08/29/2011

My dearest family,
How are you all doing?! I received an e-mail from mom and she let me know that everyone is doing really good & that everyone is back in the swing of things! I can't believe it is almost September! The concept of time is so weird on the mission. I just can't believe I left for the MTC before Chandler was out of school and now he is back in school and I can't believe Vanessa is almost done with hair school! It has already been a year since she started. You have really dedicated yourself, that is something to be sooo proud of!
This past week, there have been quite a few interesting things that have happened. On Tuesday night at the activity night the branch has once a week, we were informed by President Kirts (branch president) that one of the recent converts in the branch was in jail. She had lost her temper with her ex, I don't know exactly what happened, but he called the police and she was put in jail. Hna. Fenn and I were very sad because we have grown so close to her. She has 4 kids and so we automatically thought of them and where they were? If they were okay? Of course, the members of the branch had stepped in and everything was taken care of. The kids had a place to stay and because school was going to start the next day, they had arranged how they were going to get to school and everything. There aren't tons of active members in the branch, but we have strong strong members. I am amazed at how willing they are to be of help or service of any kind. Our branch is a family, it really is. The next day, Hna. Fenn and I fasted and prayed for her. We then were able to go visit her in jail with the Relief Society president. It was heart wrenching to see her in jail, but we were able to talk to her. We were able to tell her that everything is going to be okay, and then we said a prayer. We all felt the spirit so strong and I could feel the love that Heavenly Father had for her and He knew what she was going through. The next day she was let out. We were so happy! I know that the Lord answered our prayers. Every member of the branch (that knew the situation) was praying for her. It was so good to see her yesterday at church & to give her a big hug!
Friday night, we were able to teach Rodrigo (an investigator of the zone leaders). Rodrigo was baptized yesterday and now is a member, but we taught him the Word of Wisdom, the Law of Chastity, keep the Sabbath day holy, and the law of the tithe. He has been prepared to accept this Gospel. I was so amazed at his enthusiasm and willingness to do EXACTLY what the Lord wants us to do. He kept saying he is going to try his best with everything and he's going to give it 110%. It was refreshing and it made me want to work that much harder to find those people that are prepared to accept the Gospel into their lives.
My first transfer is over as of yesterday! Today begins my 2nd transfer in the mission field (transfers are six weeks long). I didn't know if Hna. Fenn would stay or go, but she is leaving. She has been here 3 transfers now and is going to Napa. Hna. Skroski is going to be my new companion here in Novato and she will be here today at 1. I'm a little nervous just because I'm now the one that knows the area and people the best, but I know that the Lord is going to help me! I know that with Him on our side, we cannot fail!
I have been reading a book called "Our Search for Happiness" by Russell Ballard. I highly recommend all of you to read it! It has taught me so much about the gospel. I want to share a quote from my quote book that I have by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, it says: "Your Father in Heaven knows your name, and knows your circumstance. He hears your prayers. He knows your hopes and dreams, including your fears and frustrations. And He knows what you can become through faith in Him." Wow, I love that. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and knows us. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that Joseph Smith restored the Church of Jesus Christ on the Earth again and that Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet today.
I love you all so much! Thank you for your constant love and support.

Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson