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
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
08-15-2011
Hola!
Another week full of experiences has passed by, so here I am and I am going to try and include everything I was planning on sharing (sometimes I forget things, it's frustrating!). Well first off, I want to let you know that last week I wasn't able to write you a handwritten letter because we were VERY busy and we also went to Mount Tamalpais for p-day with the Elders in our district. It was really fun and was beautiful! We went to the top and we could see the ocean, San Fran, Oakland, and the bridges. I won't be writing a letter today either because Thursday we are going to the Oakland Temple (yay!) as a district and so I will be writing letters Thursday this week.
We've been staying busy! There is so much to do and we just take it one day at a time. We have been meeting with investigators that we know have such a great desire and faith, but aren't taking those steps to act on their faith. They want to be better and I beileve they want to do those things they are committing to, but it's hard for them to keep their commitments (like coming to church). We just keep praying for them! It's ultimately up to them, to act and do those things necessary to progress. We just keep trying though! :]
I'm also a facebook missionary like I told you, and it has been a really cool experience! I have taught a few people online and yesterday I was teaching a guy from Brooklyn who spoke spanish. It's amazing to see this work unfold via internet. It's been interesting getting started and exactly knowing what to do, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
The spanish is still coming, little by little, yesterday I taught the gospel principles class! It went pretty good! I had the help of the Lord, so everything was just fine. I know that I can ALWAYS depend on the Lord when I'm doing everything I can. I don't understand a lot, but it is coming. I can understand the people A LOT better than when I first came here.
Funny moment of the week: It happened this morning! Haha. Oh wow, do you remember Bosbeli who I kind of mentioned last week? Bosbeli is about 45-50 and he's from Guatemala. Well okay, so we've been trying to get ahold of him, but he never answers his phone and he's never home when we go try and visit him. Bosbeli called us this morning and told us he got kicked out of his apartment, so Hermana Fenn told him that we would keep our eyes out and let him know if we came across anything. He then went on to tell her that he loved her! And that he was wondering if he could stay with us and then also told her that he wanted to marry her. She was on the phone and I had to leave the room because I was laughing so hard. She told him that she's a missionary and that she would be for the next 13 months. He told her he was going to wait for her. So now, Hermana Fenn has someone waiting for her! I'm not going to let her live it down either. Haha!
On a more serious note, I want to share a quote with you from Elder Holland, "He has, He reminds us, "graven upon the palms of my hands" (1 Nephi 21:16). Considering the incomprehensible cost of the Crucifixion, Christ is not going to turn His back on us now." I love that because it's so true. The love our Savior has for us is incomprehensible. The love our Heavenly Father has for us is incomprehensible. Our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan and at the very center of that plan is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is our Redeemer! I read Alma 42 this morning, it talks about the "Plan of Happiness." This plan is a plan of happiness. We can return to live with our Heavenly Father, in His presence! We can live with our famililes forever. If that isn't happiness, I don't know what is. This is my goal. I want to live in a way that I can return to live with my Heavenly Father and that I can live with my family, all of you, forever.
I love you so much. Thank you for every letter, thank you for all of your support AND love. You are amazing!
Love,
Hermana Robinson
Another week full of experiences has passed by, so here I am and I am going to try and include everything I was planning on sharing (sometimes I forget things, it's frustrating!). Well first off, I want to let you know that last week I wasn't able to write you a handwritten letter because we were VERY busy and we also went to Mount Tamalpais for p-day with the Elders in our district. It was really fun and was beautiful! We went to the top and we could see the ocean, San Fran, Oakland, and the bridges. I won't be writing a letter today either because Thursday we are going to the Oakland Temple (yay!) as a district and so I will be writing letters Thursday this week.
We've been staying busy! There is so much to do and we just take it one day at a time. We have been meeting with investigators that we know have such a great desire and faith, but aren't taking those steps to act on their faith. They want to be better and I beileve they want to do those things they are committing to, but it's hard for them to keep their commitments (like coming to church). We just keep praying for them! It's ultimately up to them, to act and do those things necessary to progress. We just keep trying though! :]
I'm also a facebook missionary like I told you, and it has been a really cool experience! I have taught a few people online and yesterday I was teaching a guy from Brooklyn who spoke spanish. It's amazing to see this work unfold via internet. It's been interesting getting started and exactly knowing what to do, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
The spanish is still coming, little by little, yesterday I taught the gospel principles class! It went pretty good! I had the help of the Lord, so everything was just fine. I know that I can ALWAYS depend on the Lord when I'm doing everything I can. I don't understand a lot, but it is coming. I can understand the people A LOT better than when I first came here.
