A Gift

I’m a bit late getting this put together, as Christmas has now past; however, it is my hope that my words might invite the Spirit into your lives, and encourage each of us to give more of ourselves to those around us no matter the time of the year. The sweet Bishop of our ward (the pastor of the church congregation I attend) wrote a little article for our December newsletter. Part of it says, “Different than a present is a gift. A gift is something that bears much more value and worth than a present purchased online or at a store. A true gift may be part of ourselves - sharing gifts from our mind; gifts from our heart.” I had not much thought of the difference between the two - a present and a gift - before reading his words. It got me thinking. A present, at least in my mind, denotes something more worldly, more temporal. A gift, however, seems to be less tangible, more abstract. For instance, one could give a movie as a present or his time serving at a shelter as a gift. The more I think about it, I begin to see how presents can also be gifts; they have the ability to represent something more abstract. For instance, my husband, my son, and I gave little homemade presents to all the grandparents and great grandparents for Christmas. The present itself was not much by the world’s standards; however, it was for us a visual representation of the gifts of love and gratitude that we wanted to share with each of them. As Christmas has past and the new year is approaching, my mind is brought to one last point - gifts versus New Year’s Resolutions. Just this last week my husband said, “Oh, it never happened because it was a New Year’s Resolution.” We were talking with our family about something we thought we’d started doing one year as a resolution, yet it never reached fruition. How often do goals (presents, if you will) get left by the wayside because they lack the abstract, because they lack meaning? Every year we make goals, slap on them the name “New Year’s Resolutions,” and we think that that in and of itself will motivate us enough to actually follow through. In doing so, we’re giving ourselves presents instead of gifts. So how does one make a goal more than a present? For me, I must first come up with my why. One year I decided to give up sweets. I’d tried it multiple times before with little success; but, that year it was different. I was a missionary for my church, and each day I was inviting others to give up things that they loved in order to come closer to Christ; however, I’d never truly given up something that I'd loved. In an effort to better understand what others were experiencing in doing so, I chose to not eat sweets (something I absolutely love!). My why made my goal a gift, a gift of understanding. May we each contemplate what gifts we can give our God, our neighbors, and ourselves as a new beginning comes our way. Let us remember to give meaning to those things that we do.

The Refiner's Fire

I didn't realize until I started reading the explanation in the Doctrine & Covenants student manual that I was already to the sections written from Liberty Jail. Sections 121-123 hold a special little place in my heart because of the strength that they give just by reading them. It gives me peace to know that the Prophet Joseph Smith wanted to know when his trials would end, when it would become easier, when he'd be able to leave and go serve his family and the members of the church. He wasn't rebuked for his seeming "complaints." Rather, the Lord spoke peace to his soul. I wonder if it is because his complaints were valid? He wanted to know when the Lord was going to do something because he wanted so badly to help those he'd been called to serve. I love this sentence from the student manual, "President Brigham Young said that Joseph Smith progressed toward perfection more in thirty-eight years because of his trials than he would have been able to do in a thousand years without them." I wonder what growth I'm missing out on by seeking to avoid any and all trial, or what lessons I'm overlooking by focusing too much on the trial and not enough on my God? This life wasn't meant to be easy; it was meant to be a refiner's fire, an opportunity for us to grow and progress towards becoming like our Father in Heaven. If the Prophet progressed more towards perfection in his 38 years of life because of his trials, then what can I accomplish in my life? I do not necessarily believe I should be constantly praying for trials; nevertheless, I think I should be more welcoming of them instead of fearful. My natural man doesn't want anything "bad" to happen. But, can anything truly be termed "bad" if I choose to look to the Savior and overcome? He was the One who descended below them all, and likewise rose triumphant. I think this quote from the student manual sums it up quite nicely, "The Prophet Joseph Smith said, 'I feel like Paul, to glory in tribulation' (D&C 127:2). The Savior’s life is the perfect example of enduring tribulation (see D&C 122:7–8). If we can look to the Savior or to the Prophet as models of endurance, we can find hope and strength to endure our own afflictions." Elder Marion G. Romney said: “All … who are being tried in the crucible of adversity and affliction: Take courage; revive your spirits and strengthen your faith. In these lessons so impressively taught in precept and example by our great exemplar, Jesus Christ, and his Prophet of the restoration, Joseph Smith, we have ample inspiration for comfort and for hope. If we can bear our afflictions with the understanding, faith, and courage, and in the spirit in which they bore theirs, we shall be strengthened and comforted in many ways. We shall be spared the torment which accompanies the mistaken idea that all suffering comes as chastisement for transgression...We can draw assurance from the Lord’s promise that ‘he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. 'Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, [he said,] the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. …’ (D&C 58:2–4.)” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1969, p. 59.) "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy," 2 Nephi 2:25. If our purpose is to become like our Father and our Savior and to experience a fullness of joy, then the trials we pass through ultimately lead to that. Trials lead to perfection. Perfection = joy. Therefore, trials also lead to joy. “The greater our sorrow is, the greater our capacity to feel joy," (from Mormon Message, "The Refiner's Fire").

