Email from April 25, 2011
Family!
What. A. WEEK! It has just been llena del Espiritu (full of the Spirit). Some days went smoothly, others not so much as planned...but the work continues to move forward.
Morristown, New Jersey is moving along. Fernando and Yissel received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday. What a sweet experience that was! If for their agency no one else chooses to accept the invitation to be baptized the rest of my mission, I will leave for home with the greatest sense of fulfillment in my heart…because of that family. Granted, I will continue to invite, I will continue to strive to do my part, but the rest will be up to them. I’ve struggled lately trying to figure out what we can do to help Morristown, to help find those lost souls that are ever-so-ready for the Gospel, to not waste time teaching people who are not ready. We have a lot of investigators in our teaching pool and not enough time in the week to see all of them when they’re home and available. Often times appointments are dropped because they’re called into work or aren’t feeling well or just aren’t home. I recognize that such is missionary life, but it doesn’t really help things much. :-) SO, this next week we will be seeking inspiration from Him Who knows best...and then implementing the revelation received in order to help this work move as the Lord would have it.
I. LOVE. Hermana Sommerfeldt! Family, she is just awesome. She’s growing like crazy. I don’t know how, but I spaced saying the prayer before we left the apartment this morning and she said, “Wait, don’t we have to pray?” (That’s why the Lord has put us in twos :-). I’ve learned that she very much learns by example. She retains really well the things she’s taught. I’m excited to see the miracles that are awaiting this mission because of the faithfulness and diligence of Hermana Sommerfeldt!
Scripture: Alma 28:14 “And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.” As a missionary, I have received that “great call.” I must be diligent. I must labor in this part of His vineyard. The sorrows are real, but so are the rejoicings. The joy of this work comes because of Christ.
We had Zone Conference last Wednesday (probably one of my favorite parts about being a missionary). After being lost for an hour and a half...we arrived just in time for it to start. Haha. (Welcome to New Jersey...and our lack of a sense of direction here). It was one of the highlights of my week. It was 5 hours worth of training as to how we can better our abilities to listen to the Spirit, to get out of the way and let HIM do this work...5 hours worth of coming to truly know our PURPOSE as missionaries...5 hours worth of understanding priesthood keys and the One of Whom we testify...5 hours worth of learning about the importance of obedience and simplifying our teaching skills. It was the shortest, most Spiritually packed 5 hours of my life. Before we closed, President Bahr had us watch 15 minutes from a talk Elder Holland gave in the MTC on Jan 11 of this year. For a lack of time, I won't explain as much as I would like...but it helped me understand the importance of my calling as a missionary...to truly TRULY understand it. This calling is not for 18 months, it is forever. When I promised I would follow Him, I promised I would do it forever. There is no turning back. "'Do you love me more than what you do, more than what you've been doing? When I asked you to leave your nets, it was forever' (he was referring to Christ speaking with Peter after His resurrection)." He then went on, "You cannot be who you have to be unless you. love. Him. You need to decide tonight whether or not you're on a course that shows that you love Him. You cannot go back. You cannot go back. And if you do, you will break my heart...and you will break the heart of the very God Himself. It's never ever over. You need to stay the course, you need to see it through. You're going to be a Disciple of Christ forever." Sometimes we think the life that we had before was so much better than the one we're living with Christ. I can guarantee you it's not. When one learns more about his Savior, he must stay true to what he learns. He IS the way, the truth and the life. It is through Him that true happiness is attainable. I have been called to be a Disciple of Christ and I will never go back. Regression is not part of the Plan. I challenge each of you to evaluate where you're at. Think of when you were the happiest, think of when you were CLOSEST to Him. Rededicate yourself and never turn back. You came to this earth with the call to be His Disciple...and you will be so forever.
I'd like to leave you with my testimony...I know that my Redeemer LIVES. I don’t know why, but I never really understood the purpose of Easter…never before in my life had it truly hit me until yesterday. I knew that it was the time that we remembered the resurrection of Christ, but I’d never allowed that knowledge to take root deep in my heart…until yesterday. I learned that it is not only to remember that He rose on the third day, but it is to remember what happened the entire week before that resurrection. I learned that it is to remember that HE. had suffered. for ME. I learned that His resurrection means that I have the opportunity to live eternally with my Father in Heaven. There has never been and there never will be any greater “event” than that of the atonement of my Savior. And we celebrated that event yesterday. I know that He suffered and died for me. I know that He was risen…for me. I know that it is only through HIM that I can be saved. This is His Gospel. This is His way. This is the Truth. Les dejo todo eso en el sagrado nombre de El, Amen.
I love you all. Keep it up. Remember Whose you are and the potential that you have as such. Come to know your Savior better than you ever have.