Funny moment of the week: It happened this morning! Haha. Oh wow, do you remember Bosbeli who I kind of mentioned last week? Bosbeli is about 45-50 and he's from Guatemala. Well okay, so we've been trying to get ahold of him, but he never answers his phone and he's never home when we go try and visit him. Bosbeli called us this morning and told us he got kicked out of his apartment, so Hermana Fenn told him that we would keep our eyes out and let him know if we came across anything. He then went on to tell her that he loved her! And that he was wondering if he could stay with us and then also told her that he wanted to marry her. She was on the phone and I had to leave the room because I was laughing so hard. She told him that she's a missionary and that she would be for the next 13 months. He told her he was going to wait for her. So now, Hermana Fenn has someone waiting for her! I'm not going to let her live it down either. Haha!
On a more serious note, I want to share a quote with you from Elder Holland, "He has, He reminds us, "graven upon the palms of my hands" (1 Nephi 21:16). Considering the incomprehensible cost of the Crucifixion, Christ is not going to turn His back on us now." I love that because it's so true. The love our Savior has for us is incomprehensible. The love our Heavenly Father has for us is incomprehensible. Our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan and at the very center of that plan is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is our Redeemer! I read Alma 42 this morning, it talks about the "Plan of Happiness." This plan is a plan of happiness. We can return to live with our Heavenly Father, in His presence! We can live with our famililes forever. If that isn't happiness, I don't know what is. This is my goal. I want to live in a way that I can return to live with my Heavenly Father and that I can live with my family, all of you, forever.
I love you so much. Thank you for every letter, thank you for all of your support AND love. You are amazing!
Love,
Hermana Robinson
Sunday, August 14, 2011
08-08-2011
Mi familia,
How are all of you?! I hope that life is treating you good. Everything is going good here! We have been staying busy and trying to do those things to find people to teach, to help people come unto Christ and accept the gospel into their lives.
I am going to tell you about the people we are teaching because I don't think I've really done too much of that. Really, though, that's the best part of what I'm doing and so I think it's necessary. :] We've been teaching a lady named Gyna, Gyna is from Haiti and so she speaks French and Creole (native languages), but understands and speaks quite a bit of Spanish. We take a member, Angela (she is soo cute!) who is also from Haiti, but she doesn't speak Spanish but she does speak English and so she translates a lot of what we say into French. It's kind of confusing and a lot of different languages are spoken while we teach her, but she wants to be better. I can feel that from her every time we meet with her. She is so loving and I hope that she takes those steps to be baptized because I know that it will change her life.
Another investigator we taught the other day is Cesar and he is from Mexico. Cesar was very open to everything we taught him. He was showing us this little bible that he carries around and reads all of the time. He has a close relationship with our Heavenly Father, I can tell. We gave him "El Libro de Mormon" and I pray that he is reading it and that he is feeling the power of it in his life.
I went on exchanges this past week. That is where we change companionships for a day. I went with Sister Cottle to Petaluma and her companion came here with Hermana Fenn. She is english speaking and so we taught people in english. It's a lot easier to connect with people when there isn't a language barrier. I really do have a love for these people even before I meet them and then when I do meet them the love just grows. Even though we are there to teach them, they teach me so much! One man we taught is an alcoholic and is having a very hard time quitting. In the MTC, there was a scripture we related to addictions and how addictions are like cords/bands holding us down in our lives. The scripture is 1 Nephi 7:17-18. We shared it with him and told him that we can overcome anything (any addiction, trial, challenge) in our lives with faith and with the strength of the Lord. He said he was going to read that scripture every night to give him strength and hope.
I hope that gives you a better insight to the wonderful people, children of God, that we have been teaching lately.
Funny story: We have been teaching a man named Bosbeli also, but we haven't been able to get ahold of him lately because he works so much. We saw this man on the street and I knew I had seen him before, but Hermana Fenn and I go and talk to him. I was surprised throughout talking to him how bold Hermana Fenn was being. She was asking him why he hadn't come to church and that he needs to ask his boss for time off on Sundays so he can attend. We set up an appointment with him and I had my planner off and after he walked away I turn to her and ask what his name was. She was like "that was Bosbeli." It was not Bosbeli! Haha, we just started laughing so hard. She had thought the whole time, it was Bosbeli and then I realized why she was being so bold with him. It was actually this other guy named Donicio. It may be one of those experiences that you had to have been there, but it made my day!
I have such a new experience everyday. I feel so blessed to be called to this work! I love sharing this gospel with others. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that we are here in this life to have happiness and to have joy and that is why we have families. I tell people about my family all of the time. I love you all so much! I know that families can be together forever. :] I have been reading a lot about hope these past few days. Ether 12:4 is a beautiful scripture about hope, read it!
How are all of you?! I hope that life is treating you good. Everything is going good here! We have been staying busy and trying to do those things to find people to teach, to help people come unto Christ and accept the gospel into their lives.