Que quieres tu?

We are children of the Most High, we have a promised inheritance in His Celestial Kingdom, our futures are bright if we but allow them so to be. Why is it so hard for the world to remember, yet so easy to forget? Satan is set on causing us to forget; Heavenly Father is set on helping us remember. I was pondering today about our nature. Yield to the enticings of the cunning one, or yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit? Putting off the natural man takes effort, it is a decision to be made and an action to be taken. Even so is choosing the spiritual--a decision must be made and an action taken. The amount of effort is about the same in both cases. So, why do we not just exert our efforts in that which brings true happiness, instead of in that which brings damnation?
"To be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal" (2 Nephi 9:39). Thank you, Jacob, for putting it so plainly. Everyone is some sort of "-minded" so why not choose the good one? I know I have much to overcome; my weaknesses seem to shine forth on a daily basis, discipleship takes constant effort, constant evaluation, constant thirst for that which is right. I make mistakes more than anyone I know. I see them All. The. Time. However, I also have a testimony of the Atonement. It is Real. It is what makes possible that overcoming. I may have a fallen physical nature, but the nature of my very being is Glorious and Eternal, for I am a daughter of God. He has blessed me with the ability to CHOOSE. To choose to be spiritually-minded ignites within us a desire to repent, to draw closer to Christ. That repentance replaces the carnal, the devilish, the natural man with PEACE. The answers to my prayers almost always if not always come through peace. A level of peace is always felt. Sometimes it takes first stepping into the unknown, but it comes. The peace felt from choosing to be spiritually-minded is not always felt immediately; nor is the sorrow that comes from choosing to be carnally-minded felt immediately. Satan's not giving up, but God isn't either. It's already decided who's going to win. My duty is to figure out which side I'm truly on, not just the one I think I'm on.

Como esta tu relacion con tu Senor?

President Jeppson asked me in my final interview a question that has stuck with me ever since. He asked, "How do you think your relationship is with your Savior?" I've thought about that every day. I'm hear to tell you, things are different after the mission; nevertheless, my relationship with my Savior should not ever take the back burner. I've allowed the world and life to kind of get in the way as I was away on vacation. I continued to do my studies, and I will for the rest of forever, but they hadn't been as productive as I knew they could/should be. It's interesting to have been able to feel the difference it has had on my life. My relationship with my Savior wasn't as strong as it should have been. As I sat in church this morning and listened to the talks about Christ, I pondered on His Goodness. I thought of how amazed I stand at His love, at His sacrifice for me. I thought about what that sacrifice meant to me and how said meaning is/should be reflected in my actions. One of the speakers today said, "Our power to act comes from our ability to believe"...and I add, our ability to believe comes from the magnitude of our desire. I will never act if we do not first have a desire. And, my spiritual staying power will never make itself manifest if I do not first believe. The same goes of each of you. Do you want to know your Savior better? Are you content with the knowledge you already have? How is your personal relationship with Him?

Friends, I love my Savior. I am eternally grateful for His Atoning sacrifice in my behalf, for His making right my wrongs, for His making strong my weaknesses. I decided today to rededicate myself to Him, because that is what He deserves, it is what I have covenanted that I will do. I may not wear a badge, but I still wear His name. President Jeppson once said, "The more you love [your Savior], the more your capacity to love yourself and others increases." That's what it's all about--coming to love Him so that in turn we might more fully be able to love others. The Atonement was/is the greatest act of love ever known to this world. As we learn to apply it in our own lives--thus coming to better know and love our Savior--we are more capable of developing that love towards others; we see them through the lens of eternity instead of that of the here and now. It is my prayer that my life might be my testimony, that all who know me might come to know a little better their Redeemer. I want the world to know Who it is that I worship. I want the world to know Him. He makes possible the impossible. He gives comfort when the heart seems almost to fall to despair. He shines light into the darkest of shadows--a light that illuminates, a light that inspires, a light that makes free.

