This week has been good but it's hard when things aren't as busy as the used to be. Sis. Cluff and I are really praying and looking for miracles to find more people to teach. It would be great if you could pray for that too. I know you're mindful of me in your prayers but if we could specifically pray for more people to teach that would be amazing. I have really been thinking lately. I've been rededicating myself to the work and Lord and it just so happends that last night at the VC a Young Womens group came into watch some films and they asked me to tell why I decided to go on a mission, in retelling that story with the fact that I've been thinking about how I can rededicate myself...I was pushing back the tears. My mission has meant everything to me...and I don't want to waste a minute or day...soak up the time I have left! So I want to share why I decided to serve because I don't know if I ever shared the story with most people back home:
Quoted from my Journal November 16, 2008:
"I have offically decided...I'm going on a MISSION! I decided last month and got the ball rolling. I talked with Bro. Cloward (my advisor) and he said leaving next semester would be best. I got my medical exam and my dental stuff in ONE WEEK! I have my paperwork done and had my Bishop interview today. I want to write down why I'm going. I was studying about charity and trying to think about how I could be more charitable. I know I could do more service for people around me but I kept thinking about other things I could do...[it wasn't enough just to make my roommates beds for them] I went to church and during the sacrament I was working it out in my mind how I could legistically go. I realized there were only a couple things holding me back that were of the least importance. For the closing hymn they sang Called to Serve [the talks weren't even on missionary work] and I felt like standing up. I knew I was going to serve and that if I was going to do this I needed to tell someone. I talked to my family that night, my advisor, my roommates and my Bishop. They are all supportive. Everything fell into place and I'm doing this! I want to serve others...I want to learn the real meaning of Charity I want to organize myself so I can really study the gospel, not just READ the Book of Mormon....I want to be better, do better, and live better for myself AND those around me. Ever since I've made the decision to go I haven't been afraid. I'm almost so at peace that is scares me! (just kidding) I'm so stoked and exicted!"
I want you to know that I remember why I came on a mission, what I've learned from my mission, and that I will continue to learn and grow forever! I will NEVER be the same. I know that the Atonment does more than just forgive sins...it changes hearts and makes us become saints! (Mosiah 3:19) I have learned about Charity and I realize it's not something you DO or possess...it possesses YOU! It is a gift from God...and the way we attain that gift is only when we're worthy to recieve it. I don't know if I have recived it or not..but I know that either way I'm a little closer than I was before. I love the gospel and especially my Savior that helps me to be better always!
Love,
Sister Page
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Split of Everything
Splitting the area also means that we have HALF the investigators we used to have, but I actually think that Buena Vista had more people we were teaching so now Sister Cluff and I are doing a lot of finding! We had our "full area day" (as in we're not in the VC) on Saturday..we had a couple of lessons in the morning but from 1-6 we were walking around looking for people to teach and talking to everyone we saw....and KNOCKING DOORS! Needless to say we were tired by the end of the day. But then we went to our meetings in the morning and talked to the Ward Mission Leaders and they've given us some people to go see and want to keep us busy. :) So now we're finding more people and I think by the end of the transfer this stake will do very well on it's own. Sister Cluff and I are getting along great. We went on exchanges together a couple times and had a lot of fun...now we get to have fun all the time. She's the oldest of 6 and is from Arizona. (My 2nd companion from Arizona)....and she is short with red hair...and she's very animated! It's great.
We met one guy named David he's in his 20's I'd say. His neighbors asked us to go by...so we stopped by and he was about to leave to the store but we talked for a couple minutes. I asked him if he felt close to Jesus Christ he said "oh yeah definitley...I'm catholic" I let him know why we were there..."as missionaries we help people come closer to Christ...we teach people about Him" He said that weekends were the only time and he thought that Sundays were out. We assured him that we could meet on Sunday. We said "we can just start by coming once a week." and he said "I think that would be a great idea." So I have high hopes for him. I think he's been through a lot...he has a daughter that stays with him every other week and a girlfriend that's up and down in the relationship...so hopefully that Gospel of Jesus Christ can help him find some peace and stability in knowing that he is not alone. I'll keep you updated.
