their love and their insistence that we were sent from God. I think THEY are sent from God to bless my life and the lives of those in the Lacey 5th ward. I am so incredibly grateful.
I'm so grateful for this work! I am constantly learning. And God is constantly teaching me. And I am always seeing miracles. Miracles that are wrought to bring forth the salvation of His children - and miracles to make manifest His love for us.
Haha I know this email is super random and focused on such a small thing, but I really don't know if I've had a greater example that God answers prayers. It was so neat! And I know He cares, and as we send up prayers of faith, He cannot withhold His blessings.
I love you guys! I hope all is going well! Keep living the word, keep on keeping on, and never forget that God is listening to the cries of your heart, no matter how small they may be. Love you all! Thanks for everything!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, September 22, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
Letter from September 15th, 2014
Hey all!
Well, this is the transfer of miracles! Every transfer, and every day we are blessed with miracles. But, this transfer in particular, Sister Fowkes and I have already been blessed with many mighty miracles. Last email, I had said that Susan had fasted for a baptismal date, and the answer she received was, "Soon." So, Monday night, we go and visit her, and she starts looking at her calendar and asks us, "can we do it this Sunday? Is that allowed?" Susan Emory was baptized Sunday, September 14th at 6:30 in the evening. My heart was so full, and the spirit was so strong. Susan is on fire and full of the spirit. I've never seen someone so excited for baptism - or seen someone who worked so hard to be baptized. She worked against the spirit for a little while there, but once she started stepping in sync with it, she progressed quickly, overcame many challenges and addictions, and just blossomed. She was glowing last night! I literally don't have words to express the feelings in my heart, to express the incredible joy to know that Susan has chosen a more excellent way, as Moroni puts it. Susan makes my heart happy!
And Jerry is still so excited for his baptism! He just glows with excitement and loves to study the scriptures. He expresses his gratitude each time we see him for the fact that he has a group of people he can now worship with and whose views are aligned with his. And his wife, every time we come over says how it was such a miracle that we knocked on their down. Jerry is SO elect. God truly prepares His people. He just expects us to be in the right place at the right time. He expects us to be worthy of those promptings and to act quickly on them. Because by doing so, we become worthy to receive miracles - not that we ever do anything to earn miracles, but He expects us to be worthy to receive them when He sends them down to us.
It's been humbling to work with Sister Fowkes, and to see her constant positive attitude, her hope, and her drive to always do what the spirit prompts her to do. We had about 15 minutes before an appointment and she was like, "let's go knock a few doors on this street!" and I wasn't too thrilled by this idea. The 3rd house we come to there was a less active member who had just days before been talking to his girlfriend - who was there as well- about how they should start going to church. His girlfriend has a daughter who has been considering going to church with her Mormon friend. God's timing is perfect, and there are no coincidences.
Sister Fowkes wanted to knock this apartment complex that was full of cranky people last time I knocked it, and I didn't really want to knock it. But, we grudgingly went, and we found multiple new investigators that night. I'm learning a lot about just doing things, even if it doesn't seem appealing, or if it doesn't seem fruitful to you - because if the spirit prompts it, nothing else matters!
I love this work. I love being here! God continues to bless me so much with things to learn! thank you for all that you do to support me here! I love you all!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Well, this is the transfer of miracles! Every transfer, and every day we are blessed with miracles. But, this transfer in particular, Sister Fowkes and I have already been blessed with many mighty miracles. Last email, I had said that Susan had fasted for a baptismal date, and the answer she received was, "Soon." So, Monday night, we go and visit her, and she starts looking at her calendar and asks us, "can we do it this Sunday? Is that allowed?" Susan Emory was baptized Sunday, September 14th at 6:30 in the evening. My heart was so full, and the spirit was so strong. Susan is on fire and full of the spirit. I've never seen someone so excited for baptism - or seen someone who worked so hard to be baptized. She worked against the spirit for a little while there, but once she started stepping in sync with it, she progressed quickly, overcame many challenges and addictions, and just blossomed. She was glowing last night! I literally don't have words to express the feelings in my heart, to express the incredible joy to know that Susan has chosen a more excellent way, as Moroni puts it. Susan makes my heart happy!
And Jerry is still so excited for his baptism! He just glows with excitement and loves to study the scriptures. He expresses his gratitude each time we see him for the fact that he has a group of people he can now worship with and whose views are aligned with his. And his wife, every time we come over says how it was such a miracle that we knocked on their down. Jerry is SO elect. God truly prepares His people. He just expects us to be in the right place at the right time. He expects us to be worthy of those promptings and to act quickly on them. Because by doing so, we become worthy to receive miracles - not that we ever do anything to earn miracles, but He expects us to be worthy to receive them when He sends them down to us.
It's been humbling to work with Sister Fowkes, and to see her constant positive attitude, her hope, and her drive to always do what the spirit prompts her to do. We had about 15 minutes before an appointment and she was like, "let's go knock a few doors on this street!" and I wasn't too thrilled by this idea. The 3rd house we come to there was a less active member who had just days before been talking to his girlfriend - who was there as well- about how they should start going to church. His girlfriend has a daughter who has been considering going to church with her Mormon friend. God's timing is perfect, and there are no coincidences.