I'll see you soon!
- Hermana Word
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Con Dios, todo es posible
Familia!
Ay! Tengo mucho para decirles y casi no tiempo para hacerlo. I love you all. OH!!! News! Hermana Sommerfeldt is her name...my trainee. She's from Yak, British Colombia, Canada! She is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever meant. She came to Morristown with the missionary fire and I am 100% convinced it will do nothing but grow into a giant missionary bonfire by the time she has to leave. I’m not training her, she’s training me…end of story. Hermana Sommerfeldt has faith like the brother of Jared. She KNOWS that the Lord will help her to do anything she is asked to do. She taught a whole lesson in Spanish yesterday! I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to serve with her, I cannot even tell you.
Morristown, New Jersey is moving right along. Fernando and Yissel were baptized yesterday!!!!!!!!!!! It was a very VERY special experience. I love that family so much and am happy to report that they are all officially members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (all except the 6 year old...but when age 8 rolls around, she'll be right there :-).
“Sometimes the Lord brings us low so that He can lift us higher.” (Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration video). I know that Heavenly Father knows me. I know that He knows what I need in order to grow. I know that through the enabling power of the atonement, I can do all things. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and I’m honored to wear His name each day. I know that Heavenly Father often puts others in our paths to teach us that which we most need to learn. (One of those people for me is Hermana Sommerfeldt).
Spiritual experience: Yesterday we went to the Cariello’s house to teach a member lesson. Hermana Sommerfeldt and I had just practiced teaching about the Restoration. When we went to begin the lesson, Hermano Cariello said to Hermana Sommerfeldt, “I want you to do it all.” We all kind of thought he was joking, but we soon found out that he was quite serious. Thinking about the whole “teaching in unity” aspect of missionary work, I turned to Hermana Sommerfeldt and said, “I’ll be praying for you :-)” And you know what, she did it. It not only helped her know that she can teach in Spanish; but, it taught me that the gift of tongues is real, that through faith, all things are possible. It was a truly humbling experience.
This work is not the work of man; rather, the work of the One who created man. For that, I am grateful.
I haven't a whole lot more to say today. I hope that all is well with you. Know that I'm praying for you. Trust in the Lord. Remember your potential. Keep it up out there!
Love you ALL!
Hermana Word
7639 FAMILY! Hermana Sommerfeldt (my daughter), me, Hermana Evens (my mommy), and Hermana Lambeth (my sister)
7662 Fernando and Yissel right before their baptism :-)
7636 All the new "parents"...Elder Roper, Elder Larsen, Elder Tatro, Elder Seymour, Sister Scoville, me, Sister Samuel, Sister Cope, and Sister Tolman
Ay! Tengo mucho para decirles y casi no tiempo para hacerlo. I love you all. OH!!! News! Hermana Sommerfeldt is her name...my trainee. She's from Yak, British Colombia, Canada! She is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever meant. She came to Morristown with the missionary fire and I am 100% convinced it will do nothing but grow into a giant missionary bonfire by the time she has to leave. I’m not training her, she’s training me…end of story. Hermana Sommerfeldt has faith like the brother of Jared. She KNOWS that the Lord will help her to do anything she is asked to do. She taught a whole lesson in Spanish yesterday! I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to serve with her, I cannot even tell you.
Morristown, New Jersey is moving right along. Fernando and Yissel were baptized yesterday!!!!!!!!!!! It was a very VERY special experience. I love that family so much and am happy to report that they are all officially members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (all except the 6 year old...but when age 8 rolls around, she'll be right there :-).
“Sometimes the Lord brings us low so that He can lift us higher.” (Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration video). I know that Heavenly Father knows me. I know that He knows what I need in order to grow. I know that through the enabling power of the atonement, I can do all things. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and I’m honored to wear His name each day. I know that Heavenly Father often puts others in our paths to teach us that which we most need to learn. (One of those people for me is Hermana Sommerfeldt).
Spiritual experience: Yesterday we went to the Cariello’s house to teach a member lesson. Hermana Sommerfeldt and I had just practiced teaching about the Restoration. When we went to begin the lesson, Hermano Cariello said to Hermana Sommerfeldt, “I want you to do it all.” We all kind of thought he was joking, but we soon found out that he was quite serious. Thinking about the whole “teaching in unity” aspect of missionary work, I turned to Hermana Sommerfeldt and said, “I’ll be praying for you :-)” And you know what, she did it. It not only helped her know that she can teach in Spanish; but, it taught me that the gift of tongues is real, that through faith, all things are possible. It was a truly humbling experience.
This work is not the work of man; rather, the work of the One who created man. For that, I am grateful.
