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. :)
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Green Cards and Yes's!
Today's email is more about the visitor center. I am really adapting and loving it this transfer. We have had a lot more people who don't know anything about our belief and it's been really great to see them understand and want to understand better. When someone wants to know more we ask them to fill out what we call a "green card" because it's green. This will allow them to write their address and info so we can send missionaries over and they can receive a free gift of their choice. Most of the time I suggest a Book of Mormon. This week I was able to get a referral card from someone in Poland! (yes Arin..POLAND...by the way that language would be so hard to learn) It's insane the different nationalities you'll meet in St. George Utah! He didn't speak much english but we showed him the Christus in Polish and I'm sure that helped. There was whole group of people there but only he wanted to know more.
Then yesterday a couple came in from Arizona. They are Catholic but wanted to know more about the Temple and why we have one. I took them on a tour and explained the Priesthood and how because of that power we can have temples on the earth today. Also that our families can be together forever through the temple! I'm happy to know what will happen after this life and that I don't have to be afraid. They weren't married and when I asked if they were the woman said "no we haven't been...sealed...yet" haha it was awesome. Then we talked more about Prophets and who our Prophet was today (Thomas S. Monson) and about the 12 Apostles too. Then we watched a couple of their testimonies and they filled out a green card! It was exciting. I love helping people understand how glorious this gospel really is and that it's been on the earth since Adam and Eve!!! And only now through Joseph Smith was that restored.
Also we have white cards where people who are members can refer their friend to receive a free gift. Then we missionaries call their friend and ask if they'd allow missionaries to come over. One kid I've been working with is named Kenny and he lives in Massachusetts...which of course was a bonus. haha He's 18 and his friend who referred him was a member. He was very open and had many questions so I answered them. He was nervous about letting missionaries come over because his whole family is Catholic. So I call him a couple times and talked to him about any concerns and read him some scriptures from the Book of Mormon and Bible, I also asked him to pray about what he feels is right. When I called back last night and asked how he felt he said "I talked to my parents and they're against it...but I still want to do it." and since he's 18 he has the right to meet with missionaries with out their permission...so he said yes. I think he was still nervous about what would happen and everything but I have faith that his parents will understand one day. He feels like he needs something in his life and that he doesn't know how to get rid of guilty feelings. I let him know that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to do that. I hope the missionaries contact him and that he can understand the gospel better than I could explain over the phone. Good things will come of this.
I'm thankful for the visitor center in allowing others to come unto Christ and that I could be an instrument in that. Even Sis. Grunauer had a couple of German people fill out green cards and let me tell that doesn't happen very often. It's been an amazing week in the VC! I can only do that what the Lord wants me to and everything thing else falls into place. I'm glad I can see that now...and I don't rely on my own strength but His strength! It's amazing what the Atonement can do. I love my Savior!
Love to all,
Sister Page
ps. EVERYONE go to Mormon.org it's awesome!
Then yesterday a couple came in from Arizona. They are Catholic but wanted to know more about the Temple and why we have one. I took them on a tour and explained the Priesthood and how because of that power we can have temples on the earth today. Also that our families can be together forever through the temple! I'm happy to know what will happen after this life and that I don't have to be afraid. They weren't married and when I asked if they were the woman said "no we haven't been...sealed...yet" haha it was awesome. Then we talked more about Prophets and who our Prophet was today (Thomas S. Monson) and about the 12 Apostles too. Then we watched a couple of their testimonies and they filled out a green card! It was exciting. I love helping people understand how glorious this gospel really is and that it's been on the earth since Adam and Eve!!! And only now through Joseph Smith was that restored.
Also we have white cards where people who are members can refer their friend to receive a free gift. Then we missionaries call their friend and ask if they'd allow missionaries to come over. One kid I've been working with is named Kenny and he lives in Massachusetts...which of course was a bonus. haha He's 18 and his friend who referred him was a member. He was very open and had many questions so I answered them. He was nervous about letting missionaries come over because his whole family is Catholic. So I call him a couple times and talked to him about any concerns and read him some scriptures from the Book of Mormon and Bible, I also asked him to pray about what he feels is right. When I called back last night and asked how he felt he said "I talked to my parents and they're against it...but I still want to do it." and since he's 18 he has the right to meet with missionaries with out their permission...so he said yes. I think he was still nervous about what would happen and everything but I have faith that his parents will understand one day. He feels like he needs something in his life and that he doesn't know how to get rid of guilty feelings. I let him know that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to do that. I hope the missionaries contact him and that he can understand the gospel better than I could explain over the phone. Good things will come of this.