I am good for something

I am so grateful for my friends. Heavenly Father puts in our lives the people that we need when we need them. I had the opportunity to see three of my very best friends—Justine Banks, Jacob Trotter, and Todd Corbett—this weekend for the first time in a very very very long time. I loved being able to see how they’ve grown, to feel of the power of their spirits. They are each remarkable and will always have a special place in my heart. I am reminded of Alma and the sons of Mosiah, when they run into each other. It’s the first time in 14 years that they’ve all been together. Of the experience it is written, “…Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting…” (Alma 17:2-3). I felt like Alma. I feel like Alma. My heart is full of gratitude so great I can hardly contain it. My friends have grown in their testimonies. They know Whose they are. They understand their purpose. They are disciples of Jesus Christ, now and for forever. I love them for it.
I learned something this last weekend. I learned the power of “I Am.” It was something I learned on my mission, but it hit home a little bit more. When Christ presented Himself, oftentimes He did so by saying that He was “I Am.” He knew Who He was, He understood it, and He applied it to everything He ever did. There is power in knowing who we each are. “I am good for something,” so why not find that something and run with it? Who are you? What makes you YOU? Are you a child of God? Do you know it? Are you a pianist, an intellectual, a temple attender, a peacemaker, a leader, a disciple of Jesus Christ? Who ARE you? It’s been a struggle the last week and a half. I realized the things I was doing didn’t have much meaning because I didn’t really understand what I was off to accomplish, I didn’t understand my purpose. My training wheels are off now. I’m riding solo. There is no more book that tells me what I am to do, how I am to manage my time. I didn’t want to wait for something like work or school to define my purpose. It needed be something within. That way, no matter what happens, I will always have it to guide me. After study and prayer and a bit of pondering, I came to the conclusion that I must continue to be an example of the believer and Father will use me as His instrument. I must do all that I do in order to build up the Kingdom of God on the earth—consecrate all of my time and talents to His work. So, I made myself a post-it and stuck it in my planner. It reads, “Did I help build up God’s Kingdom today? What can I do better tomorrow?” The best part is that I know Heavenly Father will use me. I know who I am in His eyes and therefore understand that I am good for many things. My life will be patterned after that knowledge.

As I was talking with Jacob the other day, I said something about making sure I would teach my children the importance of obedience, that it brings blessing and safety. He then turned to me and asked, “Kaity, how many people do you think you taught on your mission?” I thought for a second and said, “Well, I hope at least a couple” (I didn’t quite understand his point at first). He shared with me something he learned on his mission, and since that little talk, I’ve learned it too. He said mas o menos, “I learned that we do not actually teach anyone anything. Heavenly Father helps them to learn it when they’re ready.” It is so true! How many times have you heard people teach about the Atonement? You’ve heard what it is, but you never learned what it really meant until you experienced Its power for yourself. We each have experiences so that we can share them with others; but, Heavenly Father will help them learn those principles through their own experiences in His timing. And, not very often will it be in the self-same moment. We cannot be frustrated when others just don’t seem to “get it” even though you have told “it” to them a million and one times. They will understand not because of what you say, but because of their own encounters with the Spirit—He will teach them those lessons when they’re ready to learn them.

I learned about the importance of agency, of using that agency to make decisions. A friend bore his testimony today and just briefly mentioned something about making decisions. I wrote those two words down—“making decisions”—and decided I was going to go home and ponder it a little more. I learned that I don’t want to wait on other people and their decisions before I choose to be happy. It is important that we are who we know that we are, that we trust that everything will work out as it should, that we just “let go and let God” as another member put it in her testimony today. Opposition must needs be remembered when making decisions. There will be an opposition in all things. Opposition, however, isn’t always bad—it simply opposes. If my favorite color is blue, then my favorite color cannot be green. That doesn’t mean that it is bad for it to be green, the two just cannot be one. Decision making would not be decision making if there wasn’t an opposing choice to be made. It means taking a stand, it means acting. Heavenly Father trusts me to do that which is right; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s always only ever one right decision to be made. Things get harder and significant growth can take place when we have to choose between many good things. It is in doing so that our faith grows.

