Joy Lane

This week was something else.. it went by sooooooooo fast.

First, I got an email saying congratulations on almost being a return missionary then another saying here is your course for my plan!

Can you find Sister Hyde?

I am nervous and excited for so many things!

We did service for Daine! Her whole front lawn was a mess and with the

help of us and the zone leaders we made that lawn look nice. While we

were working on the part of the lawn by the road a couple of people

commented and long story short we said we were doing it for free and

their reactions were priceless. They couldn't believe that a couple of

young adults were doing service for free. We asked if they need

anything and they said yes but after asking if we belonged to a

service operation our reply was that we were missionaries for the

church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints they started to back away

and said no thanks. Daine thought that was funny and would talk to

them later explains that we are great people to help others and help

build others faith in Christ. Sweet gal.  We also did some more service for another investigator.- Sue and she is the cutest.

We did some team ups with the Folsom sisters and they are the best!

 Sister Thomas, Sister Anderson and I knocked on this one door and it was crazy! This guy was in his underwear and didn't think  anything of it until he saw our face of like WHAT do you think you are  doing. He noticed why and slammed the door. Crazy things happen in  California. 

We went finding this week in our area more than ever. Our  area is kinda tough with finding people but with tons of faith my companion and myself found two part member families that are  interested in learning more about the gospel! A family that is interested as well and love what mormons believe in too! And ..... good things are about to happen!!! What a blessing and tender mercy from the Lord!

Got the system- Tiwi in our new 2017 Ford Escape...  missionaries get spoiled! This car has helped a ton because the rain  is crazy and made these crazy pot holes and rivers that we got to go  through. California has been in a drought for a super long time but  with all this constant rain we are finally out of that drought! A lot  of prayers from members and those here in Sacramento have been  answered. Super fun!

Chris is getting the priesthood next Sunday and he is so excited! I am

excited for him. His mom Thi is coming to the Bible class and that was

some awesome news! David is doing great! He came to all three hours of

church! The members were so welcoming and oh man! I just loved it!

Sister Davis and I have so many plans that are going to come into

action this week with helping our members be excited and do missionary

work and to help our investigators gain a stronger testimony of the

gospel!

Now today we are going mountain biking near Folsom lake!

We hope it is muddy and that no one gets hurt!

I am so excited to get out and do something like this!!

Speaking of Folsom we ate dinner with the Astles.  Brother Astles, said he 

worked as a missionary at Folsom prison while Johnny Cash was there.

Johnny Cash personally asked for him.  When he went into his cell, Johnny Cash grabbed his wrist -- didn't let go and then said,  " This is the closet

that I will ever be to God."

He said he was one of the first to hear Johnny Cash's song Folsom prison or something like that.

 I love serving here and being a missionary!

 Sister Davis and I found a awesome thing in the Book of Mormon and is a great reminder of what we all have to do every day. It's on page 523 -- I will include a picture  -- but don't forget that our Savior Jesus Christ lives  and we need to testify of that everyday and be joyful doing that!

CRAZY....

Davy is doing great we had two lessons with him this week and he came of church yesterday! I was so glad to see he there! Melanie is doing ok, she has kinda stopped responding to us and it is breaking my heart. I wish her the best everyday. But she is going through a lot of things and prayers would be great for her and for Alicia. We haven't had a response from her either. I love those girls and I just want them to receive the blessing that have been given in my life through having the gospel in my life. 

We had crazy flooding this week as well. Like some road were completely ran over by the river. Mud is every where, close calls for me to get out and push the car out. I wouldn't mind if I had to do that. Secretly I kinda wanted to just to say I did. Hahahaha.

So Friday, Elder and Sister Renlund, Elder Dorius and Elder Arden  came to speak to all the sisters here in Sacramento! Sister Davis and I were so excited that we got here earlier to make sure that we get in. So we showed up a couple hours early and did our weekly had all the sisters read a couple talks (A Plea to My Sisters and Do I Believe) before it started. We even got to walk around the temple! In the conference so we mostly did a big group discussion about how important it is to not just go through the motions of the gospel, but to really feel it and get it into our hearts. So live it! 