I am going to tell you about the people we are teaching because I don't think I've really done too much of that. Really, though, that's the best part of what I'm doing and so I think it's necessary. :] We've been teaching a lady named Gyna, Gyna is from Haiti and so she speaks French and Creole (native languages), but understands and speaks quite a bit of Spanish. We take a member, Angela (she is soo cute!) who is also from Haiti, but she doesn't speak Spanish but she does speak English and so she translates a lot of what we say into French. It's kind of confusing and a lot of different languages are spoken while we teach her, but she wants to be better. I can feel that from her every time we meet with her. She is so loving and I hope that she takes those steps to be baptized because I know that it will change her life.
Another investigator we taught the other day is Cesar and he is from Mexico. Cesar was very open to everything we taught him. He was showing us this little bible that he carries around and reads all of the time. He has a close relationship with our Heavenly Father, I can tell. We gave him "El Libro de Mormon" and I pray that he is reading it and that he is feeling the power of it in his life.
I went on exchanges this past week. That is where we change companionships for a day. I went with Sister Cottle to Petaluma and her companion came here with Hermana Fenn. She is english speaking and so we taught people in english. It's a lot easier to connect with people when there isn't a language barrier. I really do have a love for these people even before I meet them and then when I do meet them the love just grows. Even though we are there to teach them, they teach me so much! One man we taught is an alcoholic and is having a very hard time quitting. In the MTC, there was a scripture we related to addictions and how addictions are like cords/bands holding us down in our lives. The scripture is 1 Nephi 7:17-18. We shared it with him and told him that we can overcome anything (any addiction, trial, challenge) in our lives with faith and with the strength of the Lord. He said he was going to read that scripture every night to give him strength and hope.
I hope that gives you a better insight to the wonderful people, children of God, that we have been teaching lately.
Funny story: We have been teaching a man named Bosbeli also, but we haven't been able to get ahold of him lately because he works so much. We saw this man on the street and I knew I had seen him before, but Hermana Fenn and I go and talk to him. I was surprised throughout talking to him how bold Hermana Fenn was being. She was asking him why he hadn't come to church and that he needs to ask his boss for time off on Sundays so he can attend. We set up an appointment with him and I had my planner off and after he walked away I turn to her and ask what his name was. She was like "that was Bosbeli." It was not Bosbeli! Haha, we just started laughing so hard. She had thought the whole time, it was Bosbeli and then I realized why she was being so bold with him. It was actually this other guy named Donicio. It may be one of those experiences that you had to have been there, but it made my day!
I have such a new experience everyday. I feel so blessed to be called to this work! I love sharing this gospel with others. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that we are here in this life to have happiness and to have joy and that is why we have families. I tell people about my family all of the time. I love you all so much! I know that families can be together forever. :] I have been reading a lot about hope these past few days. Ether 12:4 is a beautiful scripture about hope, read it!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
08-01-2011
Dear family,
Hi! How are you?! I'm doing good! I have a lot to tell you this week because there has been a lot that has happened, so I'm going to try and cover everything!
Okay so one of the biggest things that have happened this week is that Hermana Fenn and I finally came to the conclusion that we have bed bugs. Yes, bed bugs! I started getting bites on my leg last week, but I figured it was mesquitos because that is what the bites felt and looked like. I kind of just ignored the problem and kept going on with life. After a while of waking up with more and more bites on my legs, we realized there was, in fact, a problem. We decided to call the mission nurse and ask her about it because we knew we either had bed bugs or fleas. She told us to strip the beds and look at the mattress to see if we could find anything. We ended up doing that and yes we found bed bugs. We both had them. I was the only one getting bitten, though. That was when we begun the process of getting rid of them. We put all of our blankets and sheets in the dryer. We then went to the store to get plastic mattress covers and bug spray. Let's just say getting rid of bed bugs is NOT easy. Today we went and got bug bombs and new plastic mattress covers. We set off the bug bombs and tomorrow we are getting new mattresses. Tomorrow we should be just fine and clear of bed bugs, haha! Let me just say I feel like a true missionary now. Last night I slept on the couch and the night before I slept on the floor. And I have quite the trail of bed bug bites on my legs. We will be so happy to get new mattresses. :]
As I was thinking about this bed bug situation, I thought of it like our sins and repentance. Most of the time, sin starts out small. If we let it go and don't change or do something about it to begin with it just keeps gradually getting worse and worse. At the time, we don't see what the big deal is (okay so yeah I have a few bug bites on my leg?) Then one day we wake up and we have tons of marks and bites and we have realized we have a big problem on our hands. It's at the point that we realize we have to do something about it, we have to change something in order for the mistakes or sins to go away. Once we make that first step that we want the problem to go away for good is when the Atonement can take affect in our lives. The amazing thing about it is that no matter how big of a mess we have gotten ourselves into, there is always a way out. There is always a way to get that new mattress. There is always a way to begin a new life. Repentance is not a negative thing, repentance is a wonderful thing! It's a positive thing, it allows us to get rid of the things that we don't want in our lives and fill it with things that we want to have and become the person we want to be. If I would've recognized what the bites were to begin with, we could've stopped the problem a lot quicker and it wouldn't have become how bad it eventually got. Anyway, that's my spill.
