August 25, 2014

Hello :) 

This is a simple email. This last week has been wonderful but I can't think of a whole lot to write about at the moment. Sister Huntsman and I have been working with a less active couple, the Murphys! They are a sweet couple, a little stubborn and defensive, but they have that desire and they allow us to come and teach them each week. This transfer we have really been working on being bold and focusing on getting our investigators/less actives to church. We are still working on it but we have already seen so many blessings as we have strived to be better! This last week we have been helping the Murphys understand the doctrine behind coming to church and taking the sacrament and how important it is to our eternal salvation. God wants us to be happy now and forever and attending church each week will bless us with that renewed strength and desire to improve. As we attend with an open and humble heart, we are blessed with power and personal revelation. We are promised the companionship of the Holy Ghost as we renew our covenants and make that resolve to change. Improvement, even small improvement, will bring us happiness. 

Yesterday morning as we were heading to ward council we made a last minute decision to call the Murphys and invite them one more time to church. We were nervous that Sister Murphy, who made it clear she doesn't like to be pushed, would get upset but we know that we had to do it. She did seem a little bothered when we reminded her over the phone that church starts at 1:00 and we hope to see them there. I think she actually may have hung up on us? But we both felt good because we had done all that we could to help them this last week to get their bums on over to the building and take the sacrament. A couple hours later we were standing at the doors greeting everyone coming into the chapel and in pops the Murphys!!!!!! It was a miracle! My jaw dropped haha I think that was amusing for them. They both had big smiles on their faces and I could tell they felt accomplished and proud of themselves to have finally made it to church after so many years. I felt so happy.. I love that feeling. We are going to continue working with them and help them to become active! Sometimes I think about those at home.. neighbors family and friends who have gradually stopped going to church and I often wonder why I did not do more to reach out. I am learning though and I recognize the importance of being your brother's keeper and helping them to the best of your ability. Being an example to them, serving them, and encouraging them with love and not overbearance will bless them and soften their hearts. God has opened my eyes through the experiences I have had on my mission. I think if I were at home today and never chose to serve a mission, I would still be oblivious to some of those who are struggling around me. I am thankful that I have learned to be more mindful of what I can do to help the Lord and His children. To turn outward and serve! I know as we do so we feel joy and greater self confidence. We feel the Lord's love for us and better recognize the potential we have as children of God. I think we are blessed with a greater desire to change and become better as we think of others, especially those the Lord has placed close to us in our lives, and seek to help them. I love you all so very much. Thank you for your support and encouraging words and prayers. XOXOX

Love, Sister Rogers

P.S. We went golfing this morning with Brother Hassing. It reminded me of you Dad! It made me happy, we have to go when I get home. I think I want to play more often! (I also remembered that one time we went and that british guy played with us, remember his accent? Especially when he talked about his "pawtna" :)) 

August 18, 2014


Amanda and Chris Fleishour are mormons now :) I am so happy and hopeful for them! I feel really blessed to have been able to teach a family and help them come closer to Christ and be baptized. I have spent a lot of time pondering and studying and wondering what I can do to help them grow and understand the amazing things that will come from the gospel and this last week, I felt a sweet weight taken off my shoulders as I watched them make that covenant with the Lord to remember Him and always keep His commandments. It's amazing the change that has taken place. I think that is one of my most favorite parts of missionary work is watching people exercise faith and change! I've especially enjoyed observing Chris. He is a bit more reserved and it has been difficult discerning his feelings and thoughts as we have been teaching but as time has gone on his heart has become softer and softer and he is more willing to put His trust in the Lord. Obviously haha he just got baptized!

