Merry Christmas to all!
Let me see...what even happened this week? Well it doesn't matter because I'm going to just talk about our Savior in this letter this week anyways. We had zone conference yesterday and as usual it was amazing! Those are always revelatory meetings. We talked about Ether 3:14 (which is fitting because I'm in Ether in my personal study anyways!). So we talked a lot about Christ...how he prepared for His mortal mission because He was chosen from the foundation of the world. Pres. Pitts asked "who do you think He went to for advice?" We listed the obvious "Heavenly Father." And then someone pointed out "the noble and great ones." And Pres. Pitts agreed with that and he said, "I believe some of the Noble and Great ones are right in this room..." I was thinking 'woah! How could I have helped the Savior prepare for His mortal mission?' but it's amazing to think that we could have been honored with that privilege. I also thought what trust Pres. Pitts puts in us! He's such an amazing man. Then we just talked about Christ. When we are in a meeting where Christ is the center of the conversation I can feel how true the gospel is...and how real Christ truly is too. Christ really did live on this earth and He lives today. He guides us in all things and makes it possible to bear any burden placed on us. That is what makes Christmas so great...it wasn't the fact that He was born...it was what He did during His life. We're thankful for His birth because we see what the end result was! Oh how I know that the Savior knows and loves me personally. I know He felt everything I have ever gone through so that He could personally succor me (Alma 7:11-12). And succor means to run to...and I know He runs. I love Him. That is why I'm out here in the Utah Provo Mission...because I owe my Savior EVERYTHING. I have been reminded over and over again while on this journey that my mission and my life...is NOT about ME! (I believe I've shared that with you before) But I know it's it not...it's about Him. I thought it was about the people I'm serving...but even when I serve them I glorify Him. There's no way around it. It's all about Him...and I'm so thankful to be a part of it.
There so much to be thankful for...and I can't even express all of it. But know that I'm thankful for all of you and love and care for every one around me.
Love,
Sister Page
I wrote in my planner one of my favorite quotes from conference: "Though we are incomplete God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass God's love encompasses us completely." ~Pres. Uchtdorf
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Snow, SNow, SNOw, SNOW!
My third companion from the MTC...and of course it's AWESOME! Sis. Morris is a lot of fun...we play basketball (woot) and laugh at each other but she works hard too. One thing that's amazing about her is that we are on time to everything! I looove it. I hate being late. So this week has been pretty good. We did get snow...it was the kind that Charlotte gets...it didn't stick but everyone was excited about it...except Sis. Morris because she just came back from American Fork and they had PLENTY of snow up there. haha
I've had a lot of cool visitor center experiences this week...which is not unusual but I come to find that what you put into your shift at the VC directly effects what comes out of it...which I have to say is true in most things in life! :)
VC experiences of the week:
#1. A couple weeks ago a returned missionary that is from Beaver (where Sis. Stafford was transfered to) came in and referred is dad who was not a member. I had called a couple times but always got a busy signal. So it had been a couple weeks. I finally called and someone answered...is was a woman. I introduced myself as Sis. Page (sometimes we use our first name as to not sound threatening but something told me to say Sis. Page) and told her I was calling for her husband to receive a free dvd called The Restoration. She said he wasn't home right then so I asked her if she was a member.
Wife: "Oh yes...I've been to the temple and am very active..."
Me: "So then you would love for your husband to join the church.."
Wife: "very much so..."
So I asked her to tell me what Mike's (that's the husbands name) history was. She said he was basically a dry mormon...just needed to gain a testimony and get baptized. She gave me his cell phone number because he was out of town in Texas...and told me to tell him that she was the one who gave me the cell number. I call Mike...I dial the number with a prayer in my heart....
Me: "Hi is this Mike?"
Mike: "yeah.."
Me: "hi...my name is Sister Page. By the sound of it I bet you can tell I'm a missionary.."
Mike: *chuckles*
Me: "Well I serve at the St. George Visitor Center and someone came in and wanted to give you a free dvd called the Restoration...have you seen that one yet?"
Mike: "I don't think I have..."
Me: "Well Mike I just got off the phone with your wife...that's how I got your cell number and she said you were an amazing guy. Have you taken the lessons before?"
Mike:"yes many times.."
Me: "why haven't you joined the church? we're all wondering when you're getting baptized." (I felt very comfortable with him...and he took everything just fine)
Mike: "Well...I have a testimony through my family...but I don't have my own testimony...."
Me: "Mike we all feel that way sometimes...let me tell you that until I was 15 I think I was just going along with what my parents had told me...but then I asked for myself...I prayed and then I read a scripture...in Mosiah 4:9...(then I read it)...I might not understand everything Mike but I know God loves me...and that He cares. And I knew at that point the Book of Mormon was true too and not just because I was told it was...and that can happen to you!" (by this time I was crying and baring testimony.) "Now I know I need permission to send the missionaries over...but I'm sending them...I think it's time to try again."
Mike:"Okay."
He said that "Okay" with the most sincere heart I think I've ever heard. We both could feel the spirit...and I hope he hangs onto that. I hope he takes the lessons because Sister Stafford would be teaching him!!! How amazing. It was a great experience and a reaffirmation of my testimony.
#2. I was out in the Annex which talks about the history of St. George and such...not many people like to go out there...it's not a "happening" place. But I was out there and there was a Sr. Elder our there Elder Warth (who loves talking gospel doctrine and more...) and he was talking to an other man by the name of Bob Campbell...now Bob is not a member but he had some really cool stories. He told so great jokes and we had some laughs...then we started getting into what some of his hangups were and why he hadn't joined. He doesn't believe we lived before this life...or that we will after....but he does believe in God. It doesn't make sense to me...but Elder Warth said a quote by Lorenzo Snow that stuck out to me..."What man is God once was. As God is man can become." I love it. The Spirit just swept over me and let me know how true that statement was. I'm so thankful for the plan of salvation.
#3. I called England this week. I asked this man Tony if he would like to have these free gifts and how they could bless his life. He said he doesn't go to church much...but then he's like "sure...I'll take them...but I'm all the way in England." (he had an awesome accent!) And I explained that we had local representatives that could bring it by. YESSSSS! He was so nice. It was cool to call another country...I'd never done that before. But the thing is in my excitement I forgot to grab his address! oops. I have to call around 10am so it's not too late over there...so I'll call tomorrow and get his address. Still amazing. I hope I can call Scotland too....though their accent will be a little harder to understand. haha
Many more experiences happened...but it's almost closing time on email time...so until next week...keep baring testimony and sharing the gospel! So much joy comes from just that!
Love you so much! Love, Sister Page
I've had a lot of cool visitor center experiences this week...which is not unusual but I come to find that what you put into your shift at the VC directly effects what comes out of it...which I have to say is true in most things in life! :)
VC experiences of the week:
#1. A couple weeks ago a returned missionary that is from Beaver (where Sis. Stafford was transfered to) came in and referred is dad who was not a member. I had called a couple times but always got a busy signal. So it had been a couple weeks. I finally called and someone answered...is was a woman. I introduced myself as Sis. Page (sometimes we use our first name as to not sound threatening but something told me to say Sis. Page) and told her I was calling for her husband to receive a free dvd called The Restoration. She said he wasn't home right then so I asked her if she was a member.
Wife: "Oh yes...I've been to the temple and am very active..."
Me: "So then you would love for your husband to join the church.."
Wife: "very much so..."
So I asked her to tell me what Mike's (that's the husbands name) history was. She said he was basically a dry mormon...just needed to gain a testimony and get baptized. She gave me his cell phone number because he was out of town in Texas...and told me to tell him that she was the one who gave me the cell number. I call Mike...I dial the number with a prayer in my heart....
Me: "Hi is this Mike?"
Mike: "yeah.."
Me: "hi...my name is Sister Page. By the sound of it I bet you can tell I'm a missionary.."
Mike: *chuckles*
Me: "Well I serve at the St. George Visitor Center and someone came in and wanted to give you a free dvd called the Restoration...have you seen that one yet?"
Mike: "I don't think I have..."
Me: "Well Mike I just got off the phone with your wife...that's how I got your cell number and she said you were an amazing guy. Have you taken the lessons before?"
Mike:"yes many times.."
Me: "why haven't you joined the church? we're all wondering when you're getting baptized." (I felt very comfortable with him...and he took everything just fine)
Mike: "Well...I have a testimony through my family...but I don't have my own testimony...."
Me: "Mike we all feel that way sometimes...let me tell you that until I was 15 I think I was just going along with what my parents had told me...but then I asked for myself...I prayed and then I read a scripture...in Mosiah 4:9...(then I read it)...I might not understand everything Mike but I know God loves me...and that He cares. And I knew at that point the Book of Mormon was true too and not just because I was told it was...and that can happen to you!" (by this time I was crying and baring testimony.) "Now I know I need permission to send the missionaries over...but I'm sending them...I think it's time to try again."
Mike:"Okay."
He said that "Okay" with the most sincere heart I think I've ever heard. We both could feel the spirit...and I hope he hangs onto that. I hope he takes the lessons because Sister Stafford would be teaching him!!! How amazing. It was a great experience and a reaffirmation of my testimony.
#2. I was out in the Annex which talks about the history of St. George and such...not many people like to go out there...it's not a "happening" place. But I was out there and there was a Sr. Elder our there Elder Warth (who loves talking gospel doctrine and more...) and he was talking to an other man by the name of Bob Campbell...now Bob is not a member but he had some really cool stories. He told so great jokes and we had some laughs...then we started getting into what some of his hangups were and why he hadn't joined. He doesn't believe we lived before this life...or that we will after....but he does believe in God. It doesn't make sense to me...but Elder Warth said a quote by Lorenzo Snow that stuck out to me..."What man is God once was. As God is man can become." I love it. The Spirit just swept over me and let me know how true that statement was. I'm so thankful for the plan of salvation.
#3. I called England this week. I asked this man Tony if he would like to have these free gifts and how they could bless his life. He said he doesn't go to church much...but then he's like "sure...I'll take them...but I'm all the way in England." (he had an awesome accent!) And I explained that we had local representatives that could bring it by. YESSSSS! He was so nice. It was cool to call another country...I'd never done that before. But the thing is in my excitement I forgot to grab his address! oops. I have to call around 10am so it's not too late over there...so I'll call tomorrow and get his address. Still amazing. I hope I can call Scotland too....though their accent will be a little harder to understand. haha
Many more experiences happened...but it's almost closing time on email time...so until next week...keep baring testimony and sharing the gospel! So much joy comes from just that!
Love you so much! Love, Sister Page
Monday, December 07, 2009
It's beginning to FEEL a lot like Christmas!
Aloha!
Okay so I maybe I wish I was in Hawaii...it's getting pretty cold down here. It reminds me of a NC winter..no snow just cold..like 45-50 degrees...but with out the humidity! (which yes...I still miss)
Justine and Moser update...they are doing well. I didn't think Moser was too into the lessons because he's really laid back. I wasn't sure how he felt about everything. But the other day we were teaching and he said "well I want to be baptized." So he's on DATE for Jan1st! WOOT! He has to stop smoking but he said he can do that by Christmas. So I think it's going to happen. We taught the Plan of Salvation to him and talked about the resurrection which he thought was AMAZING that everyone...no matter if they did bad or good...will have a perfect body forever! Also he liked the different kingdoms we can go to...and now has an understanding of why we go to the temple and why we feel so passionate about it! :) He's doing great. Justine has already quit smoking and is so ready to be back where she used to be but knows she needs to wait. She hasn't been feeling well lately so sometimes we just teach Moser.
We had our last DTM of the transfer this week and had a testimony meeting. I felt the spirit so strong and it just spoke to me. I realize that this mission is NOT about me! It's not...and I have to have that pounded in my head over and over...but really this is the one time I need to be thinking of others and what they need. I mean I should be like that in life but even more so on my mission. From this time forth on my mission I will go with out if necessary to bring the work forward. It's not natural but it's necessary...and honestly it makes me feel better knowing I'm helping others. I will sacrifice to be able to help those I teach and serve with.
So transfers came and guess what...I'm staying in my area...and Sis. Stafford is leaving. I'm getting Sis. Morris (who was also in the MTC with me...) CRAZY! She's awesome. I'm excited to play basketball every morning...haha. We'll work hard together. It will be great. I love you all. Sorry this is so short. Not much time. But thank you for your love, prayers, and mail.
Love, Sister Page
Okay so I maybe I wish I was in Hawaii...it's getting pretty cold down here. It reminds me of a NC winter..no snow just cold..like 45-50 degrees...but with out the humidity! (which yes...I still miss)
Justine and Moser update...they are doing well. I didn't think Moser was too into the lessons because he's really laid back. I wasn't sure how he felt about everything. But the other day we were teaching and he said "well I want to be baptized." So he's on DATE for Jan1st! WOOT! He has to stop smoking but he said he can do that by Christmas. So I think it's going to happen. We taught the Plan of Salvation to him and talked about the resurrection which he thought was AMAZING that everyone...no matter if they did bad or good...will have a perfect body forever! Also he liked the different kingdoms we can go to...and now has an understanding of why we go to the temple and why we feel so passionate about it! :) He's doing great. Justine has already quit smoking and is so ready to be back where she used to be but knows she needs to wait. She hasn't been feeling well lately so sometimes we just teach Moser.
We had our last DTM of the transfer this week and had a testimony meeting. I felt the spirit so strong and it just spoke to me. I realize that this mission is NOT about me! It's not...and I have to have that pounded in my head over and over...but really this is the one time I need to be thinking of others and what they need. I mean I should be like that in life but even more so on my mission. From this time forth on my mission I will go with out if necessary to bring the work forward. It's not natural but it's necessary...and honestly it makes me feel better knowing I'm helping others. I will sacrifice to be able to help those I teach and serve with.
So transfers came and guess what...I'm staying in my area...and Sis. Stafford is leaving. I'm getting Sis. Morris (who was also in the MTC with me...) CRAZY! She's awesome. I'm excited to play basketball every morning...haha. We'll work hard together. It will be great. I love you all. Sorry this is so short. Not much time. But thank you for your love, prayers, and mail.
Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Gobble Gobble!
THANKSGIVING!!!!!!
Here's the play by play:
Woke up at 6am:
* We attempted to do a turkey trot with our zone...but we ran out of time so we drove up half the way to what is called Dixie Rock...and walked the rest. Some of the people tried to run...but it's sooo steep...so I walked briskly. It was fun. We got up to the top and chilled with the zone (well part of it..) and watched the sun rise. Then we got back down and walked to the cars again. We were in the car and all of the sudden it dawned on us...and we all (there were 5 in the car 3 sisters 2 elders) started saying "HAPPY THANKSGIVING!" It was funny. Then we went home and got ready for the day and studied as usual.
Left the apartment 10am:
*We had it scheduled to play games with the zone from 10-12:30ish. We got there and played Volleyball...Sis. Stafford doesn't like it so she sat out. I played for 30 mins because we wanted to play kick ball at 11. So I played even though I stink at it...but it was fun and I even spiked a ball on my zone leader who is very tall and really good at volleyball. haha It was the highlight for me. Then we started rounding people up for kick ball..and it took some time because people were trying to decide. In the end we had a good group come with us. Sis. Stafford,since she's the one who wanted to play the most, was a captain and picked mainly sisters for our team so....we lost! hahah But it was okay. So much fun. I was shortstop for a while just to show Jeter how it's done (even if it was only kickball and not baseball...I don't care). But then I got switched to first base...it was all gravy. After a lot of people had to leave we had to call it quits. So 5 of us played world cup with the soccer ball. That was a lot of fun...but now I remember why I didn't stick with soccer...I'm just not good..ahaha. I don't care...all was fun the whole day!
Left the activity at 12:30pm:
*We had one dinner..thank goodness. (We know missionaries who had 3 or more) We had it with an investigator. There are 3 nonmembers total...and they're awesome. Krista is 20 and wants to be baptized and lives with her boyfriend Matt...who is taking the lessons but is not ready for baptism yet. (We need them to get married or move out but that's a different story...) Then Krista's dad Mike is not a member either...and is not interested in baptism but is one of my favorite people ever! I think he'll get baptized one day...he's such a good guy...he just loves to golf and fish instead of going to church. haha The way they got started hearing about the church was Krista's brother..Mike (jr) who was baptized during his senior year of high school...went on a mission...then then got married to the girl who introduced him to the church. He is awesome. And a great support for them. You can see how the gospel has blessed his family that he's starting now. We taught a lesson a couple days later with them..and asked him (Mike jr...aka Michael) to share how he feels about the Holy Ghost...his explanation was awesome. He said "we have a tendency as humans to seek out what pleases...whether it's right or not....but the Holy Ghost allows us to fight against those desires and become better than we would be on our own.." there was more to it...but it was amazing. We also had a good conversation with Mike (sr.) and he said "I know the mission is to help other people...but don't be afraid to let it help you..." So true. Even if I didn't try to have the mission help me...it would...it HAS! He's a great guy. Oh the food! It was good. The dressing was really good...and all topped with gravy! Oh and mom they had flaky biscuits...and sent us home with some. :) They had this really good drink kind of like PawPaw's Punch but it was raspberry...and good too.
Left the Duthrie's at 3:30pm:
* We weren't allowed to spend all day with the same people so we went home and wrote letters. It was good since last pday we didn't get a chance to. And it was nice to relax.
Left the apartment again at 5:50pm:
*We had the shift at the VC that night. It was good. People came in thinking that the Christmas lights were coming on that night but it was actually Friday. So they weren't wanting to stay if the lights weren't on...haha. By the way..the lights look awesome!
Anyways thanksgiving was amazing. I got full and enjoyed every bit of it. Food, family, friends, investigators, and games! LOVE IT.
Love you all...I'm thankful for you, Sister Page
Woke up at 6am:
* We attempted to do a turkey trot with our zone...but we ran out of time so we drove up half the way to what is called Dixie Rock...and walked the rest. Some of the people tried to run...but it's sooo steep...so I walked briskly. It was fun. We got up to the top and chilled with the zone (well part of it..) and watched the sun rise. Then we got back down and walked to the cars again. We were in the car and all of the sudden it dawned on us...and we all (there were 5 in the car 3 sisters 2 elders) started saying "HAPPY THANKSGIVING!" It was funny. Then we went home and got ready for the day and studied as usual.