There were about 1600 women! They also let people ask questions and they would answer. And they bore their testimonies at the end. It was so good! 

Sister Renlund was running most of the meeting and she is hilarious! She was cracking jokes the whole time and it was great! She was very accomplished and man! It was a rock star show! 

I even got to see some of the members from my previous wards but also the Ward got - Tala Ofa Ward! I still could speak a little bit... need to brush up but oh! My heart has a special part reserved just for them and many that I got to know there! 

    But don't worry there is still more excitement to come that night! 

So when we were driving home our car started to shake then these lights started to pop up and flash then they started really beeping! So we pulled over talked with President and our leaders  --- so long story short we got to drive home with Sister Jardine's new mini van! It was nice and no tiwi -- but don't worry we kept the speed limit. 

Then Saturday, we had a mission conference with them. It was the only time so far that I've seen all the missionaries in our mission

together which was way fun! It's always good to catch up with friends and see how they are doing! It's like one big family! 

We took a group pic with Elder and Sister Renlund, Elder Adern and Elder Dorius, President and Sister Jardine, and their counselors.  That took some time... so my face got a work out from all that smiling! Then each of us got to shake Elder Renlund's hand..I shook an apostles hand! So awesome!! 

I had to say the opening prayer and as I was walking up I was smiling but also praying with all my heart that I would say what I needed to say, to not speak so fast and to definitely not mess up. 

Then we began the meeting! President and Sister Jardine spoke.  One of the messages was about prayer.  I learned that prayer is truly a great gift to communicate with our Father in Heaven! 

Then Elder Renlund told us he was here to deliver 3 messages -- 

1. On behalf of the Savior, thank you for serving 

2. You have been called to Sacramento by revelation, 

            you're here for a reason 

3. President and Sister Jardine have been called of God 

            to our mission! 

After at we had a great discussion about the talks where we were asked to study then a Q and A meeting again. That was awesome! 

He then left us with an apostolic blessing again. One in the women conference and one for us missionaries. What amazing blessings were we given! 

I definitely have a testimony that there is a living prophet today Thomas S. Monson. I know that the apostles that help lead the church are called of God as well. I know that Jesus Christ is at the head of the church. 

Then is Sunday we went to Folsom to help out Sister Anderson. She doesn't have a companion at the moment -- so we got to help her out that day. Four people that she taught, were confirmed. Their faces were so bright! 

We also had a chance to just talk with President and Sister Jardine about our area, concerns and all that jazz. They are remarkable! We were given blessings by President! I have a firm testimony of the priesthood! It truly is the power of God! I know that our Heavenly Father knows each and every one of us! 

There is so much more to say but I just don't have time, maybe I will put it in next week email! 

Biggest shout out would to be to my dad this coming week! It's his birthday and has taught me so much in my life! I love him lots! 

BY FAR THE MOST...

This week was by far the most busiest, stressful, funniest, spiritual,

craziest, and most amazing week ever! 

Two exchanges.... this time for exchanges they have the sister come into our area. 

So there are four sisters in one area.... that means more work 

which means 

we saw everyone 

in our area-book, 

all our less actives and almost all our members 

....oh, what are 

we going to do? 

I know 

work even harder. 

It go go time!

My first exchange was with Sister Kearl and this little missionary is a fireball. We had this lesson with Melanie and it was spirit bomb times ten ----- so it was a nuclear spirit bomb! Before we went to a lesson we picked up a recent return missionary, Cami. She told us to never doubt the authority and power of our calling. I took that to heart. 

I already knew that but it's always nice to receive a reminder. Anyway we go in the lesson and our investigator just starts going off.  Cami stops her and says ... "do you know why these girls are here and what they can do? They hold a power and have a authority greater than you know. They help us come closer to our Savior. They are trying to help you but if you have your heart closed then you are not helping yourself. Listen to what they have to say and I am sure it's what you need to hear." Melanie, the investigator, was silent for a good bit. Then she said "...so this baptism that they are talking about is the only way then." She looked at us and I bore my testimony of our savior and his divine mission of the atonement. I bore witness of the priesthood and how baptism needs to go through those keys. Sister Kearl also bore her testimony. The Spirit was so strong in that room. She closed her eyes and started to cry. I invited her to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. She said yes! We talked about putting forth effort, the rest of the Restoration and of course promised her blessing. We have appt. on Wednesday,---  hope it goes well.

