Staying Put... Hooray!

Nov. 4

Transfer calls came....and....I'M STAYING!!!

Not all surprised but super stoked. I love it here. So much potential. So many people. And the best part is my comp is staying too! I love her so much. I can't wait to serve with her another 6 weeks. I've been thinking...I've lucked out on my companions. I love all of them. Seriously. They love the gospel. They love the work. And they love to be obedient. I'm so grateful for each of them and what they've taught me.

Mom, There is NEVER such a thing as a perfect lesson. Sorry. I know when the Spirit is the teacher...miracles happen. I've never ever ever ever ever had a perfect lesson. And I teach every day. But I'm trying to have a goal where after every lesson I ask myself, "Was this MY lesson? Or the SAVIOR's lesson? Did I teach...or was the Spirit the teacher? Did my investigator hear MY words or His?"

Well this week unfortunately was a bit slower. But that's okay.  (Name) did receive the Holy Ghost. An elder gave a beautiful blessing to him. I know he appreciated it. Unfortunately he fell on the ice while curling the other day so he was in a lot of pain at church. But hopefully he gets better.  Speaking of curling...do you know it's fairly big in Canada? I didn't KNOW anything about that sport til I came here. Just so you know.

And anyways (name) is doing great. He is super busy with work so we have to push his bap date back a few weeks but that's okay! We are seeing him tonight. He loves meeting with us and learning. He is awesome. I can't wait for him to be baptized.

My sweet 11 year old friend is great. She came to church and has a lot of parts in the primary program. She loves church and primary. It's great.

(Names) dropped off the face of the planet for a week. BUT...we called yesterday and we are seeing them tomorrow. Hooray! :) And they told us they'd really try to make it to church next week.

(Church member) is doing a lot better. Thank you! God answers prayers and fasts...and last week was a testimony builder for me. Still keep her in your thoughts and prayers. But I think everything is going to be okay!

I'm so excited. A couple weeks ago we got in a less-active's home. She is super sweet and nice. We had a really spiritual lesson with her and we are going back this coming week. She has a lot of potential. We can tell the Lord is really preparing her.

Last of all...we taught (name). I don't know if you remember him. We taught him once the first week I got here but haven't been able to go back until last week. He is so nice. We showed him some Mormon Messages (he really liked the Tyler Haws one). I love teaching children can I just say that? They have so much faith and are so teachable. The more I work with children the more I understand why Christ treats them so special.

I love you all! The work is true. I love it here. I love my mission. As always I pray for you everyday. Thanks for all you do!

Baptisms and Blessings

Oct 28

Dear Family:

I am a little sad to say I had to get the ol' winter coat out last week. It's getting...cold. I don't know what happened but all of a sudden this northern wind came out of nowhere. It's been raining and blowing a lot. Darn it. It was a good 3 degrees C. Wish me luck this winter! At least I'm not in Russia mom!

I'm so excited about the mission call! Atlanta!!! God knows us inside and out --this just goes out to prove it.

I just want to say Mom and family: I have been praying and thinking about you ALL week. And I've been thinking of my Grandma. I hope you felt my prayers. I wish I could be there with you but just know I'm there in spirit. And I'm just so grateful for Grandma...I feel like I've grown to appreciate her and love her as I've been out on my mission. I know she is doing missionary work up there in the spirit world while I'm doing it down here. It's been cool to think about...And as I testify of the Plan of Salvation, I know my testimony of it has been strengthened because of her.

(NAME) GOT BAPTIZED! Oh man this week has been crazy. On Monday we met with him and he didn't agree to pay tithing...so scary. But after a good lesson and talking about it he agreed to do his very best and pay the full tithe. It was cool. On Saturday he texted us and told us he was scared

and asked us that we pray for him. Honestly I was really really nervous he would get too scared. But he came to church Sunday...went to all three hours of church and was baptized. The baptism was a spiritual experience. The spirit was so strong. Whenever we have a baptism I get so stressed but once he was baptized and came out of the water a sense of peace and relief came over me. After he was baptized he stood up and gave a speech to everyone there. He told us four things:

1) "I was baptized because I know God wanted me to do this."

2) "I know now that God will protect me"

3) "I want to help those that are agnostic and atheist to believe and be baptized."

4) "I feel...renewed..."

He then told us how when he was in the locker room he felt something...hit him...Man what a powerful testimony builder to me!