Left the apartment 10am:
*We had it scheduled to play games with the zone from 10-12:30ish. We got there and played Volleyball...Sis. Stafford doesn't like it so she sat out. I played for 30 mins because we wanted to play kick ball at 11. So I played even though I stink at it...but it was fun and I even spiked a ball on my zone leader who is very tall and really good at volleyball. haha It was the highlight for me. Then we started rounding people up for kick ball..and it took some time because people were trying to decide. In the end we had a good group come with us. Sis. Stafford,since she's the one who wanted to play the most, was a captain and picked mainly sisters for our team so....we lost! hahah But it was okay. So much fun. I was shortstop for a while just to show Jeter how it's done (even if it was only kickball and not baseball...I don't care). But then I got switched to first base...it was all gravy. After a lot of people had to leave we had to call it quits. So 5 of us played world cup with the soccer ball. That was a lot of fun...but now I remember why I didn't stick with soccer...I'm just not good..ahaha. I don't care...all was fun the whole day!
Left the activity at 12:30pm:
*We had one dinner..thank goodness. (We know missionaries who had 3 or more) We had it with an investigator. There are 3 nonmembers total...and they're awesome. Krista is 20 and wants to be baptized and lives with her boyfriend Matt...who is taking the lessons but is not ready for baptism yet. (We need them to get married or move out but that's a different story...) Then Krista's dad Mike is not a member either...and is not interested in baptism but is one of my favorite people ever! I think he'll get baptized one day...he's such a good guy...he just loves to golf and fish instead of going to church. haha The way they got started hearing about the church was Krista's brother..Mike (jr) who was baptized during his senior year of high school...went on a mission...then then got married to the girl who introduced him to the church. He is awesome. And a great support for them. You can see how the gospel has blessed his family that he's starting now. We taught a lesson a couple days later with them..and asked him (Mike jr...aka Michael) to share how he feels about the Holy Ghost...his explanation was awesome. He said "we have a tendency as humans to seek out what pleases...whether it's right or not....but the Holy Ghost allows us to fight against those desires and become better than we would be on our own.." there was more to it...but it was amazing. We also had a good conversation with Mike (sr.) and he said "I know the mission is to help other people...but don't be afraid to let it help you..." So true. Even if I didn't try to have the mission help me...it would...it HAS! He's a great guy. Oh the food! It was good. The dressing was really good...and all topped with gravy! Oh and mom they had flaky biscuits...and sent us home with some. :) They had this really good drink kind of like PawPaw's Punch but it was raspberry...and good too.
Left the Duthrie's at 3:30pm:
* We weren't allowed to spend all day with the same people so we went home and wrote letters. It was good since last pday we didn't get a chance to. And it was nice to relax.
Left the apartment again at 5:50pm:
*We had the shift at the VC that night. It was good. People came in thinking that the Christmas lights were coming on that night but it was actually Friday. So they weren't wanting to stay if the lights weren't on...haha. By the way..the lights look awesome!
Anyways thanksgiving was amazing. I got full and enjoyed every bit of it. Food, family, friends, investigators, and games! LOVE IT.
Love you all...I'm thankful for you, Sister Page
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Don't Forget the Frog Eyed Salad!
"Somedays we forget to look around us...somedays we ignore the joy that surrounds us...so caught up inside ourselves...we take when we should give...so for tonight we pray for what we cannot see and on this day we hope for what we know can be...it's up to us to be the change and even though this world needs so much more...there so much to be thankful for..." (~Josh Groban Christmas Album)
MAN I love that song. It's so true. We take when we should give. I know in my darkest moments it's easy for me to close up inside myself and only see my problems and what I'm going through but that allows the darkness to fester and grow...but it's only when we look to others in that time that the darkness escapes outward and light can enter in. I recently read an article by Elder Bednar called The Character of Christ. (look it up...soo good!) He talks about how in the deepest of pains Christ was going through He always thought of others. In many instances of His life this happened. After His 40 day fast Christ was tempted of Satan and He (Christ) had just gone through this very hard experience but upon commanding Satan to depart from Him...in the JST it says Christ knowing of John the Baptist in jail..and Christ sent Angels to minister to Him. Christ could have thought 'I need the Angels more...DO YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST WENT THROUGH?' but He didn't He turned outward and helped someone else. In this Thanksgiving season and through our lives let us look outward. We may have problems, hurts, heartache, or tragedies that we must overcome...but if we allow the Savior to take over and we turn outward...we will be able to bear what ever burden is placed on us. And think about it if everyone did this then on one would be in need of anything. In that time when you are trying to comfort others...would it not be fitting that there will be One trying to comfort you...whether through the Spirit or another person I do not know....but it will be there. Reach out. Show thanks. Be an answer to someones prayers.
I'm so thankful for many things this season. I will list a couple. I'm thankful for:
*Turkey (turkey cassrole, turkey ala-king!, turkey sandwiches...)
*EggNog (try Soy Egg Nog...it's not as sugary but it's amazing!tastes exactly the same...) *Christmas songs!
*That my hair is really looking good curly again... (Okay on to serious stuff...but really my hair has been really awesome. haha)
*My family: the support they give me and the unconditional love I feel from them. I love you! Never forget it. Seriously.
*The Mission I'm on...the people I associate with and have made lasting friendships that I wouldn't have made if I hadn't come here...with other missionaries and the wonderful people I teach.(oh how I LOVE the people I teach) How much I've learned about myself and who I want to be. The knowledge that this is the greatest work I will ever do. "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" (by the way...there could be sub-categories for each of these things)
*The Book of Mormon: I know it is true...it answers the questions of the soul. It contains the fullness of the gospel along with the Bible. The amazing examples that come from it. Captain Moroni is my hero.
*The Prophet...Thomas S. Monson: we NEED a mouthpiece of the Lord to lead and guide us and I know it's no easy job. I'm thankful he was worthy and up to the call.
*My Savior: words cannot express the feelings I have for Him. The One who has never let me down nor disappointed me. He has felt all of my pains, sorrows, and mistakes. He knows me...and loves me. I'm thankful for His great sacrifice that all mankind can benefit from. It is amazing and can't believe how infinite and eternal it really is. I love this season...that it brings us back to what's important.
Oh remember, remember.
Love, Sister Page
MAN I love that song. It's so true. We take when we should give. I know in my darkest moments it's easy for me to close up inside myself and only see my problems and what I'm going through but that allows the darkness to fester and grow...but it's only when we look to others in that time that the darkness escapes outward and light can enter in. I recently read an article by Elder Bednar called The Character of Christ. (look it up...soo good!) He talks about how in the deepest of pains Christ was going through He always thought of others. In many instances of His life this happened. After His 40 day fast Christ was tempted of Satan and He (Christ) had just gone through this very hard experience but upon commanding Satan to depart from Him...in the JST it says Christ knowing of John the Baptist in jail..and Christ sent Angels to minister to Him. Christ could have thought 'I need the Angels more...DO YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST WENT THROUGH?' but He didn't He turned outward and helped someone else. In this Thanksgiving season and through our lives let us look outward. We may have problems, hurts, heartache, or tragedies that we must overcome...but if we allow the Savior to take over and we turn outward...we will be able to bear what ever burden is placed on us. And think about it if everyone did this then on one would be in need of anything. In that time when you are trying to comfort others...would it not be fitting that there will be One trying to comfort you...whether through the Spirit or another person I do not know....but it will be there. Reach out. Show thanks. Be an answer to someones prayers.
I'm so thankful for many things this season. I will list a couple. I'm thankful for:
*Turkey (turkey cassrole, turkey ala-king!, turkey sandwiches...)
*EggNog (try Soy Egg Nog...it's not as sugary but it's amazing!tastes exactly the same...) *Christmas songs!
*That my hair is really looking good curly again... (Okay on to serious stuff...but really my hair has been really awesome. haha)
*My family: the support they give me and the unconditional love I feel from them. I love you! Never forget it. Seriously.
*The Mission I'm on...the people I associate with and have made lasting friendships that I wouldn't have made if I hadn't come here...with other missionaries and the wonderful people I teach.(oh how I LOVE the people I teach) How much I've learned about myself and who I want to be. The knowledge that this is the greatest work I will ever do. "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" (by the way...there could be sub-categories for each of these things)
*The Book of Mormon: I know it is true...it answers the questions of the soul. It contains the fullness of the gospel along with the Bible. The amazing examples that come from it. Captain Moroni is my hero.
*The Prophet...Thomas S. Monson: we NEED a mouthpiece of the Lord to lead and guide us and I know it's no easy job. I'm thankful he was worthy and up to the call.
*My Savior: words cannot express the feelings I have for Him. The One who has never let me down nor disappointed me. He has felt all of my pains, sorrows, and mistakes. He knows me...and loves me. I'm thankful for His great sacrifice that all mankind can benefit from. It is amazing and can't believe how infinite and eternal it really is. I love this season...that it brings us back to what's important.
Oh remember, remember.
Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Week 3 of the Transfer Awards
Week 3 of the Transfer Awards
Brought to you by: Sister Page (contributing to each award is Sister Stafford)
Progressing Investigator of the Week: We are teaching a man named Bruce. He's homeless. It's a sad situation...but we meet at the library and have lessons. He's really smart! He doesn't just meet us at the library he comes here all the time to study...and he takes notes. He doesn't smell too good and he's rough looking but I know he will one day do great things. He reads what we tell him and has a desire to go to church! He told us he's ready to be a contributing member of society...I wonder how many more people want to do that. I hope to help him become more than just a contributing member of society but a contributing member to the Lord's kingdom! :) It's probably going to be a process and take time but I believe he'll progress quite nicely. Although we asked him if he had a desire to quit smoking and he said no...he thinks it's good for him. ;) We'll help him with that. hahah Testimony builder of the week: We had a man that was sitting outside the library so we went to go talk to him. (Talk to EVERYONE is was Preach My Gospel says) We asked what he was reading...and then asked if he was a member of the church. Anyways he said no...but late found out that he WAS a member and since then has left the church. Why? LACK OF FAITH! He basically wanted everything to be proven to him. He claimed that listening to the promptings of the Spirit was all about psychology. He said you make yourself feel that way. Ooooh man. I tried to testify but he kept interrupting me...so finally I had to say "goodbye Doug" and walk away. His heart was so hard. He kind of shook me (not my testimony but what he said made me think)...so I've been trying to be super sensitive to the Spirit the rest of the week. I gave a talk in church on Sunday and now that I'm free to testify...I want everyone to know that I have felt the power of the Holy Ghost. IT IS REAL. I cannot deny the many many witnesses I have that this church, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith and continuing revelation is TRUE! And I know by the power of the Holy Ghost. I will always stand as the witness for others. I will NOT back down! I have made covenants at baptism and in the Holy Temple and my testimony is rooted in those promises. Nobody can tell me that I haven't felt this power in my life because I have. Like my dad says, "truth is truth whether you choose to deny it or reject it...it's still there standing as truth."
Visitor Center Experience: It was 8:40 last night, 20 mins until closing time at the VC. We were tired...and ready to go. Three boys walk in. We stand up and greet them as directed. One was a member of the church and the other two were not. The others were categorized (by themselves) as atheist and a skeptic. The Skeptic had so many questions. "Why do we need a body?" "Why does God need a body isn't that limiting?" "Where are the artifacts from the Nephites?" "Why are we here on earth? Why wouldn't God just give us all the information we need instead of making us with out knowledge?" It was crazy. We were trying to help him understand. The Atheist at his side not speaking. The Mormon friend wondering how to help. I tried to testify of Faith..but then the Skeptic had questions about that. So I turn to see Sis. Shill (a sister who gets off her mission in Jan...and she's awesome) "What's your take on their questions?" She puts them in a movie about the Book of Mormon and we all discuss how it can answer our questions. And the Skeptic goes "well I don't think...." or "I don't believe...." and Sister Shill says something that I'll never forget. " "Do not discount the things of God just because YOU don't understand them...." BAM! He committed to meeting with the sisters in his area...and praying that night...even if he's not sure there's a God out there. He promised he'd pray every day this week. I believe he'll do it. It was a powerful lesson for me. When someone has too many questions...get them to a place that they can be still and feel the Spirit. Then testify and commit them to DOING something they haven't tried yet. I may not understand everything in the gospel or the nature of God...but I know He loves me and is concerned for my well being. I will be safe not to "discount the things of God, just because [I] don't understand them."
Love, Sister Page
Brought to you by: Sister Page (contributing to each award is Sister Stafford)
Progressing Investigator of the Week: We are teaching a man named Bruce. He's homeless. It's a sad situation...but we meet at the library and have lessons. He's really smart! He doesn't just meet us at the library he comes here all the time to study...and he takes notes. He doesn't smell too good and he's rough looking but I know he will one day do great things. He reads what we tell him and has a desire to go to church! He told us he's ready to be a contributing member of society...I wonder how many more people want to do that. I hope to help him become more than just a contributing member of society but a contributing member to the Lord's kingdom! :) It's probably going to be a process and take time but I believe he'll progress quite nicely. Although we asked him if he had a desire to quit smoking and he said no...he thinks it's good for him. ;) We'll help him with that. hahah Testimony builder of the week: We had a man that was sitting outside the library so we went to go talk to him. (Talk to EVERYONE is was Preach My Gospel says) We asked what he was reading...and then asked if he was a member of the church. Anyways he said no...but late found out that he WAS a member and since then has left the church. Why? LACK OF FAITH! He basically wanted everything to be proven to him. He claimed that listening to the promptings of the Spirit was all about psychology. He said you make yourself feel that way. Ooooh man. I tried to testify but he kept interrupting me...so finally I had to say "goodbye Doug" and walk away. His heart was so hard. He kind of shook me (not my testimony but what he said made me think)...so I've been trying to be super sensitive to the Spirit the rest of the week. I gave a talk in church on Sunday and now that I'm free to testify...I want everyone to know that I have felt the power of the Holy Ghost. IT IS REAL. I cannot deny the many many witnesses I have that this church, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith and continuing revelation is TRUE! And I know by the power of the Holy Ghost. I will always stand as the witness for others. I will NOT back down! I have made covenants at baptism and in the Holy Temple and my testimony is rooted in those promises. Nobody can tell me that I haven't felt this power in my life because I have. Like my dad says, "truth is truth whether you choose to deny it or reject it...it's still there standing as truth."
Visitor Center Experience: It was 8:40 last night, 20 mins until closing time at the VC. We were tired...and ready to go. Three boys walk in. We stand up and greet them as directed. One was a member of the church and the other two were not. The others were categorized (by themselves) as atheist and a skeptic. The Skeptic had so many questions. "Why do we need a body?" "Why does God need a body isn't that limiting?" "Where are the artifacts from the Nephites?" "Why are we here on earth? Why wouldn't God just give us all the information we need instead of making us with out knowledge?" It was crazy. We were trying to help him understand. The Atheist at his side not speaking. The Mormon friend wondering how to help. I tried to testify of Faith..but then the Skeptic had questions about that. So I turn to see Sis. Shill (a sister who gets off her mission in Jan...and she's awesome) "What's your take on their questions?" She puts them in a movie about the Book of Mormon and we all discuss how it can answer our questions. And the Skeptic goes "well I don't think...." or "I don't believe...." and Sister Shill says something that I'll never forget. " "Do not discount the things of God just because YOU don't understand them...." BAM! He committed to meeting with the sisters in his area...and praying that night...even if he's not sure there's a God out there. He promised he'd pray every day this week. I believe he'll do it. It was a powerful lesson for me. When someone has too many questions...get them to a place that they can be still and feel the Spirit. Then testify and commit them to DOING something they haven't tried yet. I may not understand everything in the gospel or the nature of God...but I know He loves me and is concerned for my well being. I will be safe not to "discount the things of God, just because [I] don't understand them."
Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A LIST...it's a good one!
If you know me at all...then you know that I love making lists...so guess what time it is? LIST TIME:
1. Justine and Moser
2. Random Flu-ish Thing
3. Brigham Young Home
4. Zone Conference
1. Before I ever came to this stake Sister Stafford and her previous companion had a referral for this less active lady Justine and her non-member husband. They'd called and set up a time to meet with the missionaries...but it always fell through. Well we were supposed to meet up last monday but they went hiking in Zion National Park. So a couple days later we decide to stop by randomly and finally catch Justine at home. She's happy to see us and weclomes us in. (Moser was job hunting) She told us their story...they live in Salt Lake but over the years had gotten deep into drugs and couldn't quit on their own. So finally they asked for help and moved away from their druggy friends to St.George. They've been going to the 12 step program and have been clean for over 60 days! Now Moser wants to join the church and has taken lessons before but needs a refresher course...so we're going to start teaching them. At the end of the conversation the lady that was giving us a ride asked what her maiden name was...and Justine said "Harding" and I asked "what's your parents names" "Jeff and Karen" I gasped! and got so excited! Jeff and Karen Harding were two of the most generous people who gave us rides, meals, and helped fellowship a family we were teaching in Hurricane!!!! They have sense moved but man did I love them! Sis. Harding would tell me about her struggling daughter and didn't really know what to do for her...she asked me to pray for her...and I did...many times. What a testimony to me...PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED! They are. Period. The spirit whispered to my heart "this is why you're here." And I know it's true. It's fitting that the missionary who got so close to her parents and that her parents trust is teaching their daughter and son-in-law! I'm so thankful for the opportunity!
2.So on Friday night it was so random. My back started hurting...I got a scratchy throat, I had the shivers, and my head was pounding. I went to lay down for a little bit...it didn't really help. When we got home from the VC I just got in my pj's and laid down. I took my temperature and it was 100 degrees! Sis. Stafford made me some herbal tea and Sis. Harwood gave me some nyquil. Then Sis. Stafford gave me an icyhot patch for my lower back. I was out! I slept so good and when I woke up I was a little slow going but I checked my temperature again...95.7....what the heck?? It was gone. I'm so sure that Heavenly Father blessed me again! Wow...what an incredible week.