Now I'm not teaching Brant anymore but Sis. Mosley keeps updating me....and the story gets better and better as the week went by. The last time they were over he said "I know that after baptism and such they really push for boys to go on a mission. And if I did this I'm not sure I could financially go on one." and Sis. Mosley was like (when she was telling me this story) "HE'S PLANNING OUT HIS MISSION BEFORE HE EVEN WANTS TO GET BAPTIZED!" hahaha I think he will...the spirit has been too strong to deny in the lessons. I'm so excited to see what happeneds. Man...missionary work is the best!
Love, Sister Page
P.S.If you haven't read King Benjamin's speech for a while...read Mosiah 2-5! AMAZING! So much rich doctrine in there.
We met one guy named David he's in his 20's I'd say. His neighbors asked us to go by...so we stopped by and he was about to leave to the store but we talked for a couple minutes. I asked him if he felt close to Jesus Christ he said "oh yeah definitley...I'm catholic" I let him know why we were there..."as missionaries we help people come closer to Christ...we teach people about Him" He said that weekends were the only time and he thought that Sundays were out. We assured him that we could meet on Sunday. We said "we can just start by coming once a week." and he said "I think that would be a great idea." So I have high hopes for him. I think he's been through a lot...he has a daughter that stays with him every other week and a girlfriend that's up and down in the relationship...so hopefully that Gospel of Jesus Christ can help him find some peace and stability in knowing that he is not alone. I'll keep you updated.
Now I'm not teaching Brant anymore but Sis. Mosley keeps updating me....and the story gets better and better as the week went by. The last time they were over he said "I know that after baptism and such they really push for boys to go on a mission. And if I did this I'm not sure I could financially go on one." and Sis. Mosley was like (when she was telling me this story) "HE'S PLANNING OUT HIS MISSION BEFORE HE EVEN WANTS TO GET BAPTIZED!" hahaha I think he will...the spirit has been too strong to deny in the lessons. I'm so excited to see what happeneds. Man...missionary work is the best!
Love, Sister Page
P.S.If you haven't read King Benjamin's speech for a while...read Mosiah 2-5! AMAZING! So much rich doctrine in there.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Half Transfered, Half Not
What a week....so the question...did I get transfered? Well kind of. THEY SPLIT OUR AREA! We covered two stakes: Buena Vista and Washington. I will now only be serving in Washington and Sis. Mosley will only be serving in Buena Vista! I'm happy about it because we'll have time to meet more people and find more that are ready to hear the gospel. So Sister Mosley and I both have been saying goodbye to people. :( BUT I will miss sister Mosley...it doesn't feel like we've been together for 3 months...SINCE JANUARY! Crazy! I learned so much from her. She taught me many many things. One of her friends in a recent letter described her as having a talent to help people change with out making them feel discouraged. It was so right! I have changed so much for the better because of Sis. Mosley's encouragment not her judgement. You don't have to break someone to make them better. We both are looking forward to the success to follow but it will be weird not to be companions. I have found a friend for life...yet another one.
My new companion? Sister Cluff from Arizona. She served at the VC before but was transfered up north to Payson for just one transfer and now it coming back. We've been on exchanges before and had a lot of fun...so we'll do well this transfer. :) Oh and Sister Mosley is TRAINING! She's getting a greenie...not that I'm surprised...she is amazing..I think she'll train a lot.
So baptism story of the week: Hazel Gonzales (she married a hispanic man...she's not hispanic) she's 71 and was so ready to change! I was proud of her. We got to the baptism early to take pictures and such...well the doors were locked to the building and the Ward Mission Leader wasn't there....so we call him and he said he's coming in like 15 minutes. We asked if he filled the font..."no...I thought 'so and so' was going to do it." So we run around the whole building trying to find a way in...we do and get things started. Hazel and her daughter were there and we sat Hazel down and started setting up chairs. The font was locked and we don't have a key to get it. Maeci (our ride and 21 year old friend who comes out with us all the time) knows someone with a key so she runs to get it. She comes back and we unlock everything connected to the baptistry and get the water started. Well if anyone has filled up the font before you know it takes about an hour to and hour and a half!!!! So we go the kitchen and get pitchers and a huge pot and start filling the pot up in the bathroom. We were in there for 30 minutes when we told them to get started. We stayed for the prayer but then left to keep pouring more water in. All together we were in there for a good hour and a half! WHY DO THEY MAKE IT 6 FEET DEEP! haha (don't worry I know why) So we keep going until the talks are done. We come out all wet...and watch her get baptized...and it was perfect amount of water. Then...after all our hard work...they drained it. hahahaha But it was still a very awesome experience because of the change of heard a 71 year old woman could have. I am amazed that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not closed off to anyone...it's NEVER NEVER too late.
