THE BITTER SWEETNESS OF TRANSFERS -- I GOT THE CALL...

Hi everyone !

It has been six weeks 
 and it's transfers.

 I got the call, 
Saturday evening, 
to serve in the 
Fair Oaks 3rd Ward and the a College Oak YSA! 

I will also be a Sister Training Leader 
with Sister Christoffersen!

 I am so nervous but I am excited to serve there!

***********

Last Friday, Sister Baul and I had a lesson with Jobe and Jesse. Bishop Lewis and Sister Streeter were also there. We had Jesse say the opening prayer.   He really does have the desire to be baptized and follow our Savior.  We talked about how we need to make the efforts after faith and know that the Lord will help us do our best as we do the things that he has commanded us to do. Just like Joseph Smith and how he wanted to know what church to join and which one is true, so he took it upon himself to exercise the promise in James 1:5.Joseph received his answer because of his desire but also because he showed that desire to follow through with the answer he received.  We talked more about faith and felt impressed to extend the date of August 27th. When we closed the lesson having Jobe say the prayer and they were really going to ask their uncle for permission.

(minors have to ask permission for a minor from their guardian to be baptized).

 On Sunday, after church we spoke with Jesse 

and he said his uncle said ....

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

When we spoke with Sister Streeter, over the phone yesterday,  she said that it did happen. 

I am so excited that they are finally going to be baptized. 

It was the best goodbye are present ever.

Sacramento River -- PDay Hike

 Also,  on Sunday,  

we had FIVE investigators come to church! 

Jamie, 

Micheal and his family, 

Jobe, 

Jesse, 

& 

Terry!  

I had to give a talk on -- 

Why is the Book of Mormon important for us today.  

I thought I did a really good job but maybe...kinda pushy. 

P-Day Hike

But after Sacrament meeting they said that it was really good and that they do need to share it more with others. 

I explained how we learn of the why and how to repent, learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- the Atonement, faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. 

What made it nice too was that 

Terry said that she really wants to read it now! 

I started to cry. 

I will miss Mather and Anatolia dearly. 

I had a lot of good experiences  with my companions! 

I am going to miss with Sister Baul --- 

we are going to be eternal friends!  

I just know it! 

Also our apartment with the Hermanas! 

I will miss those I served with in Rancho Cordova Stake 

and everyone I was able to meet!

I will miss all of these wonderful people and many more!

Hurray for Israel!

Sister Hyde

FIRSTS, MIRACLES and JOY

This week was full of firsts and of miracles!!

On Tuesday, some members took us out for lunch to a Japanese food restaurant. I had sushi....... I do not think I will eat that again but, the rest of the food was good.  I also tried squid and it was actually really good!

We had a referral appointment in Anatolia on Thursday.  It turned out to be a husband to a less active recent convert house. Robert,  didn't even tell Tomika(his wife).  So when we came it completely surprise her and Robert had a huge smile on his face. Robert was trying to be funny near the beginning but toward the end he changed and the sprint was strong. When those that haven't felt the spirit in such a strong way they try to put it off sometimes, with Robert he tried to be funny again but soon got really quiet. We taught about the spirit and the roles it can play in our lives. Tomika bore her testimony of it and when Robert heard it... You could tell it touch his heart. We taught to them restoration and they loved it. We made a return appointment for next week can't wait!

The next miracle was in Mather on Friday and it went amazing! We had a referral appointment again and this one was amazing! Originally it was for these two girls but they were expecting the elders. They were all giddy up and everything. Their younger brother though came and sat on the lesson. We still gave message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and when we started to talk about Baptism and the Holy Ghost and how they need to be performed or given by the Priesthood. The girls weren't really interested but their brother is!  Muhamed started asking all these questions about the priesthood and the Holy Ghost. He said I was going to be baptized in another church this Sunday but now knowing that. I want to make sure I get baptized by someone holding that authority. That comment allowed one of his sisters to pay more attention. He asked if we have that authority in our church and we said yes. He said that he will be out of town this weekend but when is the next service? Every Sunday at 9 was our response. He said that he is going. 

When we got out of our appt. with him, I started to think - what just happened? Before we even got out of the car and went to speak with them we prayed to see a miracle and see the lords hand work at this appt.. Our prayer was answered! One thing that I learned is that, if you have true desires and know/ promise that you will do whatever it takes for your prayer to be answered then He will answer it even more! He loves all His children sooo much. Miracles like that allow me to see more of a glimpse of the grand picture!

We taught gospel principles in Mather Ward-- about the Fall of Adam and Eve. It went really well for knowing we had three seconds to prepare. While we were teaching I just got the thought that it really did have to happen so that we can have joy! 
I love that word --  Joy!!!

We also were able to talk to President and Sister Jardine for a little bit before President blessed our apartment. During this blessing I felt the spirit so much. It only makes sense that the place were we prepare to help and serve people should be a blessed place where the Spirit can come.