3. It was good that I was feeling better because the next day we were serving at Brigham Young's home...and we knew there was a mission president's seminar going on...and they came to the site!! Guess who came with them? Elder D. Todd Christofferson...this is my second time seeing...he must be following me...ahah just kidding. But THIS TIME...he shook mine and Sister Stafford's hand! Asked where we were from and he's lived in both Charlotte and Virginia!!! I said "so you're an east coaster then..." and he said "I'd still be there if I had a choice..." hahahahah It was awesome. When they got done with their executive tour he came back out and we got pictures with him!! It was cool. My first time shaking the hand of an Apostle. Sis. Stafford and I were joking around about never washing our hand...but with the flu and me just being sick...we decided other wise. :)
4. Zone conference was good yesterday. All about how we're going to start having Jr. and Sr. companions starting this transfer. This is the only mission that didn't do that...so we're starting it. I think it will be good. We stil don't know who's who...but this is what we say when people ask us who's who "we work together in complete unity" and can I please give some advice to you members out there. Us missionaries love you but please don't ask that...and don't ask how long they've been out. Some missionaries don't care if you ask...but most hate being reminded that it's going so fast. The question is...why does it matter how long we've been out? It doesn't. :) But it was a good meeting. I love zone conference but I think y'all already knew that. I love you! Thanks for your letters...I always enjoy more. Love, Sister Page
1. Justine and Moser
2. Random Flu-ish Thing
3. Brigham Young Home
4. Zone Conference
1. Before I ever came to this stake Sister Stafford and her previous companion had a referral for this less active lady Justine and her non-member husband. They'd called and set up a time to meet with the missionaries...but it always fell through. Well we were supposed to meet up last monday but they went hiking in Zion National Park. So a couple days later we decide to stop by randomly and finally catch Justine at home. She's happy to see us and weclomes us in. (Moser was job hunting) She told us their story...they live in Salt Lake but over the years had gotten deep into drugs and couldn't quit on their own. So finally they asked for help and moved away from their druggy friends to St.George. They've been going to the 12 step program and have been clean for over 60 days! Now Moser wants to join the church and has taken lessons before but needs a refresher course...so we're going to start teaching them. At the end of the conversation the lady that was giving us a ride asked what her maiden name was...and Justine said "Harding" and I asked "what's your parents names" "Jeff and Karen" I gasped! and got so excited! Jeff and Karen Harding were two of the most generous people who gave us rides, meals, and helped fellowship a family we were teaching in Hurricane!!!! They have sense moved but man did I love them! Sis. Harding would tell me about her struggling daughter and didn't really know what to do for her...she asked me to pray for her...and I did...many times. What a testimony to me...PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED! They are. Period. The spirit whispered to my heart "this is why you're here." And I know it's true. It's fitting that the missionary who got so close to her parents and that her parents trust is teaching their daughter and son-in-law! I'm so thankful for the opportunity!
2.So on Friday night it was so random. My back started hurting...I got a scratchy throat, I had the shivers, and my head was pounding. I went to lay down for a little bit...it didn't really help. When we got home from the VC I just got in my pj's and laid down. I took my temperature and it was 100 degrees! Sis. Stafford made me some herbal tea and Sis. Harwood gave me some nyquil. Then Sis. Stafford gave me an icyhot patch for my lower back. I was out! I slept so good and when I woke up I was a little slow going but I checked my temperature again...95.7....what the heck?? It was gone. I'm so sure that Heavenly Father blessed me again! Wow...what an incredible week.
3. It was good that I was feeling better because the next day we were serving at Brigham Young's home...and we knew there was a mission president's seminar going on...and they came to the site!! Guess who came with them? Elder D. Todd Christofferson...this is my second time seeing...he must be following me...ahah just kidding. But THIS TIME...he shook mine and Sister Stafford's hand! Asked where we were from and he's lived in both Charlotte and Virginia!!! I said "so you're an east coaster then..." and he said "I'd still be there if I had a choice..." hahahahah It was awesome. When they got done with their executive tour he came back out and we got pictures with him!! It was cool. My first time shaking the hand of an Apostle. Sis. Stafford and I were joking around about never washing our hand...but with the flu and me just being sick...we decided other wise. :)
4. Zone conference was good yesterday. All about how we're going to start having Jr. and Sr. companions starting this transfer. This is the only mission that didn't do that...so we're starting it. I think it will be good. We stil don't know who's who...but this is what we say when people ask us who's who "we work together in complete unity" and can I please give some advice to you members out there. Us missionaries love you but please don't ask that...and don't ask how long they've been out. Some missionaries don't care if you ask...but most hate being reminded that it's going so fast. The question is...why does it matter how long we've been out? It doesn't. :) But it was a good meeting. I love zone conference but I think y'all already knew that. I love you! Thanks for your letters...I always enjoy more. Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Laughs and Bikes
"St.Geezy, St.Geezy...you'll always be mine!" Such a true statement! I was on the transfer van at 6am and I also was the only sister being transfered at that time so I had to sit in the front while the Elders sat in back and could relax and lay down...I tried to sleep but I ended up only sleeping for like 20 mins. It snowed hard core. I was thinking to myself "perfect time to leave up north!" haha. We pulled in
actually on time...though we left late and hit snow...and I was greeted by so many sister's hugs and excitement. It was like coming home. I saw Sis. Harwood who I'd only been gone from for 6 weeks but I had missed her. I saw Sis. Grunauer who is now back in Austria! I can't believe her mission is done. But at least I got to say goodbye. I saw Sister Charette (from Quebec) and so many more....then I saw MY COMPANION...Sis. Stafford. We knew we were going to have a blast together...and man we have! I laughed harder in the first two days with her than I had in the last...well I don't know when. It really felt like home then because I laugh for ridiculous reasons all the time.
The stakes I'm in is Sunset, St. George, and GreenValley...and I have met a couple of the people we're teaching but everyone and their brother has been canceling on us...excuses. The first people I met in our area that we're teaching is Krista and Matt...they're not married yet...but they have a cute little baby and Krista is so ready for baptism...she wants to get married and then get in the water. Matt knows all of this is true but hasn't even been to church...so we're working on it. I'm excited to teach them!
We did have a baptism (I don't like when I don't even know the person...but it was okay) and it was the funniest story...we didn't have a car (we share...that's something I miss about up north) and we didn't have a ride to get to the baptism...so what did we do? WE RODE BIKES! First time on my mission...it was fun, at first! Then it was a looooong ride. And we had to hurry. I was so far behind Sister Stafford and she kept having to wait for me. We got there and my head was spinning from riding so hard...my hair was matted to my face...and I was beat red. I was not presentable...but it all worked out. We took our time coming back and it was down hill so that made it better. Riding a bike in a skirt...not too easy. Needless to say...we took pictures. hahaha We were late to the baptism but they had waited and were waiting on more family too. I laugh now but then I was in pain! hahahahahaha
I do miss Lehi...but in funny ways. I still talk about Marcos and other people we were teaching all the time...they were such good examples of how the gospel can help people! I miss the Maloy's (the people we lived with) they were awesome....and so loving. It was amazing getting to know them. I've been blessed by getting to know so many amazing people on my mission. I love it!
Sister Stafford and I just fell back into where we were at the MTC...but it's been better because we've both grown so much! It's pretty cool to see. The area we're in now just needs a little boost and I'm working on reorganizing some paper work and such...so I can find things and my way around. haha I ask the Hurricane sisters how the area is all the time too...what a great place for me to start my mission off. I hope all is well for everyone! I love you all.
As Always, Sister Page
We did have a baptism (I don't like when I don't even know the person...but it was okay) and it was the funniest story...we didn't have a car (we share...that's something I miss about up north) and we didn't have a ride to get to the baptism...so what did we do? WE RODE BIKES! First time on my mission...it was fun, at first! Then it was a looooong ride. And we had to hurry. I was so far behind Sister Stafford and she kept having to wait for me. We got there and my head was spinning from riding so hard...my hair was matted to my face...and I was beat red. I was not presentable...but it all worked out. We took our time coming back and it was down hill so that made it better. Riding a bike in a skirt...not too easy. Needless to say...we took pictures. hahaha We were late to the baptism but they had waited and were waiting on more family too. I laugh now but then I was in pain! hahahahahaha
I do miss Lehi...but in funny ways. I still talk about Marcos and other people we were teaching all the time...they were such good examples of how the gospel can help people! I miss the Maloy's (the people we lived with) they were awesome....and so loving. It was amazing getting to know them. I've been blessed by getting to know so many amazing people on my mission. I love it!
Sister Stafford and I just fell back into where we were at the MTC...but it's been better because we've both grown so much! It's pretty cool to see. The area we're in now just needs a little boost and I'm working on reorganizing some paper work and such...so I can find things and my way around. haha I ask the Hurricane sisters how the area is all the time too...what a great place for me to start my mission off. I hope all is well for everyone! I love you all.
As Always, Sister Page
Monday, October 26, 2009
How to Leave an Area
Transfer calls:
Elder Lanier (Assistant to the President): "Sister Page do you have your planner out?"
*I'm thinking daaaang...I'm getting transfered...
Sister Page: "Yes I'm ready"
E. Lanier: "Sister Page you'll being going back down to St. George...serving the Sunset area.."
*Last I remember Sister Stafford was there...*
Sister Page: "Who's my companion??"
*Please Sister Stafford..
E. Lanier: "Sister Stafford.."
*My arm raises in a fist formation and I bring down across my face...
S. Page: "YES!"
Glad to be getting an awesome new companion...and I actually served with her in the MTC!!! So we already know each other well...kind of like me and Sister Harwood. And reflections of Christ is coming to the VC so I'll get to give people tours of that...I was just saying how we needed soemthing new in the VC...yay a jump start! On the other hand I'm sad to leave...it's always hard leaving an area...it's like leaving home again..and it's almost like starting a new mission...it's all good. :) I have to be at the chapel to leave at 6:50 am!! That's in Provo which is a good 20-30 mins away!
And Sister Felten's follow up trainer and to whom I'm sending my only child to is Sister Sommerfeldt. I went on exchanges with her in American Fork and now she's coming back up from St. George and coming to MY area. Sis. Felten will tell her what is what..and how we roll here in Traverse! haha I think Sis. Felten's a little nervous about it...but she'll do great! I told her she has to write me AND send me pictures of the baptisms! We've been telling people that transfers was coming up...and Marcos said "you mean you might not be here for The Big Dip?" hahahahha I cracked up. I loved it. The whole time we were telling people that someone might leave I never felt FOR SURE if I was going or not...so it was really a surprise. But guess who lives in my area?? One of the sisters who served in Matthews! I'm drawing a blank on her last name right now but I know it's Amber...anyways if someone could get on Facebook (I know we were friends with her on there) and tell her I'm coming...that would be sweet...maybe CHRISTMAS AT HER HOUSE! haha
Anyways this week was pretty stressful...everyone is getting sick! UGH! So they cancel appointments. We planned for 36 lessons and only had 13. Some weeks are like that..but onward and upward is what I say! We had a baptism on Saturday...and I think that also was stressing us...it was for Hayden Shaw (Whom I've talked about before!) and after 3 sets of Sisters and a little family drama...GOT BAPTIZED! I was so happy it was the week before I left...and was able to be there...what a priviledge when I know there were so many sisters that wanted to be a part of it. Definitely getting pictures to those who want them. I'm leaving so many people in a good place...PROGRESSING! and that is how to leave an area...with more work to do. We even got 2 solid referrals yesterday that the sisters can start teaching after I leave. YAY the area is booming! I hope to see these people again...I love to help people with the gospel and knowing how they can change. It's awesome!
Love, Sister Page
Elder Lanier (Assistant to the President): "Sister Page do you have your planner out?"
*I'm thinking daaaang...I'm getting transfered...
Sister Page: "Yes I'm ready"
E. Lanier: "Sister Page you'll being going back down to St. George...serving the Sunset area.."
*Last I remember Sister Stafford was there...*
Sister Page: "Who's my companion??"
*Please Sister Stafford..
E. Lanier: "Sister Stafford.."
*My arm raises in a fist formation and I bring down across my face...
S. Page: "YES!"
Glad to be getting an awesome new companion...and I actually served with her in the MTC!!! So we already know each other well...kind of like me and Sister Harwood. And reflections of Christ is coming to the VC so I'll get to give people tours of that...I was just saying how we needed soemthing new in the VC...yay a jump start! On the other hand I'm sad to leave...it's always hard leaving an area...it's like leaving home again..and it's almost like starting a new mission...it's all good. :) I have to be at the chapel to leave at 6:50 am!! That's in Provo which is a good 20-30 mins away!
And Sister Felten's follow up trainer and to whom I'm sending my only child to is Sister Sommerfeldt. I went on exchanges with her in American Fork and now she's coming back up from St. George and coming to MY area. Sis. Felten will tell her what is what..and how we roll here in Traverse! haha I think Sis. Felten's a little nervous about it...but she'll do great! I told her she has to write me AND send me pictures of the baptisms! We've been telling people that transfers was coming up...and Marcos said "you mean you might not be here for The Big Dip?" hahahahha I cracked up. I loved it. The whole time we were telling people that someone might leave I never felt FOR SURE if I was going or not...so it was really a surprise. But guess who lives in my area?? One of the sisters who served in Matthews! I'm drawing a blank on her last name right now but I know it's Amber...anyways if someone could get on Facebook (I know we were friends with her on there) and tell her I'm coming...that would be sweet...maybe CHRISTMAS AT HER HOUSE! haha
Anyways this week was pretty stressful...everyone is getting sick! UGH! So they cancel appointments. We planned for 36 lessons and only had 13. Some weeks are like that..but onward and upward is what I say! We had a baptism on Saturday...and I think that also was stressing us...it was for Hayden Shaw (Whom I've talked about before!) and after 3 sets of Sisters and a little family drama...GOT BAPTIZED! I was so happy it was the week before I left...and was able to be there...what a priviledge when I know there were so many sisters that wanted to be a part of it. Definitely getting pictures to those who want them. I'm leaving so many people in a good place...PROGRESSING! and that is how to leave an area...with more work to do. We even got 2 solid referrals yesterday that the sisters can start teaching after I leave. YAY the area is booming! I hope to see these people again...I love to help people with the gospel and knowing how they can change. It's awesome!
Love, Sister Page
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Day in the Life
A day in the life of Sister Page and Sister Felten.
5:50am-wake up early to go play basketball with my district...let me tell you I'm getting pretty dang good...I think I need a little coaching because I understand how to play but not the logisitcs of how to control the ball and such...I have so many things that I want to develop when I get back and not enough time to do it. I want to: act, play the piano, get better at basketball, and write a book! Okay tangent over.
7-10am-get ready and study. We've been really good about using study time to plan our lessons and use scriptures, stories, questions that would apply to them.
10-12 we try and look for service...or do service! We may also just knock doors...it's hard because who knows if people are sleeping and no one likes to be woken up...so if they come to the door all tired they don't really want to talk to us. ANYWAYS we work.
12-1pm lunch!! Usually a smoothie, sandwich, or chicken nuggets. Lately I've been addicted to mandarin oranges! yuuummm. Sis. Felten will have a salad WITH croutons! And we usually read mail and tell each other funny things from the letters we get...so send me something funny to talk about. ;)
1-2pm is our slow time but we get to know neighborhoods and walk around to talk to people.
3pm is usally when our lessons start. Usually an 8 year old that has parents who are coming back to church..they don't count as a new investigator but they do count as someone coming closer to Christ. :)
4pm- school is out YAY! Then our day picks up. Lesson with kids who just get out of school usually. We teach a lot of kids 10-12...so it's fun! But I think I told you that. haha
5pm-Dinner...with a member. We cover 3 stakes so each ward only gets us 2 nights every 3 months! Sad...I'm glad the sisters were over 2 times every WEEK! haha Fun stuff.
6-9pm the busiest time! We do most of our teaching and it makes for a good end of the day to keep us on a spiritual high!
9-10pm planning! Then we relax and get ready for bed.
DAY IN THE LIFE...don't you love it. :)
We gave 2 talks yesterday...one was about member missionary work..yes..again...but talks are always different no matter how many times you give the same subject. :) I was testifying about the Atonement and I just realized HOW much I appreciate that sacrifice! I realize it's NOT just about being sorry for something we've done...but it's about changing. The Atonement allows for change...and I have truly seen that change in myself. I'm not the same person I was back in January. I hope that change is ever lasting...and it can be if I allow the Atonement to do that for me. This week is my nine month mark...and I can't believe I'm almost half way done with my mission. It doesn't seem that long...but on the other hand it seems like a really long time. It's been a great opportunity for me to grow and learn and HELP others. It's true that as you take the time to serve others (like Pres. Monson said) that we really find ourselves. I have found myself...and my initial quest to be a more charitable person is starting to take effect. I love to serve...and I love to work. I am so greatful for the power of the Atonement that can CHANGE our lives in any aspect that we allow it. All we have to do is ASK and then BECOME! It's a common theme in the gospel...it's not so much about doing...but becoming. I love that. I love this gospel! It's such great news.
Love, Sister Page
ps. Marcos is getting baptized on Nov. 28th!!! and last night he said he knew the Book of Mormon is true! :) WOOT! I LOVE IT!
5:50am-wake up early to go play basketball with my district...let me tell you I'm getting pretty dang good...I think I need a little coaching because I understand how to play but not the logisitcs of how to control the ball and such...I have so many things that I want to develop when I get back and not enough time to do it. I want to: act, play the piano, get better at basketball, and write a book! Okay tangent over.
7-10am-get ready and study. We've been really good about using study time to plan our lessons and use scriptures, stories, questions that would apply to them.
10-12 we try and look for service...or do service! We may also just knock doors...it's hard because who knows if people are sleeping and no one likes to be woken up...so if they come to the door all tired they don't really want to talk to us. ANYWAYS we work.
12-1pm lunch!! Usually a smoothie, sandwich, or chicken nuggets. Lately I've been addicted to mandarin oranges! yuuummm. Sis. Felten will have a salad WITH croutons! And we usually read mail and tell each other funny things from the letters we get...so send me something funny to talk about. ;)
1-2pm is our slow time but we get to know neighborhoods and walk around to talk to people.
3pm is usally when our lessons start. Usually an 8 year old that has parents who are coming back to church..they don't count as a new investigator but they do count as someone coming closer to Christ. :)
4pm- school is out YAY! Then our day picks up. Lesson with kids who just get out of school usually. We teach a lot of kids 10-12...so it's fun! But I think I told you that. haha
5pm-Dinner...with a member. We cover 3 stakes so each ward only gets us 2 nights every 3 months! Sad...I'm glad the sisters were over 2 times every WEEK! haha Fun stuff.
6-9pm the busiest time! We do most of our teaching and it makes for a good end of the day to keep us on a spiritual high!
9-10pm planning! Then we relax and get ready for bed.