I love this work....Andrew asked me if it's hard to concentrate when I come home in 3 months....no. My theme for myself this transfer is "Be happy that the experience happened not sad that it's over" which means I'm going to be looking for those amazing experiences left on my mission to be had....give it my all so that I won't miss out on the experiences I need to fulfill my mission. I'm greatful I still have 3 months!! I see the sisters and Elders going home this transfer and I'm just happy it's not me yet. When it's time I will be ready...until then...let us reap.
Love, Sister Page
My new companion? Sister Cluff from Arizona. She served at the VC before but was transfered up north to Payson for just one transfer and now it coming back. We've been on exchanges before and had a lot of fun...so we'll do well this transfer. :) Oh and Sister Mosley is TRAINING! She's getting a greenie...not that I'm surprised...she is amazing..I think she'll train a lot.
So baptism story of the week: Hazel Gonzales (she married a hispanic man...she's not hispanic) she's 71 and was so ready to change! I was proud of her. We got to the baptism early to take pictures and such...well the doors were locked to the building and the Ward Mission Leader wasn't there....so we call him and he said he's coming in like 15 minutes. We asked if he filled the font..."no...I thought 'so and so' was going to do it." So we run around the whole building trying to find a way in...we do and get things started. Hazel and her daughter were there and we sat Hazel down and started setting up chairs. The font was locked and we don't have a key to get it. Maeci (our ride and 21 year old friend who comes out with us all the time) knows someone with a key so she runs to get it. She comes back and we unlock everything connected to the baptistry and get the water started. Well if anyone has filled up the font before you know it takes about an hour to and hour and a half!!!! So we go the kitchen and get pitchers and a huge pot and start filling the pot up in the bathroom. We were in there for 30 minutes when we told them to get started. We stayed for the prayer but then left to keep pouring more water in. All together we were in there for a good hour and a half! WHY DO THEY MAKE IT 6 FEET DEEP! haha (don't worry I know why) So we keep going until the talks are done. We come out all wet...and watch her get baptized...and it was perfect amount of water. Then...after all our hard work...they drained it. hahahaha But it was still a very awesome experience because of the change of heard a 71 year old woman could have. I am amazed that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not closed off to anyone...it's NEVER NEVER too late.
I love this work....Andrew asked me if it's hard to concentrate when I come home in 3 months....no. My theme for myself this transfer is "Be happy that the experience happened not sad that it's over" which means I'm going to be looking for those amazing experiences left on my mission to be had....give it my all so that I won't miss out on the experiences I need to fulfill my mission. I'm greatful I still have 3 months!! I see the sisters and Elders going home this transfer and I'm just happy it's not me yet. When it's time I will be ready...until then...let us reap.
Love, Sister Page
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
The Facts...
To the Facts!
General Conference: The Saturday morning session we watched with our investigator who is 71 and will be baptized this week!!! She's so cute..her name is Hazel. I was so excited about conference it seems like it goes faster and faster every session! Hazel made us lunch for afterward too...it was fun to spend some time with her when we're just getting to know her too.
Saturday Afternoon we went to the Menloves...they are a family who would do anything for us. They kind of remind me of my family with the Sister Missionaries. So we got some shakes (oh btw I'm back on ice cream..haha..you can see my will power...actually we made a new thing...when our investigator gets baptized we can go back to what we want to eat....right now I'm off chocolate milk until another man gets baptized) ANYWAYS...we got some shakes and watched conference with Sister Menlove...good session. Elder Holland is just such an amazing speaker!