Yesterday, after church, we went over to their house for dinner and I asked Chris how it felt going underwater (he doesn't care for water). He laughed and told us that his brother sent him a text the night before asking him how he felt after his bath. Chris replied, "Clean." He thought that was so funny but that simple response made me feel so good. I knew he was referring to more. He told us he actually did feel really calm in the water and he does feel clean and good. This last week he has really opened up and his comments have helped Sister Huntsman and I recognize his sincerity and desire to make the gospel apart of his life and the life of his family. When we taught him last Monday we asked him why he wants to be baptized. He said, "I wouldn't have come this far if I didn't want to do it." GOOD POINT! Being able to know that Amanda and Chris truly understand and have that real sincerity and desire to be baptized has all just been one big fat tender mercy from the Lord. I see such a bright future for the Fleishours and I couldn't be more proud of them. I know an eternal family is what they want. It won't be easy but I know they can do it. For awhile I thought I had signed up for 18 months but I have realized that these people I have grown to love are going to be apart of my life forever and I know the Lord expects me to do all that I can to help them even after I return home. I'm grateful for all of it.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! I am praying for you.

Love, Sister Adrienne Rogers

August 11, 2014

Aug 11 at 3:17 PM

I can't even believe it, I am staying in Deer Park another transfer! I was shocked! I have been telling myself the last couple of weeks that I'm leaving because I was pretty darn sure. Guess not and I feel very grateful about it. I get to be at Amanda and Chris' baptism and continue teaching all the wonderful people we have in our teaching pool. I am also happy to be here for Brother and Sister Gilson. Sister Gilson isn't doing too hot and everyone is feeling like she will be passing away soon. It will be good to see her as much as I can before she goes. If you ever have the inkling, just give Brother Gilson a call and tell him you love him. He is one of the greatest people I have ever met.

I am starting to get some nerves for the baptism haha I just want to make sure Amanda and Chris understand the covenants they are making and that it is a commitment for life and not just requirements that are asked of them before baptism. I realize that we do not have to be perfect before we are baptized or understand everything completely but I just feel like I got spiritual babies on my hands you know? Like it will be on my head if they don't completely understand haha but I know I have done my best and tonight they will be having their interviews with the district leader so that will be a big help in preparing them for this Saturday. I am excited! I will send some pictures your way so you can see them.

Sister Bakly, our mini missionary was so fun! She did such a wonderful job. I hope she had a good time with us haha it was kind of a crazy week, we had a lot of meetings and planning but she hung in there perfectly. She loves Thai food so we all went out for dinner the other night. The Thai restaurant here is my favorite, you would all love it. Then we had a lesson over at the Clarks and they had a surprise for us..... little baby potbelly pigs! SO CUTE. I was dying. We got to hold one and now I want one haha and I want it to stay that small. 

This last week I had an MLC meeting. The mission dr. checked me out while I was there and I am doing just fine :) Thank you for your concerns, it made me feel loved but my ankle is doing well. They don't know what it was but I'm pretty sure it was just a horsefly or something. President Boren, in our training, shared something that struck me... he said the temple is a test. The temple represents the presence of the Lord. It is a test of our desires. What is our desire? How badly do we want to be close to God? The temple is a test of our desire to be in the presence of the Lord. We must acquire that burning in our bones to attend the temple as apart of our preparation for eternal life. It is the Lord's house where the veil is thin and we can learn and grow spiritually. I know it is important to our Heavenly Father that we attend the temple and if needs be that we repent and prepare ourselves to be worthy to go back to the temple and return again and again. He loves you and wants you to take part in temple blessings. They are abundant! Once I return home I want to strive for and make temple attendance a high priority in my life. I know I will be blessed both temporally and spiritually. That I will be blessed with the power and strength that the Lord desires to give me as I serve His children there and learn more about His plan for me. I know this is what He wants for all of us. I love you and I wish you all the best this week :) Keep praying for all the lovely people here in Deer Park.

Love, Sister Rogers

This is Sister Bakly. <3 She's a nut

As you can tell, I really want that piglet in my arms.