DAY IN THE LIFE...don't you love it. :)
We gave 2 talks yesterday...one was about member missionary work..yes..again...but talks are always different no matter how many times you give the same subject. :) I was testifying about the Atonement and I just realized HOW much I appreciate that sacrifice! I realize it's NOT just about being sorry for something we've done...but it's about changing. The Atonement allows for change...and I have truly seen that change in myself. I'm not the same person I was back in January. I hope that change is ever lasting...and it can be if I allow the Atonement to do that for me. This week is my nine month mark...and I can't believe I'm almost half way done with my mission. It doesn't seem that long...but on the other hand it seems like a really long time. It's been a great opportunity for me to grow and learn and HELP others. It's true that as you take the time to serve others (like Pres. Monson said) that we really find ourselves. I have found myself...and my initial quest to be a more charitable person is starting to take effect. I love to serve...and I love to work. I am so greatful for the power of the Atonement that can CHANGE our lives in any aspect that we allow it. All we have to do is ASK and then BECOME! It's a common theme in the gospel...it's not so much about doing...but becoming. I love that. I love this gospel! It's such great news.
Love, Sister Page
ps. Marcos is getting baptized on Nov. 28th!!! and last night he said he knew the Book of Mormon is true! :) WOOT! I LOVE IT!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Progressing
This week was really good...our teaching pool is progressively going up and I'm super excited about the work we're getting done. We've been going through our old potential investigator sheets and writing them according to ward and really getting a lot of things compiled. It's cool to be in one ward and something will fall through...we just turn to our book and look for other people to talk to. I had something like that in Hurricane and I've missed it.
We had weekly planning on Friday and planned for 27 lessons with a member present...umm crazy! We averaged about 14-15...this week we had 17 and planned for 21...so it's going up...I think we could make it happen. We're planning on splits this week...and when that happends it means you're busy. :)
We got a couple new investigators.....one is Tyler...and he's 12. He wants to be baptized and do what's right so bad. He just needs some direction. His mom grew up a member but her mom changed to Baptist when she was 14 and she just joined with her....but now she has a desire to come back. YIPPEE. Tyler had been talked to before about taking lessons but his parents were reluctant. We went by and talked to just him and he said he'd talk to his parents. We followed up in two weeks and talked to his mom and she said "yeah he said he's ready so when can we set up a time??" Dude...going back to people's houses is effective...really follow up so people will know you really mean what you say...it's been a cool experience.
On the flip side we've had a couple doors slammed in our face this week...that doesn't happen much but it has like 3 times in the past week or so. At least we know they're not interested and that it's not them giving us the run around. I can't imagine being in a different mission where people don't know who you are but see the tag and are plain rude.
Marcos update:
He's progressing fast. He went to church again...this time with his whole family. They talked about the Spirit World in the gospel principles class...and discussed work for the dead. *BING* a light went on in his head...he LOVED that we remember our ancestors. He said "they're gone but not forgotten...and they all get a chance" He's ready and now we're all praying about a day he could be baptized. He keeps talking about Henry Eyring and how he wants to do God's work like him...it's cool to hear your investigator talk about an Apostle like that. It's been a cool experience and I'm happy to be a part of it.
The weeks have gone by so fast...I can hardly believe it. Next week is the last week of the transfer.
I just want to tell all of you...that I know that this church is true. No doubts. I feel like Satan is forever attacking the work but I'm not letting him in. I'm so greatful for the power of the Spirit and that when there is light there is no darkness. I know that the power of the Atonement covers all of my flaws and more...Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice was the greatest act of Love and I want to show others of that love they can feel. The peace and joy we can be filled with is so overwhelming and satisfying..and it's because of the knowledge we have. I know that the Book of Mormon holds that peace and joy of the Spirit and THAT is how we can feel it. I love the gospel. I will forever be a missionary.
I love you, Sister Page
We had weekly planning on Friday and planned for 27 lessons with a member present...umm crazy! We averaged about 14-15...this week we had 17 and planned for 21...so it's going up...I think we could make it happen. We're planning on splits this week...and when that happends it means you're busy. :)
We got a couple new investigators.....one is Tyler...and he's 12. He wants to be baptized and do what's right so bad. He just needs some direction. His mom grew up a member but her mom changed to Baptist when she was 14 and she just joined with her....but now she has a desire to come back. YIPPEE. Tyler had been talked to before about taking lessons but his parents were reluctant. We went by and talked to just him and he said he'd talk to his parents. We followed up in two weeks and talked to his mom and she said "yeah he said he's ready so when can we set up a time??" Dude...going back to people's houses is effective...really follow up so people will know you really mean what you say...it's been a cool experience.
On the flip side we've had a couple doors slammed in our face this week...that doesn't happen much but it has like 3 times in the past week or so. At least we know they're not interested and that it's not them giving us the run around. I can't imagine being in a different mission where people don't know who you are but see the tag and are plain rude.
Marcos update:
He's progressing fast. He went to church again...this time with his whole family. They talked about the Spirit World in the gospel principles class...and discussed work for the dead. *BING* a light went on in his head...he LOVED that we remember our ancestors. He said "they're gone but not forgotten...and they all get a chance" He's ready and now we're all praying about a day he could be baptized. He keeps talking about Henry Eyring and how he wants to do God's work like him...it's cool to hear your investigator talk about an Apostle like that. It's been a cool experience and I'm happy to be a part of it.
The weeks have gone by so fast...I can hardly believe it. Next week is the last week of the transfer.
I just want to tell all of you...that I know that this church is true. No doubts. I feel like Satan is forever attacking the work but I'm not letting him in. I'm so greatful for the power of the Spirit and that when there is light there is no darkness. I know that the power of the Atonement covers all of my flaws and more...Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice was the greatest act of Love and I want to show others of that love they can feel. The peace and joy we can be filled with is so overwhelming and satisfying..and it's because of the knowledge we have. I know that the Book of Mormon holds that peace and joy of the Spirit and THAT is how we can feel it. I love the gospel. I will forever be a missionary.
I love you, Sister Page
Monday, October 05, 2009
Partial Week Update and AMAZING Investigators
The week has flown by. I don't even remember what happened...let me look back in my planner:
Monday: We teach a lot of children 9-12 years old...and we are racking our brain with a way to teach AND entertain..well we thought of a good review game...JEOPARDY! Dude...they love it. We played Restoration Jeopardy and all of the kids are excited to test their knowledge. They don't even ask if there's a prize. We are doing it for the next 2 lessons as well. So we started that on Monday....and we started making Plan of Salvation this morning.
Tuesday: ZONE CONFERENCE! Yes...my favorite time of the transfer (one of them...there's so many favorites) We talked about D&C 93:36 about light and truth and intelligence. It was deep...but soooo good. Here's how I broke it down: "The glory of God is intelligence or in other words light and truth." This is what my talk was going to be about if I had to get up: In Abr. 3:22 it talks about us being intelligences...that's what our spirits are made of. And if the glory of God as stated in Moses 1:39 is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man....than we are God's glory. We glorify Him. Light and truth are more names for the Savior. The only way for us to glofiy God is through the light and truth of Jesus Christ. So in other words Christ is the glory of God because with out Him we (intelligence) can't do it on our own. We went into more detail about it...but I don't have my notes...it was good. What President Pitts said was that through light and truth we bring knowledge to our investigators and in that sense Glorify God.
Wednesday: We had some good lessons. One was with Jared and we committed him to stop smoking FOREVER....and asked him to fast the next day for strength. It was a powerful lesson...we felt the spirit very strong.
Thursday: While the kids are in school and parents are at work...we have to find people to talk to. We had a couple of pretty funny things happen as we did this...we went to contact someone...who we thought was an older lady and we knock on the door and a younger man comes to the door instead....in a yellow tanktop, and BOOTY SHORTS! How cow it was weird to see a man in those. He asked us to come back later...so we left...but we couldn't stop laughing. Then we went to some apartments to just meet people and the first door we knocked was a member and we just chatted for a bit and left. Sister Felten and I walk away and she tells me...."umm her husband was in the back room with the door open...BUTT NAKED!" we just busted up laughing. I don't know why the door was wide open to his room but she said he was just standing there....I'm so happy I didn't see anything. hahahah We still randomly laugh about that. Then we went to another door we've been to before but never caught at home. Sis. Felten rang the doorbell and after wards the bell looked like it was going to fall off...so she tried to fix it...instead it fell to the floor and crashed into pieces!!!! Then the lady was walking towards the door...and Sis. Felten scooted the pieces over to the side of the patio. And we just talked to her and everything...and then again laughed after we left. So it was an interesting day.... I'll skip to investigators because some were on more than one day...so here's the...Investigator Update!!!!
We had Marcos (MS...if anyone wants to know if when your muscle atrophy and your body hurts really bad...if anyone knows more info I could use the help)...but Marcos basically wants to be baptized...and he watched the Priesthood session and other parts of general conference...he said "I want that power to do God's work..." talking about Pres. Eyring's remarks in the priesthood session....he's so awesome. I'm excited to get to a point where he knows enough to that we can have him accept a baptism date. :)
We also had Jeff. He's newer...but on the third time meeting with him...he said "after I take all of these lessons...can I get baptized?" Ummm YES! So we just smiled a lot and said yes...and then answered questions and yeah..he's progressing so well. His fiance wants to be baptized too. Can I tell you that we were leaping for joy after that lesson. General Conference was AmAzAzInG....and I couldn't get enough. I'm so thankful for a Prophet and Apostles who really know what I need to hear. So many great talks...and I can't wait to read them next month in the ensign. Anyone want to share what their favorite was?
I love the mission. Hard times no doubt but I love how it helps me grow.
Love, Sister Page
Monday: We teach a lot of children 9-12 years old...and we are racking our brain with a way to teach AND entertain..well we thought of a good review game...JEOPARDY! Dude...they love it. We played Restoration Jeopardy and all of the kids are excited to test their knowledge. They don't even ask if there's a prize. We are doing it for the next 2 lessons as well. So we started that on Monday....and we started making Plan of Salvation this morning.
Tuesday: ZONE CONFERENCE! Yes...my favorite time of the transfer (one of them...there's so many favorites) We talked about D&C 93:36 about light and truth and intelligence. It was deep...but soooo good. Here's how I broke it down: "The glory of God is intelligence or in other words light and truth." This is what my talk was going to be about if I had to get up: In Abr. 3:22 it talks about us being intelligences...that's what our spirits are made of. And if the glory of God as stated in Moses 1:39 is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man....than we are God's glory. We glorify Him. Light and truth are more names for the Savior. The only way for us to glofiy God is through the light and truth of Jesus Christ. So in other words Christ is the glory of God because with out Him we (intelligence) can't do it on our own. We went into more detail about it...but I don't have my notes...it was good. What President Pitts said was that through light and truth we bring knowledge to our investigators and in that sense Glorify God.
Wednesday: We had some good lessons. One was with Jared and we committed him to stop smoking FOREVER....and asked him to fast the next day for strength. It was a powerful lesson...we felt the spirit very strong.
Thursday: While the kids are in school and parents are at work...we have to find people to talk to. We had a couple of pretty funny things happen as we did this...we went to contact someone...who we thought was an older lady and we knock on the door and a younger man comes to the door instead....in a yellow tanktop, and BOOTY SHORTS! How cow it was weird to see a man in those. He asked us to come back later...so we left...but we couldn't stop laughing. Then we went to some apartments to just meet people and the first door we knocked was a member and we just chatted for a bit and left. Sister Felten and I walk away and she tells me...."umm her husband was in the back room with the door open...BUTT NAKED!" we just busted up laughing. I don't know why the door was wide open to his room but she said he was just standing there....I'm so happy I didn't see anything. hahahah We still randomly laugh about that. Then we went to another door we've been to before but never caught at home. Sis. Felten rang the doorbell and after wards the bell looked like it was going to fall off...so she tried to fix it...instead it fell to the floor and crashed into pieces!!!! Then the lady was walking towards the door...and Sis. Felten scooted the pieces over to the side of the patio. And we just talked to her and everything...and then again laughed after we left. So it was an interesting day.... I'll skip to investigators because some were on more than one day...so here's the...Investigator Update!!!!
We had Marcos (MS...if anyone wants to know if when your muscle atrophy and your body hurts really bad...if anyone knows more info I could use the help)...but Marcos basically wants to be baptized...and he watched the Priesthood session and other parts of general conference...he said "I want that power to do God's work..." talking about Pres. Eyring's remarks in the priesthood session....he's so awesome. I'm excited to get to a point where he knows enough to that we can have him accept a baptism date. :)
We also had Jeff. He's newer...but on the third time meeting with him...he said "after I take all of these lessons...can I get baptized?" Ummm YES! So we just smiled a lot and said yes...and then answered questions and yeah..he's progressing so well. His fiance wants to be baptized too. Can I tell you that we were leaping for joy after that lesson. General Conference was AmAzAzInG....and I couldn't get enough. I'm so thankful for a Prophet and Apostles who really know what I need to hear. So many great talks...and I can't wait to read them next month in the ensign. Anyone want to share what their favorite was?
I love the mission. Hard times no doubt but I love how it helps me grow.
Love, Sister Page
Monday, September 28, 2009
Faith + Hard Work= Miracles!
"Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven" (Praise to the Man)
This phrase rings true of my area!!! We are seeing many blessings as we work hard...and we are working hard. Something that's great about Sis. Felten is that she wants us to be better at things...to keep progressing. We are using the Spirit more in every aspect of missionary work and it's been so effective. Sometimes when we go tracting it doesn't feel like success is coming but then we get some solid referrals from others who ARE ready to hear the message to the gospel. It's like for every door we knock something good comes out of it whether we see it as we walk around or later in the week. Here are some of the blessings or miracles we've seen:
Marcos: a new investigator from BOSTON!!! He's lived here for a couple years and I think the missionaries tried to contact him before but he wasn't prepared for it yet. He gave them the run around...but he's so prepared now. He has M.S. and it's caused him to ask a lot of life's tough questions...and he's worried about life after death. His wife is a member who hasn't been active since baptism! So we're teaching both of them. They have so many questions and we're willing to answer them but it's all about line upon line...they won't understand certain things if they don't understand something before...so it's important to go slowly. :) The first time we met with him he told us not to give him our number or he'd cancel the appointment...but when we got there on Friday at 6pm we came into the house and he said "I've been looking forward to this all day!" WOAH....dude...he's so prepared. Then we talked about knowing God loves him and how he can recognize that...the lesson was so powerful. The Spirit was so present...and I know he could feel it. He's a talker so sometimes he goes on about stuff (we don't care) but during one of those times he said "I'm looking for salvation...I need to be baptized..." and then kept talking. We're like WOOT...I think he'll get baptized next transfer...he just needs to understand everything first. We're stoked about him. THEN we went to his ward yesterday and he came to church...he sat with the ward mission leader and then met the bishop afterwards and then went to the rest of the 3 meetings!!! He loved it all...and felt very welcomed and loved. It's amazing. Then we had another lesson last night and talked about prophets...and next time we'll talk about Joseph Smith. He asked is Joseph Smith died of old age...we told him no...and he said "if there's a man preaching about how you get get back to heaven and how you can be with your family...why would they kill him...that don't make sense to me." I wanted to say 'it doesn't make sense to me either' but I didn't...I'm truly greatful for Jospeh Smith!! :)
Hayden (10): He's been taught by missionaries since April...and he's finally getting to church more...and yesterday his dad asked if could be baptized in October...umm YESS!!! We were stoked.
We were going to the church parking lot (we had to use the bathroom) and ran into a bishop in one of our wards...he gave us a solid referral for 2 kids!!!!
Levi (9): he's so excited for us to come over and thrists for knowledge. It's awesome. He wants to be baptized so he can get a gun...we're changing that...ahhaha
Karim and Troy: Karim is from Peru and has been taught before I got here but her husband (who is from Utah) wasn't interested....well he is now. Last night we had our 3 meeting with both of them and he said he'd read and pray about the book of mormon!! He already started reading chapter 1 of it...and the intro. He's excited to keep learning. :) It's been a good refresher for Karim too. :)
There are many more....but I'm just so excited. The work is moving forward...and I know it's because we have shown Heavenly Father that He can trust us with His children. :)
I love this work. I love all of you! Keep being amazing. Missionary work is so important....BUY A PREACH MY GOSPEL and READ IT...such an inspired book. Love, Sister Page
This phrase rings true of my area!!! We are seeing many blessings as we work hard...and we are working hard. Something that's great about Sis. Felten is that she wants us to be better at things...to keep progressing. We are using the Spirit more in every aspect of missionary work and it's been so effective. Sometimes when we go tracting it doesn't feel like success is coming but then we get some solid referrals from others who ARE ready to hear the message to the gospel. It's like for every door we knock something good comes out of it whether we see it as we walk around or later in the week. Here are some of the blessings or miracles we've seen:
Marcos: a new investigator from BOSTON!!! He's lived here for a couple years and I think the missionaries tried to contact him before but he wasn't prepared for it yet. He gave them the run around...but he's so prepared now. He has M.S. and it's caused him to ask a lot of life's tough questions...and he's worried about life after death. His wife is a member who hasn't been active since baptism! So we're teaching both of them. They have so many questions and we're willing to answer them but it's all about line upon line...they won't understand certain things if they don't understand something before...so it's important to go slowly. :) The first time we met with him he told us not to give him our number or he'd cancel the appointment...but when we got there on Friday at 6pm we came into the house and he said "I've been looking forward to this all day!" WOAH....dude...he's so prepared. Then we talked about knowing God loves him and how he can recognize that...the lesson was so powerful. The Spirit was so present...and I know he could feel it. He's a talker so sometimes he goes on about stuff (we don't care) but during one of those times he said "I'm looking for salvation...I need to be baptized..." and then kept talking. We're like WOOT...I think he'll get baptized next transfer...he just needs to understand everything first. We're stoked about him. THEN we went to his ward yesterday and he came to church...he sat with the ward mission leader and then met the bishop afterwards and then went to the rest of the 3 meetings!!! He loved it all...and felt very welcomed and loved. It's amazing. Then we had another lesson last night and talked about prophets...and next time we'll talk about Joseph Smith. He asked is Joseph Smith died of old age...we told him no...and he said "if there's a man preaching about how you get get back to heaven and how you can be with your family...why would they kill him...that don't make sense to me." I wanted to say 'it doesn't make sense to me either' but I didn't...I'm truly greatful for Jospeh Smith!! :)
Hayden (10): He's been taught by missionaries since April...and he's finally getting to church more...and yesterday his dad asked if could be baptized in October...umm YESS!!! We were stoked.