I don’t know. I’m not sure if what I’m writing makes a whole lot of sense, but I hope you can get out of it what Father would have you learn. I love the Gospel with my whole heart. I am grateful for the lesson Heavenly Father teaches us each day if we will but listen.

Ya regrese!

I’m home?! These past couple days have been an adventure in and of themselves. I loved being in the Mission Home last Tuesday night before I came home. I learned some very valuable lessons, things that I will forever implement in my life and in the lives of those in my future family. I love the example of love that is my Mission President and his wife. They’ve taught me a lot, whether they’ve realized it or not, just by being who they are. We all have those people who have impacted our lives in ways that words could never explain. Aren’t we all so grateful for them?! I loved the missionaries I came home with – Elders Rosas, Larsen, Watkins, Roberts, Kreiger, Breur, Althouse, Cardoso, Gomes. They were some powerhouse missionaries and I’m grateful for the time I had to serve with them. I haven’t a doubt that they will continue to serve the Lord with all the fervor with which they served Him the past two years. Tuesday night ended late and Wednesday morning started early. It was hard to say goodbye. I was grateful to have Elders Tilley, Maughan, and Erikson take us to the airport. I have grown to love each of them for the caliber of missionaries that they are.

The plane ride home was a hard one. It was strange to be waving farewell to a place I felt I had only just been saying hello to. “New Jersey is my home,” I kept saying to myself. It is to me like the waters of Mormon to the people of Alma. New Jersey is where I came to know my Savior, it is where I experienced pure joy for the first time in my whole life, it is where I grew to love myself, it is where I found my closest friends. I love New Jersey.

When I got to Las Vegas, my heart was pounding just as hard as it had been for the past week. I was nervous. I was excited. I was sad, but I was happy. It was an interesting little roller coaster of emotions. I came to the escalator only to find my Daddy waiting at the bottom. Mommy had told me they’d wait by the carousel, so I was a little thrown off. It was a joyous reunion. Little Brother is like 6 inches taller. My sisters are beautiful. My mommy and daddy look great. I asked a lady if she would take a picture for us…I ended up giving her a mormon.org pass-along card afterwards :-). She seemed pretty excited about it, actually.

From the airport we drove straight to my Stake President’s Law Office in downtown Las Vegas. It was there that I was released from my full-time service. That was a difficult experience for me. I expected to feel a change in the Spirit that I felt, but I didn’t. I felt that same peace that I’d felt during my mission, and I was grateful. My ability to remember things seems to have decreased however…but that’s about it. I am determined to live worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, for that is the only way I know how to live.

The days since have been a little adventure. It’s a whole different world. I’m not used to it, but I’ll be just fine. I find joy in my scripture study. Prayer continues to be my refuge. I couldn’t do it without my Father in Heaven. I read a verse this morning that hit me pretty hard. It reads, “But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words.” This is where I need to be right now. He knows why I’m here, His wisdom is so much greater than mine. I trust Him with all my heart and know that He will guide me as He works to bring to pass His eternal purposes. It’s here. Reality has hit. And I’m going to live it.

New Jersey Times - Un tiempecito. Amor incontable.

KAITY'S LAST MISSION EMAIL

Mi Querida Familia,

What a remarkable feeling it is to arrive at the close of my mission and have such a sense of peace and love and pure joy fill my heart. I met with my Mission President for my final interview. President and Sister Jeppson flew back to New Jersey yesterday. I got to have my interview with my President! I found out for sure last Wednesday that he had been cleared and would be back before I left. God is a God of miracles. He answered the door to the mission home this morning sin maletas. He's doing great. He's walking. He just has a glow about him. He's grateful to be back. And I'm grateful that he's back...both of them. The tender mercies of the Lord!

I apologize because this email will not be an update of any events that have happened this past week. I feel impressed to share with you a little about what I have learned through my service. It's that last opportunity I'll have to write you as a set apart representative of my Savior.