I'm thankful for the visitor center in allowing others to come unto Christ and that I could be an instrument in that. Even Sis. Grunauer had a couple of German people fill out green cards and let me tell that doesn't happen very often. It's been an amazing week in the VC! I can only do that what the Lord wants me to and everything thing else falls into place. I'm glad I can see that now...and I don't rely on my own strength but His strength! It's amazing what the Atonement can do. I love my Savior!
Love to all,
Sister Page
ps. EVERYONE go to Mormon.org it's awesome!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Brussels Sprouts...how our testimony can help others!
I want to testify that I like Brussels Sprouts!!! Let me explain. On Sunday we had dinner planned with our High Councilman who is over the Ward Mission Leaders but he forgot that he had his daughter's seminary graduation so we set us up with his other daughter who is married with a baby. They were nice enough to feed us short notice. We got into their apartment which was very modest home and you could just feel the spirit. It was a very peaceful feeling...I liked it. We sat down to eat and they had a couple of dishes that were really good. They then said..."oh we also have brussles sprouts but not many people like them." Then they went onto tell me how much they like them and how they fix them and such. I realized that while I've heard of brussels sprouts I had never really tried them. So I went for it. Let me tell you they are actually really good. Had I only merely listened to others view of them I would have not tasted the joy and the nutrients that comes from those green little veggies. We then had a whole conversation about brussels sprouts (and who knows if I'm spelling this right) and how most people hear they're not good so they never associate with them. I got to thinking about this in a spiritual sense. There are people who have heard about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...from certain sources that aren't necessarily true and because of that have been to afraid to try it because of what they've heard. So they go their whole life not knowing that they could benefit from the nutrients that the gospel can bring to them. I heard positive things about brussles sprouts by TWO wittnesses...and so I tried it. If we can only help people by giving them a sure witness that the gospel will help them and bring joy to their life...then they will be willing to TRY the Gospel. Once they get a taste of something true about the gospel they will want more. And to think I would have never tried them on my own. Some people do...some people try brussles sprouts on their own just to see what they're like but not everyone is so brave. Brother's and sisters may we give people the opportunity to know the nutrients of spiritual brussels sprouts. The work needs your help...and I know you can too testify not of a vegetable but of something that you have felt bring you spiritual nutrients...it's that simple. I hope this made sense...I'm thankful to have the Gospel in my life and that I have the opportunity to testify of it multiple times a day.
This week has been pretty crazy...I've been on splits a lot because Sis. Grunauer went up to Provo for more leadership meetings...yeah I've got connections though I'm not connected. haha But she brought me back some chocolate and a new white handbook...sad to say I had lost mine right after the MTC...I have NO idea where it could have gone...believe me I searched. Now I have one so I guess my days of rule breaking will end...JUST KIDDING...I love being obedient. :)
On Sunday we taught Eva and Oliver...I don't think I've told you about them. Eva is from Switzerland (the german part) and Oliver...(you'll never guess.) from AUSTRIA! We met them a couple weeks ago and every time I'm at their house I can feel the spirit testify that they're understanding and excited to learn more. When they don't understand a word in english they just turn to Sis. Grunauer and she'll tell them. Even when Oliver (who doesn't know much english) is speaking in german...I can just feel his testimony and the light that comes from his eyes..it's amazing. They are both in their 50's and were raised Catholic but long ago stop practicing...they told us it will take time to learn every thing and start praying outside of church and such...but I have a feeling they will get baptized sooner or later. What really brought them to wanting to know more is because they were FELLOWSHIPPED...and wondered why the people are so nice. It's awesome. There was a point in the lesson when we asked them to pray for themselves...and they said it was hard to remember but then Oliver said "for sure, I sink it would be good to pray togeza" (accent included) and Eva looked at him and they held hands and then it was like a wave of the spirit came and they couldn't help but give each other a little kiss...and then they got emotional. The gospel brings people closer together...that's the most exciting part. I kind of was taken back...I was thinking "woah what just happened." but then looking back I could recognize how strong the spirit was in that moment. Everything is amazing...and I love it. Keep up the good work everyone. I love you!