We were going to the church parking lot (we had to use the bathroom) and ran into a bishop in one of our wards...he gave us a solid referral for 2 kids!!!!
Levi (9): he's so excited for us to come over and thrists for knowledge. It's awesome. He wants to be baptized so he can get a gun...we're changing that...ahhaha
Karim and Troy: Karim is from Peru and has been taught before I got here but her husband (who is from Utah) wasn't interested....well he is now. Last night we had our 3 meeting with both of them and he said he'd read and pray about the book of mormon!! He already started reading chapter 1 of it...and the intro. He's excited to keep learning. :) It's been a good refresher for Karim too. :)
There are many more....but I'm just so excited. The work is moving forward...and I know it's because we have shown Heavenly Father that He can trust us with His children. :)
I love this work. I love all of you! Keep being amazing. Missionary work is so important....BUY A PREACH MY GOSPEL and READ IT...such an inspired book. Love, Sister Page
Monday, September 21, 2009
I'm a MOM!
I said goodbye to Sister Harwood...it wasn't too hard because I know I'll see her again relatively soon. But the night before we went to pick up my greenie I got a blessing to guide me. I didn't realize how much I needed it until I was actually getting it.
So being a mom is hard work...and not because my kid is hard...it's just teaching them and giving the correct information but what's even harder is figuring out when they're ready for the next step...like talking in lessons and at doors and such. Because if they're ready and you don't realize it they think that you think they don't know what they're doing..when you really do know that they know what they're doing but weren't sure that they thought they were ready. hmmm if that made sense.
My child's name is Sister Felten. She super awesome...and really ready and willing to work and work hard. She wants no regrets on her mission and I like that attitude. We have been working on doing 20 min. lessons like Pres. Pitts has asked us and also walking around more in neighborhoods because people don't even know they have missionaries sometimes. So it's been good and we found two new people to teach...which we desperately need more people to teach right now. We had a zone fast for us to meet our goals this transfer so we're really putting our faith in Heavenly Father. We are planning on 4 baptisms this transfer...and we had one on Saturday. It was planned for last transfer but it got moved back. But it was a good experience for Sis. Felten to see the process of a baptism.
We've also had some pretty interesting dinners this last week...but I am thankful for anything people feed us...so I won't go into that. haha Things are so different in my area because we baptized a lot of people we were really close too and now the ward is taking over so we don't get to see them as much...so it's kind of weird. But we'll make new relationships with people and have cool stories to tell about them. haha I love my mission...and my new companion. I'm thankful Heavenly Father sent me someone who wants to work hard and is so capable...she knows the doctrine and knows how to study well so she can apply it in our lessons. :)
Love, Sister Page
So being a mom is hard work...and not because my kid is hard...it's just teaching them and giving the correct information but what's even harder is figuring out when they're ready for the next step...like talking in lessons and at doors and such. Because if they're ready and you don't realize it they think that you think they don't know what they're doing..when you really do know that they know what they're doing but weren't sure that they thought they were ready. hmmm if that made sense.
My child's name is Sister Felten. She super awesome...and really ready and willing to work and work hard. She wants no regrets on her mission and I like that attitude. We have been working on doing 20 min. lessons like Pres. Pitts has asked us and also walking around more in neighborhoods because people don't even know they have missionaries sometimes. So it's been good and we found two new people to teach...which we desperately need more people to teach right now. We had a zone fast for us to meet our goals this transfer so we're really putting our faith in Heavenly Father. We are planning on 4 baptisms this transfer...and we had one on Saturday. It was planned for last transfer but it got moved back. But it was a good experience for Sis. Felten to see the process of a baptism.
We've also had some pretty interesting dinners this last week...but I am thankful for anything people feed us...so I won't go into that. haha Things are so different in my area because we baptized a lot of people we were really close too and now the ward is taking over so we don't get to see them as much...so it's kind of weird. But we'll make new relationships with people and have cool stories to tell about them. haha I love my mission...and my new companion. I'm thankful Heavenly Father sent me someone who wants to work hard and is so capable...she knows the doctrine and knows how to study well so she can apply it in our lessons. :)
Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
A Missionary Labor Day
How ironic is it that it is Labor Day on a Monday when missionaries have their Pday anyways! haha We still went to work that night though...even though no one was home or really in any condition to have missionaries at their door because they were enjoying a night with the family...but we did talk to some leadership which is always good.
So for our labor day we went to play Lazer Tag as a district. Our friends Chris Peterson and Josh VanSteeter came too (they live in our area...and are preparing for missions). It was much fun. The first game we were on teams and my team dominated (probably because the Elder on our team told us what to do haha.) and then we went to a "every man for himself" game...which I came in LAST! Go figure. That was all good fun, it was much needed after a rather stressful week. (More to come on that later) We went to Walmart and printed pictures and picked up a few groceries, next week is transfers so we don't want to get too much to eat and then have to leave it. We went home and I think I wrote 7-8 letters...mail this week was good and I'm really thankful for that. Then worked on journal pages, which are just little notes to missionaries you know are leaving so they have something to remember you by and also your information to keep in touch. I then got my hair trimmed. The lady said the ends weren't split they looked really good so I think I'll get it trimmed again when I have 6 months left. :)
So this week was awesome but yes stressful. We had planned for a baptism for a boy (10) named Hayden...but it didn't happen AGAIN. BUT Heavenly Father blessed us and had another boy named Jimmy (also 10) get baptized instead. His mom and dad are divorced so he has to go to his dad's on certain weekends but he didn't know when...well his mom found out it was the next two weeks he'd be there so she asked him and he said "I'll get baptized this weekend." It was pretty awesome. Actually him and his 8 year old brother got baptized! So that was the miracle of the week.
On Sunday we stopped by Hayden's to see what was going on and to tell him we'd go to church with him and his dad. They said they'd be there well the whole Sarcrament meeting went by and they didn't show. We went over later that night and they said they didn't have any clothes to go in. (they just moved into this new ward so they're in the process of unpacking still) THEN we come to find out that Brother Shaw (Hayden's dad) got a tatoo the night before. We were just so disappointed. He's been working so hard to get back to church and everything so he can baptize Hayden AND he had gotten the "okay" to do it...but we just don't know what to do. THEN we see our recent converts heading outside (we were on the way to their house) and asked where they were going "to do something bad" they were about to go to get fast food on Sunday. All of these people KNOW BETTER. We told them to go back inside and Sister Harwood made them something to eat. It's just been a hard week all around. That's the life of a missionary...and I'm learning to trust in the Lord more. He know's what He's doing AND I kind of know how He feels because we can't force anyone to do anything...but we want them to make the right choices. Agency is amazing but sometimes I wish we'd use the gift a little better. I was reading in Alma 58 today...in verses 3-10 and how PATIENT the Strippling Warriors were in waiting for supplies..they didn't know why it took so long to get them but they thanked Heavenly Father when they did. I will apply that in my life. I love this work. I'm so incredibly happy to be here and serve the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and love.
Love, Sister Page
So for our labor day we went to play Lazer Tag as a district. Our friends Chris Peterson and Josh VanSteeter came too (they live in our area...and are preparing for missions). It was much fun. The first game we were on teams and my team dominated (probably because the Elder on our team told us what to do haha.) and then we went to a "every man for himself" game...which I came in LAST! Go figure. That was all good fun, it was much needed after a rather stressful week. (More to come on that later) We went to Walmart and printed pictures and picked up a few groceries, next week is transfers so we don't want to get too much to eat and then have to leave it. We went home and I think I wrote 7-8 letters...mail this week was good and I'm really thankful for that. Then worked on journal pages, which are just little notes to missionaries you know are leaving so they have something to remember you by and also your information to keep in touch. I then got my hair trimmed. The lady said the ends weren't split they looked really good so I think I'll get it trimmed again when I have 6 months left. :)
So this week was awesome but yes stressful. We had planned for a baptism for a boy (10) named Hayden...but it didn't happen AGAIN. BUT Heavenly Father blessed us and had another boy named Jimmy (also 10) get baptized instead. His mom and dad are divorced so he has to go to his dad's on certain weekends but he didn't know when...well his mom found out it was the next two weeks he'd be there so she asked him and he said "I'll get baptized this weekend." It was pretty awesome. Actually him and his 8 year old brother got baptized! So that was the miracle of the week.
On Sunday we stopped by Hayden's to see what was going on and to tell him we'd go to church with him and his dad. They said they'd be there well the whole Sarcrament meeting went by and they didn't show. We went over later that night and they said they didn't have any clothes to go in. (they just moved into this new ward so they're in the process of unpacking still) THEN we come to find out that Brother Shaw (Hayden's dad) got a tatoo the night before. We were just so disappointed. He's been working so hard to get back to church and everything so he can baptize Hayden AND he had gotten the "okay" to do it...but we just don't know what to do. THEN we see our recent converts heading outside (we were on the way to their house) and asked where they were going "to do something bad" they were about to go to get fast food on Sunday. All of these people KNOW BETTER. We told them to go back inside and Sister Harwood made them something to eat. It's just been a hard week all around. That's the life of a missionary...and I'm learning to trust in the Lord more. He know's what He's doing AND I kind of know how He feels because we can't force anyone to do anything...but we want them to make the right choices. Agency is amazing but sometimes I wish we'd use the gift a little better. I was reading in Alma 58 today...in verses 3-10 and how PATIENT the Strippling Warriors were in waiting for supplies..they didn't know why it took so long to get them but they thanked Heavenly Father when they did. I will apply that in my life. I love this work. I'm so incredibly happy to be here and serve the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and love.
Love, Sister Page
Monday, August 31, 2009
Timp Caves Made This Late...
I know this is going to be short so let me just apologize now. :) We went to the Timpanogas Caves today and we really have to hurry so we can shop and be on time to appointments.
We had Michael Wilson's baptism yesterday! It was described as spiritually uplifting yet the most hilarious baptism they've ever been to. It's Michael...that's how things go. He's 13 so and loves attention. So he gets into the water and you hear "oh gosh!" (I guess it was cold) and someone had told him that he needs to bend his knees so that it will be easier to go under the water...so he thought that meant to bend his knees the whole time!!!! HAHAH! So he's squatting in the water and his brother (who's baptizing him) just shakes his head and decides to say the prayer. Michael goes under the water and is fully immersed but then starts to extend his legs and floats over to the other side of the baptism faunt (he's at least 70 pounds heavier than his brother) and when he comes up he hits his head on the faucet! His first words after his baptism was "that was SCARY!" oh man it was funny...but the talks were so amazing. Sis. Harwood talked about the Holy Ghost and it's cool that when you talk about Him, He's even more near. Then Michael was confirmed by Chris, his friend who just became an elder. So that was his first experience with the Melchezedik Priesthood...it was a great confirmation. We're really excited for him. :)
Carlos who is a recent convert got the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday...and is really excited about it. The pictures they took for their wedding and baptism are on the internet now so if you go back a couple emails you can find the address...there's one that he took of me and Sister Harwood that I like...and one of me too...he really did good work on touching it up. I think you can order them too. Anyways search for Karen and Carlos' wedding. :) Give me feedback because I want to know if you went.
The people we live with are pretty amazing. I think I've talked about the Maloy's before. But I had them look up my parents on facebook. (I don't know how often you use it or anything but if you see Cory or Linda Maloy asking to be your friend...ACCEPT!) Anyways they will cook us dinner if someone cancels on us and really care about us. We appreciate it.
Well I love you all! You're amazing.
Love, Sister Page
We had Michael Wilson's baptism yesterday! It was described as spiritually uplifting yet the most hilarious baptism they've ever been to. It's Michael...that's how things go. He's 13 so and loves attention. So he gets into the water and you hear "oh gosh!" (I guess it was cold) and someone had told him that he needs to bend his knees so that it will be easier to go under the water...so he thought that meant to bend his knees the whole time!!!! HAHAH! So he's squatting in the water and his brother (who's baptizing him) just shakes his head and decides to say the prayer. Michael goes under the water and is fully immersed but then starts to extend his legs and floats over to the other side of the baptism faunt (he's at least 70 pounds heavier than his brother) and when he comes up he hits his head on the faucet! His first words after his baptism was "that was SCARY!" oh man it was funny...but the talks were so amazing. Sis. Harwood talked about the Holy Ghost and it's cool that when you talk about Him, He's even more near. Then Michael was confirmed by Chris, his friend who just became an elder. So that was his first experience with the Melchezedik Priesthood...it was a great confirmation. We're really excited for him. :)
Carlos who is a recent convert got the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday...and is really excited about it. The pictures they took for their wedding and baptism are on the internet now so if you go back a couple emails you can find the address...there's one that he took of me and Sister Harwood that I like...and one of me too...he really did good work on touching it up. I think you can order them too. Anyways search for Karen and Carlos' wedding. :) Give me feedback because I want to know if you went.
The people we live with are pretty amazing. I think I've talked about the Maloy's before. But I had them look up my parents on facebook. (I don't know how often you use it or anything but if you see Cory or Linda Maloy asking to be your friend...ACCEPT!) Anyways they will cook us dinner if someone cancels on us and really care about us. We appreciate it.
Well I love you all! You're amazing.
Love, Sister Page
Monday, August 24, 2009
Spiritual Individuality
There are many things I could write about. There is too much..I'll sum up.
I made a new study journal. Yes...I changed it like 5 times but I finally made one. It goes along with Preach My Gospel. Each chapter has it's own tab and I'm going through the whole thing and writing impressions and such as I go. Also, I have a section for questions people ask. (and I realized that am getting more questions to add faster than I can answer them...also having access to LDS.org would be helpful but it's cool to rely solely on the scriptures for answers) And another section for meetings. So it will be SWEET when I get back.
Speaking of meetings. We had zone conference last week. One of the 70 (Elder Nielson) came and talked. Also, we had a Q&A...so that was cool. The thing that hit me the most was how to recognize the spirit. Sometimes I think I just get so used to having the Spirit with me that I don't realize it's there. The 70's wife said "The spirit is like breathing...we don't notice we don't have it until it's gone." Plus we're blessed to know that if we are trying our hardest to keep our baptismal covenants we can have the spirit to be with us...we are promised that every time we take the sacrament...we we should never just think that we don't have it when we're worthy of it. :) It was awesome. I also got to see my good friends...Sister Burningham. We're pretty certain that Sister Harwood will be going back to St. George next transfer so we're planning on Sis. Burningham to come up to Lehi....okay it's just plans but it could happen.
Also, I'll be sad to have Sis. Harwood leave...we went on exchanges this week. So I went to American Fork for 24 hours with Sister Sommerfeldt. It was a good experience but I can see how Sis. Harwood and I have grown into knowing how we do things and things we want to progress in. It's just how things go when you're with one person 24/7 for 2 months straight. We have gotten to a comfortable level with each other and know how each other will respond to things. It's been really good and I love Sis. Harwood...we'll have a lot to do when we get home from the mission. :) But I did have a good experience going on exchanges for the first time in my mission. It's cool to see another area and how others do things so you can get ideas.
So the wind has been crazy here...I feel like my car door is going to rip off everytime I get out of the car...I'm not used to that. It's been interesting..but it gives us something to talk to people about. We talked to these two boys at the door yesterday about EFY and I was like "oh so that means you have the new EFY cd..." they were like "well we have 4 of them...you can have mine.." so he runs inside to get it...and voila...we have the 2009 EFY cd....how awesome. :)
Yesterday there was a temple dedicated. The Oquirrh Mtn Utah Temple. It was cool. It's my 2nd temple dedication since my mission...crazy awesome. There were a lot of cool things said. One things said by Elder Bednar really stuck out to me. "Your spiritual individuality is the ONLY individuality that really matters" I feel like people (myself included) try to define themselves in an outward way but the thing is Heavenly Father knows us...and how different we all are...and I don't have to have certain kinds of clothes, hair cut, or any other "look" to show other how different I am. It's awesome. :) I love Elder Bednar.
I love missionary work.
I LOVE YOU! Love, Sister Page
I made a new study journal. Yes...I changed it like 5 times but I finally made one. It goes along with Preach My Gospel. Each chapter has it's own tab and I'm going through the whole thing and writing impressions and such as I go. Also, I have a section for questions people ask. (and I realized that am getting more questions to add faster than I can answer them...also having access to LDS.org would be helpful but it's cool to rely solely on the scriptures for answers) And another section for meetings. So it will be SWEET when I get back.
Speaking of meetings. We had zone conference last week. One of the 70 (Elder Nielson) came and talked. Also, we had a Q&A...so that was cool. The thing that hit me the most was how to recognize the spirit. Sometimes I think I just get so used to having the Spirit with me that I don't realize it's there. The 70's wife said "The spirit is like breathing...we don't notice we don't have it until it's gone." Plus we're blessed to know that if we are trying our hardest to keep our baptismal covenants we can have the spirit to be with us...we are promised that every time we take the sacrament...we we should never just think that we don't have it when we're worthy of it. :) It was awesome. I also got to see my good friends...Sister Burningham. We're pretty certain that Sister Harwood will be going back to St. George next transfer so we're planning on Sis. Burningham to come up to Lehi....okay it's just plans but it could happen.
Also, I'll be sad to have Sis. Harwood leave...we went on exchanges this week. So I went to American Fork for 24 hours with Sister Sommerfeldt. It was a good experience but I can see how Sis. Harwood and I have grown into knowing how we do things and things we want to progress in. It's just how things go when you're with one person 24/7 for 2 months straight. We have gotten to a comfortable level with each other and know how each other will respond to things. It's been really good and I love Sis. Harwood...we'll have a lot to do when we get home from the mission. :) But I did have a good experience going on exchanges for the first time in my mission. It's cool to see another area and how others do things so you can get ideas.
So the wind has been crazy here...I feel like my car door is going to rip off everytime I get out of the car...I'm not used to that. It's been interesting..but it gives us something to talk to people about. We talked to these two boys at the door yesterday about EFY and I was like "oh so that means you have the new EFY cd..." they were like "well we have 4 of them...you can have mine.." so he runs inside to get it...and voila...we have the 2009 EFY cd....how awesome. :)
Yesterday there was a temple dedicated. The Oquirrh Mtn Utah Temple. It was cool. It's my 2nd temple dedication since my mission...crazy awesome. There were a lot of cool things said. One things said by Elder Bednar really stuck out to me. "Your spiritual individuality is the ONLY individuality that really matters" I feel like people (myself included) try to define themselves in an outward way but the thing is Heavenly Father knows us...and how different we all are...and I don't have to have certain kinds of clothes, hair cut, or any other "look" to show other how different I am. It's awesome. :) I love Elder Bednar.