Sunday Morning and Afternoon we went to Mandy's...our recent convert. We were planning on staying just the morning session but she thought we were staying for BOTH and then having dinner. She was really upset that we couldn't stay. So we rearranged our schedule a little and stayed there for both session...which was amazing because they have surround sound! hahaha And then we had easter dinner. Not to mention that they got us an easter basket too. It was so sweet. I love her. I hope hope hope that I can stay in touch with all of the people that I care about so much. I hate that life gets in the way of keeping everyone as close as possible.
Surprise: TRACY CALLED US! I don't know what happened but she called. We were driving home one night and the phone rang I looked at it "TRACY!!!" I exclaim and then answer "hello this is Sister Page" (calmly) She wanted us to come over then next day and pick up where we left off. I didn't ask questions (she hates that) I just said okay and made a time. We went over and just taught as usual...but she will open up as we go along. I wonder what she's searching for...but she DID say she's been praying alot. So the two people (Fred and Tracy) I wrote you about that we "dropped"...well they're back!! I knew it would work out.
Yesterday was one of our investigators birthdays....I don't know if I told you about Brant...but he's awesome. He's 21 (now) and is living in a home made for boys 20 and up that have things to overcome. Yesterday we asked him how he's feeling about the lessons...he says "I was just telling my friend that this is the happiest I've been since I was 13..." Hmm...the gospel of Jesus Christ at work! We sang him happy birthday and made him cupcakes and a card. He kept saying "you didn't have to do that" but if we DID have to to do it wouldn't have made it as special. It was fun...my favorite part of the day. (I do have favorites of everything....haha)
Well I love the gospel and what missionary work does to help everyone we come in contact with!!! It's the best! I do have to mention that Pres Pitts said in his letter this week "I guess we'll just have to extend you for another year. :) wish we could!" I really do love it here.
Love, Sister Page
General Conference: The Saturday morning session we watched with our investigator who is 71 and will be baptized this week!!! She's so cute..her name is Hazel. I was so excited about conference it seems like it goes faster and faster every session! Hazel made us lunch for afterward too...it was fun to spend some time with her when we're just getting to know her too.
Saturday Afternoon we went to the Menloves...they are a family who would do anything for us. They kind of remind me of my family with the Sister Missionaries. So we got some shakes (oh btw I'm back on ice cream..haha..you can see my will power...actually we made a new thing...when our investigator gets baptized we can go back to what we want to eat....right now I'm off chocolate milk until another man gets baptized) ANYWAYS...we got some shakes and watched conference with Sister Menlove...good session. Elder Holland is just such an amazing speaker!
Sunday Morning and Afternoon we went to Mandy's...our recent convert. We were planning on staying just the morning session but she thought we were staying for BOTH and then having dinner. She was really upset that we couldn't stay. So we rearranged our schedule a little and stayed there for both session...which was amazing because they have surround sound! hahaha And then we had easter dinner. Not to mention that they got us an easter basket too. It was so sweet. I love her. I hope hope hope that I can stay in touch with all of the people that I care about so much. I hate that life gets in the way of keeping everyone as close as possible.
Surprise: TRACY CALLED US! I don't know what happened but she called. We were driving home one night and the phone rang I looked at it "TRACY!!!" I exclaim and then answer "hello this is Sister Page" (calmly) She wanted us to come over then next day and pick up where we left off. I didn't ask questions (she hates that) I just said okay and made a time. We went over and just taught as usual...but she will open up as we go along. I wonder what she's searching for...but she DID say she's been praying alot. So the two people (Fred and Tracy) I wrote you about that we "dropped"...well they're back!! I knew it would work out.
Yesterday was one of our investigators birthdays....I don't know if I told you about Brant...but he's awesome. He's 21 (now) and is living in a home made for boys 20 and up that have things to overcome. Yesterday we asked him how he's feeling about the lessons...he says "I was just telling my friend that this is the happiest I've been since I was 13..." Hmm...the gospel of Jesus Christ at work! We sang him happy birthday and made him cupcakes and a card. He kept saying "you didn't have to do that" but if we DID have to to do it wouldn't have made it as special. It was fun...my favorite part of the day. (I do have favorites of everything....haha)
Well I love the gospel and what missionary work does to help everyone we come in contact with!!! It's the best! I do have to mention that Pres Pitts said in his letter this week "I guess we'll just have to extend you for another year. :) wish we could!" I really do love it here.
Love, Sister Page
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