Love, Sister Page
This week has been pretty crazy...I've been on splits a lot because Sis. Grunauer went up to Provo for more leadership meetings...yeah I've got connections though I'm not connected. haha But she brought me back some chocolate and a new white handbook...sad to say I had lost mine right after the MTC...I have NO idea where it could have gone...believe me I searched. Now I have one so I guess my days of rule breaking will end...JUST KIDDING...I love being obedient. :)
On Sunday we taught Eva and Oliver...I don't think I've told you about them. Eva is from Switzerland (the german part) and Oliver...(you'll never guess.) from AUSTRIA! We met them a couple weeks ago and every time I'm at their house I can feel the spirit testify that they're understanding and excited to learn more. When they don't understand a word in english they just turn to Sis. Grunauer and she'll tell them. Even when Oliver (who doesn't know much english) is speaking in german...I can just feel his testimony and the light that comes from his eyes..it's amazing. They are both in their 50's and were raised Catholic but long ago stop practicing...they told us it will take time to learn every thing and start praying outside of church and such...but I have a feeling they will get baptized sooner or later. What really brought them to wanting to know more is because they were FELLOWSHIPPED...and wondered why the people are so nice. It's awesome. There was a point in the lesson when we asked them to pray for themselves...and they said it was hard to remember but then Oliver said "for sure, I sink it would be good to pray togeza" (accent included) and Eva looked at him and they held hands and then it was like a wave of the spirit came and they couldn't help but give each other a little kiss...and then they got emotional. The gospel brings people closer together...that's the most exciting part. I kind of was taken back...I was thinking "woah what just happened." but then looking back I could recognize how strong the spirit was in that moment. Everything is amazing...and I love it. Keep up the good work everyone. I love you!
Love, Sister Page
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Many Number of Things
Okay it's time for....you guessed it...a LIST!
*Transfers...yes you'll have to wait a second before I tell you the news
*Baptisms (Dad has asked me to report on the number of baptisms I've had each transfer...while I'm not to focused on numbers it's still can give you an idea of what I'm doing in the area of Hurricane!)
*Watching of a special video...
*Story of the week. (I'm going to try telling specific stories from the work more often.)
Transfers: First off...I'm no longer a greenie...TRAINING IS OVER! :) I got the call from Elder Shingleton (one of our AP's who leaves..TODAY! Weird.) and he said "Sister Page you will be staying and receiving.......SISTER GRUNAUER!" All I could say was "YAAAAAAY...I knew it...this is inspired.." We were so happy to stay together. We have some good things we want to work on and also some plans we still had yet to accomplish...it wasn't time for us to part yet. We only are over one stake though(Hurricane West)...our area got split AGAIN! But no one had to White Wash because they gave the other stake (Hurricane Stake) to the Spanish Elders and now they cover LaVerkin and Hurricane Spanish and Hurricane Stake English as well...it's bilingual. It's funny because I really do trust these Elders (which were the same Elders from last transfer...they are staying as well.) with our investigators. They will do good.