Cute Brother Clark

August 4, 2014

Sister Huntsman and I got a call yesterday from the Assistants. They let us know that we will be having a "mini missionary" join us for the week. Every year we have some youth from the mission stay with missionaries so they can get a little taste of the missionary life. She will be like a third companion, she will help us teach, find, etc. We are excited, it will be way fun! Her name is Jenna, she sounded a little nervous on the phone when I was giving her some info. I told her to make sure she brings a mattress pad because the couch is infested with spiders. Our whole apartment is infested with spiders (Hobo spiders, they are CRAZY) but she will be much safer sleeping up in the loft with us. She will have tons of fun :) We know how to have a good time. I will let you know how it goes. Having a third missionary with us is going to be a little different, it is going to be so funny contacting people on the street.. I feel like they will feel even more intimidated than they already do when two strangers approach them out of no where.

Speaking of spiders, I got a bug bite on my ankle. We were serving an investigator and I was out in her field, dumping some dirty water in the weeds and my ankle started burning. I'm not sure what bit me but it is so disgusting. My ankle is super swollen now and it aches like a sprained ankle. What's even worse is it is all itchy too... not just the little bite but my whole ankle. Sister McBride told me to soak my foot in epsom salt everyday so that's what I've been doing... guess we will see? I'll send you a picture, it's gross. 

This week there has been so many miracles! The other day Sister Huntsman and I were weekly planning and we got a call from Amanda. She told us she wanted to share something with us and asked if we could come over. We hopped in our car and the whole way there we were stressing. We weren't sure what to expect so we prepared ourselves for the worst which would be her telling us that they don't want to continue lessons. The Lord showed us. We walked in and she had a huge smile on her face. I knew immediately that it was going to be something so wonderful. She told us she wrote down her testimony. Miracle #1: She explained that she was really wanting a cup of coffee and decided that she would read from the Book of Mormon instead and something amazing happened. Miracle #2: She flipped open to Ether 12:6 and felt the power of the Holy Ghost, she said it was a feeling that made everything that she has learned and questioned all come together and make sense. Miracle #3: She recognized that verse as an answer to her prayers and realized that the Lord has been answering her prayers and guiding her to where she needs to be all along. Miracle #4: She felt prompted to write her experiences and personal testimony that the Lord answers prayers, the Book of Mormon is true, and that this gospel is true and it is for her and her family. Miracle #5: She shared this testimony with us and after she was done we were all in tears. It is such an incredible experience to watch investigators recognize that everything we have promised them as they make and keep their commitments is true. It may not come all at once, it may take awhile but the blessings do come. This is a promise to all of us. We can feel the Lord's love every day as we humble ourselves and are obedient to his commandments, we can feel the clear and peaceful feelings that come from the Holy Ghost. Amanda and Chris are going to be baptized on AUGUST 16TH! I am so excited!!! Transfers are this Sunday, if I get transferred I am hoping I will be able to come back the next weekend for the baptism but if not I know that I have been very blessed to teach Amanda and Chris. My purpose is to help the Lord in this work and I have been able to do so, so whatever happens... whether I get to be at their baptism or not, I am happy.

I LOVE YOU! It makes me so happy to hear all of the fun things that are going on at home. Isaac you are going to do a wonderful job on your talk! And I hope you will sing to me at my birthday party too haha :) Logan you have to write me and tell me all about Italy! XOXOX

Love, Sister Rogers

look how huge that sucker is!

