That Awkward Transition

So I am in the midst of preparing to go to university and thought it appropriate to end my travelogue of the mission by sharing something that I learned from the mission. Here I will share three things that I learned from my mission:

1. I learned that this work is not about me. I am just the vessel and the tool but Heavenly Father is the miracle worker. I do not know these people yet He does. He knows their name and their character. He knows who is ready to hear the gospel and who is not. He knows what to say for them to become interested in the Gospel. He knows what their fears are and how to help them. He knows what they need. I do not know any of these things. However, God has given me the Holy Ghost to direct me and to tell me all of these things. No matter how much I may look at myself and say that I have accomplished this or that, I haven't, Heavenly Father has through me.

 

2. I have learned what the miracle of the Atonement truly is. I am not perfect. The truth is no one is. The purpose of missionary work is to get everyone to partake of the Atonement. To know Christ and what He did and why He did it. He Atoned for us so that we all can have the opportunity to repent, which means change, and become more like Him. As I have served I have gotten to see my weaknesses which has allowed for me to go to Christ and beg for the Atonement to strengthen those things that I lack. A very wise person told me that the missionary name tag gives me the license to do things that I would not do... such as talk to complete strangers, be happy and perky all of the time, to invite members to give us referrals, etc. I have gotten to do those things and it is only through the Atonement that I can be a better person than I ever have been. President has said that there is no comfort is change and there is no change is comfort. That is so true. Each transfer I have changed in something and I tell you that none of that change has come easy. But as I exercise my faith in the Savior, He has strengthened me to change.

 

3. I have learned the importance of not looking back. With the mission change I catch myself either comparing President Wilson to President Riggs or comparing my current area to previous areas and each time that I do it leaves me frustrated or angry that I am in the Virginia Richmond Mission.  I would think about what I have done wrong to be placed here instead of thinking of the blessings that have come as a result. In the past few weeks as I talk to members and they remind me that I am leaving I reflect on my mission goals and my mission constitution and why I came out here. And I realize how blessed I have really been. I think about how much I love Sister Hammond and how she has helped me and I think about the sisters that I am over and how I have been a blessing to them and they to me. I think about the members and how much I love them. Last night, while talking to Sister Hammond I realized that there is not other place that I'd rather be than serving along side her. Had you asked six months ago if I would love the Virginia Richmond Mission I would say NO but ask me now and I'd say that I love it more than anyone could ever know. This is where I learned that trusting in God means giving up your will and letting Him take control. I am so grateful for the scriptures that teach of Lot's wife and Laman and Lemuel who spent their entire lives murmuring and prideful.

Joy to the World and Blitz with the YSA ward

This week has been a pretty weird week to say the least. On Tuesday we had district meeting and during our meeting we each went around the room and shared our converstion story. It was so amazing. Everyone's conversion is different yet it all has led us to the same place, a mission. I am so grateful for Heavenly Father in putting us all here and helping us to strengthen our testimonies as we serve him faithfully.

 

On Tuesday we had a lesson with a woman name Joy. She is a single mother whose husband was deported back to Mexico. She has two of the cutest boys ever! I love her so much. I am excited to continue to teach her. She really wants this gospel. She already wants t get baptized!

 

On Friday we went on an adventure trying to find a house of a former investigator. It was like craziness. We were driving up the Shenandoah Mountains almost at 1100 elevation. It was so much fun until... we didn't end up finding the house. Lame! We called but they didn't answer. So sad yet so worth it.

 

On Saturday we did exchanges with the Charlottesville YSA Sisters and then did a blitz with our zone in their area. They are struggling with finding new investigators so four other sets of missionaries and the Charlottesville YSA Elders came and we all took over Charlottesville. It was so much fun. I love serving with other missionaries. It is so much fun and you get a lot of things accomplished. That night I got a letter from my mom that freaked me out so I called President Wilson. I got a Priesthood Blessing from the zone leaders that calmed my entire frame. It was so amazing! I am so grateful for the Priesthood and that it was restored to allow for 20 year old men to administer to me and say the words that God wants to say to me.

 

Next week is going to be super crazy we have zone conference on Thursday (which we have to train at, it's going to be hilarious we hope we don't get in trouble), Tuesday/ Wednesday we will do exchanges, Friday we are going on exchanges with the Spanish missionaries, and Saturday is the day of service and the relief society broadcast! Busy, busy, busy.