Baptisms: We had planned on 5 baptisms but ended up with 6! It's awesome...3 of those were this passed weekend 2 of them we were working with my first transfer and all of this last transfer. They were sister and brother ages 11 and 9. Their story is amazing because when Sis. Kohler and I went there we they didn't even know who Jesus Christ was or why we needed Him. But as they came to an understanding and got excited about the gospel they grew so much and I was able to see that before my eyes. We had the best fellowshippers for them too...they truly became friends with the whole family. It wasn't "okay I'll meet you at the lessons." it was "okay on Saturday let's go swimming in our pool" or "I'll take you to the VC" they really cared and I felt it. We were very very happy to see when we played a game with them to see how much they had learned that they could answer all of the questions and understand what everything meant. "Children are an heritage to the Lord." Their mom has been inactive to 17 years and has a couple word of wisdom problems but Sis. Grunauer and I fasted for her and their family...and the sunday we fasted for her...she CAME to church. When we came over the last time there was such a change in her. She was actively participating in the lesson and helping the children to understand what some of the things meant. There was light in her eyes again...and I it was good feeling. We also had a cute girl from Thailand get baptized. She was on an exchange program and liked her host family so much that she came back on her own...she took the lessons and went from someone who'd never even HEARD of Jesus Christ to someone who couldn't live with out Him. She bore her testimony at her baptism and said, "I was having a hard time because I know I have to go back home soon and I was crying in my room and I decided to pray and when I prayed I felt something inside me say 'it's going to be okay...don't worry.' and I knew that was an answer to my prayers" You have no idea the warm feeling you get when you hear that your investigator prayed and had a good experience! That they depended on Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father even when we weren't there...that their relationship was growing and not because of anything I did...but because they had a testimony! The spirit was there and they could feel it. It was an amazing baptism and I'm happy we figured out that she could get baptized since she wasn't under the rules of an exchange program. :)
The Special Video: I know that my parents are a church video called "In this Holy House" so I was looking for it at the VC because they have everything there but I couldn't find it. I went to the touch screen and looked through and saw it said "Holy House" I was like it's worth a shot (we have some pretty weird things on the touch screen sometimes so you don't know what to expect.) So I started watching it...and low and behold there were my parents 15 minutes into it! I was so excited later that day I showed my companion and 2 other sisters...and they were impressed. I wished I could have paused it (there was only the stop button) just to look at their faces a little longer...how happy they were...what dad must have been thinking...what mom must have been feeling...as he put his arm around her wait and she fixed her hair a little. And dad looking through those huge 80's glasses and mom with her feathered hair...they just looked so cute. I'll probably show a couple other people...hehe...y'all should watch it again...
So I've decided to give you updates from the week...one story from "the field" a week along with my other ramblings...and I believe my baptism stories suffice for this week...so next week get ready for an awesome story that came because I can see the hand of the Lord in my life daily. I love you! I loved our phone call...you are amazing...stay that way!
Love , Sister Arica Page
*Transfers...yes you'll have to wait a second before I tell you the news
*Baptisms (Dad has asked me to report on the number of baptisms I've had each transfer...while I'm not to focused on numbers it's still can give you an idea of what I'm doing in the area of Hurricane!)
*Watching of a special video...
*Story of the week. (I'm going to try telling specific stories from the work more often.)
Transfers: First off...I'm no longer a greenie...TRAINING IS OVER! :) I got the call from Elder Shingleton (one of our AP's who leaves..TODAY! Weird.) and he said "Sister Page you will be staying and receiving.......SISTER GRUNAUER!" All I could say was "YAAAAAAY...I knew it...this is inspired.." We were so happy to stay together. We have some good things we want to work on and also some plans we still had yet to accomplish...it wasn't time for us to part yet. We only are over one stake though(Hurricane West)...our area got split AGAIN! But no one had to White Wash because they gave the other stake (Hurricane Stake) to the Spanish Elders and now they cover LaVerkin and Hurricane Spanish and Hurricane Stake English as well...it's bilingual. It's funny because I really do trust these Elders (which were the same Elders from last transfer...they are staying as well.) with our investigators. They will do good.
Baptisms: We had planned on 5 baptisms but ended up with 6! It's awesome...3 of those were this passed weekend 2 of them we were working with my first transfer and all of this last transfer. They were sister and brother ages 11 and 9. Their story is amazing because when Sis. Kohler and I went there we they didn't even know who Jesus Christ was or why we needed Him. But as they came to an understanding and got excited about the gospel they grew so much and I was able to see that before my eyes. We had the best fellowshippers for them too...they truly became friends with the whole family. It wasn't "okay I'll meet you at the lessons." it was "okay on Saturday let's go swimming in our pool" or "I'll take you to the VC" they really cared and I felt it. We were very very happy to see when we played a game with them to see how much they had learned that they could answer all of the questions and understand what everything meant. "Children are an heritage to the Lord." Their mom has been inactive to 17 years and has a couple word of wisdom problems but Sis. Grunauer and I fasted for her and their family...and the sunday we fasted for her...she CAME to church. When we came over the last time there was such a change in her. She was actively participating in the lesson and helping the children to understand what some of the things meant. There was light in her eyes again...and I it was good feeling. We also had a cute girl from Thailand get baptized. She was on an exchange program and liked her host family so much that she came back on her own...she took the lessons and went from someone who'd never even HEARD of Jesus Christ to someone who couldn't live with out Him. She bore her testimony at her baptism and said, "I was having a hard time because I know I have to go back home soon and I was crying in my room and I decided to pray and when I prayed I felt something inside me say 'it's going to be okay...don't worry.' and I knew that was an answer to my prayers" You have no idea the warm feeling you get when you hear that your investigator prayed and had a good experience! That they depended on Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father even when we weren't there...that their relationship was growing and not because of anything I did...but because they had a testimony! The spirit was there and they could feel it. It was an amazing baptism and I'm happy we figured out that she could get baptized since she wasn't under the rules of an exchange program. :)
The Special Video: I know that my parents are a church video called "In this Holy House" so I was looking for it at the VC because they have everything there but I couldn't find it. I went to the touch screen and looked through and saw it said "Holy House" I was like it's worth a shot (we have some pretty weird things on the touch screen sometimes so you don't know what to expect.) So I started watching it...and low and behold there were my parents 15 minutes into it! I was so excited later that day I showed my companion and 2 other sisters...and they were impressed. I wished I could have paused it (there was only the stop button) just to look at their faces a little longer...how happy they were...what dad must have been thinking...what mom must have been feeling...as he put his arm around her wait and she fixed her hair a little. And dad looking through those huge 80's glasses and mom with her feathered hair...they just looked so cute. I'll probably show a couple other people...hehe...y'all should watch it again...
So I've decided to give you updates from the week...one story from "the field" a week along with my other ramblings...and I believe my baptism stories suffice for this week...so next week get ready for an awesome story that came because I can see the hand of the Lord in my life daily. I love you! I loved our phone call...you are amazing...stay that way!
Love , Sister Arica Page
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
If I let you reach me...will you teach me?
Hello my wonderful Family! :)
The subject line is from a song called "You Know Better Than I" and while I get obsessed with certain cds I have be mindful because my companions get sick of them pretty easy...especially if it's their cd and it's new to me but old to them. (That's actually the albums name and the singer is Something Clark Funk...when you go to the temple again look at Nephi's Books for it...super awesome..and then make me a copy muahahahaha) But I was listening to it again today and I realized that Heavenly Father really does know better than I do...sometimes I let myself get in the way of what He really wants me to do. I am trying harder to be what He wants me to be and I know Jesus Christ can mold and shape me into the missionary that I see in my head. Sis. Grunauer and I had some good talks and discussed some things we want to change in our teaching. I love to see that even when someone's been out over a year they can still want to learn and progress. I don't want to get to a point where I think I've learned all I can...because that's simply not true. We have become great friends and something I really learned from her is how to enjoy the journey. We never stop being missionary minded but in the midst of that find small things to entertain us and funny things to make great memories. I hope and pray we're together next transfer. This is my last wednesday before transfers...so next week I'll give you a report of how things are going. Josh update: we met with him 3 days in a row and will meet with him once more on Saturday. Ummm he's pretty much amazing. It doesn't really happen a lot that we teach someone that often...we just don't have the time but somehow we've found that time and we don't even have to go on splits for it...amazing. I think the Lord just really gives us blessings we don't even realize until we stop to think about it. Stephanie update: She wanted to wait for California to be her test...well we had a lady with us as our ride and fellowshipper and she shared her conversion story. It was so powerful and I don't think that it was coincidence that she was there to be a little more bold with Stephanie. Everything that Sis. Smith (the lady's name) said was what we said but I don't think Stephanie took it in all the way coming from us but coming from someone else she was like "I'll have to think about that" so she's praying and fasting to get answers about when to be baptized AND Stephanie on her own said she wanted to try and read the Book Of Mormon before she leaves that's like in 3 weeks....she's out of school already so I know she has some time...so I think she will do it. I'm excited for this progress and hope she'll have a desire to be baptized sooner rather than later. I just know the companionship of the Holy Ghost will help her so much more than she can imagine in California. On another note...the area is great. We've been having trouble getting splits/exchanges and I don't know why. But there are a couple sisters we can always count on. They are amazing. One of them is a bishop's wife named Sis. Hinton and she was telling me about this free website called ldsmissionarymoms.com or something like that...you should google it. But it let's you talk to other mom's who have children in the same mission! CRAZY AWESOME...and you get good suggestions from other's who have gone before...especially since I'm the first in my family (besides my dad) to go on a mission it would give some good pointers. :) Check it out... So mother's day...it turns out I can't talk to Ash after all..it's just mission rules...so I was thinking maybe her 10 mins can go to mom (since it IS mother's day) and I'll talk to mom for 20 and everyone else for 10 or less..but why would you want to do that? Come on...seriously? haha Mom...have your phone charged and ready to go at 1:00pm EST.... I will be calling. :) You all can decide who talks first and such...I'm pretty excited. The UPM is as great as ever and I love transfers because I feel like I embrace change...but if it's change I don't like then I'd rather it not change...hahaha. So we'll see if I embrace it. My tape is not even half way finished...it's a longer one that Sis. Kohler gave me to use so it'll take longer to fill up. BTW I never heard if you got my tape or pictures I sent...let me know. (Keep them in a safe spot so I can find them when I come home...hehe)
Love, Sister Page
ps. Can you send some humidity out here?? My hands are dying of dryness!