I have met so many new people this week and it really it so much fun. I am starting to understand more spanish, so that's good! I am becoming more and more confident in my teaching everyday. Hermana Fenn shared with me a quote that I really like: "To become someone you've never been before, you have to do things you've never done before." I love it!
This Gospel changes lives. I love the Gospel. I love missionary work. I love Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that through the Atonement we can become better, we can become the person we want to be.
Thank you so much for your love and support!! I love you all so much!!
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
Hi! How are you?! I'm doing good! I have a lot to tell you this week because there has been a lot that has happened, so I'm going to try and cover everything!
Okay so one of the biggest things that have happened this week is that Hermana Fenn and I finally came to the conclusion that we have bed bugs. Yes, bed bugs! I started getting bites on my leg last week, but I figured it was mesquitos because that is what the bites felt and looked like. I kind of just ignored the problem and kept going on with life. After a while of waking up with more and more bites on my legs, we realized there was, in fact, a problem. We decided to call the mission nurse and ask her about it because we knew we either had bed bugs or fleas. She told us to strip the beds and look at the mattress to see if we could find anything. We ended up doing that and yes we found bed bugs. We both had them. I was the only one getting bitten, though. That was when we begun the process of getting rid of them. We put all of our blankets and sheets in the dryer. We then went to the store to get plastic mattress covers and bug spray. Let's just say getting rid of bed bugs is NOT easy. Today we went and got bug bombs and new plastic mattress covers. We set off the bug bombs and tomorrow we are getting new mattresses. Tomorrow we should be just fine and clear of bed bugs, haha! Let me just say I feel like a true missionary now. Last night I slept on the couch and the night before I slept on the floor. And I have quite the trail of bed bug bites on my legs. We will be so happy to get new mattresses. :]
As I was thinking about this bed bug situation, I thought of it like our sins and repentance. Most of the time, sin starts out small. If we let it go and don't change or do something about it to begin with it just keeps gradually getting worse and worse. At the time, we don't see what the big deal is (okay so yeah I have a few bug bites on my leg?) Then one day we wake up and we have tons of marks and bites and we have realized we have a big problem on our hands. It's at the point that we realize we have to do something about it, we have to change something in order for the mistakes or sins to go away. Once we make that first step that we want the problem to go away for good is when the Atonement can take affect in our lives. The amazing thing about it is that no matter how big of a mess we have gotten ourselves into, there is always a way out. There is always a way to get that new mattress. There is always a way to begin a new life. Repentance is not a negative thing, repentance is a wonderful thing! It's a positive thing, it allows us to get rid of the things that we don't want in our lives and fill it with things that we want to have and become the person we want to be. If I would've recognized what the bites were to begin with, we could've stopped the problem a lot quicker and it wouldn't have become how bad it eventually got. Anyway, that's my spill.
I have met so many new people this week and it really it so much fun. I am starting to understand more spanish, so that's good! I am becoming more and more confident in my teaching everyday. Hermana Fenn shared with me a quote that I really like: "To become someone you've never been before, you have to do things you've never done before." I love it!
This Gospel changes lives. I love the Gospel. I love missionary work. I love Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that through the Atonement we can become better, we can become the person we want to be.
Thank you so much for your love and support!! I love you all so much!!
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
Monday, July 25, 2011
07-28-2011
Hello, hello!
I hope you received my postcard from last Monday. Mondays are our p-days here in the Santa Rosa Mission and so you will now receive an e-mail every Monday. :]
Okay, okay where to start! Leaving for and arriving to the mission is the most exciting thing ever. I just couldn't wait to get to work and see what the mission field is all about. My area that I am serving in for at least the next 5 weeks now (each transfer is 6 weeks) is 'Novato' which is about 20 miles north of San Francisco. It's a pretty area and not too big. My companion is Hermana Fenn and she is from the Dallas, Texas area. She's so great! She has only been on her mission for about three months and is already a trainer. I feel like I've already learned a lot while being here and I've only been here a week (wow, it seems like so much longer haha).