 

Spiritual thoughts:

 

This week I studied both 'His Grace is Sufficient' by Brad Wilcox and 'Broken Things to Mend' by Elder Holland:

 

In Broken Things to Mend Elder Holland says:

 

 It seems clear that the essence of our duty and the fundamental requirement of our mortal life is captured in these brief phrases from any number of scenes in the Savior’s mortal ministry. He is saying to us, “Trust me, learn of me, do what I do. Then, when you walk where I am going,” He says, “we can talk about where youare going, and the problems you face and the troubles you have. If you will follow me, I will lead you out of darkness,” He promises. “I will give you answers to your prayers. I will give you rest to your souls.”

 

He continues:

Considering the incomprehensible cost of the Crucifixion and Atonement, I promise you He is not going to turn His back on us now. When He says to the poor in spirit, “Come unto me,” He means He knows the way out and He knows the way up. He knows it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way.

 

I know that He hears us and He knows us. As we lean on His Atonement we can and will be healed. I know that He answers prayers.

 

As I have read the speech by Brad Wilcox one part in particular has been on my mind everyday for the past four days:

In all of these cases there should never be just two options: perfection or giving up. When learning the piano, are the only options performing at Carnegie Hall or quitting? No. Growth and development take time. Learning takes time. When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives. When we understand grace, we understand that the blessings of Christ’s Atonement are continuous and His strength is perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). When we understand grace, we can, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, “continue in patience until [we] are perfected” (D&C 67:13).
I constantly want to improve and get better but I find myself hitting those 'wrong notes' now I am realizing that it's okay to not be perfect right now. I need not beat myself up when I make those mistakes. I can and will be better but it does take time and it really is that process. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who helps us and who sent His Son to die for us so that we can have access to the Atonement and to His Grace.

Sisters Meeting, Crazy Week of Exchanges, and a Baptism

This week was a super busy week. On Tuesday we had Sisters Meeting with all of the sister missionaries in the Richmond Virginia Mission. It was very interesting. One of the speakers talked to us about mental and spiritual well being. She talked about how our personal worth is not dependent on our circumstances. She said that no matter where we are or what we are doing on worth is the same. She slammed a pole onto the ground and said: "I will not bend. My worth doesn't move, it doesn't change." It has impacted the past few days as I have tried to constantly remind myself of my needs.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we went on exchanges with four sets of missionaries. We were so exhausted when we got home Friday night. It was so crazy but it was super fun. I got to teach in Spanglish with a set of Spanish missionaries. It was a lot of fun. On Saturday we went on two- two hour exchanges with sister missionaries in Charlottesville, it was a lot of fun. 

On Saturday Robin Blanco was baptized. The sisters had been meeting with her for a month. I had the opportunity to teach her some lessons before she was baptized as well. She is so great. Her baptism was super hilarious. Satan really did not want her to be baptized. Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. It was so stressful but seeing her finally, after two hours, enter the water and partake of the ordinance of baptism made it all worth it. 

I am so happy that I am here with Sister Hammond. She really is amazing. Everyday I learn from her how to be better. She is so great at loving the sisters and insuring that their needs are taken care of. Sometimes I get stuck in thinking about our area that I forget to take the time to really get to know the sisters and seek for revelation on how to help them.

Spiritual Thought: 

This week I have been focusing on my, and the sisters, spiritual well being. I have been reading the talk 'You Matter to Him' by President Uchtdorf and I am still studying the topic of Sacrifice. I have also been deciphering and personalizing the hymn 'I am a Child of God.' All of these things have been great sources of strength.

Sister Training Leader and Sacrifice

This week has been a week of adventure as I have taken on the responsibilities of Sister Training Leader. We are over seven sets of sisters and they are so fun. Two sets live close by (the neighboring area) however the other sets live 35-80) miles away! Because of this we are not often in our area (maybe two- three days per week) so when we are in our area we have to work really hard. Three of the sisters that we are over are struggling a lot so we have spent a lot of time in their area helping them and working with their other leaders and president. But it has been great to fervently pray to Heavenly Father to receive revelation for these sisters and then say the things that they need to hear. 

We had a baptism here of a part-member family. The Sisters had been teaching Natalie for months and she was baptized on Friday. I want to help her husband get back active. She seems like a great woman so I hope that she stays on the right path and will be a blessing for him. 

I am excited to continue in this adventure with Sister Hammond. Heavenly Father put us together for a reason. She is so funny just like me and we really get a long well. I am helping her with some things and she is helping me. I love her so much and I hope that we stay together for my last transfer. 