THE BEST PART! The Elders Quorum president introduced himself to him. He was holding and waving A PEN in the air and he was holding a PROGRAM. (Name) didn't say anything....and then the EQ President handed him the program with his number on it. He took it and put it in his bag..........Yes the same guy who was deathly afraid of pens and paper. AHHH I just love him. He is so awesome. I'm so grateful that he found us. He has the gospel. And he wants to become better and to change. I hope that he can continue to grasp the gospel because that is going to help him so much in his life especially with what he's been through and what he goes through on a daily basis.

Okay...other investigators.... Well a lot of investigators dropped...but we got a ton of new investigators...This has been a week where I felt so many blessings from God. It's one of those weeks where you ask, "What am I doing to deserve this????" We had nine new investigators last week. And all of them literally fell into our laps.

Our 9 year old friend is doing great! She loves the gospel and primary. We taught her about the restoration and apostasy in the hallway of her apartment. All of a sudden her friend came out of the elevator and she told her friend to come join her and learn. She did. And she retaught her the restoration!!! Then she took her friend to her mom and asked if she can come to church. We then got in a discussion with her mom which led her to let us in the home and we taught her the restoration. The mom almost came to church...almost....she actually was supposed to drive the girl but then she ended up missing it. Hopefully next week.

Then...we had a bombed appointment and we were in an apartment. But we saw a man who had a lot of groceries. We helped him take all the groceries to his apartment and eventually he told us that he wants to come to church! He didn't make it yesterday but we are seeing him this week! That's the first time I've seen an investigator out of service.

Then...we had a bombed appointment so we tracted. We found a house and the man that answered the door claimed that a couple of nights ago he and his friend had had a lot of questions about Jesus Christ and wanted answers. They let us in. BUT...their friends weren't happy. When we started to talk about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, they started to yell at us, telling us to get out. They took the Book of Mormons we gave to the two people who were listening and sincere and gave them back to us...swearing and interrupting us. I've never had so much dispute in a lesson before. But the two people were listening. We tuned out their friends and finished. It was cool though because they were open. They listened even though their friends made fun of them. They took back the Book of

Mormon and told us they'd read. We are hoping to work more with them.

Then...church yesterday...so a young man brought his cousin to church and he loved it! And he even stayed for the baptism. We are teaching him with his cousin tonight! So excited! It's so crazy to see the difference in member referrals and just contacts from the street. I feel like those referred by a member are so prepared. It's amazing.

THEN...a random man came to the church and told the bishop he wants missionary discussions. So we will be busy this week!

I'm telling you...we have been blessed. I'm just so grateful for Heavenly Father. This week has been a week of miracles. AND I CAN'T TAKE CREDIT. God's the one who works these miracles and finds these investigators. Not us.

Please pray for our recent convert. She is really struggling and some really depressing things have happened lately. It's really sad how sad things happen sometimes even to good people. Thanks! :)

Yes I bought boots last week. Yay! I am ready for winter so that's good.

I love our apartment basement. Yes...I do miss seeing the great view of the city like I had in my last area. But it's nice to be in a neighborhood...I've never had that before. I love the apartment because it's big, it's clean, we have our own oven (note from me.. really? they didn't have an OVEN? In CANADA? What's up with that??) and washer and dryer, and fireplace. It's really really really nice. and the landlord cooks for us sometimes. So honestly I can't complain!

My area is awesome. It's so cool to see how I've changed from week 1 here to week 6. You grow to love the people. The people here are very different. But they are humble. They are kind. I love being somewhere where I see more families. And there are still many many nationalities here. There are many prepared people here. When I first came here I really missed Toronto...but I love it here now! And it's great! :)

So I love you all so much! You are seriously great. I love you. I love my Heavenly Father. I love the scriptures. I love the many many miracles that I've seen since I've been here. And I know that NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT GOD'S HAND. Like Ammon, I can't take any credit. None. This is all Him. And His Hand has been seen these past weeks...

Did you know I'm so proud of you? You all made me who I am today and I can't thank you enough for your examples and testimonies that build me out. And I'm talking to immediate family, friends, and relatives all over. Thanks so much!

Have a good week and may God help you in the thick and thin!

Hastening!