I have learned that I am a daughter of God. I have inherited divine qualities from the Father of my spirit as well as a right to become like Him. I am royalty. I am precious in the eyes of my Maker. I am His. As I've grown in my understanding of that pure truth, I have grown in my ability to love myself. I have received witness after witness after witness that my Heavenly Father loves me, that I am noble, that I am righteous. I have been freed from myself because of the Greatness of my God.

I have learned that love really needs to be my motive. Love of my Savior first and foremost. My dear President once said, "The more you love Him (Jesus Christ), the more your capacity to love yourself and others increases." As our understanding and our ability to personally apply the Atonement in our lives increases, our ability to love also increases. I feel like this life is our opportunity to learn of our worth, to understnad who. we. are. in the eyes of God. There is power in knowing our worth as His children. It is real. I want for the rest of forever to help others remember Whose they are. We live in a world full of negativity, it easily finds its way into our lives if we're not careful to keep it out. Positive thinking, especially of one's self allows for the Spirit to always be present, it allows for life to be lived to its fullest. I believe that if we understood who we are as children of Deity, we would not be so quick to do iniquity. If we just took the time to get to know our real selves--the spirit that dwells within this tabernacle of clay--we would soar to great heights in all aspects of life. The Atonement of Jesus Christ, His Sacrifice, makes that possible. If we are weighed down by sin, our spiritual eyes are blinded and that hinders our ability to see those spiritual truths. As we repent and renew our covenants made at baptism, we are made to see clearly again. All that Heavenly Father does for us is to help us know of our great worth.

I have learned that Jesus Christ is my Savior. For the past 18 months, I have been trying to come to know Him better, that I might truly be Him for these people. I have loved learning of my Savior. It has been an honor to wear His name each and every day. That tag might be coming off in a couple days, but the Name will always be there. As we make covenants with our God, the Name of His Son becomes engraven upon our hearts even more than ever before. My service as His full-time Representative, as a Missionary may be over soon; however, my service as His disciple--His full-time disciple will never end.

I've learned that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I need not fear. Because of my Savior, with my Savior I can do all things...ALL thing, even the hard ones. The Atonement gives me hope; and where there is hope, there is faith; and where there is faith, fear cannot reside. It is a trust. Sometimes fear begins to overcome me, sometimes I let it get too far; but, I'm always reminded of my Savior. No matter what the fear is, it can be swallowed up by an appeal to that Great Sacrifice. Fear comes because of uncertainty, faith because of a surety.

I've learned the beauty of true friendship--brothers and sisters united in the cause of Christ. You can pass much time having not seen someone and the moment you are reunited, the feelings of joy and happiness and peace are reignited. You may not even know a whole lot about each other's lives; however, you know what each other is all about, and that creates a bond between you that never can be broken. I think that's what it's all about. I have loved watching my dear brothers [and sisters]...grow in their understanding of spiritual truths, come to know on a more profound level who they each are as children of God and instruments in His hands. I love each opportunity Father has given me to feel of the power of their spirits, the power that comes from their righteousness. I love each of you for sharing this time with me. I encourage you to cultivate those kinds of relationships with all that you meet. We all lived together once, in perfect harmony. Our goals were the same. Now we get to help each other remember them.

My dear family and friends, I'm excited to see you again. I'm excited to see how you've grown. I'm excited to hear of your experiences. I'm excited to give you all giant hugs! I'm excited for what the future holds. I'm excited to put all I've learned into practice. My training wheels are coming off. My nets are put up and I'm going out for the harvest. I'm going to get dirty and covered and worn out in the work of my Lord.

I love you. Forever.
Hermana Word

PS My dear Corbett Family, I love you! Thank you for the birthday package! You are all angels!

New Jersey Times - Una semana aun mas rara

Familia,


Thank you for your letters, for your emails, for your love. I love each of you so much. Keep it up out there! I apologize because I have not time enough to right you much. My Mission President is doing alot better. We still don't know when he'll be back, but he's recovery at a miraculous rate and I'm ever so grateful for your prayers and your support. Shelby, thanks for your letter!!!! We did service with the New York New York South Missionaries back in September. I met your future mission presidents! Crazy! The East Coast is ready to receive the Gospel. Especially the Hispanics here. You and my sister are going to tear it up! ;-)


I get to go on an exchange tomorrow, to the temple on Wednesday, we have transfer planning on Thursday, a Stake Relief Society activity on Saturday, and a big ward fireside on Sunday. My last week as a missionary, and I won't be doing much teaching. It kind of makes me sad, but I'm excited for all the week has in store.