Spiritual Thought: 

This week I have been studying 'Sacrifice' along with the rest of the mission. President Wilson wanted us to. So as I have been studying I have seen the significance of the Atonement and what a huge sacrifice that was for our Savior. I have also studied the sacrifice of Joseph Smith. He sacrificed his entire life for the gospel to be brought forth. 

I decided that I wanted to sacrifice something for my Savior as gratitude and also be come closer to Him. I am going to sacrifice my comfort zone. There are those little sins of omission and even commission that we do everyday. We find a reason to continue to do them and even rationalize about them. I have determined now to do away with them! They hinder me from being closer to my Father in Heaven and even cause my Savior pain. Why would I ever want to do that? I am choosing this moment right now to stop doing/ not doing those things that will stop my progression towards exaltation. With the help of Heavenly Father I know that I can become better. 

Miracles and Setbacks

This week has been a very crazy week. We have seen many miracles and a minor set back. On Monday we moved into an apartment that is more central to our area and also to save miles. It was so sad to leave the Johnston’s because we love them so much. Our apartment is in a perfect spot and we have seen some great miracles from it! On Tuesday, the day after, we were jogging around the complex and a woman came up to me and asked if I wanted a Mary Kay magazine. I said that I would love to but I cannot as I am a missionary for my church. She looked at me and said “From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint”? I said yes we just moved in. She asked where we moved in to and I told her then she abruptly ended the conversation and left. Two hours later we get a knock on our door and it was her! Sister Wassinik, in her marine uniform, had been thinking about coming back to church but didn’t know how to find out where the church was located. We have seen so many wonderful miracles from our move and have saved tons of miles and just might make it through this month.

Another Miracle is Stephany. Today she is currently flying to California. Argh! I am going to miss her so much. Everyday we have visited her and got her excited for the adventure in Maywood. Yesterday we had our last lesson and both me and Sister Theurer felt prompted to have a mini testimony meeting. It was so wonderful. I love her so much and I am so sad to see her go but I know that we were suppose to meet her and she is suppose to go to Maywood and be part of the congregation there. She is going to make a great member of that ward. They need her there.

On Friday we had dinner and a lesson with Tricia. It was so sad. Last Sunday she did not come to church and we found out that it was because her husband yelled at her and said that he really will divorce her if she becomes a member. It was so sad. She is so scared. We have been praying about it a lot lately. We are still going to visit her and teach her but we are putting her more in the Relief Society hands. They have been taking good care of her. She has so many wonderful friends of the church.

I am still studying consecration and the talk ‘Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father’. I have gained so much insight from the talk it is amazing. One part in particular has been a source of comfort these past few days:

 As one’s will is increasingly submissive to the will of God, he can receive inspiration and revelation so much needed to help meet the trials of life. In the trying and very defining Isaac episode, faithful Abraham “staggered not … through unbelief” (Rom. 4:20). Of that episode John Taylor observed that “nothing but the spirit of revelation could have given him this confidence, and … sustained him under these peculiar circumstances” (in Journal of Discourses, 14:361). Will we too trust the Lord amid a perplexing trial for which we have no easy explanation? Do we understand—really comprehend—that Jesus knows and understands when we are stressed and perplexed? The complete consecration which effected the Atonement ensured Jesus’ perfect empathy; He felt our very pains and afflictions before we did and knows how to succor us (see Alma 7:11–12; 2 Ne. 9:21). Since the Most Innocent suffered the most, our own cries of “Why?” cannot match His. But we can utter the same submissive word “nevertheless …” (Matt. 26:39).

 Heavenly Father is so aware of us. Of course, He sent His son to Atone for us. I am learning so much about the Atonement and about how much He truly, truly cares for each of us.

Miracles with Young Men, Stephany, Young Women and Consecration

            This week has been an adventure. On Monday, we accidently tracted into a part-member family who just moved into the ward. The mother wants us to begin teaching her son the missionary lessons! Heavenly Father does answer prayers. We have been praying for young men aged people to begin investigating because our ward does not have many young men. Cordell is 13 years old! On Wednesday while checking on a potential investigator we met his grandson Darell who is 16 years old! And tonight we have an appointment with a potential that is 17 years old. Heavenly Father has shown so many times that if we have a righteous desire and truly work to accomplish it, He will provide.

            Another miracle is one of our investigator’s Stephany, who is moving to California on the 26^th, came to church and had such a great time. She even bore her testimony in Relief Society. Her heart has been prepared and I know that she will be a wonderful addition to the ward in Maywood. She is so pure and so humble. She taught us what it means to repent! She is spiritually amazing.