In the lessons we teach, I definitely do not understand what's going on most of the time (haha). The native speakers speak soo fast, but they all understand that I'm new on my mission and that I'm learning. There had been quite a few baptisms just before I got here and so Hermana Fenn and I have been teaching new member lessons to them. In our branch, there isn't a mission leader and so we are in charge of teaching them even after they are baptized. We teach the Jara family, they are so cute, a mom and her four children. They had us over for dinner this week and I am just so amazed at the service and love that people give. Santos and Ramon are other recent converts and they both are so excited about the Gospel. They both have a desire to do what is right and to be great members in the church. Every time we walk away from teaching a lesson, I always turn to Hermana Fenn and express how amazing the people we teach are. Every person in this world has a story, every person has a need and as missionaries we are to listen and hear their story. We are here to listen to their needs, wants, and desires for the future and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can help them find that peace and happiness that EVERY single person in this world needs and wants.
We have two progressing investigators right now, Alfredo and Bosbelli. They both committed to reading the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it's true. We teach them tonight and so we'll follow up on they are doing!
The members are great here! Almost every night of the week, the members have us over for dinner. They are just so eager to serve, it has made me want to become a better person. I love the church and how constant it is. You can go almost anywhere in the world and find a ward/branch. And no matter what ward you find yourself in, you can expect the exact same things to take place. I love it!
On Saturday, I was called to be a facebook missionary. We have a meeting about it tomorrow and so I'll know more about it then, but we are one of eight missions that work as missionaries online. We try and spend about one hour everyday doing missionary work online! It has been found to be a very effective way to find people and to also share and teach the Gospel. I am excited to get started on that!
What else, what else?! We definitely have a funny, crazy experience everyday here in the mission field. Being a missionary is hard work, but really fun! I love this mission already. I love this area, it's beautiful here!
There are so many things that I want to become on my mission that I am not. I know that through the help and strengh of the Lord, we can become the things we hope to be. I have started reading the Book of Mormon again from the beginning. I am not very far, but I have enjoyed every minute of it. The scriptures really do give so much power, light, and truth. I feel so much better each day after I have studied the scriptures. Read 1 Nephi 1!
I love you all so much! Thank you so much for everything, for your love and support. I don't know what I'd do without my wonderful family.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
I hope you received my postcard from last Monday. Mondays are our p-days here in the Santa Rosa Mission and so you will now receive an e-mail every Monday. :]
Okay, okay where to start! Leaving for and arriving to the mission is the most exciting thing ever. I just couldn't wait to get to work and see what the mission field is all about. My area that I am serving in for at least the next 5 weeks now (each transfer is 6 weeks) is 'Novato' which is about 20 miles north of San Francisco. It's a pretty area and not too big. My companion is Hermana Fenn and she is from the Dallas, Texas area. She's so great! She has only been on her mission for about three months and is already a trainer. I feel like I've already learned a lot while being here and I've only been here a week (wow, it seems like so much longer haha).
In the lessons we teach, I definitely do not understand what's going on most of the time (haha). The native speakers speak soo fast, but they all understand that I'm new on my mission and that I'm learning. There had been quite a few baptisms just before I got here and so Hermana Fenn and I have been teaching new member lessons to them. In our branch, there isn't a mission leader and so we are in charge of teaching them even after they are baptized. We teach the Jara family, they are so cute, a mom and her four children. They had us over for dinner this week and I am just so amazed at the service and love that people give. Santos and Ramon are other recent converts and they both are so excited about the Gospel. They both have a desire to do what is right and to be great members in the church. Every time we walk away from teaching a lesson, I always turn to Hermana Fenn and express how amazing the people we teach are. Every person in this world has a story, every person has a need and as missionaries we are to listen and hear their story. We are here to listen to their needs, wants, and desires for the future and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can help them find that peace and happiness that EVERY single person in this world needs and wants.
We have two progressing investigators right now, Alfredo and Bosbelli. They both committed to reading the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it's true. We teach them tonight and so we'll follow up on they are doing!
The members are great here! Almost every night of the week, the members have us over for dinner. They are just so eager to serve, it has made me want to become a better person. I love the church and how constant it is. You can go almost anywhere in the world and find a ward/branch. And no matter what ward you find yourself in, you can expect the exact same things to take place. I love it!
On Saturday, I was called to be a facebook missionary. We have a meeting about it tomorrow and so I'll know more about it then, but we are one of eight missions that work as missionaries online. We try and spend about one hour everyday doing missionary work online! It has been found to be a very effective way to find people and to also share and teach the Gospel. I am excited to get started on that!
What else, what else?! We definitely have a funny, crazy experience everyday here in the mission field. Being a missionary is hard work, but really fun! I love this mission already. I love this area, it's beautiful here!
There are so many things that I want to become on my mission that I am not. I know that through the help and strengh of the Lord, we can become the things we hope to be. I have started reading the Book of Mormon again from the beginning. I am not very far, but I have enjoyed every minute of it. The scriptures really do give so much power, light, and truth. I feel so much better each day after I have studied the scriptures. Read 1 Nephi 1!