Sister Fowkes wanted to knock this apartment complex that was full of cranky people last time I knocked it, and I didn't really want to knock it. But, we grudgingly went, and we found multiple new investigators that night. I'm learning a lot about just doing things, even if it doesn't seem appealing, or if it doesn't seem fruitful to you - because if the spirit prompts it, nothing else matters!
I love this work. I love being here! God continues to bless me so much with things to learn! thank you for all that you do to support me here! I love you all!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Letter from September 8th, 2014
Hey all!
Man oh man, it has been the week 1 to trump all week 1's! I have seen more miracles than I can count. The Lord has been so good to me. As I went to bed last night, I couldn't comprehend all that has happened in the last 7 days. This last transfer is going to be AMAZING!
First, I have to say, Sister Fowkes is exactly what I needed to finish off my mission strong. Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. We are a lot a like in many ways, but we also have different strengths and weaknesses, and I have already learned a lot. I'm excited for what the next 5 weeks will bring!
Jerry Whitman is just as awesome as ever! They are going out of town next week, and Jeanette, his wife, was saying that they might have to push back his baptism, but Jerry started shaking his head the minute she suggested it. He is SO excited, and SO prepared! I'm so incredibly grateful that we were able to find him.
And Susan Emory is doing so good! We invited her to fast yesterday to ask God when He wanted her to be baptized. At church, she said, "There's no date coming to my mind, but I just keep feeling soon!" She's working on quitting smoking and is just trying so hard! Her attitude is much better than it was before, and she actually made it a couple of days before she slipped up. But, she picked herself up and is trying again. She'll be baptized either at the end of September or the beginning of October, I'm sure of it! Regardless of when, though, she is going to be baptized, and that brings my heart such joy! Everyone at church keeps saying how much she has changed, and that is just a testimony to me that her change is real, and that the spirit has truly worked within her heart. Getting to teach her and see her change has been one of the sweetest experiences of my mission!
We have been blessed to find several new investigators this week, and I'm so excited to see what will happen. I can't remember the last time my planner was so full with actual set appointments - before the week actually began!
It actually is such a testament of the truth that this is GOD'S work. Because the past 4 transfers, I haven't been doing things much different. It's not like I've been disobedient or lazy, or doing things I shouldn't have. But, at the beginning of this 5th transfer her in Lacey, Sister Fowkes just bringing a little bit of difference in, the Lord has suddenly caused things to happen. And there hasn't been much difference in the way we work - although, Sister Fowkes has helped me to see a lot of little things I need to work on. Not because she's called me out, but just by her example. It's actually a little bit exciting, because I've already seen the growth in me as I've focused on improving. -
You guys. This is God's work. Never miss an opportunity to participate in it! Because even if you extend an invitation and someone turns you down, that is NOT a failure. Because this is His work, and He prepares people in His own way. There is nothing that we can do or say that will make the difference. But, if we open up ourselves, He will allow ourselves to be in the right place at the right time - but only if we continue to follow every prompting. With promptness. That is the meaning of the Lord hastening His work.
Oh man, I love this. I'm so grateful to be here. As Ammon says, "my heart is brim with joy" because of this work. I can't help but be happy! Thank you for all that you do to help me and support me out here. I'm grateful to each of you and the love you have for me. I love you guys!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Man oh man, it has been the week 1 to trump all week 1's! I have seen more miracles than I can count. The Lord has been so good to me. As I went to bed last night, I couldn't comprehend all that has happened in the last 7 days. This last transfer is going to be AMAZING!
First, I have to say, Sister Fowkes is exactly what I needed to finish off my mission strong. Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. We are a lot a like in many ways, but we also have different strengths and weaknesses, and I have already learned a lot. I'm excited for what the next 5 weeks will bring!
Jerry Whitman is just as awesome as ever! They are going out of town next week, and Jeanette, his wife, was saying that they might have to push back his baptism, but Jerry started shaking his head the minute she suggested it. He is SO excited, and SO prepared! I'm so incredibly grateful that we were able to find him.
And Susan Emory is doing so good! We invited her to fast yesterday to ask God when He wanted her to be baptized. At church, she said, "There's no date coming to my mind, but I just keep feeling soon!" She's working on quitting smoking and is just trying so hard! Her attitude is much better than it was before, and she actually made it a couple of days before she slipped up. But, she picked herself up and is trying again. She'll be baptized either at the end of September or the beginning of October, I'm sure of it! Regardless of when, though, she is going to be baptized, and that brings my heart such joy! Everyone at church keeps saying how much she has changed, and that is just a testimony to me that her change is real, and that the spirit has truly worked within her heart. Getting to teach her and see her change has been one of the sweetest experiences of my mission!
We have been blessed to find several new investigators this week, and I'm so excited to see what will happen. I can't remember the last time my planner was so full with actual set appointments - before the week actually began!