            On Thursday we taught the Young Women about missionary work. It was so fun to be there again. I love the Young Women’s program. I know that when I was in Young Women I felt important and loved. The girls here are different from each other yet they are together and they love each other. They can share their testimony and their trials. They can and are a source of strength and support.

            This week I have been studying the word ‘Consecration’ and I have been implementing that into my life. It is a process, definitely nothing that can be done overnight. It is a submission of will. I am striving everyday to submit my will to His to allow for me to change my heart and become the person that He needs me to be. I am not even close to being there but it is the striving that matters. In the talk “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father” by Elder Neal A. Maxwell he says:

Whenever Church members speak of consecration, it should be done reverently while acknowledging that each of us “come[s] short of the glory of God,” some of us far short (Rom. 3:23). Even the conscientious have not arrived, but they sense the shortfall and are genuinely striving. Consolingly, God’s grace flows not only to those “who love [Him] and keep all [His] commandments,” but likewise to those “that [seek] so to do” (D&C 46:9).

I am seeking to keep all of the commandments and most especially to see myself not as whom I am currently but who I can become and then do everything that I can to become that person. I know that Heavenly Father loves me despite my faults and will continue to help me to overcome those faults.

Investigators, Church, and The Atonement

This week has been a week of amazing things! We received three new investigators! It is so amazing. This work really is hastening. I have learned a lot about Sister Theurer she and I are a lot alike! It is so awesome. We have been able to help each other and strengthen each other. I love this work so much. I am so excited to continue to work with her and help her.

 We had a miracle dinner with a less-active in our ward. She previously was really mean to me and Sister Patten when we were here and then when Sister Silva and I visited her last transfer she invited us over for dinner the next time that we were in the area. Sister Theurer and I took her up on that offer on Thursday and sat down with her. She was so nice and so open and we were able to share a message with her.

 The lesson in Relief Society yesterday really struck a cord with me. It all started in Gospel Principles when Elder Canova (zone leader) shared that we often look at ourselves as not being good enough or just looking down on ourselves. That is so true. I am so much like that. Then in Relief Society Sister Hurlburt gave a lesson on ‘Seeing Others Not as They Are but as They Can Become.’ It really did help me. Sister Theurer and I got to bear our testimony of missionary work and seeing others as they can become and the entire time I just thought about how far I have come and how much further I have to go. Heavenly Father loves us even when we do not love ourselves. Heavenly Father is so aware of us.

 During my studies I have been focusing on the power of the Atonement. I cannot write all of the things that I have discovered but some of my thoughts flow towards the thoughts behind the act itself. Christ came to Earth knowing that He would die. He came here on a conscious of dying so young. Yet, He continued to come, continued to teach knowing full well that his teaching would be the cause of his death. I am so grateful for my Savior being so kind to give his life for me. I am so grateful for all that He did for me.

Week of Miracles

This week has been a week of craziness. With elders in the ward we have bumped into each other both at good times and awkward times. We had a couple lessons together, planned on having others together and tracted where each other had just tracted. I love the elders so much. They are very spiritual zone leaders. They have shown me what great leadership is, even though they are twenty something year olds. I got a blessing from them following a really hard time mentally. It was so awesome to see them get teary eyed, pray to Heavenly Father, and then give me such a profound blessing.

On Wednesday we surprised the world’s best ward mission leader by cleaning his backyard (in conjunction with his wife and children and the elders). It was so much fun. We found tons of spiders, ants, and snakes. Brother Marshall really is amazing. He organized our ward missionaries and gave them each responsibilities (for instance, liaison with each auxiliary president to keep them in the loop; meal coordinator; elders and sisters’ needs coordinator; elders and sisters fellow shipper coordinator;  innovative finding supervisor, etc.). Like he really is amazing so it was only right to do something for him.

We have been working really hard with Sister Fortier. She is a less-active in the ward that just moved in. She is married to a nonmember.  We hit it off when we first met (I am from Michigan and her husband is from Ohio- natural enemies). So it was awesome to go to her house and help her. They came to church for the second time! I love them so much and tonight we have our first real lesson with them.

Trisha is doing so awesome. I cannot wait for the day that she will get baptized. We had dinner with her and her son. We are working really hard to get her husband to stay and just talk to us. He is the only obstacle from her getting baptized.

On Thursday we fed three horses! Sister Sullivan has knee problems and cannot walk down the stairs to her animals so we went and fed them out of the palm of our hands. It was so fun. One of her horses is a great granddaughter of Secretariat.

This week in my studies I have been studying the power of prayer and also obedience. I wish I had time to really tell you everything. Just know that it is amazing!