October 21, 2013

That is so cool about how they're using the primary program as a missionary tool. Man I just KNOW that the future generations are going to be spreading the gospel like crazy! They are so prepared. My comp and I spent a few minutes in primary teaching about how we can do missionary work. It was so fun...I haven't been to primary FOREVER. But it was cool...we asked everyone what we could do to share the gospel with our friends and all their hands shot up and they had all these ideas. They got excited to invite their friends to primary and church. They are cute! I can't wait to see what kind of missionaries they will become.

Annie: PERSONAL PROGRESS? Ah. I'm so proud of you. That program changed my life. It made me love the scriptures and the gospel. And it prepared me for the mission. I also loved seminary. Seminary is the best!  That is so awesome! Love you so much.

Okay. This last week. It was quite crazy. For P-day last week we went to the church and played soccer....and we also played Mafia. Best. Game.EVER! Man it gets intense. hahaha. But...mom it's kinda funny that you mentioned my knee...cause...as I was playing soccer...all of a sudden I felt something moving in my knee. So I stopped. (By the way I haven't had ANY problems before that.) And...the next day I woke up and I was kinda limping. Yikes I was so nervous because it hurt and it would click as if I had rehurt it. But I brought my brace so I just wore that for a couple days. I was so nervous I'd have to call the nurse! But...tender tender mercies. I don't know what happened but all of a sudden something clicked back into place and it hasn't been bugging me since. Seriously though it's a miracle. Don't worry I'm wearing my brace from now on when I work out cause that scared me. But it's as good as new. No clicks. No movements. No limping. :) Tender mercies.

Anyways, this last week..our investigator is doing okay. We were sad though because his job prevented him from coming to church yesterday. He has been reading a bit of the Book of Mormon so that's good. I'm hoping that he can get work off this sunday and the next Sunday. But he still loves the gospel and the messages we share with him.

His roommate came to church! He is 18 from Africa. He is here for school. He is awesome! Church was really good yesterday too. There were some powerful talks about the Atonement. And the day before we taught them about the importance of the sacrament. It was really good. When you teach others about the sacrament, it reminds you of how truly important it is. I'm so grateful for our Savior and His sacrifice for us. I feel like I take this great gift for granted so much.

(Name of investigator) is also doing awesome! He is getting baptized...this Sunday!!!! Man he is so excited for it. And the last time we met with him he told us "I don't believe in coincidences...God led me to you two for a reason..." And he told us that since he's met with us some great things have happened. More doors are opening for him and he is getting more medical help than he has had before!I KNOW that God is blessing him and I just pray and hope that God will continue to help him manage his illnesses. I want him to be completely healed...but I know everything is in God's hands and He doesn't give any of us "more than we can bear..." He is a choice spirit cause he's been through a lot! I can't wait for him to enjoy the blessings that come from baptism.

The cute nine year old girl is doing really good! We went to her house and talked about the plan of salvation. She wants to be baptized! She LOVES primary. She is going to sing in the primary program in a couple of weeks and she is loving the church. I really hope that she can get permission to be baptized.

Miracles are happening in the ward. We had 8 people come to church last Sunday. (Our ward has three sets of missionaries) And we are going to have 4 baptisms this weekend! WOW! 

Plans for today? I'm going to try an avocado shake! (The elders told me it was really really good so we will see) and we are playing games again like we did last week. It should be fun!

Today in study I was reading the Book of Mormon about the gathering of Israel. I'm so grateful for this great work that all of us can take part in. God is truly hastening his work. Whether you are a full time missionary or a member you can take part of this. I thought of all of my friends and family members on their missions as well as you (my family) looking for ways to share the gospel. It made me so excited. Miracles are happening. People are coming to God's fold. His work is rolling forth. And NOTHING can stop it. I love this gospel. I love this work!

Have a good week! I'll be thinking of you and praying for you as always. And I will be especially thinking of you mom and your family and grandpa richins on friday. I love my Grandma and I think she is smiling down on all of us. And I can testify that she has helped me on my mission!

Happy Thanksgiving, EH?