I love you all so much! Thank you so much for everything, for your love and support. I don't know what I'd do without my wonderful family.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
Sunday, July 17, 2011
07-14-2011
Hola familia!
It is my last p-day here in the MTC, crazy huh?! It is unreal to me and probably won't hit me till I get there or even after I arrive and am sitting in a lesson with a real investigator teaching a lesson. My address will now be my Santa Rosa address, but Vanessa has it. I put it on my blog and facebook, I will include it at the end of the e-mail though. Just in case! :]
My last week has been quite crazy. I am trying to do all that I can to get ready for the mission field. I don't think I will ever be prepared enough though. It's like with any new experience, you just have to go and try it out! I am so excited, though, and can't wait to go teach and preach this Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, my companion Hma. Clayton left for San Fernando, CA and it was bittersweet to see her go. We got along so good, but I am so happy for her and for the people that she will be able to teach. I am now back in a companionship with Hma. Eborn and Stephens! They are so great. It's fun to be reunited with them as well.
Tomorrow is in-field training and so we will be going to different classes and things to better prepare us for what to expect come Monday. I have come to a realization this past week about life and about changes. I have come to a point here in the MTC where I feel content. I know what to expect, I have been here for a long, and I'm happy here. I am now going to embark on a new adventure. I've realized that as a representative of Jesus Christ, life isn't always comfortable or convenient. Even here at the MTC, I have been pushed to go beyond my limits and do things that I didn't think I would ever be able to. That is how this work is done. It is done with the help of the Lord. So even though I might not always feel comfortable in the things that I'm doing, I know that with the help of the Lord that is how this work is done. It's about having that faith to "open your mouth" and then "it will be filled."
I feel a little scattered on what I want to share with you today, I should have planned this e-mail out a little more. I do want to share with you what I learned on Tuesday night at the devotional. It was a special presentation about Christ and His mortal ministry. I feel such a deep gratitude for His example and for the things He did for each and every one of us. I wear His name on my badge everyday, and I am constantly trying to get to know Him better and better everyday. By learning and studying His life, I know that I will be able to better represent Him. He really is our best friend. We just have to reach out to Him, His arms are always extended! There are times that I feel inadequate doing His work, but I know that if I ask for His strength and help, He will help me become who I want to be as a missionary and as a person. I feel the Lord's strength and love every day.
I am so happy to be able to share this Gospel with others. Gospel means "good news" and this really is the best news to share. We have a Heavenly Father who LOVES us and a brother, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins, pains, weaknesses, so that we wouldn't have to. If we "come unto Him" and use the Atonement in our lives, we can feel and have that strength that we need in this life.
In Ether chapter 12:27, we are taught that the Lord will make "weak things become strong." If we have faith, the Lord really can make our weaknesses strong.
Thank you all for your support and your love. I love you all so much!! You are all wonderful.
Love,
Hermana Robinson
okay, so my flight is at 11 on Monday. I will be calling probably around 9:30 or 10 on Monday. Please dearelder me your phone numbers to call!! I can't wait to talk to you on Monday. I don't know how it's going to work out exactly, but we can make it work. I was thinking calling mom or chand's phone and then your phone Vanessa. Let me know if that works out?!
Oh yeah, and Vanessa you have my santa rosa address correct? AFter monday, you can erase that address from my blog if you want. Wow, I'm typing fast because the timer is going to go off any second. But yeah, umm... I will talk to you on the phone MOnday! Yay. I bought my calling card and everything. expect a call around 9 or 9 30 maybe later. Love you send me your phone numbers! IL OVE YOU!!!
It is my last p-day here in the MTC, crazy huh?! It is unreal to me and probably won't hit me till I get there or even after I arrive and am sitting in a lesson with a real investigator teaching a lesson. My address will now be my Santa Rosa address, but Vanessa has it. I put it on my blog and facebook, I will include it at the end of the e-mail though. Just in case! :]
My last week has been quite crazy. I am trying to do all that I can to get ready for the mission field. I don't think I will ever be prepared enough though. It's like with any new experience, you just have to go and try it out! I am so excited, though, and can't wait to go teach and preach this Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, my companion Hma. Clayton left for San Fernando, CA and it was bittersweet to see her go. We got along so good, but I am so happy for her and for the people that she will be able to teach. I am now back in a companionship with Hma. Eborn and Stephens! They are so great. It's fun to be reunited with them as well.