Brother Marshall, Less-Actives and the Best Ward Ever, and Transfers

This week has been crazy! In anticipation of transfers and also moving into the Bishop’s home we spent a ton of time cleaning, updating our area book, making an area book for the elders, and serving our members. Our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Marshall, is so amazing! We spent some time with him getting the ward prepared for an additional set of missionaries.

We had a miracle happen on Tuesday. A less-active moved into the ward from Georgia with her family who are not members of the church. A member called to inform us so we headed right over. We came a great time as their home had been broken into and they were worried about what they would do (they both are military veterans and felt that there would be better employment opportunities here but they had not gotten a job yet just applied to many of the government jobs). It was awesome serving them and getting the ward involved and they came to church and were very thankful for the help and also the friends that their children made in just one day of living here. Later on in the day one of our investigators,Gilles, got a Priesthood Blessing before heading into surgery and it was awesome to see him going from being so worried and scared to being calm.

On Wednesday we officially moved into the Bishop’s home and were greeted by both a mean little dog, Sasha, and… a garden snake! It was quite hilarious. On Thursday I got my new trainee: Sister Brittney Theurer (Tire) from Orem, Utah. She is so cute and so sweet. I am so excited to take over Aquia with her. We had a lesson right after getting home and dropping off her luggage with Trisha and it was great for Sister Theurer to go right into missionary work. We found out that the new Elders moving into our area are the new Fredericksburg North Zone Leaders Elder Worthington (DC South) and Elder Canova (Richmond). I am so excited they are amazing and maybe the split of the zone will mean the split of the stake. I hope so.

This week I have been studying Joseph Smith History and it amazes me how many times persecution or some word related is mentioned. I am so grateful that even though all of this persecution happened, he continued with his witness of Christ and God and getting the Book of Mormon brought forth. It helps me to know that I can do hard things and even though some people may be mean or rude I can still continue on with my witness of God and Christ and the Book of Mormon. It may not be the easiest thing to do but it is definitely the best.

Reactivation and Trisha

Last week was a pretty slow week for the most part. On Monday we met with a less-active, Sister Golden, who the Bishop and Ward Mission Leader felt prompted that we should visit. It turned out amazing. Sister Golden has not ever let people into her home for over ten years. We went over and knocked on her door and she was so nice to us and invited us to come back. We did and had one of the most amazing lessons ever. She is so amazing. She is an injured, retired Coast Guard and she and her daughter had a bad experience in the last ward that they attended that helped them to stop coming back to church. We shared scriptures with her and she decided that she wants her entire family to come back into full activity in the church! Since then we have had another lesson with her and she is doing great.

 

We had another lesson with a less-active, Sister Bandy, and it was amazing. The last time I was in this ward I met her and she was AWFUL to us missionaries. The Bishop asked us to visit her and get her to either come to church or request her records to be removed. We walked in and she let us sit down and immediately opened up to us. I had been saying prayers that she would be nice and let us help her. She talked about some struggles that her family have been going through. It was so wonderful to help her and invite her to come access the Atonement of Jesus Christ through partaking of the sacrament.

 

On Thursday we had a lesson with Trisha at Sister Hodge's home and it was so great. Trisha wants to get baptized; however, her husband will not allow her to. Sister Hodge received revelation on some thigns that Trisha can do to help him feel like she can be a member while still being a wife, mother, and employee. It was really amazing. On Thursday, the entire mission was on a ' Car Fast' where we do not drive our car until 5pm. It was an adventure! We walked, and walked, and walked, and walked, and got rides from members- even from a member of a different ward who saw us walking and walking and walking. It was actually pretty fun. We talked to more people than we have this entire transfer.

 

On Friday I went on exchanges with Sister Mannchen ( a sister training leader) in the Rappahanock Singles Branch. I served there for three weeks when I was first in Fredericksburg until I was transferred to Centreville. It was so fun to go back and meet people that I taught previously. I love that Branch so much. President Edwards is such a wonderful Branch President (he changed my life back in November with one of his talks). Sister Mannchen is such an amazing missionary. She is bold, yet loving. I am trying to balance that myself. She is also very close to the Spirit. In one of our lessons, she felt prompted to share a talk. I have to tell you the whole story:

Earlier in the day before the exchange I felt that I needed to go over my conference notes during personal study. While I was reading my notes from 'Lord, I Believe' I was reminded of an experience that I had when I was preparing to serve my mission. When Sister Mannchen and I got together and had companion study, she planned to read a talk with a less-active, 'Lord, I Believe.' I got to share the tender experience that I had and it helped Kayleen. When we visited a member of the Branch Sister Mannchen felt prompted to share a talk with her and it was another talk that, during personal study, earlier in the day I read and was reminded of another experience. I am so grateful for the Spirit which prompts us and brings things to our rememberance.