July 29 2014

Dearest family and friends,

Jim is doing much much better :) He is coming to church every Sunday, he is continuing to read his scriptures and pray daily. Just watching him has strengthened my testimony of the power those three things have to help us overcome our struggles. I am so proud of him, he was just called to be a scouts leader! And he now holds the priesthood. What a man. I know the Lord is very proud of him too. There has been some talk of him possibly baptizing Amanda and Chris which would be awesome, I think he would feel very honored and privileged to do so. We are teaching Amanda and Chris the Word of Wisdom tonight in about an hour. I know it is something the both of them can live by with faith and prayer. The last lesson we had with them was amazing! I am blown away by the changes that I have seen in the both of them. The gospel changes people. Chris is still feeling a little uncomfortable with prayer so we haven't really had a kneeling prayer with them but this last lesson I felt it was important. We had a couple members with us for our lesson and I invited everyone to kneel at the end. We all knelt down together in a circle and Amanda offered the closing prayer. I was smiling big, the Spirit was strong. Little moments like that have been some of the greatest on my mission! Sometimes I get bothered or heartbroken about all of the "not interested" comments we receive. There are moments when you start asking yourself, is the work is really hastening? And then I am reminded of all of the amazing people I get to work with. All of the investigators who may not get baptized as quick as I would hope but they will get there and I feel so happy and so blessed to help them. The people have definitely made my mission. I feel I have learned so much from all of those I have met and drawn close to. When I actually take the time to humble myself and open my eyes to all the experiences and opportunities God has given me I don't really care how many rejections I face because the work is still growing and we are finding the elect. 

But just for kicks and giggles let me give you a little bit of an idea of the kind of people we work with on a regular basis haha I thought this was too funny not to tell you...

Sister Huntsman and I were driving down a country road when we saw two men sitting outside a garage on two stools drinking some beer. We pulled our car to the side of the road and approached them. They were kind but one of them immediately started telling us how he doesn't need to go to church to believe in God. That's a big one out here in the Spokane, Washington mission. He started telling us about his pastor and how his pastor got on him for not coming to church. He then went on to tell us what he told his pastor. He said to him, "Do you want me in church thinking about my Harley, or do you want me on my Harley thinking about God?" He laughed and laughed at himself while he told us this story, he thought he had made a good point. Then he looks at Sister Huntsman and I and said, "So in the summertime I ride my Harley and praise God, and in the wintertime I go to church and praise God." Oh boy haha someday they will learn the importance of keeping the sabbath day holy. 

Sister Huntsman and I have made a goal to be more bold especially when we face opinions like these, it has been working wonders! The Savior is bold and I feel much more fulfilled when I am following the promptings of the Spirit and saying what He would want me to say rather than sugar coating my words. 

I sent you a lot of pictures! I'm sorry to bombard your emails hah it's been a fun couple of weeks. The church is true!

I love you!

Love, Sister Adrienne Rogers

The Sweeneys! Such a funny couple hahah I could listen to them for hours. Sister Sweeney came to the temple with us today, she is a sweetheart.

okay. This is my mission, I'm so lucky. I always sing Keith Urban songs driving down these roads.

look Dad!! I mow lawns now. I know this picture isn't me in action, Sister Huntsman just snapped it with the camera but you should see the lawn, it's beautiful.

we love eachother

BROTHER GILSON :) One of the greatest people I have ever met.

SISTER SWEENEY, she's the best

Spike, our farm cat

 I swear animals feel the Spirit haha they won't leave us alone

I had to show you this super chubby dog. He wasn't feeling the Spirit so much, he was about to bite off my hand right there

some of our favorite investigators, April and Zach <3

 I ran into Sister Workman today at the temple! It was a beautiful reunion

July 21, 2014


Hello there :)

This is going to be a brief email. I think I have said that before in the past and my emails turn out to be pretty long but I'm pretty sure this one is going to be short. I will write more next week! (I am going to the temple next Tuesday). I can't believe how fast time is flying! It is starting to freak me out and I'm beginning to think I need to make sure I am soaking up every bit of it as best as I can.

I don't think I ever told you about Sierra! Or maybe I have haha honestly I don't know what I have and haven't told you but when I get home I can fill in the blanks :) Sierra is AWESOME! Sister Huntsman and I found her a couple months ago and have recently began teaching her the lessons. She has a humble and sincere desire to learn and asks us questions and keeps the commitments we leave with her. Our lessons with her are powerful and it is so refreshing to meet someone who can recognize the Spirit. A couple days ago we were teaching her about prophets and mentioned that Adam was the first prophet. She started talking about Adam and the Fall and how Eve sinned against the Lord and I just thought to myself.. oh great here we go.. haha because most people view the Fall as a negative thing. And then she stopped and after a bit of silence she said, ".. but, in a way I feel grateful that they did that, so I can learn and grow." SHE GETS IT! Woo hoo, the Spirit. It is so amazing. We then had a chance to read a little from 2 Nephi 2 with her and the importance and significance of the fall. It was awesome and the Spirit was strong. I will let you know more about Sierra in the future. 