Then we went on another exchange, with Sister Barnes! She has grown so much and I am so thankful to get to know her. It has been raining none stop so we didn't get contact a lot of people but the few we did get to were open to the Bible study class so that's nice! We also went on team ups with Sister Anderson and Sister Shirley! They are too sweet girls!

Zone trading was amazing! First off we present our mission goal for baptisms which is 365!!!!! When Sister Davis and I were at MLC and prayed about it the Spirit just confirmed to everyone at this is the goal that the Lord has chosen for the Sacramento mission this year! Oh. It was amazing! Of course it also symbolizes that we need to work everyday all day doing our very best to help out her come unto Christ teaching repentance. That was the focus of our zone trading too. We focus a little more on that and helping the missionaries understand the true power and authority they have. 

We also had a recent convert---Erin come and kinda give the missionaries a pump up talk about when they do teach repentance and strive to be an example of Christ then people are then blessed. President Jardine and Sister Jardine came as well. They always share great words of wisdom! Love them tons! Had lunch with them too and the whole zone. We got to have a mini training with our district leader and Sister Jardine afterwards... it was great

focused a lot on the Book of Mormon. They recommitted us to mark all the reference of Christ in the Book of Mormon and all his attributes. I have done this and my testimony of my Savior has grown so much by doing so. We also were able to be interviewed by President Jardine. He is always on top of things and I just love him so much! We talked about how I have grown and some other things that I will always remember. He has done a lot for us missionaries here in Sacramento California. 

It has been raining cats and dogs and for the past days and will be for the next week. Kinda fun seeing rivers on the road and the main river rising up. Lucky me I live on somewhat tip of the somewhat tall hill ( small mountain).

Today a nice member paid for our groceries! She was the nicest thing ever. Then we broke a sweat and played soccer, basketball.  Sister Davis and I are still having tons of fun and she is still cracking jokes all the time. It's great to have someone that makes me laugh all the time. 

Found a lizard today in our room! 

Well this week will be busy again... one more team up and a Mission conference because someone cool is coming and you all will have to wait for next week email for me to tell .. ok Elder Renlund is coming!! We get to have a women's conference and a mission conference with them so EXCITED !!

Hurrah for Isreal!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!!!!

Hope that the last week was great! Mine was except I got a cold and that is no fun. I woke up the morning of District meeting and my voice was gone! Put on my glasses and went to the meeting. It was really good. 

I went on Team ups with Sister Boaria and she is the cutest. She is a convert and  from Kitipas. 

We taught this one lady but she kept putting up walls to her heart. Sometimes she would feel the Holy Ghost telling her that what we are saying is true. I just looked at her and prayed so hard that the spirit would be so strong and that she would feel it.  

I am over the cold but still really tired.

We played basketball with some of the elders and I was out of breath by the end. Not good. hahaha 

We had exchanges with Sister Kaufusi and Sister Thomas. 

They are hard working missionaries.

They released a lot of their investigators and

are working on finding and less active work. 

This year, exchanges are going to be different -- 

                                            Sister Davis and I are prepping for it --- just really more planning on our part. 

We met David S. and Wow!!! He went through some rough things in the past, but is now working on coming closer to Christ and everything. He even contacted us and we started teaching him. I can't wait to see where he goes in the gospel!

We had to give a training to the missionaries in our zone on Friday and it was crazy awesome!! We focused it on member missionary work on social media. Three members even came and we did a real action role play with teaching them a lesson from the scriptures about Alma and Amuleck then having them contact their friends over Facebook. It was awesome. I am so glad that we get to have online proselyting in our mission! It truly has helped progress the work here in Sacramento!

I had a lot of time to think about this last year and

I am just so appreciative of what happened!