 

On Sunday I received the call about transfers which will be on Thursday. I will be staying. President Wilson informed me that the Lord has asked me to train again. I am grateful that Heavenly Father trusts me to do such a huge thing. I am so nervous and excited. At the same time, our ward is getting Elders too! The Aquia Ward has been amazing. There is so much work to do here. The ward boundaries are HUGE so it will help there to talk to EVERYONE, yet really get to know our investigators without worrying about all of the people that you need to see. It will also limit the flakiness that comes with investigators as well. Because we have a ton of investigators; however, so many are flaky that we now will not have time for becuase we will truly work on finding and strengthening the elect. I am so excited. I have a lot of plans for this ward. Brother Marshall, our Ward Mission Leader, always says that he hopes that this ward is righteous enough to receive baptisms, and not just any baptism but baptisms of converts who will really grow in this ward. I am confident that with the addition of elders and a fresh sister missionary it will happen. I am so excited to be here! I hope that I end in this ward because I only have three more transfers left.

 

With the addition of Elders coming into the ward, we are moving. I will be living in the basement of my Bishop (how cool is that), my address is 7 Aztec Dr., Stafford VA 22554. They are the best ever. Did I say how much I love this ward? Also, Sister (Jacqui) Patten is officially moving into the ward. It is so weird having my old companion here. I need to start utilizing her more because she is amazing.

 

Spiritual Thought:

This week I have been studying Chapter one of Preach My Gospel and two quotes have really been in my head lately:

 

"We are commanded by God to take this gospel to all the world. That is the cause that must unite us today. Only the gospel will save the world from the calamity of its owen self-destruction. Only the gospel will unite men of all races and nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family."- President Ezra Taft Benson

 

"The setting apart may be taken literally; it is a setting apart from sin, apart from the carnal; apart from everything which is crude, low, vicious, cheap, or vulgar; set apart from the world to a higher plane of thought and activity. The blessing is conditional upon faithful performance." - President Specer W. Kimball

 

A quote that goes along with the last one came yesterday at church:

" Our struggle is living in a world steeped in sin and spiritual indifference.... Today's wilderness is one of confusion and conflicting messages. The pioneers had to battle the wilderness of rocky ridges and dust- or snow- covered mountain trails, with their faith focused.... We need to commit to serve the Lord and our communities with the same diligence and faith.... We must ever be on our guard that we do not become casual in keeping God's commandments"- Elder M. Russell Ballard

 

I am so grateful that I have this gospel. I have spent so much of my life without it and I never want that again. This world teaches that it is okay to be immoral, it is okay to not have standards, it is okay to be selfish and only care about self-graitfying things. I am so happy that I get to represent Christ and help others to get on the path that does matter. Our salvation does matter, even when other's say that it doesn't. I know that this gospel is the only way that leads to eternal life.

 

Love,

Sister Diamond Evans

3 Nephi 28:23

Trials and Triumphs

On Tuesday we had the opportunity of being trained by the zone leaders. The Assistants to President Wilson came as well. It was so difficult. We learned of some rules that the Richmond Misson has and I felt awful. I must admit that my reaction was not the best. I was so upset. I felt that we were having the "Washington DC South Mission" ripped out of us. There are so many things that we did as a mission that are against the Richmond Virginia rules. But what hurt the most was that the rules were geared towards the missionaries whereas I felt that the rules that we had in the DC South mission were geared towards the investigators and members. In the midst of my frustration Elders Litchfield, Braithewaite, and Felt said some comforting words that helped me:

 

Elder Braithewaite: "While I was looking back on my notes of when President Riggs entered the field I came across: 'Everyone is human. Do no look at people's flaws, look at the good that is in people. Do not compare someone's weaknesses to someone else's strengths.'"

 

Elder Felt: "I am not far from God, He is near me. He will always be near me. Do not give up because you cannot see Him. Maybe instead, you should seek to feel Him.

 

Elder Litchfield: "Train them." That was his response to when I asked him if the Richmond Missionaries do member visits (where you go to the members and ask them 'as you have been praying what revelation have you received on how we can bless you, your family, your friends, or your neighbors).

 

I am following the counsel that President Riggs gave me to be the missionary that President Wilson needs.