EVEN IN TIMES OF WEAKNESS

Hi everyone!!
Well this week has been quite eventful week! And kind of a trail of my faith in a way. So last Monday normal preparation day right but as we went out to go find people to share the gospel to, I suddenly felt
really sick. We went home and planned for the next day. That night I didn't sleep at all and threw up. Tuesday I really even looked worse than Mr. Hyde. Or so my companion says.

I couldn't keep anything down. Except for some water and pedia-lite ....  I drank so much of that stuff, it's not even funny. I love the Terry's because they came over from the mission office around three that day to see how I was doing.  Sister Terry diagnosed me to have heat exhaustion going on to heat stroke. Elder Terry and Elder Rasmussen from the office came and gave me a blessing.  Felt so bad for Sister Baul because she has to stay in that day and the next. We had exchanges Thursday to Friday with our Sister Training leaders. I stayed in my areas with Sister Lalomanu came with me. She is so sweet,smart, fun and an amazing missionary!

Friday evening the Anatolia Ward had a talent show, so as missionaries we try to get involved with the ward, and we did exactly that. We made up our own rendition of "I HOPE THEY CALL ME ON A MISSION". It turned out ok. The ward is super funny.  

Then on Saturday we are going to go see our backups because our one appt. didn't show up and I got this rash with hives all over so I went to CVS got some cream and Benadryl and I was out. It went away in the morning but then it return Sunday night. I am so done with it but faith endures trails and a happy attitude too.

Sunday roles around and we were able to teach primary in Anatolia Ward about Temples. I love that Ward so much and Mather too! Sister Baol and I were also able to see and talk with President and Sister Jardine too. We both got to talk with them individualy. It's nice to receive some counsel to the areas that you are called serve in. And to receive counsel in general.   That Sunday we also got a new Ward mission leader for the Mather Ward- Brother Bahr. Can't wait to start working with him.

This week was a mess and I felt horrible to have not been able to go out and share the gospel to the areas were we served as much as I could. But the Lord knew that and that week our leaders helped in our area and found four new investigators for us! One of them wants to be baptized so much that she sought out the missionaries and wants the gospel in her home! Such a blessing the lord gave us.  In our times of weakness -- he knows us AND understands us. All we have to do is trust him, have a strong faith and desire to serve him and obey his will.


Today I read in Luke 1&2.  I just gained a more appreciation and admiration for Mary. She truly wanted her will and the Lord's will to be one. Right from the very beginning, before we all came to earth.  How incredible is it to know that our Heavenly Father knows our divine potential, and gifts to fulfill the role that He has given to us here on earth.

Hurrah for Israel --
Love Sister Hyde

Crazy HOT -- Kinda Long -- Good Week

This week has been a crazy hot, kinda long, good week.

One day we stopped at the church to sync and make a few calls so we can get out of the sunny 108 weather and just by luck, members showed to help clean the church so they let us in to cool down. And they even gave us this refresher drink thing to help us get better because we were dehydrated.

Another day, I really wanted to go out and do work but sister Baol was sick so I couldn't but we got permission for me to go out with another sister. So I was also able to go on a split with Hermana Scott. She is an amazing missionary! She covers a good bit of area for those who speak Spanish and the leaders let us go together. We have the same birthday and we were born in the same place - Mesa Arizona ...Kind a like a twin. It is always a fun time to go into Spanish work.

All of our appointments were cancelled this week and not going to lie ... it was sad.  BUT we still worked hard to find new people and get things done. 

We have been also releasing people of whom we are trying to teach too. It is always hard to let them go because we have this knowledge of the gospel and want them so badly to have the blessings that we have too. But we know that it is of the better to let them go for a while and let them think.

I know more about bikes than I have ever known. Last week it was my bike then this week it was Sister Baols bike. She was sick for a little so while she was resting, I fixed and readjusted her brakes and pumped tires, etc.. But all is well, all is well. Funny thing about our bikes --  this week... they almost got stollen... But everything is ok! We locked them up good. We just don't have bike lights any more so we are borrowing some till we get our own. I'm just happy that my bike is ok and sister Baols bike too of course!

We had interviews this week with President and Sister Jardine. I love them so much! Sister Jardine always asks us to share a scripture with her so I shared Doctrine and Covenants 128:22. My mom shared me this scripture ( with verses 23 and 24) in a letter she wrote me and I have been studying it. I really love this scripture sooo much because I am really in this great cause. Singing hosanna to his name and trying to share his love to all his children. There is so much more that I learned from that scripture  --  it would come really close to being a New York Times best seller  -- sooooo...after mission maybe.

We taught our recent convert Spencer -- The Gospel of Jesus Christ and after that he taught it to us. He is doing sooo great! Same with the other recent convert that we love too - Sheri, Kevin, Jeff and Lillye.  

Speaking of teaching,  Sister Baol and I really need ideas to teach sharing time in primary about temples this coming Sunday. So if you have any fun ideas please send them this way!!! We need help!