I haven't a whole lot more to say today. I hope that all is well with you. Know that I'm praying for you. Trust in the Lord. Remember your potential. Keep it up out there!
Love you ALL!
Hermana Word
7639 FAMILY! Hermana Sommerfeldt (my daughter), me, Hermana Evens (my mommy), and Hermana Lambeth (my sister)
7662 Fernando and Yissel right before their baptism :-)
7636 All the new "parents"...Elder Roper, Elder Larsen, Elder Tatro, Elder Seymour, Sister Scoville, me, Sister Samuel, Sister Cope, and Sister Tolman
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
New Jersey Times - Estoy embarasada. Manana, mi bebe nacera.
April 11, 2011 EMAIL
Familia!!!!!!!!!!!!
Si, crealo! Mi Padre Celestial esta poniendo mucha confianza en mi para cuidar y ayudar a una de sus hijas especiales. AY! Se, con su ayuda, puedo hacer todo...y estoy poniendo mi fe en El.
I'm having a baby! Yup. Tomorrow, I will officially be a mother. (Missionary terms...don't worry :-). At 10:23 last night, I got a phone call from the Assistants to the President asking me if I would accept the call to be a trainer this next transfer, to teach a brand new missionary all the things she needs to know in order to serve the Lord and help His children. I understand that may not seem too overwhelming to those outside the missionary world, but it is certainly an overwhemingly great responsibility. I have 6 weeks to help her learn what it means to be a missionary in the New Jersey Morristown Mission...and I'm super excited to be able to do it (just slightly taken aback)! What's even more awesome is Sister Scoville will be training another sister missionary as well (only in English)! As I tried to sleep last night, I couldn't help but think about what the Lord would have me do, what His daughter needs to learn from me. I thought about how inadequate I feel I am...yet, how much I KNOW that my Heavenly Father will help me to help my "daughter". I thought about how grateful I am to be able to have Sister Scoville at my side, someone who truly wants to follow the rules, someone who truly loves this work. AHH, I can't wait! I'll find out tomorrow who she is and then we'll be off to continue the work here in Morristown. (any sort of advice would be awesome...;-).
Speaking of...I love Morristown! There is a LOT of work to be done here, a lot of lost souls to be found, taught, and baptized…and I’m so grateful for that. Fernando and Carmen were married last Saturday. It was one of the most precious things I’ve witnessed since being out on my mission. Teaching the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then watching the Spirit work within the hearts of the people until they know for themselves and desire to follow in His way is the very essence of what I’ve been called to do. Sure, it’s not easy but the fruits of the labor make it all worth it. Fernando and his daughter Yissel will be baptized this next Sunday. In a year they will go to the temple and be sealed together as a forever family. (Fernando promised me on Saturday that that was the plan). I dare say, THAT is the goal here...is it not?
Sister Fenn. I. LOVE. Her! It has been an absolute treat serving with her. I have learned more than I ever thought I would learn. (Isn’t it neat how the Lord works? :-). She has been such an example to me of truly loving the people, of wanting to help them to be better. I’ve learned more about the importance of working in unity with your companion. I’ve learned how to teach a little more simply. I could go on forever…but suffice it to say, she is a rockstar missionary. I haven’t a doubt in my mind that she will continue to help all those whose path she will cross.
I know the church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that Heavenly Father loves me with a love greater than I could ever imagine. I know that it is through serving His children that I am able to feel at least a little portion of that love…and to me it seems so great.
Scripture: Alma 21:23 “…and it came to pass that (Sister Word) did teach (her) all things concerning things pertaining to righteousness. And (Sister Word) did exhort (her) daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto (His) word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.” I was reading this morning trying to figure out what my Father in Heaven would have me do in order to help His daughter become the missionary He would have her be. I feel a great responsibility to help my “daughter” reach her potential as a missionary so that she can in turn help others to reach their potential as children of God. I learned that I must teach, I must exhort, I must love, I must be diligent, I must heed the word of the Father, and I must be zealous in keeping His commandments. I learned that I must be the example my Father would have me be. (No pressure, right? ;-). I’m excited to meet her. I’m excited to work with her. I know the Lord will help me, He always has.
Family, I love you. I hope all is well on your end.
Never give up. Never surrender. ;-) If you do, get back on the path as quickly as you can...Heaven won't be heaven without you there.
I'll see you in a few!
- Hermana Word
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
New Jersey Times - La conferencia general...un tiempo lleno de amor y testimonio
Monday April 4, 2011
FAMILY!
First things first, I want to hear ALL about general conference...what you learned, what you felt, what you want to do better. (You didn't think I'd forget about the commitment I gave you last week, did you?!) I'm sure it was as edifying for you as it was for me.