 

We have been having dinners and lessons with less-actives. Most of them are progressing well and are coming to church! I love this work so much. It has been amazing to see these member's heart change and decide that they are ready to come back into full activity in the church.

 

I love Trisha so much. I cannot wait for either her husband to get on board with her getting baptized. She wants this so bad.

 

Spiritual Thought:

 

This week I have been studying the Christlike attributes Obedience and Diligence. It has opened my eyes a lot. I am so grateful for the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. I learned how obedience and faith are interconnected. When you have the faith that you are doing the right thing, then it is easier to continue in that pattern.

Week of Goodbyes

This week has been super crazy to say the least. On Tuesday we had our final zone conference with President and Sister Riggs, and the Assistants (Elders Yates and Rasmussen). It was so great but so hard. Poor President Riggs was a mess, I am going to miss him like crazy. On Wednesday we had whole mission conference to say goodbye to everyone. I am not going to start on all of the tears that was shed. At the end, each departing missionary took a picture with President and Sister Riggs and I just sobbed in President Rigg's arm. I am positive it was more hard on him- saying goodbye to 60 missionaries. Afterwards, Elder Litchfield and Neumeyer (the Assistants in the Richmond Mission) talked to some of our about the new mission. I felt so bad, the Richmond Mission lost half of their mission to the Chesapeake Mission AND they got a new mission president. I stopped feeling sorry for myself after that, even when I found out that they do not get to go to the temple.

 

The rest of the week was kind of weird. We did a lot of service and met with a lot of less-actives. Not too much to say this week.

 

Spiritual Thought:

 

With the Anticipation of a new mission president, I have been studying the missionary handbook a lot. I know that there will be a difference in the way that he expresses the rules so I wanted to be most familiar in them. It has been fun becoming Preach My Gospel and the Missionary Handbook. It has been the best thing. My attitude is changing each day to love the rules and guidelines. I know that each rule is important. I have also been studying the christlike attribute Charity and it has helped as well. At first, I was really upset at President Riggs taking me to the new mission. I thought that maybe there was something wrong with me that he didn't want me to stay. But when I talked to him while he was hugging me (yep, he hugged us sisters) he said something like Sister Evans I want you to know that there were a few missionaries that I fought to keep but then I had to remember that when I was set-apart as a mission president I covenanted to ONLY do the Lord's will. I do not know why you have to leave me but I do know that President Wilson needs a Sister Evans. He needs someone who will work hard, be obedient, and stretch. Sister Riggs told me that there were things that they (President and Sister Riggs) needed to teach me but now I need to learn some things from President and Sister Wilson. It really warmed my heart.

 

I am so excited for this.

 

Love,

Sister Diamond Evans

3 Nephi 28:39

What I Have Learned from President Riggs

I just realized that this will be my very last email to President Riggs. I don't know if he will get it or not; however, here it goes.

With the switch of missions here are some things that I have learned from President Riggs:

1. Everything!

2. He most importantly taught me how to allow the healing power of the Atonement come into my life. The Atonement covers everything not just transgressions and I have seen that in his life. I don't get to serve around him very often but when I do get to see him I cannot help but notice how much he trusts in the Savior to help him to become better. It has given me the knowledge that I can go to the Lord for everything.

3. I learned from him the blessings of obedience. He stresses that obedience brings blessings. He does not tell us that we need to be obedient in order to be in line with the mission rules but that we need to be obedient if we want to receive all that God has. I love the way that he teaches it because at first I just followed the rules because I had to (compelled to abe humble) but not out of the goodness of my heart. Now I understand the significance. The Lord wants to bless us but he can only do so if we are obedient.

4. I also learned from President Riggs what true love is (Charity). President Riggs is a great example of the Christ-like attribute charity. I could see that from the moment I had my very first interview with him. He knew my name, where I was from, and many other things about me. He took the time to really get to know us (even before he was here on the mission). From that moment on I could trust him with everything. He is very interested in who we are and our progression.

5. I learned from President Riggs how to be patient. Oh my goodness he has been so patient with me! He lovingly corrects and I mean lovingly. But he allows for us to find our own way. It has been so wonderful.

 

Sincerely,

Sister Diamond Evans

Exchanges, New Investigator, and Miracle Dinner

This week has been such a great week! I went on exchanges on Tuesday with a Sister Training Leader (another Sister Missionary- kind of like a zone leader but without the Priesthood) Sister Hansen (there are like a bizillion Sister Hansens floating around the mission). She trained me on so many things and was a really great help for some concerns that I have had. We had so many miracles happen together! We got a new investigator who is married to a less-active member. Mr. Montalvo is like fantastic. He is practically a member. She and I were very bold with him and he "respects" that. I love him so much and I hope that he will understand the Book of Mormon (his "only" hang up). It is going to be amazing on Tuesday when we have our next lesson with him.