Hola Familia! Happy Thanksgiving! Just a warning this is a freakishly long email:

Wow it's sooooo good to hear from you. Letters/emails strengthen me so much. have I told you I love you guys? :)

Dad: thanks so much for your example for missionary work. Seriously. that's awesome. We are working with the members here to do the same. Getting members pumped about missionary work is a gradual process...but I'm excited to see what comes out of it. We are doing a mission plan with the bishop's family so we will see how it goes. Keep looking for opportunities to share the gospel!!!! Don't give up...I know the Spirit will direct you to those that are prepared because you aren't scared to open your mouth. The Lord places people in the paths of those that aren't scared to share the gospel. So be prepared. As for the headphones...haha....well when I have that on the bus I usually lean forward and wave and ask how they are doing. They usually take their earphones off to answer and then THE KEY IS TO KEEP TALKING BEFORE THEY PUT THE EARPHONES BACK IN. haha. Sometimes it annoys them so then you just have to give them a card. Man...I love bus contacting. Just saying. Sometimes it is hard.,..especially if the entire bus is just dead silent. But if there's one thing I've learned it's just be yourself and be friendly...follow the spirit and everything falls into place. :) . I'm glad the sports teams are doing fairly well...minus the Jazz.

Last P-day adventure: We went Downtown. It was quite fun to ride the subways again...and it was REALLY REALLY weird because we passed the subway station where my old area was. But we went to a huge mall/shopping center similar to Times Square. We had lunch with the district at the food court. Then we went shopping. But...I don't know you know me I don't like shopping that much...especially since missionary clothes are hard to find...I don't have that much money...and I honest don't need clothes due to your awesome package that you sent. So...we just chilled. The elders were actually the worst...they kept trying on more and more things. But then eventually we walked around the city which I liked. The city is pretty exciting! Street performers, shops, you name it!

Well Thanksgiving was so weird. But it was good. We had to clean out an old apartment and move out some old furniture so that was fun. We dropped by some people and taught lessons. It was really nice. A lady from our ward invited us for Thanksgiving. IT WAS DELISH! Canadian Thanksgiving is just like Thanksgiving in the USA. Squash, turkey, yams, lamb, potatoes, gravy, pumpkin and apple pie, veggies, everything! And this dear sister....all the vegetables came from her garden. So it was all FRESH and FABULOUS! We ate a ton! It hit the spot!

We are still working with a lot of investigators and we are trying to help them PROGRESS. But we have seen some miracles this last week. First of all...remember the nine year old from my old area? He got baptized!!! Yay!!!!

Then we taught one of our investigators last week and guess what -- his roommate sat in with us!!!! YES! And his roommate is solid too! We taught with a returned missionary sister the Word of Wisdom. It was awesome! He works night shifts on his work so he drinks coffee to help him stay awake. But he agreed to try to drink hot chocolate instead! (I'm so grateful for hot chocolate!) And we gave him a kit with snacks and mints and stuff he can do when he gets tired.  (Name) loves the Book of Mormon. He was telling us what he learned from Nephi and Lehi's example to go to the wilderness. IT WAS AWESOME. He knows how to Liken the scriptures. So I'm proud of him.

We have a new investigator. We were sitting on the curb one day and this guy came up to his and asked us where our church was. We gave him a card and he actually gave us a call. AND...he showed up to church last Sunday!!!! Crazy!!! But the thing is...he has a lot of struggles. But he wants help. He NEEDS help. And he thinks that turning to God and Jesus can help him. Good idea! Man...I know God put us in his path for a reason. I know the gospel can help him with his trials. We are seeing him again on Saturday. I can't wait to see how the gospel is going to change and strengthen him.

We also met with three women last week but we are still working with them! :) The older man...the one we dropped...is probably going to be picked back up. He calls us every day and we are seeing him at church and he told us that he wants to talk to us about baptism. He is still reading the Book of Mormon. He. is. so. close. to. the. font. He is a sweetie!

Anyways last thing! We ate at recent convert's last week. And she fed us Nigerian food...and we ate it Nigerian style. Do you know what that means? NO UTENSILS. Including soup. So much fun. So now I know how to eat like a Nigerian. :) It was actually pretty good. She is so awesome. She is so fun to be around and she has a great testimony!

I still love working with people from all over the world. Just now a guy walked up to me and started to talk to me in french and I had to say "sorry I don't speak french. :(  ) Man I need the gift of tongues bad! It's so fun! It's interesting how different cultures are in different parts of the city. Like my old area was a lot of Portuguese and Italians...here it is more Caribbean and Africa. it's cool!

Well love you lots! I'm THANKFUL for you. I'm thankful to be here. And I'm thankful for this gospel. Thanks for your testimonies. They really strengthen me. Love you to the moon and back! :)