It actually is such a testament of the truth that this is GOD'S work. Because the past 4 transfers, I haven't been doing things much different. It's not like I've been disobedient or lazy, or doing things I shouldn't have. But, at the beginning of this 5th transfer her in Lacey, Sister Fowkes just bringing a little bit of difference in, the Lord has suddenly caused things to happen. And there hasn't been much difference in the way we work - although, Sister Fowkes has helped me to see a lot of little things I need to work on. Not because she's called me out, but just by her example. It's actually a little bit exciting, because I've already seen the growth in me as I've focused on improving. -
You guys. This is God's work. Never miss an opportunity to participate in it! Because even if you extend an invitation and someone turns you down, that is NOT a failure. Because this is His work, and He prepares people in His own way. There is nothing that we can do or say that will make the difference. But, if we open up ourselves, He will allow ourselves to be in the right place at the right time - but only if we continue to follow every prompting. With promptness. That is the meaning of the Lord hastening His work.
Oh man, I love this. I'm so grateful to be here. As Ammon says, "my heart is brim with joy" because of this work. I can't help but be happy! Thank you for all that you do to help me and support me out here. I'm grateful to each of you and the love you have for me. I love you guys!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Letter from September 2nd, 2014
Hey all!
Don't know how cohesive this letter will be. Emailing on non-pdays is always a weird thing. Transfer news: Well...Sister Bayles is going home. And so I get to stay in Lacey! And, my new companion will be Sister Fowkes. Oh man, I am SO excited about that! She is stellar and we are good buddies. We served in the Bremerton zone and Silverdale zone together. We followed each other. It's going to be a good way to end this transfer!
It's very much a surreal feeling to realize that this is my last transfer. I'm pretty sure this is going to be my most emotional transfer. But, I anticipate it being one of the most joyous as well. Jerry Whitman is on date for September 20th. Keep him in your prayers, please! He was totally and completely elect, and it was SUCH a miracle to find him. He picked his own date to be baptized, and he is excited and totally on board. His wife is also very excited.
Susan Emory is also doing a lot better. She is much more focused and much more determined. She made the statement that she keeps trying to push the truth away and deny God's commandments, but the spirit keeps drawing her back to us. So, she knows she needs to start living God's commandments and has a desire to draw closer to God. And she WANTS to be baptized. So, instead of picking her baptismal date this time, we are having her pray and ask God when He wants her baptized. This way, she has more of a reason to work towards it, because she knows that it's what He wants, not just what the missionaries want. I'm not sure if it'll happen while I'm still here, but I have high hopes, and I'm confident that she will get baptized.
We also found a couple pretty sweet new investigators, Kevin and Raul. Hopefully you'll end up hearing more about them, because we really need new investigators! We only have a handful of people we're teaching, and really Susan and Jerry are the only solid ones. But, the good news is that they are SUPER solid.
Life is good. I've got nothing to complain about. My heart is full at the thought of all that I've been able to experience here, and I'm so incredibly grateful that I have 6 weeks left to serve my God in this capacity...but I'm also incredibly sorrowful that I only have 6 weeks left. But, I know this will be a great 6 weeks, and I'm determined to do all that God requires of me.
I love you all! Thanks for everything you do and for the support you give me. I feel the prayers and appreciate them. I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Don't know how cohesive this letter will be. Emailing on non-pdays is always a weird thing. Transfer news: Well...Sister Bayles is going home. And so I get to stay in Lacey! And, my new companion will be Sister Fowkes. Oh man, I am SO excited about that! She is stellar and we are good buddies. We served in the Bremerton zone and Silverdale zone together. We followed each other. It's going to be a good way to end this transfer!
It's very much a surreal feeling to realize that this is my last transfer. I'm pretty sure this is going to be my most emotional transfer. But, I anticipate it being one of the most joyous as well. Jerry Whitman is on date for September 20th. Keep him in your prayers, please! He was totally and completely elect, and it was SUCH a miracle to find him. He picked his own date to be baptized, and he is excited and totally on board. His wife is also very excited.
Susan Emory is also doing a lot better. She is much more focused and much more determined. She made the statement that she keeps trying to push the truth away and deny God's commandments, but the spirit keeps drawing her back to us. So, she knows she needs to start living God's commandments and has a desire to draw closer to God. And she WANTS to be baptized. So, instead of picking her baptismal date this time, we are having her pray and ask God when He wants her baptized. This way, she has more of a reason to work towards it, because she knows that it's what He wants, not just what the missionaries want. I'm not sure if it'll happen while I'm still here, but I have high hopes, and I'm confident that she will get baptized.
We also found a couple pretty sweet new investigators, Kevin and Raul. Hopefully you'll end up hearing more about them, because we really need new investigators! We only have a handful of people we're teaching, and really Susan and Jerry are the only solid ones. But, the good news is that they are SUPER solid.
Life is good. I've got nothing to complain about. My heart is full at the thought of all that I've been able to experience here, and I'm so incredibly grateful that I have 6 weeks left to serve my God in this capacity...but I'm also incredibly sorrowful that I only have 6 weeks left. But, I know this will be a great 6 weeks, and I'm determined to do all that God requires of me.
I love you all! Thanks for everything you do and for the support you give me. I feel the prayers and appreciate them. I love you!
Sister Beth Ann Root!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Letter from August 25th, 2014
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!
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 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!