I really took to heart this scripture this week- Alma 5:19

                      "I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands?

I say unto you can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?"

I learned so much and grew my love for the Lord, the gospel, others and myself so much!

I found joy and I have the desire to grow that all the time. 

That became my motto last year and I want it for this year too.  

Although,  I want to add diligence to it too.  

I've learned so many great habits, knowledge, and

love for my Heavenly Father and Savior

and I just have to keep it up. 

 Sister Hyde

Off-roading = Flat tire

This week has been amazing!

A great way to start of the week was to have a temple Conference with my fellow missionaries that I serve around and with! I love them Temple so much! I felt much peace and love there! Even outside while we were walking to and from it. We were also able to see a slide show of all the baptisms that happened this year. It was a " White Christmas "!

We also were able to hear from President and Sister Jardine- they shared a lot of words of wisdom and their testimonies. I love them so much! We heard form two missionaries about building and strengthening their relationships with Jesus Christ. One of them was a sister that I used to serve with and she is such an amazing sister! Then we had lunch and I got to see a member of one of the old wards that I used to serve in. He was making a memory picture, video scrapbook for the Jardines and so he interviewed me to share something for them. 

It was cool because he also interviewed my companion and my former companion when I did serve there. It was so great to see all, the missionaries and see how they are doing!  Through out the week was busy! We were running around to members, investigators and such. We had to release one of our investigators because she wasn't wanted to get it. It was so sad because we laid everything out and we provided guidance but she didn't want to take it. I guess you can lead a horse to water but can make it drink it.

On Friday we got to meet up with the Folsom missionaries and the senior missionaries to get our presents. President came in with a hat that sings a moves, Sister Jardine wore reindeer antlers, APs wore elf hats. They sure do know how to make us laugh. Sister Jardine, shared a few words and President Jardine share this story of shined shoes. I loved it but I don't have enough time type it up... sorry it was really good. Shout out to all those you sent me cards and presents, and wishes for a Merry Christmas! I am so thankful and feel very blessed! Love ya'll tons!    

On Christmas Eve we were able to eat dinner with the Krugers, who are from Norway and Denmark.   So we had a dishes from their county. Love them so much! 

We also were able to watch a movie that 

President and Sister Jardine picked out. 

It was Pete's Dragon!! It was really good !  

We read a letter from President and sister Jardine too. 

I loved how no matter what -- our faith in our Heavenly Father is strong and we will do anything to help him and anything at all. 

Just like Pete and Elliot.  

hat friendship he built with Elliot could not be broken, 

just like my relationship with my savior, Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father!  

To top off the week we had a great Sunday service 

but I also got to skype my family!

I love them soooooo much! 

They all have grown up so much and 

look so different! They have helped me out a ton and I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to see and talk with them. It was fun to sing the Hyde family song with them. 

("We are the Hyde family  -- we are the Hyde family and we like to party ... we like to party.   Party hardy... allllll night long.  To the left ... to the left... to the left right ... get on down and stop and beat your face... Hyde family is gonna rock this place.  Boom! Check us out.  Check us out.  BOOM   BOOM CHECK US OUT!") --It is an adaptation to a military cadence

My cousin Preston was there too, that was fun! He was talking to my cousins and uncle and it was cool to see them! I love my family! 

After that we went out to work and share messages about our Savior's birth! 

Some members had this fun game and we started to play it.... 

My brain froze every time he asked a question like the very first one I totally blanked! 

We went to dinner at the Oldfeilds'  -- 

Brother Oldfeild helped us out by pumping  up our tire --  which was super low. 

It probably was because, we'd earlier, went off-roading get to this one members house. That was tons of fun.  

But it kindof kicked us in the rear ends because today, after grocery shopping, when 

we came out of the parking lot we looked at our tire and it was completely flat! 

We jacked it up and then this nice Jehovah Witness took care of the rest. 

We then went the back roads to this one tire place. When we go there it was closed...... what a fun day!

We made it back to the meeting -- and played a zone sports and reverse charades with the Zone! It was so much fun!

Hurrah for Israel!