How have you all been? How's life?! Mine is going really well, thanks for asking ;-). I hope you're enjoying every day, not wasting a minute of it. "Life is too short to do stupid things" (I think that's a direct quote from my father ;-)...and wasting it, I'd venture to say, is one of those not-so-intelligent "things".
We're down to the last week of the transfer. Next Monday I'll find out if I stay for Round 3 or if I head to another awesome area. SO, brush your shoulders off and be ready for some updates next week. Haha.
Morristown Spanish is just moving right along. There’s one thing with Hispanics that makes Spanish work different from English work: everyone invites you in, everyone wants to hear about God. The issue is in their lack of a desire to change. SO, we’re trying to find those who are not only willing to let us into their house, but those who want to change and who are actually going to make steps towards changing.
As always, Sister Fenn is awesome. She’s grown so much the past 11 weeks, and it has been such a joy to witness it all. She’s certainly become more confident in her Savior and in His ability to help her do the work; I’ve seen it in the way she studies, in the way she prepares lessons, in the way she talks with the people. She is an EXCEPTIONAL missionary. I hope we can all take the time to recognize how much we've grown and how much others around us have grown. Like the example Elder Bednar gave yesterday, sometimes the change in ourselves is immediate--like a room changing from dark to light by the flip of a switch...but oftentimes it's a little more gradual--like the light in the sky...a dark night turning into day with the rise of the sun. Just keep moving forward and accept the fact that you're moving forward even though you may not be able to see it. And then turn around and accept it in others.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. There is no one else who knows exactly how I feel, who understands my weaknesses, who shows his love as perfectly as my Eldest Brother does. I know that He suffered so that I do not have to suffer so much. He paid the price for MY sins, and He did so because He loves me. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God, called to lead the world in these last days. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had this last weekend to listen to his words as well as the words of his counselors and the 12 Apostles. They truly are Special Witnesses of Jesus Christ. They testify of Him in a way that transcends the five senses (as Elder Bednar said). It pierces the heart and chases out any ounce of doubt.
Family, I know this Church is true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly is the Lord's Kingdom on the earth today...and I testify of that in His sacred name.
I love you all. Stay strong. Stay believing. Do all that you can and then give the rest to Him.
Until next week,
Hermana Word
FAMILY!
First things first, I want to hear ALL about general conference...what you learned, what you felt, what you want to do better. (You didn't think I'd forget about the commitment I gave you last week, did you?!) I'm sure it was as edifying for you as it was for me.
How have you all been? How's life?! Mine is going really well, thanks for asking ;-). I hope you're enjoying every day, not wasting a minute of it. "Life is too short to do stupid things" (I think that's a direct quote from my father ;-)...and wasting it, I'd venture to say, is one of those not-so-intelligent "things".
We're down to the last week of the transfer. Next Monday I'll find out if I stay for Round 3 or if I head to another awesome area. SO, brush your shoulders off and be ready for some updates next week. Haha.
Morristown Spanish is just moving right along. There’s one thing with Hispanics that makes Spanish work different from English work: everyone invites you in, everyone wants to hear about God. The issue is in their lack of a desire to change. SO, we’re trying to find those who are not only willing to let us into their house, but those who want to change and who are actually going to make steps towards changing.
As always, Sister Fenn is awesome. She’s grown so much the past 11 weeks, and it has been such a joy to witness it all. She’s certainly become more confident in her Savior and in His ability to help her do the work; I’ve seen it in the way she studies, in the way she prepares lessons, in the way she talks with the people. She is an EXCEPTIONAL missionary. I hope we can all take the time to recognize how much we've grown and how much others around us have grown. Like the example Elder Bednar gave yesterday, sometimes the change in ourselves is immediate--like a room changing from dark to light by the flip of a switch...but oftentimes it's a little more gradual--like the light in the sky...a dark night turning into day with the rise of the sun. Just keep moving forward and accept the fact that you're moving forward even though you may not be able to see it. And then turn around and accept it in others.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. There is no one else who knows exactly how I feel, who understands my weaknesses, who shows his love as perfectly as my Eldest Brother does. I know that He suffered so that I do not have to suffer so much. He paid the price for MY sins, and He did so because He loves me. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God, called to lead the world in these last days. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had this last weekend to listen to his words as well as the words of his counselors and the 12 Apostles. They truly are Special Witnesses of Jesus Christ. They testify of Him in a way that transcends the five senses (as Elder Bednar said). It pierces the heart and chases out any ounce of doubt.
Family, I know this Church is true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly is the Lord's Kingdom on the earth today...and I testify of that in His sacred name.
I love you all. Stay strong. Stay believing. Do all that you can and then give the rest to Him.
Until next week,
Hermana Word