Tomorrow is in-field training and so we will be going to different classes and things to better prepare us for what to expect come Monday. I have come to a realization this past week about life and about changes. I have come to a point here in the MTC where I feel content. I know what to expect, I have been here for a long, and I'm happy here. I am now going to embark on a new adventure. I've realized that as a representative of Jesus Christ, life isn't always comfortable or convenient. Even here at the MTC, I have been pushed to go beyond my limits and do things that I didn't think I would ever be able to. That is how this work is done. It is done with the help of the Lord. So even though I might not always feel comfortable in the things that I'm doing, I know that with the help of the Lord that is how this work is done. It's about having that faith to "open your mouth" and then "it will be filled."
I feel a little scattered on what I want to share with you today, I should have planned this e-mail out a little more. I do want to share with you what I learned on Tuesday night at the devotional. It was a special presentation about Christ and His mortal ministry. I feel such a deep gratitude for His example and for the things He did for each and every one of us. I wear His name on my badge everyday, and I am constantly trying to get to know Him better and better everyday. By learning and studying His life, I know that I will be able to better represent Him. He really is our best friend. We just have to reach out to Him, His arms are always extended! There are times that I feel inadequate doing His work, but I know that if I ask for His strength and help, He will help me become who I want to be as a missionary and as a person. I feel the Lord's strength and love every day.
I am so happy to be able to share this Gospel with others. Gospel means "good news" and this really is the best news to share. We have a Heavenly Father who LOVES us and a brother, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins, pains, weaknesses, so that we wouldn't have to. If we "come unto Him" and use the Atonement in our lives, we can feel and have that strength that we need in this life.
In Ether chapter 12:27, we are taught that the Lord will make "weak things become strong." If we have faith, the Lord really can make our weaknesses strong.
Thank you all for your support and your love. I love you all so much!! You are all wonderful.
Love,
Hermana Robinson
okay, so my flight is at 11 on Monday. I will be calling probably around 9:30 or 10 on Monday. Please dearelder me your phone numbers to call!! I can't wait to talk to you on Monday. I don't know how it's going to work out exactly, but we can make it work. I was thinking calling mom or chand's phone and then your phone Vanessa. Let me know if that works out?!
Oh yeah, and Vanessa you have my santa rosa address correct? AFter monday, you can erase that address from my blog if you want. Wow, I'm typing fast because the timer is going to go off any second. But yeah, umm... I will talk to you on the phone MOnday! Yay. I bought my calling card and everything. expect a call around 9 or 9 30 maybe later. Love you send me your phone numbers! IL OVE YOU!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
07-07-11
Hola!
It's another Thursday, so another p-day in my case. It's always a good time to get everything ready and prepared for the next week. We aren't able to go to the temple today or next p-day (my last two p-days) because the temple is being rennovated. I'm sad because I absolutely love the temple and when I get out into the field, I won't be able to go to often (like two times, maybe). I did enjoy the times that I was able to go though!
How are all of you doing?! What's new?! I know that all of you are staying pretty busy! I love hearing from you and all of the different things that are going on. :]
This week has been great!
Funny moment of the week: For language study, we come into the computer labs to practice and learn more of our language. They have sanitary wipes to wipe off the mouse, headphones, and keyboard before you use it. I went to get a sanitary wipe and I had pulled the one out and then there was another one coming out of the lid and so the lid wouldn't shut all of the way. I was concerned because then it would dry it out, so I decided to push the one in to the container which wasn't a good idea. The insert in the lid of the container is a tight squeeze and so when I went to push the wipe in my finger got stuck. And so when I pulled out my finger, it left a battle wound and I was bleeding and everything. I didn't tell anyone, but my companions saw that I was bleeding and so they asked what happened and I was like "I don't want to tell you, it's embarrassing!" Haha, but I did and we all laughed together. It is quite funny and I still have a mark from it. Luckily, one of the Elders (a boy scout of course) all prepared for anything had a band-aid to give me! I've learned my lessons with the sanitary wipes.
Favorite moment of the week: On Saturday, we celebrated the 4th of July and even had a celebration here at the MTC! Holidays are so different here because it just feels like another day, but Saturday night was the celebration and it got me in the patriotic spirit! We had a devotional and a man who is high up in the government spoke. It was really good! I love this country and I feel so blessed to live here. We sang patriotic songs and then a marching band with bag pipes and big drums came out and performed. I loved it! Afterward, we had ice cream and watched the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire. We could see them pretty good because we're pretty close to BYU. It was an awesome 4th of July!
Miracle moment of the week: Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. It's my last one here and so I really wanted to get up and share my testimony. Our branch president let us know that we could share our testimonies in english or spanish, whatever we felt like would let us express how we felt. I decided to try it in spanish, but let them know I would be sharing my testimony in "spanglish." Surprisingly, I wasn't very nervous at all and shared a lot of it in just spanish. It strengthened my testimony that if we have the faith, the Lord will help us when we need Him. I received a testimony by sharing my testimony, imagine that! Haha. In my testimony I shared a quote by President Eyring that I came across and I really like, it says: "Come unto Christ" is "the most important invitation you could ever offer and...the most important invitation anyone could accept." I find that to be such a powerful and true statement.