This last week was crazy. I'll tell you about it in a couple weeks. I learned that Heavenly Father gives us the strength we need in order to be able to overcome whatsoever thing comes our way. The refiner's fire is a tough one, but it's so worth it. Jesus Christ is my Savior. The Holy Ghost is my guide. I love this work. I'm enlisted for the rest of forever.


Stay safe. Keep praying. See you soon!


Hermana Word

New Jersey Times - Una semana rara!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Familia Mia!!!

It's weird. All of this is weird. I went to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on Monday. I had what we call my "hot seat" yesterday. When a missionary leaves, they take 30-45 minutes after one of our meetings to ask the missionary questions about his/her mission, embarrassing moments, people who've had a great impact on his/her life, advice for other missionaries, etc. Two weeks and I'll be home. It feels strange, yet normal.

My companions are amazing. Hermana Fenn spent last Thursday to Monday in Fardale (about an hour and a half away from New Brunswick) with Sister Call while one of our Sister missionaries went home for her father's funeral. Hermana Simpson and I continued work in New Brunswick. We also had an exchange last Friday--Hermana Simpson was with Sister Lambeth in New Brunswick, and I was with Sister Schroeffel in Clinton. What an eye-opener it was for me! I was reminded of how grateful I am to have such a wonderfully supportive ward here in New Brunswick. All the members love the missionaries and they love missionary work. In Clinton, I found that there are a number of members who have fallen away and joined other churches and want nothing to do with anything "Latter-day Saint." There are a handful of members who are willing to help the missionaries but they're just not as open about it. Welcome to English work? The Church is true, it doesn't matter where you live in New Jersey, in the US or in the world...it will always be true. It broke my heart to know that so many people have forgotten about/neglected the witnesses they've received from the Holy Ghost. It made me excited, however, to do missionary work when I get home, to get to work even more with less active members and recent converts. Never forget what you know to be true. Keep the commandments and Heavenly Father will help you to know His will.

Hermana Simpson and I had a neat experience last Sunday. Veronica, one of our investigators, moved three weeks ago. When she was moving, she wasn't sure of her address. We tried to contact her for quite some time after having moved, but her cell phone is just a little weird and contact was never made. As we were walking out of our building last week, we found Veronica waiting in the lobby. We instantly asked her where she lived and set an appointment with her for Sunday. She told us, "718 Joyce Kilmer, Apt C1." When we walked into her building, we noticed that all the apartments on the bottom floor started with C1 and then had another letter after them: C1A, C1B, C1C...there were probably ten different apartments. Haha. Hermana Simpson and I decided to say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father where Veronica lived (we tried to call her, but she didn't pick up). We chose one end and just started knocking. We had knocked 3 doors before we got to C1C. I almost didn't knock it because I heard them watching English television, but Hermana Simpson encouraged me to do it anyway. It turned out to be Veronica's apartment; however, she was in the shower. The three guys sitting in the living room must have invited us to come inside 100 times, and each time we told them that we couldn't until there was a woman in the same room as us. :-) So, we stood at the door and taught a guy named Luis for 20 minutes. Veronica later came out, we talked for a minute, had a prayer and left. As we were walking out to the car, we met a woman standing in the parking lot. We told her who we were and she willingly gave us her address, told us her schedule, and committed herself to call the phone number to get a copy of the Book of Mormon. I love those little whisperings of the Spirit. It wasn't anything huge, any grand prompting...not any of them; nevertheless, we were guided to where Father would have us be. He works the same way with each of us. If we seek for His guidance, He will give it to us. Pretty cool, huh?! :-)

I love you family! Keep it up! I'll see you so soon!

Con amor,
Hermana Word

9949 - Elders Larsen and Rosas...my mission buddies.
9953 - The good ole Island of Ellis
9973 - Me trying to be artistic
00008 - Just outside of the ferry dock.
00015 - The Russian Tear Drop, a gift from Russia to us as a 9/11 memorial (Jacob, this is where your mission meets mine I decided. Haha.)

New Jersey Times - El poder del Espiritu

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Familia Mia!!!