I love missionary work.
I LOVE YOU! Love, Sister Page
Monday, August 17, 2009
Four New Investigators
We had our zone kick off (about our zone plan of action on how we can improve this transfer) and it really gave us a kick in the pants! We needed to be rejuvinated and rededicate ourselves to the work. Sis. Harwood and I are praying more, planning more, and striving more. We're just doing it! Go and talk to people. Go and share the light of the gospel.
Because of this amazing Spirit of rejuvination...we found 4 new investigators!!!
Amber: I didn't actually meet her we had to go on splits for the first time since we've been here...besides the fact that we were sick. haha But I hear she said "give me anything to do and I'll do it.." Our ward mission leader is the way we found her.
Kiaya (Kiah): This sweet 13 year old girl who is living with her aunt and uncle for the school year. She's had a hard life and I think she knows the gospel could really be an answer for her. We taught her about how Heavenly Father loves her and she just cried. She felt it...we all did. It was very powerful. We're excited to help her understand the gospel more. SUCH HOPE!
Lindsey: She's 13 as well and had a mother who didn't make the best decisions so her dad now has custody of her. She was ready to be baptized but didn't realize that she needed the lessons first. She has great friends that support her and is already reading the Book of Mormon for her Virtue project. That's pretty awesome. BUT now she's grounded and her dad included missionary lessons and Young Women's in that...(he's not a memeber) it's supposed to be 2 weeks but that's forever in a missionary's mind. So we're thinking about working with her father to lesson the punishment.
Drea: well her name is Alexandria but she goes by many different names. Anyways she has been approached about the gospel many times because of her grandparents and has met with missionaries before but has decided to really study it. She's excited about everything. She reads alot so we have a lot in common (Sis. Harwood is an avid reader too)
Love you all! Love, Sister Page
Because of this amazing Spirit of rejuvination...we found 4 new investigators!!!
Amber: I didn't actually meet her we had to go on splits for the first time since we've been here...besides the fact that we were sick. haha But I hear she said "give me anything to do and I'll do it.." Our ward mission leader is the way we found her.
Kiaya (Kiah): This sweet 13 year old girl who is living with her aunt and uncle for the school year. She's had a hard life and I think she knows the gospel could really be an answer for her. We taught her about how Heavenly Father loves her and she just cried. She felt it...we all did. It was very powerful. We're excited to help her understand the gospel more. SUCH HOPE!
Lindsey: She's 13 as well and had a mother who didn't make the best decisions so her dad now has custody of her. She was ready to be baptized but didn't realize that she needed the lessons first. She has great friends that support her and is already reading the Book of Mormon for her Virtue project. That's pretty awesome. BUT now she's grounded and her dad included missionary lessons and Young Women's in that...(he's not a memeber) it's supposed to be 2 weeks but that's forever in a missionary's mind. So we're thinking about working with her father to lesson the punishment.
Drea: well her name is Alexandria but she goes by many different names. Anyways she has been approached about the gospel many times because of her grandparents and has met with missionaries before but has decided to really study it. She's excited about everything. She reads alot so we have a lot in common (Sis. Harwood is an avid reader too)
Love you all! Love, Sister Page
Monday, August 10, 2009
Short and To the Point
Okay so this week WAS transfer week but we didn't get transfered so it's smooth sailing right? Well not really. Our numbers were as bad as the beginning of last transfer...and I'm not sure why. We did baptize a lot of our investigators that were progressing so well so now we don't meet with them as often. So we are once again building up our teaching pool.
Michael update: He goes to church but skips out on sunday school. I don't know what to do for him because he believes it's true but doesn't really like/enjoy church. We're trying to help him before he gets baptized so he'll stay active afterwards.
Karen and Carlos: They are doing so great! Karen got a job so now they're both working and can have a steady income. The Lord is blessing them for taking this step in their life! :)
Chad: He's new. He has lived here all of his life but his grandparents don't really want religion but he was told he can decide for himself. So he was asking questions to his friend about the Atonement and his friend asked him to meet with us. So our first meeting was a Q and A. He asked about our personal conversion and other things. It was cool. He is really searching. I think he's ready. So we're teaching him tonight and hopefully the a couple more times this week. :) I'm so thankful for member missionary work.
Sorry this is so short. I ran out of time this week and I'm also starving and so is my comp. :)
I don't know what to say....this is the first time. I'll have a better report for you next week. Just know the work is going well. Keep my area in your prayers that it will build up more with more people who's hearts are open.
This gospel is true. It's the best! I love my Savior and I know He's watchful of me and everyone that I teach as well. I'm grateful for that knowledge.
Making the Pathway Bright,
Sister Page
Michael update: He goes to church but skips out on sunday school. I don't know what to do for him because he believes it's true but doesn't really like/enjoy church. We're trying to help him before he gets baptized so he'll stay active afterwards.
Karen and Carlos: They are doing so great! Karen got a job so now they're both working and can have a steady income. The Lord is blessing them for taking this step in their life! :)
Chad: He's new. He has lived here all of his life but his grandparents don't really want religion but he was told he can decide for himself. So he was asking questions to his friend about the Atonement and his friend asked him to meet with us. So our first meeting was a Q and A. He asked about our personal conversion and other things. It was cool. He is really searching. I think he's ready. So we're teaching him tonight and hopefully the a couple more times this week. :) I'm so thankful for member missionary work.
Sorry this is so short. I ran out of time this week and I'm also starving and so is my comp. :)
I don't know what to say....this is the first time. I'll have a better report for you next week. Just know the work is going well. Keep my area in your prayers that it will build up more with more people who's hearts are open.
This gospel is true. It's the best! I love my Savior and I know He's watchful of me and everyone that I teach as well. I'm grateful for that knowledge.
Making the Pathway Bright,
Sister Page
Monday, August 03, 2009
Miracles. Transfers. The Greatest Work.
The end of the transfer is tomorrow...and Sister Harwood and I....ARE STAYING TOGETHER! Thank goodness. It's like when I'm with a companion I don't know who else I'd rather be with anyways so I'd rather just stay with them. I knew our time wasn't up. We had things we were working on that probably could have fizzled out if we had changed companions and we really (or at least I) have things the she could really help me with in the long run. So we're happy and excited and have things we are looking forward to.
So story: You know Scott who is the recent convert that is really awesome? Well his younger brother Michael has been taking the lessons. He's 13 (see I don't remember if I told you all of this...oh well) but he's 13 and really funny and sometimes doesn't take things seriously but he really does seriously want to get BAPTIZED!!! WOOOOOOOT!! We have been making sure it's not just pressure and such...it's not...we really can feel his conviction and desire to get baptized. I love it. So that's the one thing to look forward to this transfer...among more things which we can't even expect.
Another story: Karen and Carlos....this last thursday were married and baptized on the same day. The ward was fantastic! They even got this photographer who is in their ward but is also one of Utah's top wedding photographers to take pictures for them.
Anyways it was amazing...the whole wedding and baptism was about working toward the temple in the next year. They even went to the Oquirrh Mountain open house the next day with some other members and they loved it. They are the best people I've met who knows what it means to endure and have faith. Great examples that I will want to stay in touch with the rest of my life. :) They made goals yesterday of what they will do to get to the temple in the next year. Yup I'm basically going to their sealing...hahaha.
We also had a cute 9 year old get baptized. He was so excited about the gospel and said he wanted to get baptized as soon as possible. He was such a smart kid too. The sad thing is we don't get to see him again because he lives with his mom in California...sad day. But I know great things will come to him. :) The best part is knowing that he understands the promises he's made by getting baptized.
So we ended up with 5 baptisms this transfer. One short of our goal, but pretty good considering how the transfer started. Miracles I tell you. They're amazing.
Now we just need some promising new investigators...that's the miracle we'll see next.
The work is great. We taught a class in church yesterday about the Spirit World...of course it turned into missionary work...I had heard people say "this is the greatest work in the world." and I while I believed them I don't know if I took it in until we were talking about the spirit world yesterday. If we don't enjoy sharing the gospel in this life...we're really not going to have a good time in the next...because that's what it's all about. This really IS the greatest work we can be doing. I love it. Missionary work has changed my life in so many ways, including the fact that my dad was changed by the gospel. I know that if he hadn't joined the church my life would be so different. I'm so thankful that he typed his conversion story for me and that I get to share it with people more accurately now....it was an amazing experience to be able to read it. The Spirit was very present as I read it...I couldn't put it down. Thanks Dad...I love you!
Love, Sister Page
So story: You know Scott who is the recent convert that is really awesome? Well his younger brother Michael has been taking the lessons. He's 13 (see I don't remember if I told you all of this...oh well) but he's 13 and really funny and sometimes doesn't take things seriously but he really does seriously want to get BAPTIZED!!! WOOOOOOOT!! We have been making sure it's not just pressure and such...it's not...we really can feel his conviction and desire to get baptized. I love it. So that's the one thing to look forward to this transfer...among more things which we can't even expect.
Another story: Karen and Carlos....this last thursday were married and baptized on the same day. The ward was fantastic! They even got this photographer who is in their ward but is also one of Utah's top wedding photographers to take pictures for them.
Anyways it was amazing...the whole wedding and baptism was about working toward the temple in the next year. They even went to the Oquirrh Mountain open house the next day with some other members and they loved it. They are the best people I've met who knows what it means to endure and have faith. Great examples that I will want to stay in touch with the rest of my life. :) They made goals yesterday of what they will do to get to the temple in the next year. Yup I'm basically going to their sealing...hahaha.
We also had a cute 9 year old get baptized. He was so excited about the gospel and said he wanted to get baptized as soon as possible. He was such a smart kid too. The sad thing is we don't get to see him again because he lives with his mom in California...sad day. But I know great things will come to him. :) The best part is knowing that he understands the promises he's made by getting baptized.
So we ended up with 5 baptisms this transfer. One short of our goal, but pretty good considering how the transfer started. Miracles I tell you. They're amazing.
Now we just need some promising new investigators...that's the miracle we'll see next.
The work is great. We taught a class in church yesterday about the Spirit World...of course it turned into missionary work...I had heard people say "this is the greatest work in the world." and I while I believed them I don't know if I took it in until we were talking about the spirit world yesterday. If we don't enjoy sharing the gospel in this life...we're really not going to have a good time in the next...because that's what it's all about. This really IS the greatest work we can be doing. I love it. Missionary work has changed my life in so many ways, including the fact that my dad was changed by the gospel. I know that if he hadn't joined the church my life would be so different. I'm so thankful that he typed his conversion story for me and that I get to share it with people more accurately now....it was an amazing experience to be able to read it. The Spirit was very present as I read it...I couldn't put it down. Thanks Dad...I love you!
Love, Sister Page
Monday, July 27, 2009
Happy? 6th Month Mark.
So this week Sister Harwood and I were able to celebrate our 6th month mark together. We had everything planned...honestly it was the perfect day.
Then Lessons: Karim from Peru...super awesome lady.
This is what our day looked like. FULL...FULLLLLLL!
It was the perfect way to celebrate our 6months....and guess what....it didn't happen. Why? Why??
2am-Sister Page is having a dream...a dream about people with their stomachs aching...and then she wakes up and VOMITS!
3am- AGAIN
4am-Sister Harwood get's nausea!
5am-Sister Page vomits again.... and then I knew...I knew it wasn't just going to stop once 6:30 came around.
We were sick all day. ALL DAY! It was horrible. I'll spare you the details. We were basically taking turns in the bathroom. I hadn't been sick on my mission before and I didn't like it. You feel guilty because all you want to do is go out and work like you're supposed to. Dude...It was bad. At 9pm I was over the worst (so I thought) and I went and asked the people we live with Brother Maloy if he could give me a blessing. He went to go find another priesthood holder and I went back into the bathroom and vomited again. (It had been a couple hours so I thought that I was done..) He came back and I went to get the blessing. I didn't throw up since then...and I was able to eat. The priesthood never ceases to amaze me! I'm so thankful for it. We really do have God's power restored on the earth again. We worked the next day but Sis. Harwood had a fever for the next 2 days and her stomach was still cramping. So I went on splits the next day...which I haven't done since I left St.Geezy. It was good to know that I could find my way around...helped me build confidence that I knew the area. But this week was slow going because of that. Tuesday feels kind of like a dream...yet very real. Ugh. Well we are hoping for miracles this week to be able to make up for lost time. Karen and Carlos are getting married and baptized on Thursday...this is a miracle already. SOOO EXCITED! They got the marriage license and now everything is falling into place. The Lord hears prayers. I love Him for it.
Love, Sister Page
- Get up/pray/exercise
- Get ready Personal Study Companion Study
- SERVICE (we finally got someone to agree to letting us help them...yay)
- Lunch with our favorite person...her name is Sister Bishop (I know) and she's 21 and been married for a year. She likes to come out with us once a week and make us lunch...it's sweet and she's awesome. So we planned lunch like usual with a mini 6th month celebration mixed in.
Then Lessons: Karim from Peru...super awesome lady.
- Scott our recent convert.
- Madalynn another recent convert who is a super amazing 9 year old.
- Sierra an investigator planning on getting baptized.
- Dinner which is always enjoyable.
- Micheal Welch a super excited 9 year old who is also on the way to getting baptized.
- Slater a cute girl who wants to know more.
- Then correlation with our ward mission leaders.
- Back to the apartment and planning...then BED! :)
This is what our day looked like. FULL...FULLLLLLL!
It was the perfect way to celebrate our 6months....and guess what....it didn't happen. Why? Why??
2am-Sister Page is having a dream...a dream about people with their stomachs aching...and then she wakes up and VOMITS!
3am- AGAIN
4am-Sister Harwood get's nausea!
5am-Sister Page vomits again.... and then I knew...I knew it wasn't just going to stop once 6:30 came around.
We were sick all day. ALL DAY! It was horrible. I'll spare you the details. We were basically taking turns in the bathroom. I hadn't been sick on my mission before and I didn't like it. You feel guilty because all you want to do is go out and work like you're supposed to. Dude...It was bad. At 9pm I was over the worst (so I thought) and I went and asked the people we live with Brother Maloy if he could give me a blessing. He went to go find another priesthood holder and I went back into the bathroom and vomited again. (It had been a couple hours so I thought that I was done..) He came back and I went to get the blessing. I didn't throw up since then...and I was able to eat. The priesthood never ceases to amaze me! I'm so thankful for it. We really do have God's power restored on the earth again. We worked the next day but Sis. Harwood had a fever for the next 2 days and her stomach was still cramping. So I went on splits the next day...which I haven't done since I left St.Geezy. It was good to know that I could find my way around...helped me build confidence that I knew the area. But this week was slow going because of that. Tuesday feels kind of like a dream...yet very real. Ugh. Well we are hoping for miracles this week to be able to make up for lost time. Karen and Carlos are getting married and baptized on Thursday...this is a miracle already. SOOO EXCITED! They got the marriage license and now everything is falling into place. The Lord hears prayers. I love Him for it.
Love, Sister Page
Monday, July 20, 2009
Goin' Fishin' in the Utah Provo Mission
This week was kind of slow. We have run out of referrals and are looking for people to teach. (We've just contacted all of the referrals we've gotten...so yeah we're working it's just keeping a balance of referrals and contacts) We have plenty in our teaching pool but not enough to keep us busy all day...and we even see our investigators multiple times a week! We are planning on just knocking out subdivisions...like most missionaries do...it's just weird because we don't do it that often in the UPM.
In spite of the no referrals...we did have two baptisms. They were both 9 year olds...one was a boy named Bracken who has such great faith that he's even an example to me, and a girl named Chloe who came to understand the power of prayer and followed the promptings to get baptized. They both went well and the Spirit was very present. Chloe came up after she recieved the Holy Ghost and said, "I felt a tingle go through my whole body!" Hmmmm...makes me happy.
We have a couple of people getting ready for baptism too. I'm super stoked for them. I love teaching the gospel and helping them come unto Christ and make those covenants with Him by entering the waters of baptism.
I got a couple of really awesome letters/parcels. One was from Staci Place (one of my awesome roommates)..yes Aci if you will. She wrote me and told me that....she's going on a mission!! So maybe you know that already but it was awesome to hear! She's working on her papers right now! Sooo cool. (Staci I hope you don't mind me telling people haha) Anyways so I'm super stoked about that. AND she sent me a cd...which had some great songs that I didn't have before. Thanks.
My parents also sent me two packages...with a tape in it. YaY! It didn't matter that the tape was from April...or that I knew most of the stuff that went on...I loved it. (hopefully you're working on a new one for me...haha) It also included my RedSox hoodie which I can't believe I was living with out...that was a treasure to find. And many other things. Thanks fam!! It's awesome to get awesome mail.
All in all things are going great. We're keeping the faith and working hard. We have hope that we will find more people to teach this week and remain positive that Heavenly Father is preparing people to hear the Gospel. I love the good news we have. Jesus Christ loves us so much that He was willing to subject Himself to what we go through so that He could better understand us. I love Him for it. (Alma 7:11-16) What a merciful and gracious act! :)
Love, Sister Page
In spite of the no referrals...we did have two baptisms. They were both 9 year olds...one was a boy named Bracken who has such great faith that he's even an example to me, and a girl named Chloe who came to understand the power of prayer and followed the promptings to get baptized. They both went well and the Spirit was very present. Chloe came up after she recieved the Holy Ghost and said, "I felt a tingle go through my whole body!" Hmmmm...makes me happy.
We have a couple of people getting ready for baptism too. I'm super stoked for them. I love teaching the gospel and helping them come unto Christ and make those covenants with Him by entering the waters of baptism.
I got a couple of really awesome letters/parcels. One was from Staci Place (one of my awesome roommates)..yes Aci if you will. She wrote me and told me that....she's going on a mission!! So maybe you know that already but it was awesome to hear! She's working on her papers right now! Sooo cool. (Staci I hope you don't mind me telling people haha) Anyways so I'm super stoked about that. AND she sent me a cd...which had some great songs that I didn't have before. Thanks.
My parents also sent me two packages...with a tape in it. YaY! It didn't matter that the tape was from April...or that I knew most of the stuff that went on...I loved it. (hopefully you're working on a new one for me...haha) It also included my RedSox hoodie which I can't believe I was living with out...that was a treasure to find. And many other things. Thanks fam!! It's awesome to get awesome mail.