We only have 11 days left here at the MTC and I'm finding it to be more and more crazy everyday. I feel like there is so much I need to learn still, but I realize that I'll be constantly learning in the mission field. The mission is a learning experience EVERYday. I am constantly learning, it's great! Sometimes I wish I could just remember everything, though, because there are so many things that I don't ever want to forget. I read Jacob 5 yesterday and it's about the vineyard. One of the verses says something like.. the Lord will be working right along with you. It's so true, I feel the strength and power of the Lord everyday!
I wrote you a letter today and so you will be getting it in the mail! I love all of you so much. Thank you, thank you for your love and support!
Another verse that I've particularly loved this past week is Isaiah 53:3-5. It talks about our Savior, Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for us. He knows exactly what we are going through. He loves each one of us so much. He loves YOU so much. If you get the chance to read it, you should!
I love this Gospel and I love being a missionary!
con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
I LOVE YOU soooo much!!!! I miss you soo much!!! LOVE YOU!
It's another Thursday, so another p-day in my case. It's always a good time to get everything ready and prepared for the next week. We aren't able to go to the temple today or next p-day (my last two p-days) because the temple is being rennovated. I'm sad because I absolutely love the temple and when I get out into the field, I won't be able to go to often (like two times, maybe). I did enjoy the times that I was able to go though!
How are all of you doing?! What's new?! I know that all of you are staying pretty busy! I love hearing from you and all of the different things that are going on. :]
This week has been great!
Funny moment of the week: For language study, we come into the computer labs to practice and learn more of our language. They have sanitary wipes to wipe off the mouse, headphones, and keyboard before you use it. I went to get a sanitary wipe and I had pulled the one out and then there was another one coming out of the lid and so the lid wouldn't shut all of the way. I was concerned because then it would dry it out, so I decided to push the one in to the container which wasn't a good idea. The insert in the lid of the container is a tight squeeze and so when I went to push the wipe in my finger got stuck. And so when I pulled out my finger, it left a battle wound and I was bleeding and everything. I didn't tell anyone, but my companions saw that I was bleeding and so they asked what happened and I was like "I don't want to tell you, it's embarrassing!" Haha, but I did and we all laughed together. It is quite funny and I still have a mark from it. Luckily, one of the Elders (a boy scout of course) all prepared for anything had a band-aid to give me! I've learned my lessons with the sanitary wipes.
Favorite moment of the week: On Saturday, we celebrated the 4th of July and even had a celebration here at the MTC! Holidays are so different here because it just feels like another day, but Saturday night was the celebration and it got me in the patriotic spirit! We had a devotional and a man who is high up in the government spoke. It was really good! I love this country and I feel so blessed to live here. We sang patriotic songs and then a marching band with bag pipes and big drums came out and performed. I loved it! Afterward, we had ice cream and watched the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire. We could see them pretty good because we're pretty close to BYU. It was an awesome 4th of July!
Miracle moment of the week: Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. It's my last one here and so I really wanted to get up and share my testimony. Our branch president let us know that we could share our testimonies in english or spanish, whatever we felt like would let us express how we felt. I decided to try it in spanish, but let them know I would be sharing my testimony in "spanglish." Surprisingly, I wasn't very nervous at all and shared a lot of it in just spanish. It strengthened my testimony that if we have the faith, the Lord will help us when we need Him. I received a testimony by sharing my testimony, imagine that! Haha. In my testimony I shared a quote by President Eyring that I came across and I really like, it says: "Come unto Christ" is "the most important invitation you could ever offer and...the most important invitation anyone could accept." I find that to be such a powerful and true statement.
We only have 11 days left here at the MTC and I'm finding it to be more and more crazy everyday. I feel like there is so much I need to learn still, but I realize that I'll be constantly learning in the mission field. The mission is a learning experience EVERYday. I am constantly learning, it's great! Sometimes I wish I could just remember everything, though, because there are so many things that I don't ever want to forget. I read Jacob 5 yesterday and it's about the vineyard. One of the verses says something like.. the Lord will be working right along with you. It's so true, I feel the strength and power of the Lord everyday!
I wrote you a letter today and so you will be getting it in the mail! I love all of you so much. Thank you, thank you for your love and support!
Another verse that I've particularly loved this past week is Isaiah 53:3-5. It talks about our Savior, Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for us. He knows exactly what we are going through. He loves each one of us so much. He loves YOU so much. If you get the chance to read it, you should!
I love this Gospel and I love being a missionary!
con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
I LOVE YOU soooo much!!!! I miss you soo much!!! LOVE YOU!
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