Wow this week went by fast....so fast I don't even know where to begin or what happened. Last Tuesday night we had our investigator Kim Nagy...get baptized! I think Ashleigh and Arin and her could be really good friends...she's 19 with a little baby who's almost a year old. She fits in her ward so well too. Her friend Anna (that we introduced her to) sang "Baptism" but couldn't get through it because she was so emotional. It was pretty amazing. She also was given her own quad! She was so excited. The whole thing was really awesome and the spirit was so strong. Her parents aren't members and her dad's really not that into her joining the church but BOTH of them came to the baptism.
Then we have been receiving a ton of referrals this week! I think we had 14 last week and are still getting more this week...the problem has been we have lessons all night or day when we're not at the VC and have no time to contact them..so we're going on splits. We did it once last week and I got 2 return appointments with people we talked to...it was really cool because both people I talked to were really nice and willing to set something up. I get worried about how people will receive us..but I find if you're just genuine with them and talk to them like a normal person...they will be more comfortable.
We have transfer calls coming up this Saturday...MY BIRTHDAY! Well I'm going out to lunch with some of my good friends on the mission at the Olive Garden. Then we're in the Visitor Center that night with some of my friends too. So it's going to be amazing. But Sis. Morris and I got a call from the Assistants (APs) yesterday and we think they're going to split the area...so Sis. Morris and I probably won't stay together. We're both sad to leave any of our stakes...we have such good people we're working with in all three places.
This morning we went to the temple...I just love that place! It's so peaceful and I truly can tell that I'm happy! I am so happy. I don't want anyone out there to doubt that Sister Page is a happy missionary! The gospel brings such love and comfort...I'm happy I have it in my life.
Love,
Sister Page
*Read Mosiah 24!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Have a Nice Nice Nice 2010
I'm not sure who all on the list that my mom forwards my emails to knows...but I just got back from North Carolina a week ago. I can't even believe it's been that long already. I don't quite know how to say things like this...so I'm just going to put it out there. But on Dec 21st, my dad died. There it's out there. And the funeral was held on Dec 28th. I don't want to dwell too much on this subject...for any questions you may have feel free to ask my mom. But I am now back in Utah and serving the rest of my mission until July!
It's been a weird process leaving and coming back...and getting back into the groove of things. But it was actually good that we had a holiday come up pretty fast after I came back...I think I needed it. On Dec 31st we had a baptism. A 15 year old girl named Tylisha! She's from Kansas but her mom lives here...and she's awesome. She was one of those people who was prepared. On sunday when she got the Holy Ghost she bore her testimony!!! She didn't know quite what to say but she said things like "I want to help spread the church...this is something everyone needs to know about!" She already gave us a number of her friend so that she could start the lessons in Kansas. It was a such an amazing baptism and confirmation. Her brother had joined the church just last summer...so now they can go to church together.
For the night of the 31st we went to a members home with our district. We played games from 5-10:30...and watched the Emperor's New Groove. :) So much fun. It was almost illegal. haha We also played Ninja...I taught them how...and you should have seen some of the Elders lunging for people's hands. haha
Then the 1st was like a pday...we went ICE SKATING! It was so fun. I hadn't been since I was 12. Amazing. Then we ate out. WE still had to work at 6pm...but we were in the VC.
All in all things were good the past week. We had some fun but now I can get back to work! We have a baptism tonight! woot! Love it! I love the gospel. It really is the happiest thing I have ever done.
Love, Sister Page
It's been a weird process leaving and coming back...and getting back into the groove of things. But it was actually good that we had a holiday come up pretty fast after I came back...I think I needed it. On Dec 31st we had a baptism. A 15 year old girl named Tylisha! She's from Kansas but her mom lives here...and she's awesome. She was one of those people who was prepared. On sunday when she got the Holy Ghost she bore her testimony!!! She didn't know quite what to say but she said things like "I want to help spread the church...this is something everyone needs to know about!" She already gave us a number of her friend so that she could start the lessons in Kansas. It was a such an amazing baptism and confirmation. Her brother had joined the church just last summer...so now they can go to church together.
For the night of the 31st we went to a members home with our district. We played games from 5-10:30...and watched the Emperor's New Groove. :) So much fun. It was almost illegal. haha We also played Ninja...I taught them how...and you should have seen some of the Elders lunging for people's hands. haha
Then the 1st was like a pday...we went ICE SKATING! It was so fun. I hadn't been since I was 12. Amazing. Then we ate out. WE still had to work at 6pm...but we were in the VC.
All in all things were good the past week. We had some fun but now I can get back to work! We have a baptism tonight! woot! Love it! I love the gospel. It really is the happiest thing I have ever done.
Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Our Savior's Love
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
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 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
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