I LOVE YOU! Thank you for the pictures. Little Brother, you're getting so tall...it's weird. Haha. I love that you just take my picture around with you. Thank you for making me apart of all that you do there in Vegas. I have the best family for me, hands down. Three more weeks and I'll get to give you all giant hugs! Isn't that exciting? Haha. Hopefully I'm not a weirdy about hugging boys...maybe we can do our super cool daddy-Kaity hug? I told my companions about that. I still think it's the greatest thing. :-) Spaghetti Dinner here we come! It will be great to see the ward again...and to be able to thank you in person for all your support. I love you all. Also, Brother Kirk...will you at least let me take my plate to the kitchen when I'm done? Please and thank you.

Thank you all for your kind words. I'm doing alot better this week. President Jeppson is doing well. He had his surgery last Thursday to remove his right kidney. We all fasted as a mission and it turns out they were able to do it 2 hours quicker than anticipated. He is recovering really well; however, he will still need 3-5 weeks of recovery. Thank you for your prayers. I love my Mission President.

The work in New Jersey has just been wonderful. I have been having a great deal of fun. There's nothing greater than teaching with the Spirit, than doing anything with the Spirit. When we follow His promptings, we will be happy. Sunday night we left a great lesson to go to another one, our last one for the day. We had asked two members to come with us, Javier and Magaly. We left our previous lesson a little bit later than planned and weren't going to be able to get to Keyla and Wilson's house on time if we still picked our members up. We prayed about what to do and decided to still go pick them up. I am so grateful that we did. Keyla and Wilson had done their homework! We started the lesson by singing a song and having a prayer. We talked a little about what they had learned as they had read, but they didn't remember much. The last time we were there we had taught them about how much God loves them, about Prophets, about dispensations, and a little about the ministry of Jesus Christ. We had invited them to read a little more about His ministry, the Great Apostacy, and the First Vision. Javier (a fairly recent convert) shared with them all about the first two points we had left Keyla and Wilson to read. Hermana Fenn explained in a little bit greater depth how Christ's church fell after He fulfilled His mission and the people killed His Apostles. Hermana Simpson then began to explain what happened with Joseph Smith. Side note: Keyla and Wilson live in a house with central air (not a normal occurence in New Jersey). The air was blowing for most of the lesson; however, the instant that Hermana Simpson started to share Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove, the air stopped. The room was silent, all but her voice. The Spirit bore witness to my very soul at that moment the reality of Joseph's experience. He told me that Joseph Smith really did see God, the Father and Jesus Christ and that they did, in reality, speak to him. They told him that none of the churches were true, that they didn't have Their authority; nonetheless, that They were going to restore Their Church--Their Gospel in its purity--to the face of the earth through Joseph Smith. As she shared the First Vision, I thought of what it meant in my life--because of that very moment, I know Who my Father in Heaven is, I know Who Jesus Christ is, I know that I can be with my family forever, and I know how to do so...because of that moment, I have the opportunity to be a missionary, to share it with the world! I was brought to tears. I thought of how we needed to be late so that that air could stop flowing at that very moment. I testified of the Holy Ghost after Hermana Simpson was done sharing the experience. I testified that it was so very evident in that room at moment. I asked Wilson who he felt. He didn't really respond. I asked Keyla. She paused for a second and said, "Peace. I feel peace. Peace, peace, peace, peace, peace." We shared with them that the Holy Ghost was testifying to them of the truthfulness of the experience Joseph Smith had. When He was the strongest, we invited them to be baptized. They both shared with us how they had already been baptized.
"You mean, to be baptized again?" Keyla said.

"Yes," we replied.
They didn't tell us yes or no. They promised they would pray to know if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church on the earth today. We're going to see them again today.

I love those experiences! That's what missionary work is all about. That is what makes it so joyful, so fulfilling. The Spirit truly is the teacher, and we are just the messengers. I want every lesson I ever teach as a missionary, as a visiting teacher, as a Sunday school teacher, as a Young Women's leader...I want them to be just like that one. I don't ever want it to end. The work is moving forward.

My companions are wonderful. They're doing wonderfully. I hope that story sheds some light on how remarkable they both are. The members continue to be awesome as well. We're having a missionary fireside Sunday, March 11, my last Sunday as a missionary. We're going to help the members learn a little bit more about HOW they can do missionary work because they're all so willing to do it. We get to use the help of the return missionaries we have in our ward--Bishop and his wife included. We're excited!