Amanda and Chris are still working towards August 9 for baptism. Chris is in the national guard and might be going to help fight the wildfires and could be gone for awhile.. that would hinder the date a little bit. I am praying praying praying that if it is the Lord's will he won't have to go so we can continue to teach them and help them reach their goal!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Sister Rogers

July 14, 2014


Dearest Family and Friends,

I was so so happy to receive a thick letter in the mail with tons of sweet notes from warm river! It was such a lovely surprise, truly. Letters are therapeutic for missionaries haha they make everything good. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I also appreciate the emails and encouraging words. MAKENZIE MILNER IS ENGAGED. I saw it coming hahah I like to think that me telling her not to get married until I get home was going to work but who was I kidding. I am happy for her :) I never thought I wouldn't be at any of their weddings but I know the Lord will bless me for it. I guess I will have to start making actual friends now when I get home! I have been blessed with so many friends on my mission... especially my companions. The Lord has given me wonderful companions and I could not thank him enough - SISTER FULLER! - all of your friends are married, all of mine are married, we need to live together at BYU like we talked about :) That would be so fun. Congratulations Makenzie XOXOXO! 

Everything has somewhat cleared up from the prior week. Keep praying for Jim, the poor guy... the adversary is working on him so hard. It makes me mad. Satan is powerful. That is why diligent scripture study, sincere prayer, church attendance, faith/hope/charity, is SO important. When you are striving to do all of those things with a willing heart, everything else falls into place and you are strengthened. I know Jim is doing the best he can and I am proud of him but man oh man, it is stressful when you can only do so much to help these people. But prayer works and I feel blessed to be receiving the help of the Lord. I received a sweet answer to my prayers this last week, the less active woman I was talking about decided she loved me again hahaha. Phew! I was getting to the point where I was over it but to have her make it clear that she was not upset was like a big cherry on top. You know me. 

Sister Huntsman and I have met this wonderful family. The father was baptized a few years ago in Redding, California. His crazy life kind of took over and he fell away from the church a couple years back and hasn't been back to an LDS service since. He has a cute wife and daughter who are so sincere in wanting to learn more about the gospel. They have been through a lot and it isn't hard to recognize how humble they truly are and the sincere desire they have for greater faith and happiness in their life. I am praying that they recognize that our message is the perfect thing for their family because that is what God made it to be. James, the father, attended church yesterday!!! His wife was a little hesitant and the daughter just had surgery this last week so they didn't make it but we will get em next time! We have a lesson with them tomorrow and I am so excited. It is refreshing to find those who are teachable and willing to learn. Through this little experience of finding this family, I have gained a stronger testimony of the promptings of the Spirit and how crucial it is to follow those promptings. This family lives next to a less active in our ward who we teach often and every now and then I would see the dad or the daughter or the mom outside and I always felt a desire to go knock on their doors. I had been gettings these feelings for the last month or so and it wasn't until recently that we acted on it. I am now kicking myself wishing I would have acted on that prompting the moment it came. I look back and realize how subtle it was and how easy it was for me to tuck it under a rug for awhile but you better believe I am going to be paying more attention to the still small voice. Who would of thought he would be a member from the church!!? Part member families are wonderful and I am excited to be teaching them.

Amanda and Chris are progressing and doing well. The change in Chris is so cool to watch, they are in Jacob right now in the Book of Mormon! Music to my ears when she told me! I love them so much.

I love you all and I hope you continue to have a beautiful summer. I am overwhelmed with the love I feel from my Heavenly Father as I take the time everyday to realize how incredibly blessed I am to have the family and loved ones that I do. You are my greatest blessing!

Love, Sister Rogers