All in all things are going great. We're keeping the faith and working hard. We have hope that we will find more people to teach this week and remain positive that Heavenly Father is preparing people to hear the Gospel. I love the good news we have. Jesus Christ loves us so much that He was willing to subject Himself to what we go through so that He could better understand us. I love Him for it. (Alma 7:11-16) What a merciful and gracious act! :)
Love, Sister Page
Monday, July 13, 2009
Zone Conference Highlights
ZONE CONFERENCE! YAAAAAAY! I love it. It was Pres. Pitts first Zone Conference and it was amazing. We had theme talks (this transfers theme scripture was Ether 12:27) and I was called on to speak. This was my second one in a row...lucky. It's like when I really have something to say I'm picked. haha (You never know who they're going to call) anyways that was fun. Every one elses talk was good too. Then Pres.Pitts talked to us about grace and how there are three different parts to the Atonement.
1. the resurrection
2. grace over the fall
3. grace we recieve in our day to day life
If you define grace as divine help or strength it just makes sense. The whole thing was awesome...and something I truly needed to understand. We had an investigator that didn't believe we believed in grace...when in fact that's the ONLY way we're saved. And so it goes to show Pres. Pitts is an inspired man.
Sis. Pitts told us their conversion story and how they're still in touch with their sister missionaries that came to their door. Well one of them was an older sister in her 70's so she's passed on now so they're in contact with the younger one. She was so surprised...she kept thinking WHO KNEW that these people who I helped could become a bishop, area 70 or a mission president! That will be so cool when I can look back to my investigators and see how far they've come. And not that they have to become someone high up in the church but to know they have that ability!!!!
Elder Richardson (one of the AP's) gave a great talk about how our purpose as a missionary is to change. Not only to change the lives of others but to change yourself. He said there came a time in the MTC where he noticed there were two people he was dealing with Drew (his first name) and Elder Richardson. He said, "One day I knew that Drew had to leave". I thought was profound...and kind of creepy how everyone knew what I was thinking. Anyways...when I was in the MTC I thought the same thing because I was afraid of coming back after my mission as Arica...and that is something I didn't want. I don't want to merely be Arica anymore...(if we're talking about the natural man...ofcourse I love my name and I want to be called that) but I wanted Sister Page to take over (or to become like a Saint through the Atonement of Christ) I wasn't a horrible person before but I know there are things I needed to work on and being Arica I couldn't progress any further. What an amazing talk. I know my mission will change me...and it already has...but I'm just now seeing the effects of that. When I focus on others more the change just becomes natural. People ask why I came on a mission and to sum things up I say "I wanted to learn more about Charity." The fact is no one can posses charity...it posesses us! The cool thing about the Christlike attributes is that they are things that we can become not just do. I can do more charitable things but I'd rather have people describe me as a charitable person. And it goes that way with all of them. There's so much more we can become instead of just do....I want to become Sister Page. :) I hope that made sense!
Well...time is running short but I wanted to say I went to the Mt. Timpanogas Temple and it was BEAUTIFUL. Totally gorgeous. My district and I went and then took pictures outside...though we had to dodge all of the brides...there were so many. haha But we got someone from a wedding party to take pictures of us. :)
Also, we are starting to teach Micheal (Scott's little brother) he finally admited to wanting to know more. teehee..I knew it. Love you all!
Love, Sister Page
1. the resurrection
2. grace over the fall
3. grace we recieve in our day to day life
If you define grace as divine help or strength it just makes sense. The whole thing was awesome...and something I truly needed to understand. We had an investigator that didn't believe we believed in grace...when in fact that's the ONLY way we're saved. And so it goes to show Pres. Pitts is an inspired man.
Sis. Pitts told us their conversion story and how they're still in touch with their sister missionaries that came to their door. Well one of them was an older sister in her 70's so she's passed on now so they're in contact with the younger one. She was so surprised...she kept thinking WHO KNEW that these people who I helped could become a bishop, area 70 or a mission president! That will be so cool when I can look back to my investigators and see how far they've come. And not that they have to become someone high up in the church but to know they have that ability!!!!
Elder Richardson (one of the AP's) gave a great talk about how our purpose as a missionary is to change. Not only to change the lives of others but to change yourself. He said there came a time in the MTC where he noticed there were two people he was dealing with Drew (his first name) and Elder Richardson. He said, "One day I knew that Drew had to leave". I thought was profound...and kind of creepy how everyone knew what I was thinking. Anyways...when I was in the MTC I thought the same thing because I was afraid of coming back after my mission as Arica...and that is something I didn't want. I don't want to merely be Arica anymore...(if we're talking about the natural man...ofcourse I love my name and I want to be called that) but I wanted Sister Page to take over (or to become like a Saint through the Atonement of Christ) I wasn't a horrible person before but I know there are things I needed to work on and being Arica I couldn't progress any further. What an amazing talk. I know my mission will change me...and it already has...but I'm just now seeing the effects of that. When I focus on others more the change just becomes natural. People ask why I came on a mission and to sum things up I say "I wanted to learn more about Charity." The fact is no one can posses charity...it posesses us! The cool thing about the Christlike attributes is that they are things that we can become not just do. I can do more charitable things but I'd rather have people describe me as a charitable person. And it goes that way with all of them. There's so much more we can become instead of just do....I want to become Sister Page. :) I hope that made sense!
Well...time is running short but I wanted to say I went to the Mt. Timpanogas Temple and it was BEAUTIFUL. Totally gorgeous. My district and I went and then took pictures outside...though we had to dodge all of the brides...there were so many. haha But we got someone from a wedding party to take pictures of us. :)
Also, we are starting to teach Micheal (Scott's little brother) he finally admited to wanting to know more. teehee..I knew it. Love you all!
Love, Sister Page
Monday, July 06, 2009
Mission Business
There are many matters of mission business that I have yet to discuss with you. I was in the process of figuring out my area and such that I forgot to inform you that we said goodbye to our mission president...offically and have offically met our new one.
So President and Sister Brown went home and the following week we met President and Sister Pitts. Pretty fast transition...BUT it was a good one. I got a picture with Pres. and Sister Brown and will always remember them as amazing leaders and basically the people who helped me adjust to mission life. I don't know how people do it but they made me feel like the most important person every time they talked to me...which I imagine a quality our Savior has.
Pres. and Sister Pitts are from NY...I'm not sure where in there but I'm not to good with NY geography! They are the first UPM Presidents from the East Coast. Pretty cool huh? They both joined the church after they were married and raised their family in the gospel. Something that I realized is that neither of them have served a mission before (their kids have) but this is pretty new to them. I think it's awesome that we have a convert for a mission president...it will help in ways I can only imagine being amazing. :) We all had individual meetings with each of them...they were only about 4 mins long but they were awesome. Sis. Pitts is an RN and will be a great help when missionaries are sick. Pres. Pitts when we walked into the room we were using asked to kneel down in prayer before we started. Super impressed. So we prayed and then he asked a little about me...and I could tell he really really wanted to know...not just the facts "where you're from" and so on...but he wanted to know Sister Page. Then he asked a question that I wasn't really expecting. "What do you like most about Sister Harwood?" I thought about it...I had to sift through all I liked and pick one. I said "she cares about every person she meets...her whole heart goes out to the people." As I have come to know her on a companion level I have come to love her even more. I have found that we have great respect for each other and are willing to change this or that to combine how we each do things. Plus we have so many same interests...it's nice. So back to Pres. Pitts: so then we talked about where I had just come from and how I'm adjusting to full proselyting. Even since that interview my views on full proselyting have changed. I looooove it. I love having time to visit everyone we need to, I love that we can take the time we need for studies, I love that we can go home for lunch every day and don't need to go to freebies that we have in the area (sure it's free but it comes with a price...gaining weight!). I just love it. I love that we have dinner appointments every night and get to know the wards we serve in better. SOOO to sum up...I'm ready to stay in Traverse Mountain as long as they need me.
Another fact of mission business...was the 4th of July parade held in Provo. Us and all of the zone leaders and a couple other zones were asked to march. It was cool to see some of my friends again...though I guess it hadn't been that long...BUT I got to see my first district leader (who I haven't seen since my first transfer) and we talked about Hurricane...it was weird because he couldn't remember a lot of the people...and honestly I'm scared that will happen to me. eek! But it was good to see Elder DizDIz again. So we finally started walking. And all of the little kids put their hands out and we'd go and high five them...and then we'd wave and the crowd would cheer. It was the weirdest thing I've ever felt. Let me tell you I don't think I would ever be cut out for celebrity status. haha People would scream "YEEEAH SISTER MISSIONARIES!" haha Every time I saw a boston hat or shirt I'd say "Nice Shirt..." haha it was really funny when a little kid wearing a RedSox tshirt came into the street and just hugged me. I don't even know who it was or anything...and I was like "oh...um...thanks." How did he know I loved the RedSox?? Also...Jeffrey R. Holland was in the crowd..of course in a roped off part of the crowd. One of the sisters got a picture of him. Coolness. I took a couple videos...so maybe I caught him in it. So that was about 45 mins long and it was hot...and I was sweaty and I I got...sunburned. But ofcourse the missionary sunburn...just the face, neck, and arms. haha It's not too bad.
Well last night we taught Jesse (the boy I was telling you about). We went to Scott's house and taught. Chris was there too. So we have the three boys about 16-18 and us sisters. We then taught the Plan of Salvation but then Scott's little brother (Micheal) who is not a member...yet..came in and kept asking random questions. He's interested but doesn't want to act like he is. We're praying he comes around. But the lesson went as well as you can imagine with four boys...there were a lot of distractions and we had to keep getting them focused again...though we couldn't help but laugh as we did it. I don't know if Jesse is that interested but I know he's looking for answers right now...but he's not willing to open up yet...not that he has to spill his life story but to understand where's he's coming from. I think he's keeping us at arms length...but he does still reschedule with us so that is a good sign. Sister Harwood and I have a good feeling about him...so we'll see. The area is progressing...we are recieving answers to our prayers like we couldn't expect. I know Heavenly Father hears me and knows what I need and when I need it. Sometimes it's hard for me to imagine He loves me and everyone else that has lived, lives, and has yet to live...but it doesn't matter because with the knowledge that He loves me...I can help others know of that same truth for themselves.
Love, Sister Page
Read Matthew 5...sermon on the mount....AMAZZAZING!
Another fact of mission business...was the 4th of July parade held in Provo. Us and all of the zone leaders and a couple other zones were asked to march. It was cool to see some of my friends again...though I guess it hadn't been that long...BUT I got to see my first district leader (who I haven't seen since my first transfer) and we talked about Hurricane...it was weird because he couldn't remember a lot of the people...and honestly I'm scared that will happen to me. eek! But it was good to see Elder DizDIz again. So we finally started walking. And all of the little kids put their hands out and we'd go and high five them...and then we'd wave and the crowd would cheer. It was the weirdest thing I've ever felt. Let me tell you I don't think I would ever be cut out for celebrity status. haha People would scream "YEEEAH SISTER MISSIONARIES!" haha Every time I saw a boston hat or shirt I'd say "Nice Shirt..." haha it was really funny when a little kid wearing a RedSox tshirt came into the street and just hugged me. I don't even know who it was or anything...and I was like "oh...um...thanks." How did he know I loved the RedSox?? Also...Jeffrey R. Holland was in the crowd..of course in a roped off part of the crowd. One of the sisters got a picture of him. Coolness. I took a couple videos...so maybe I caught him in it. So that was about 45 mins long and it was hot...and I was sweaty and I I got...sunburned. But ofcourse the missionary sunburn...just the face, neck, and arms. haha It's not too bad.
Well last night we taught Jesse (the boy I was telling you about). We went to Scott's house and taught. Chris was there too. So we have the three boys about 16-18 and us sisters. We then taught the Plan of Salvation but then Scott's little brother (Micheal) who is not a member...yet..came in and kept asking random questions. He's interested but doesn't want to act like he is. We're praying he comes around. But the lesson went as well as you can imagine with four boys...there were a lot of distractions and we had to keep getting them focused again...though we couldn't help but laugh as we did it. I don't know if Jesse is that interested but I know he's looking for answers right now...but he's not willing to open up yet...not that he has to spill his life story but to understand where's he's coming from. I think he's keeping us at arms length...but he does still reschedule with us so that is a good sign. Sister Harwood and I have a good feeling about him...so we'll see. The area is progressing...we are recieving answers to our prayers like we couldn't expect. I know Heavenly Father hears me and knows what I need and when I need it. Sometimes it's hard for me to imagine He loves me and everyone else that has lived, lives, and has yet to live...but it doesn't matter because with the knowledge that He loves me...I can help others know of that same truth for themselves.
Love, Sister Page
Read Matthew 5...sermon on the mount....AMAZZAZING!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Lehi West, Traverse Mtn, and Gateway
Yes my friends I cover 3 stakes. It's not so big a deal because I've heard of others covering more. BUT it is taking some adjusting. This week has been just...I don't know how to describe it. I went from knowing every street in Hurricane and who to call and if we needed work I knew how to get it. I feel like I started my whole mission over. haha I hope every new area isn't like that...but it probably is. Everyone just does things a little differently so that takes some getting used to as well.
Last transfer this area lost like 4-5 investigators (some were exchange students that went home) and some got baptized so we are really trying to find new people to teach. We are really working with leadership and just parking the car and knocking doors. I did in fact go to the Holmes' who I will be eating with next week..haha...that's awesome. Who knew!!! But they were able to help us out and give us some people to go by...they actually have a lot of work in their ward! It was really good to see them! I hadn't realized how long it had been. So yesterday we started down the street. We didn't meet anyone who was really wanting to learn more or anything but at least we know that now...and I felt like we were working hard. We stopped by the Bishop's house and I think that will help. We want to show everyone we are willing to work and that we want to teach people! (we didn't even finish the whole street so we'll have to go back anyways) It's been probably the most frustrating week of my mission...I've never felt like that before. I just felt helpless because I don't know anything and I don't feel like I can help. It will come I know it.
We did get a referral from another nice sister and we went by yesterday. We know that the parents are less active but will let the kids decide for themselves. So we knocked on the door and this 17 year old boy named Jesse answered. He went to a baptism of a friend of his last week (this friend is named Scott for future reference) and remembered Sis. Harwood. We talked to him a little more and I asked "so are you a member of the church?" he said, "actually no." Then he said he believes in God but doesn't really practice anything. So I testified that there's a prophet on the earth today and how we don't have to be confused by the many denominations. And he said....HE'D LIKE TO LEARN MORE! We found someone...I have faith this is the beginning of many more who we will find. We set up a time then called Scott and his friend Chris and asked them to be there...so we have instant friends to support him. It's great. I'm so excited. I know that Heavenly Father is in this work. We are guided by Him...maybe not by pure inpiration but by others being instruments in His hands and trusting us with people to see.
News about my companion:
Sis. Harwood....it's interesting because when I gave my farewell talk in the singles ward a girl came up to me and told me that there was a friend of hers to look for at the mtc with the same mission call and leaving the same day. So when I get to the mtc...who's my roommate but Sister Harwood. We talked about it...(obviously her friend had told her about me) and thought it was funny. We served around each other in the VC and then I get the call that we're going to be companions up in Lehi. (she came up the transfer before) Nothing is by chance. Nothing. She's from Georgia and I'm from North Carolina so people always say "oh so we have two southern sisters" and we always reply "both with no accent" neither one of us has an accent..which I find amusing. haha And so do most other people. We're getting used to each other's teaching style and how to work in unity. Things will be great! :)
I'm looking forward with faith. I want to build up the area and leave it strong.
Love, Sister Page
Last transfer this area lost like 4-5 investigators (some were exchange students that went home) and some got baptized so we are really trying to find new people to teach. We are really working with leadership and just parking the car and knocking doors. I did in fact go to the Holmes' who I will be eating with next week..haha...that's awesome. Who knew!!! But they were able to help us out and give us some people to go by...they actually have a lot of work in their ward! It was really good to see them! I hadn't realized how long it had been. So yesterday we started down the street. We didn't meet anyone who was really wanting to learn more or anything but at least we know that now...and I felt like we were working hard. We stopped by the Bishop's house and I think that will help. We want to show everyone we are willing to work and that we want to teach people! (we didn't even finish the whole street so we'll have to go back anyways) It's been probably the most frustrating week of my mission...I've never felt like that before. I just felt helpless because I don't know anything and I don't feel like I can help. It will come I know it.
We did get a referral from another nice sister and we went by yesterday. We know that the parents are less active but will let the kids decide for themselves. So we knocked on the door and this 17 year old boy named Jesse answered. He went to a baptism of a friend of his last week (this friend is named Scott for future reference) and remembered Sis. Harwood. We talked to him a little more and I asked "so are you a member of the church?" he said, "actually no." Then he said he believes in God but doesn't really practice anything. So I testified that there's a prophet on the earth today and how we don't have to be confused by the many denominations. And he said....HE'D LIKE TO LEARN MORE! We found someone...I have faith this is the beginning of many more who we will find. We set up a time then called Scott and his friend Chris and asked them to be there...so we have instant friends to support him. It's great. I'm so excited. I know that Heavenly Father is in this work. We are guided by Him...maybe not by pure inpiration but by others being instruments in His hands and trusting us with people to see.
News about my companion:
Sis. Harwood....it's interesting because when I gave my farewell talk in the singles ward a girl came up to me and told me that there was a friend of hers to look for at the mtc with the same mission call and leaving the same day. So when I get to the mtc...who's my roommate but Sister Harwood. We talked about it...(obviously her friend had told her about me) and thought it was funny. We served around each other in the VC and then I get the call that we're going to be companions up in Lehi. (she came up the transfer before) Nothing is by chance. Nothing. She's from Georgia and I'm from North Carolina so people always say "oh so we have two southern sisters" and we always reply "both with no accent" neither one of us has an accent..which I find amusing. haha And so do most other people. We're getting used to each other's teaching style and how to work in unity. Things will be great! :)
I'm looking forward with faith. I want to build up the area and leave it strong.
Love, Sister Page
Monday, June 22, 2009
New Preparation Day...