I hope all is well with all of you. Grandmother Rosaline, thank you for your cards. You are such a sweetheart! I'm sorry I didn't get to get one out to you this week...I've been kind of busy with packing and organizing and all that jazz.

Keep it up, family! I'll see you soon!

Los AMO!
Hermana Word

9861 - Us with Hermana Fenn last week
9877 - Our member friend Yazmin gave us this Hyacinth when she came out with us last Friday. We came home Sunday night and it had BLOOMED! I was super excited!
9881 - I convinced my companions to run outside with me yesterday...and they had FUN. :-)
9892 - We live right by a river...that's where we went running :-)

New Jersey Times - Un cambio de corazon

Monday, February 13, 2012

Familia!

I've got very very VERY little time, but know that regardless of how much I get written here, I love you ALL!

The last couple days have been an adventure, a roller coaster of emotions, anything and everything you could think of. Saturday we had an All Mission Conference with Elder Jay Jensen (of the Presidency of the Seventy) and Elder Jeffrey Olson. It was a remarkable experience. At that Conference, President Jeppson announced that he has kidney cancer and will be flying out to Salt Lake City today with Sister Jeppson in order to have surgery. It was an array of tender mercies from the Lord that lead to the finding of his cancer. I wish time permitted the sharing of all of them. They will be there for the next 4-6 weeks. It is a difficult thing for me to even write this to you because I love my Mission President and his wife so much. They will not be here for my final temple trip, for my final interview, nor to take me to the airport. Actually, nothing's for sure yet, but they're anticipating that they will not be able to be back by then. I trust in my Father in Heaven and I know He knows better than any of us what needs to happen, when, and why. It is still hard though. SO, I ask for your prayers. He has said that if they are still in Utah when I get back, that he would love to be able to see us (the missionaries and me that are leaving in a couple weeks) so that he can give us one final interview. If circumstances allow, I ask that a trip to Salt Lake might be considered shortly after my return. I would love for the whole family to be able to come, so you can meet my wonderful President...especially Lauren who soon will be starting her life as a missionary.

Yesterday morning Hermana Fenn came to companion study and shared with us an experience she had had during personal study. She said something about feeling like she needed to have a change of heart. In Relief Society yesterday (the meeting with all the women :-), she turned to me and said she had to go to the restroom. As missionaries, we're not allowed to leave each other's sight nor sound, so I went to the door and watched her as she went to the restroom. As she opened the door to the restroom, I heard a big thump. I looked over and realized all I saw were her feet and her legs, lying on the ground. I quickly called Hermana Simpson to come out with me and we found our companion struggling to stand up straight. She slowly made her way to the ground again and just stared blankly at the wall. We sat her up and tried to get her attention. (Maybe I'm going into too much detail. Please, stop worrying :-). Turns out as she was sitting in class she felt something happen in her heart, something weird. That's when she told me she had to go to the restroom; she just wanted to figure out what happened. We took her straight to the emergency room. They ran some tests and couldn't find anything wrong; however, they asked her to stay overnight so they could do some more tests and see if they couldn't find the reason for what happened. She is currently there. We joked with her about asking for a change of heart. She's such a trooper. We know that Father is taking care of her. I love her so much. All the doctors seemed to think we were slightly crazy because we kept telling them we "couldn't be separated." As if we have separation anxiety or something. Haha. Hermana Simpson and I had one of the security guards approach us ask us why it was so. We continued to talk to him for most of the night. He thinks we're a little strange because we send our brand new missionaries into the heart of Newark at night, by themselves nonetheless; or that we only talk to our families twice a year. :-) Billy is our new friend.

New Brunswick is wonderful. The members here have taken upon themselves the name of Christ and they understand what it means. They are remarkable. Somehow they all seem to know about Hermana Fenn and have been calling and texting us like crazy offering to help in any way. The Lord takes care of His missionaries...and I add all of His children. Mosiah 18:8-9. They exemplify it. I'm am so grateful to be so closely involved with them, to be able to learn from their example.

I love you family. Keep in up! Be the Lord's hands for the people that surround you. See you soon!

- Hermana Word
(the first ;-).