On Thursday we received another new investigator who is also a man married to a less-active member. We felt prompted to bring the Marshall's over and it was perfect because they have ALOT in common and helped him to be relaxed. He is a very logical thinker. I do everything based off of my feelings and I "feel" things when I gain a testimony. He does everything logically so it needs to "make since" to him logically. Brother and Sister Marshall got to really help him understand things logically. They bore such amazing testimonly to him to the point that he truly wants to know if this is all true. I am so excited for our next lesson with him.

On Thursday we had a miracle dinner with our investigator Trisha. On last Saturday her and her son, Joey who is 13, came to the baptism of Aiden McCurdy. On Thursday during our lesson Joey said that he had a miracle with the Holy Ghost. He said that during the baptism program Sister Hodge taught about the Holy Ghost and how it warned her of danger. He said that he didn't believe her but on the following Monday he decided that he wanted a Bible to study so Trisha bought him one. Joey said that the next day he said that "read 1 corinthians 13:13" kept going in his head. He asked his mom if Corintians was in the Bible and she said yes and he told her about what was happening. She told him that it was the Holy Ghost prompting him so he better check it out. He read it to her and then asked why that particular scripture Heavenly Father wanted him to read. She asked him what was bothering him that the Holy Ghost would want to tell him that and he told her about the baptismal talk. Trisha told him: "Maybe it is because God wanted you to know that he loves all of his children and does not want anything bad to happen to us. He loved Sister Hodge and needed to warn her of danger." and Joey said: "He loved me to tell me that." It was so wonderful. He then said that he wants to get baptized into Aiden' church! We have been praying really hard for her family because the only thing that is stopping her from getting baptized is her husband. Maybe Joey wanting to get baptized will soften his heart. Heavenly Father is so great!

A less-active that we have been working really hard with, Sister Castillo, came to church! She only stayed for sacrament but it was so great to reap the benefits of our labor. I really hope that she will come into full activity with the church. Her husband is not a member, theme of Aquia, and we haven't met him yet. We hope to meet him this upcoming week and really get into their home and teach all of them. She is so wonderful. The Lord is ready for them to come back.

The Broadcast yesterday was so amazing! Afterwards our ward mission leader, Brother Marshall, called us and said: "okay Sisters you are getting my A game." Brother Marshall is truly the BEST Ward Mission Leader of all time. He does EVERYTHING that President Riggs has asked of him without question and without guile. I love him so much. He has been a great source of strength. I trust him so much. The Broadcast was the icing on the cake. Our Bishop is also fantastic and has a mind for missionary work, Bishop Johnston, and they are on fire. Brother Marshall said that we need to get the rest of the ward council on our side. It is tough because our Young Women and High Priest Group Leader do not have minds for missionary work but Brother Marshall said either they will catch the "missionary tsunami (what President Riggs changed it to) or they will drown. This week we will be focussing on getting the ward council on board with missionary work.

Spiritual thought:

This week I have been focussing a lot on what Elder Ritchie told us in Launching Leaders. He said that we must not stop being a missionary when we leave. We cannot fail the test now! It was so wonderful I wish that he will come with us when we transition to the Richmond Mission. He has really helped me so much. I do not ever want to stop being a missionary. It really was life changing.
Words of Wisdom from Elder Ritchie:

Ask the new mission president (or spouse): What do you need me to do and then do it!
Make myself indespensible meaning be the missionary that the mission president can trust to be put into any area.
Do not settle for less than who I am and expect to be more.
Be the missionary that President Wilson AND President Riggs needs. Be the person that God needs.
Practice Perfection and repentance.
(Mission) change is just a new beginning.
Heavenly Father KNOWS my potential, satan SEES my potential.
I have to want to BE really bad and then be willing to sacrifice for it.

Sincerely,
Sister Diamond Evans

Psalms 8:3-4
We are EVERYTHING

P.S.

I forgot to let you all know that as of June 27th I will be in the Richmond Virginia Mission. The mission office in Richmond is not allowed to forward mail so all mail must be sent directly to the missionary. My current address is:

6 Davenport Dr.
Apartment 104
Stafford, VA 22554

However, do not send anything the week of July 18th because that is transfer week and one of us will be transferred.

I love you all so much!