My Preparation Day will now be on Mondays...why you ask?? Because I'm being TRANSFERED!!!!! I'm going full proselyting. I'm actually going from one extreme of the mission to the other. I'm going to LEHI...Traverse Mountain! Yes this will be a change. I am in the middle of packing as we speak and have to finish by tomorrow so I can leave on the transfer van at 11:30am. It will be different but I'm pumped and ready to work! It will be amazing! And maybe I'll see the Holmes'! :)
This is my second area and I'm stoked! I don't even know what to say. Anyways I will miss Sis. Grunauer a lot...believe me we are already planning my trip to Austria and she's planning her's to NC. :) I told her "you NEED to come to North Carolina...you haven't experienced America just here in the west." haha She agreed. I tried to describe to her what NC looked like and how people talk..(I whip out my southern accent from time to time...sometimes upon request) She would love it. haha
So the last couple days have been planning and preparing to get the area ready and the days before that it was wondering what was in store for transfers. haha
Let me write an ode to Hurricane:
"They don't call it Hurricane for nothin'"
is something I heard quite often.
The wind blowing so mighty
It was a wonder we didn't get lost in the nighty
Greenie and Whitewashing with Sister Kohler
I had a lot of fun but then I got older.
Busier than we could have ever guessed
we didn't complain about the many who came to know best
how our Heavenly Father who wants us to come to His side
and the Prophet that is here to lead and to guide
Sister Kohler left and I was sad
but who knew I could actually be glad...
because Sister Grunauer came in
the rather organized Austrian (not the land of the Kangaroos)
We spent a whole transfer running around
and finally had to talk to President Brown
The area was split once again
so that Hurricane West Stake could mend.
Without the help of leadership and members alike
we would have been riding around on a bike (...Hurricane is a big area...)
We found some more people that were willing to listen
now if only I wouldn't be missin'
the wonderful way in which they will change
are you sure I just can't be Sis. G's permanent exchange?
But I'm thankful to all those who helped with rides, fellowship, and food
they'll never really know how much we appreciate really all that they do!
Hurricane oh Hurricane will never be forgotten
especially when other things might go ever so rotten.
It'll be in the back of mind
because it is truly one of a kind.
The end.
I hope you enjoyed that. Wish me luck.
Write me at the mission office address. I'll update you next week.
LOVE YOU!
Love, Sister Page
ps. I'm sending home a package...look for it. Sorry not too much fun just some stuff I can't use any more.
Let me write an ode to Hurricane:
"They don't call it Hurricane for nothin'"
is something I heard quite often.
The wind blowing so mighty
It was a wonder we didn't get lost in the nighty
Greenie and Whitewashing with Sister Kohler
I had a lot of fun but then I got older.
Busier than we could have ever guessed
we didn't complain about the many who came to know best
how our Heavenly Father who wants us to come to His side
and the Prophet that is here to lead and to guide
Sister Kohler left and I was sad
but who knew I could actually be glad...
because Sister Grunauer came in
the rather organized Austrian (not the land of the Kangaroos)
We spent a whole transfer running around
and finally had to talk to President Brown
The area was split once again
so that Hurricane West Stake could mend.
Without the help of leadership and members alike
we would have been riding around on a bike (...Hurricane is a big area...)
We found some more people that were willing to listen
now if only I wouldn't be missin'
the wonderful way in which they will change
are you sure I just can't be Sis. G's permanent exchange?
But I'm thankful to all those who helped with rides, fellowship, and food
they'll never really know how much we appreciate really all that they do!
Hurricane oh Hurricane will never be forgotten
especially when other things might go ever so rotten.
It'll be in the back of mind
because it is truly one of a kind.
The end.
I hope you enjoyed that. Wish me luck.
Write me at the mission office address. I'll update you next week.
LOVE YOU!
Love, Sister Page
ps. I'm sending home a package...look for it. Sorry not too much fun just some stuff I can't use any more.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Random Ramblings
This week has been crazazy.
I met Sister DeRyke who served in my ward...she came to some lessons with us...she was way awesome!!! I think we are going to be friends now. :)
I met Sister Jacobson's future inlaws. I wish I had the North Carolina Charlotte Mission office address so I could write her. (hint hint) I saw Sister Kohler again!! She came down to visit. She came after nightly planning so we got to catch up a little. It just made me realize that we're pretty much friends for life. I really am making some awesome friends just by coming on this mission and think I would never have met them if I hadn't come...missionaries,members, and investigators alike. I truly believe that Heavenly Father puts people in our life for a reason. For the last three weekends we've had a baptism. So I think we're going to only have 3 baptisms for this transfer..but it only makes sense because our area was split.
I have been studying more about the Apostasy. It's been interesting because I know there are so many denominations today but I know that Jesus Christ didn't come to earth and set up His church 1000's of different ways. He set up one church. Just like it says in Ephesians there's "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." He wants us to be unified and understand things in the same way. Just like it says in the Restoration video when Joesph Smith says, "isn't there one church that's right for everyone?" There is...and it was restored to the original form it was when Jesus Christ was on the Earth with Apostles and the Priesthood being key components. There is one gospel of Jesus Christ. :)
My story for this week is about a time that I truly felt the promptings of the spirit. We were going into a neighborhood and we had a couple of options of people to see. Sis. G. said "let's visit Bob first?" and I just went with the flow "sure.." Then I got the distinct impression 'go to the neighbors of Rebecca' (Rebecca is someone else we were teaching and we stopped to talk to her neighbor briefly about a week before) and I kind of was like- was that me or a prompting?- Sis. G started to turn the corner to go to Bob's and I said "NO...we need to go see Rebecca's neighbor..." so she went the other way. And we met Emily. (we had met her husband before that) and she was SUPER interested. She has a lot of questions and such but is rather confused because her whole family is Christian, Jewish, Buddist and so on....she's really wondering if there's a church out there that makes sense. I was thinking "wow..I really was inspired to know to come here..." the Spirit is so powerful and I'm happy that Heavenly Father trusted me to know what to do. I want to always follow those promptings.
I love you all! Miss you tons. Love, Sister Page
I met Sister DeRyke who served in my ward...she came to some lessons with us...she was way awesome!!! I think we are going to be friends now. :)
I met Sister Jacobson's future inlaws. I wish I had the North Carolina Charlotte Mission office address so I could write her. (hint hint) I saw Sister Kohler again!! She came down to visit. She came after nightly planning so we got to catch up a little. It just made me realize that we're pretty much friends for life. I really am making some awesome friends just by coming on this mission and think I would never have met them if I hadn't come...missionaries,members, and investigators alike. I truly believe that Heavenly Father puts people in our life for a reason. For the last three weekends we've had a baptism. So I think we're going to only have 3 baptisms for this transfer..but it only makes sense because our area was split.
I have been studying more about the Apostasy. It's been interesting because I know there are so many denominations today but I know that Jesus Christ didn't come to earth and set up His church 1000's of different ways. He set up one church. Just like it says in Ephesians there's "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." He wants us to be unified and understand things in the same way. Just like it says in the Restoration video when Joesph Smith says, "isn't there one church that's right for everyone?" There is...and it was restored to the original form it was when Jesus Christ was on the Earth with Apostles and the Priesthood being key components. There is one gospel of Jesus Christ. :)
My story for this week is about a time that I truly felt the promptings of the spirit. We were going into a neighborhood and we had a couple of options of people to see. Sis. G. said "let's visit Bob first?" and I just went with the flow "sure.." Then I got the distinct impression 'go to the neighbors of Rebecca' (Rebecca is someone else we were teaching and we stopped to talk to her neighbor briefly about a week before) and I kind of was like- was that me or a prompting?- Sis. G started to turn the corner to go to Bob's and I said "NO...we need to go see Rebecca's neighbor..." so she went the other way. And we met Emily. (we had met her husband before that) and she was SUPER interested. She has a lot of questions and such but is rather confused because her whole family is Christian, Jewish, Buddist and so on....she's really wondering if there's a church out there that makes sense. I was thinking "wow..I really was inspired to know to come here..." the Spirit is so powerful and I'm happy that Heavenly Father trusted me to know what to do. I want to always follow those promptings.
I love you all! Miss you tons. Love, Sister Page
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
SO MUCH TO TELL!
Let me think...
SO MUCH TO TELL YOU! I'll just tell you some basic things and then tell an awesome story.
Okay we have been trying to find new people to teach because all the ones we are teaching either flake on us OR they get baptized (which the better reason) so we have been needing to find people. We fasted last sunday and let me tell you the amount of people we have found in the last couple of days has been amazing. I can't even believe it. Heavenly Father answers prayers I know it. We started teaching a family of 6! The oldest child is 11 almost 12 and the youngest is 1. The parents are really nice and willing to listen. They moved here from California about 3 years ago and now their friend has decided they should meet with us. It was a great lesson and I believe they will progress. :)
The story I want to tell you right now is about a lady who was baptized but hasn't been to church in 17 years. Her kids got baptized a month or so ago and she has really started to come around. The first time I met her she said "ask the kids to pray...I don't pray." Well even after the baptism we've been going over and teaching. She has started to come to at least sacrament meeting with her kids and is trying to progress. Last night we decided to do some service for her (of course after much begging...I understand it's hard to accept help..) but we went over with a couple of members and cleaned her house. Let me tell you we weren't really there to clean!!! Sis. Grunauer was out side cleaning windows and I was cleaning the oven and of course vacuuming :). She had a lot of questions about my home life and how I grew up and stuff like that. Later on as we were talking I got to share a scripture with her. We were talking about how evil things can only come into our hearts if we open it up to that. And I said," Yeah we keep our heart closed to evil and open to the spirit." Then I read 2 Nephi 32:1. I told her that the Holy Ghost could only bring good things "unto" our heart...just to the wall that is there but we have to open it to let it INTO our hearts. (Wise counsel I got once from Elder David A. Bednar) Later that night we had family prayer with them. We asked her to say it...and she said,"Don't look at me because I might cry." But she said it. And it was a the most spiritual experience! She said,"Thank you for entering into my heart and helping me accept you. Thank you for sending the missionaries over. Bless them that they will be able to bring families closer together as they have brought mine closer..." And other things she said! (she did cry...so I did I) I just saw how her heart was softened and she let the Spirit in...just like we had talked about.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is TRUE. I know it is. It provides the fullness of the gospel and allows us access to the Atonement of Jesus Christ through the Priesthood. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the word of God. It goes hand in hand with the Bible. I know this because I was able to kneel down in prayer after reading and studying and I ASKED Heavenly Father...and the words I got were "you already knew." I did already know but I thought I had to read the whole thing to figure that out. It's good to read the whole Book of Mormon...but it's like a cake...you just need a bite to know that it's good...you don't have to eat the whole thing to know how it tastes. BUT the more you taste it the more you'll want. I'm so grateful for this gospel and the unity it brings to families...who still have their faults and hard times but that the foundation of Jesus Christ in our lives individually and as a family will be able to see us through. Helamen 5:12.
I love you! ~Sister Page
Read 1 Nephi 17. SOOO GOOD! I heart Nephi.
ps. Today we went to the temple with Josh and his girlfriend! It was awesome. He was so prepared. :)
pss. Also...transfers soon. (a couple weeks) I really really don't know what will happen this time. I've been in Hurricane for a while...we'll see.
The story I want to tell you right now is about a lady who was baptized but hasn't been to church in 17 years. Her kids got baptized a month or so ago and she has really started to come around. The first time I met her she said "ask the kids to pray...I don't pray." Well even after the baptism we've been going over and teaching. She has started to come to at least sacrament meeting with her kids and is trying to progress. Last night we decided to do some service for her (of course after much begging...I understand it's hard to accept help..) but we went over with a couple of members and cleaned her house. Let me tell you we weren't really there to clean!!! Sis. Grunauer was out side cleaning windows and I was cleaning the oven and of course vacuuming :). She had a lot of questions about my home life and how I grew up and stuff like that. Later on as we were talking I got to share a scripture with her. We were talking about how evil things can only come into our hearts if we open it up to that. And I said," Yeah we keep our heart closed to evil and open to the spirit." Then I read 2 Nephi 32:1. I told her that the Holy Ghost could only bring good things "unto" our heart...just to the wall that is there but we have to open it to let it INTO our hearts. (Wise counsel I got once from Elder David A. Bednar) Later that night we had family prayer with them. We asked her to say it...and she said,"Don't look at me because I might cry." But she said it. And it was a the most spiritual experience! She said,"Thank you for entering into my heart and helping me accept you. Thank you for sending the missionaries over. Bless them that they will be able to bring families closer together as they have brought mine closer..." And other things she said! (she did cry...so I did I) I just saw how her heart was softened and she let the Spirit in...just like we had talked about.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is TRUE. I know it is. It provides the fullness of the gospel and allows us access to the Atonement of Jesus Christ through the Priesthood. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it is the word of God. It goes hand in hand with the Bible. I know this because I was able to kneel down in prayer after reading and studying and I ASKED Heavenly Father...and the words I got were "you already knew." I did already know but I thought I had to read the whole thing to figure that out. It's good to read the whole Book of Mormon...but it's like a cake...you just need a bite to know that it's good...you don't have to eat the whole thing to know how it tastes. BUT the more you taste it the more you'll want. I'm so grateful for this gospel and the unity it brings to families...who still have their faults and hard times but that the foundation of Jesus Christ in our lives individually and as a family will be able to see us through. Helamen 5:12.
I love you! ~Sister Page
Read 1 Nephi 17. SOOO GOOD! I heart Nephi.
ps. Today we went to the temple with Josh and his girlfriend! It was awesome. He was so prepared. :)
pss. Also...transfers soon. (a couple weeks) I really really don't know what will happen this time. I've been in Hurricane for a while...we'll see.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Arcia or Arica...stick with Sister Page!
I have "You Can Make the Pathway Bright" in my head right now...I don't know why but that hymn always reminds me of my mom. :) A hymn that reminds me of my dad is "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy." Which I have to say both are becoming favorites of mine. :)
Anyways...this week went well in the work...not number wise but that's okay. I kind of got discouraged the other day...we contacted 10 people all week and only have 1 new investigator. I hoping that things pick up. On the UP side we did have a baptism on May 30th which was AMAZING! It was Josh's baptism. He's 18 (well it was his birthday on his baptism day!!! How awesomeness is that?) and going into the marines. He was super ready. I've told you about him before. He told us his parents were indifferent to him getting baptized but that they wouldn't come to the baptism. Well...his mom showed up! We were excited of course....but then we learned that she was threatening to kick him out and a bunch of other bologna! Me, Sis. Grunauer and McKenzi (Josh's girlfriend) went into another room and prayed before the baptism. McKenzi said the prayer and we prayed that everything would go smooth on his special day. Let me tell you everything went perfect. While his mom did have some complaints afterward...(her heart was very hard and there was no changing her mind about how she felt...she told us a couple of lies as well...but we won't go into that) the whole baptism went great and the spirit was so strong. They had a special musical number by this awesome group of 5 guys and 1 girl. They sang Be Still My Soul...which I thought wasn't a very baptism-y song...but it was perfect for the situation. Letting Josh know that "the Lord is on his side"..."that with patience bear thy cross of grief or pain." And to "lead to thy God to order and provide"! I have no doubts that Josh was right where he needed to be. Sister Stone (McKenzi's mom and also Josh's amazing fellowshippers) gave a talk on baptism. She said in the beginning "We were discussing all of our favorite family memories and we talked about trips taken and funny moments...but then Jayden (her 10 yr old boy) said 'mom we've had a lot of good vacations but I'll never forget the time the missionaries came over and taught Josh the lessons at our house.' " That whole family was there every time we came over it wasn't just us and the parents or us and McKenzi with Josh...it was the whole family. And because of that experience Jayden was impressed and it became his favorite family memory. It's awesome how many family memories we could have as we share the gospel with others. :) We went to Josh's confirmation the on Sunday and it was amazing. I hope hope hope he goes on a mission. He'd be great missionary. :)
We had zone conference this last friday...and then interviews with Pres. Brown on Saturday....of course it was awesome. Some of the Elders made a special quilt for the Pres. and Sis. Brown with every missionary that has served with them...they spelled my name wrong..I'm now offically Arcia Page! hahahaha I thought it was funny.
Well anyways more next week.
I love you!
Love, Sister Arcia Page. Nope I like Arica better. :)
Anyways...this week went well in the work...not number wise but that's okay. I kind of got discouraged the other day...we contacted 10 people all week and only have 1 new investigator. I hoping that things pick up. On the UP side we did have a baptism on May 30th which was AMAZING! It was Josh's baptism. He's 18 (well it was his birthday on his baptism day!!! How awesomeness is that?) and going into the marines. He was super ready. I've told you about him before. He told us his parents were indifferent to him getting baptized but that they wouldn't come to the baptism. Well...his mom showed up! We were excited of course....but then we learned that she was threatening to kick him out and a bunch of other bologna! Me, Sis. Grunauer and McKenzi (Josh's girlfriend) went into another room and prayed before the baptism. McKenzi said the prayer and we prayed that everything would go smooth on his special day. Let me tell you everything went perfect. While his mom did have some complaints afterward...(her heart was very hard and there was no changing her mind about how she felt...she told us a couple of lies as well...but we won't go into that) the whole baptism went great and the spirit was so strong. They had a special musical number by this awesome group of 5 guys and 1 girl. They sang Be Still My Soul...which I thought wasn't a very baptism-y song...but it was perfect for the situation. Letting Josh know that "the Lord is on his side"..."that with patience bear thy cross of grief or pain." And to "lead to thy God to order and provide"! I have no doubts that Josh was right where he needed to be. Sister Stone (McKenzi's mom and also Josh's amazing fellowshippers) gave a talk on baptism. She said in the beginning "We were discussing all of our favorite family memories and we talked about trips taken and funny moments...but then Jayden (her 10 yr old boy) said 'mom we've had a lot of good vacations but I'll never forget the time the missionaries came over and taught Josh the lessons at our house.' " That whole family was there every time we came over it wasn't just us and the parents or us and McKenzi with Josh...it was the whole family. And because of that experience Jayden was impressed and it became his favorite family memory. It's awesome how many family memories we could have as we share the gospel with others. :) We went to Josh's confirmation the on Sunday and it was amazing. I hope hope hope he goes on a mission. He'd be great missionary. :)
We had zone conference this last friday...and then interviews with Pres. Brown on Saturday....of course it was awesome. Some of the Elders made a special quilt for the Pres. and Sis. Brown with every missionary that has served with them...they spelled my name wrong..I'm now offically Arcia Page! hahahaha I thought it was funny.
Well anyways more next week.
I love you!
Love, Sister Arcia Page. Nope I like Arica better. :)
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