The subject line is from a song called "You Know Better Than I" and while I get obsessed with certain cds I have be mindful because my companions get sick of them pretty easy...especially if it's their cd and it's new to me but old to them. (That's actually the albums name and the singer is Something Clark Funk...when you go to the temple again look at Nephi's Books for it...super awesome..and then make me a copy muahahahaha) But I was listening to it again today and I realized that Heavenly Father really does know better than I do...sometimes I let myself get in the way of what He really wants me to do. I am trying harder to be what He wants me to be and I know Jesus Christ can mold and shape me into the missionary that I see in my head. Sis. Grunauer and I had some good talks and discussed some things we want to change in our teaching. I love to see that even when someone's been out over a year they can still want to learn and progress. I don't want to get to a point where I think I've learned all I can...because that's simply not true. We have become great friends and something I really learned from her is how to enjoy the journey. We never stop being missionary minded but in the midst of that find small things to entertain us and funny things to make great memories. I hope and pray we're together next transfer. This is my last wednesday before transfers...so next week I'll give you a report of how things are going. Josh update: we met with him 3 days in a row and will meet with him once more on Saturday. Ummm he's pretty much amazing. It doesn't really happen a lot that we teach someone that often...we just don't have the time but somehow we've found that time and we don't even have to go on splits for it...amazing. I think the Lord just really gives us blessings we don't even realize until we stop to think about it. Stephanie update: She wanted to wait for California to be her test...well we had a lady with us as our ride and fellowshipper and she shared her conversion story. It was so powerful and I don't think that it was coincidence that she was there to be a little more bold with Stephanie. Everything that Sis. Smith (the lady's name) said was what we said but I don't think Stephanie took it in all the way coming from us but coming from someone else she was like "I'll have to think about that" so she's praying and fasting to get answers about when to be baptized AND Stephanie on her own said she wanted to try and read the Book Of Mormon before she leaves that's like in 3 weeks....she's out of school already so I know she has some time...so I think she will do it. I'm excited for this progress and hope she'll have a desire to be baptized sooner rather than later. I just know the companionship of the Holy Ghost will help her so much more than she can imagine in California. On another note...the area is great. We've been having trouble getting splits/exchanges and I don't know why. But there are a couple sisters we can always count on. They are amazing. One of them is a bishop's wife named Sis. Hinton and she was telling me about this free website called ldsmissionarymoms.com or something like that...you should google it. But it let's you talk to other mom's who have children in the same mission! CRAZY AWESOME...and you get good suggestions from other's who have gone before...especially since I'm the first in my family (besides my dad) to go on a mission it would give some good pointers. :) Check it out... So mother's day...it turns out I can't talk to Ash after all..it's just mission rules...so I was thinking maybe her 10 mins can go to mom (since it IS mother's day) and I'll talk to mom for 20 and everyone else for 10 or less..but why would you want to do that? Come on...seriously? haha Mom...have your phone charged and ready to go at 1:00pm EST.... I will be calling. :) You all can decide who talks first and such...I'm pretty excited. The UPM is as great as ever and I love transfers because I feel like I embrace change...but if it's change I don't like then I'd rather it not change...hahaha. So we'll see if I embrace it. My tape is not even half way finished...it's a longer one that Sis. Kohler gave me to use so it'll take longer to fill up. BTW I never heard if you got my tape or pictures I sent...let me know. (Keep them in a safe spot so I can find them when I come home...hehe)
Love, Sister Page
ps. Can you send some humidity out here?? My hands are dying of dryness!
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