We had district meeting Thursday and we were commitment by our district leader to do this couples daily check- in every night with our companions. Sister Baol and I have fun doing that. Especially when she has been sick this week .... That bad American food... And helping her with the culture. She is amazing teacher and so friendly, I just love her so much! She always makes the things we teach at their level and personal. Right from week one, our teaching styles fit together and just us in general and now I can say that we really have a eternal friendship.  

Now this week is beginning and we have appointments so I am so excited!!  Wish us luck !  Hurrah for Israel!

A Little HELP From My Friends

 

Hi everyone!!! 

This week has been a a blast with sister Baol! She is so funny, sweet, witty and amazing!!

I have learned a lot of things these week. First how to keep a good attitude when your bike breaks and members are amazing!! 

Brother Suafoa pulled over and asked if we needed any help. Got his pick up, put the bikes in the back and hauled us over with his wife to our car so we could get home on time. 

I took off my bike chain and put the new one almost by myself -- Our apartment neighbor helped me as well as the zone leaders too.   But in the end it is done and I can ride my bike now and have the wind blow in my hair as I ride into the sunset... Anyone?... Hahaha. 

We had to walk around to our potentials to visit and such since my bike chain broke and I had to wait to get a new one -- anyway walking in the heat makes me sooooo tired so after planning one night I fell asleep on the floor for a little bit. 

We contacted a lot of people because in our area there is this Pokemon hunt, and everyone is out. It's gets kinds frustrating when you talk to 20 people in about 10 minutes and they all turn you down because they need to go battle their Pokemon every five minutes at the park. I just want to tell them, "I AM HERE TO HELP YOU.  TO TELL YOU ABOUT OUR HEAVENLY FATHER'S LOVES YOU AND THAT HE GAVE US A PLAN AND TOOLS TO HELP US COME AND LIVE WITH HIM AGAIN!"  But they were all really nice turning us down.  

One of the best things that happened this week was when we read 2 Nephi 31 with Jobe and Jessie and had a discussion. It went amazing and we invited them to be baptized on August 6th!!!!! Now we need to gain their uncles permission to be baptized!! It is going to happen.  Love those two boys.

We also cooked dinner for one of our investigators. Jamie loves Filipino food so we cooked her some and had a lesson after wards. We showed the video- Voices of the Spirit and in that lesson the spirit was so strong!!! 



She started to cry and said that she feels so different and it is peaceful but she hasn't felt it often in her life and it feels a little uncomfortable like her bosom is burning. I said a prayer in my heart before we started that she can feel the spirit and recognize it.... And she did. The spirit was so strong there. The next day was Sunday  -- we went to put our stuff at our seat in the chapel and Jamie was there waiting for things to begin. She left after sacrament meeting but she said "I feel it again and I really want to go home and just think and relax before I have to go to work."  Her heart is changing into a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Sister Baol first language is tagolic and it is really close to Spanish. We ran into a lot of Filipinos and she was able to talk to them.  It is really cool.  She started to say the opening prayer in English for sacrament meeting at church but then it slowly turned into
her language. It was funny to see everyone's faces looking so confused after she ended. Love her sooooo much!

I love the lords work and everyday I try to remember 

"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: 

it shall rejoice in his salvation."

(Psalms 35)

Hurrah for Isreal!

It's An Art...

Hi everyone! 

Hope you all had a great week. 

Everyone here is either on vacation or in the air conditioned house. 

 It makes contacting hard because no one is out side. 

But we came up with an alternative and now we've got it down to the art -- 

 we go biking around seven at night --- 

usually everyone is outside doing something -- 

so we can go contacting and it can be effective.

We found two new investigators 

in the Anatolia Ward ! 

I am so excited -- because it is 

really hard to find them in that area. 

It happened with the help of the missionaries I served with. 

We all worked in my area for a few hours and it helped us a lot. 

It was also fun! 

Did I mention, Sister Baol 

is an amazing missionary! 

We had to last minute teach in the 

Mather Ward for Sunday School 

about our Heavenly Family. 

She is such a pro! 

We also taught a little bit to the Young Women about ordinances 

and how we explain them to our investigators. 

I had to teach on the fourth section in Doctrine and Covenants.  I thought it went well. 

It helped that we recite that section every week.

We met a lady named Rachel this week. 

She was really busy but she accepted our information and set an appointment with her. 

We went back later that week and let's say her kids are crazy! 

So we set another time to meet.  

She felt so bad but she looked so relieved and grateful 

when we said we can come back another time 

and that we understood.  

Jobe and Jesse came to church! 

They looked really nice with their big happy smiles --  in their white shirts and ties.   

Jesse and I even made a handshake. 

One of the greatest things that happened this week 

was when I got to go see Kirk (my former investigator) get baptized!!! 

The look of him after he came out of the water --

 reminded me more of why I am serving a mission 

 When he came out his face showed that he felt happy, and clean! 

It is a great memory!!

 Love you!!