February 24, 2014

DEER PARK

 

My time is up! I am being transferred to DEER PARK tomorrow. I think it's in Washington? You will have to look it up for me and see because I have no idea, we are mapless. I'm sure I'll figure it out. As much as I have tried to put on a brave face, I can't help but shed a few tears here and there. It's bittersweet :) But I am very excited for what lies ahead! My new companion is Sister Fuller! She's a cutie, her and I have done a role play lesson together in the past. We are sweeping the area! That's gonna be fun, we get to start from the bottom up. We are going to find those who are prepared and ready to receive the gospel.

I feel a lot of comfort and peace even though I am leaving such a wonderful place. I have absolutely loved every minute of it and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the privilege it has been to be here for 6 months and watch the area progress. Mostly with our less actives. There have been miracles upon miracles and several families have been reactivated! It has been a treat to see them recommit themselves and enjoy the blessings that come from keeping the commandments. Sean Foley is progressing QUICKLY towards baptism! Of course I would be taken out of the area the second he decides he is ready! Tonight we are having dinner with him and the Downens so that will be good. I am so happy for him. It has been amazing to watch him grow and learn more about the gospel as he reads and prays. He has also been coming to church diligently and I think he really enjoys it. He is recognizing the Spirit and if that is all I got to experience on my mission was watching Sean gain an understanding and increase in his faith and testimony of the gospel, then my mission has absolutely been worth it! Lucky for me, I have had an abundance of great experiences. I am blessed. I love Sandpoint and the people here, I am going to miss each one of them. I think I have embraced this little town so much that I am feeling a little nervous to serve in the big areas! I'm a small town girl now hahah just teasing I don't know why I said that, but actually I think it might be true. I have zero idea what Deer Park is like but a part of me really hopes that it is as small as Sandpoint. Either way... it will be good :) I read an awesome scripture this morning that made me happy, it is in Moroni 8:16 "perfect love casteth out all fear". Even though I don't know what to expect... I know I am going to love the people in Deer Park and when I think about it that way, I feel way more excited than nervous.

Oh! I finished the Book of Mormon this morning, woo hoo! I have never read it that quickly before and I have learned SO so so so much. It is true and combined with the Spirit it is the most powerful tool we have in converting ourselves and helping others to be converted. Plus prayer :) You always gotta pray. 

I love you so much! I'm excited to tell you all about Deer Park. I hope there are just as many toothless crazy people there as there are in Sandpoint. Those people have become some of my dearest friends.

Love, Sister Rogers

 

Sean gave Sister Workman and I some flowers and cookies for Valentines Day. GOLDEN investigator :) He is so sweet

 

 

The LaGraces, cutest couple ever. They always make my day.

 

 

The Wills! They are also the best haha I love the older generation. We click.

 

February 18, 2014

Dearest Family,

I hope all is well! The sun has been shining in Sandpoint and I am grateful. Except for yesterday it decided not to shine but rain and hail instead... the day our district planned to set up a free hot chocolate stand on main street. No one was stopping for some of our delicious, FREE, full of the gospel hot chocolate. We thought for sure we were going to talk to about 200 people hahah it ended up being like 11. But that is okay! We had a blast :) and everyone who looked at us as they walked by or drove by felt the spirit. Those who actually stopped and listened to what we had to say will someday get baptized and realize that they made the best decision ever to treat themselves to some free hot chocolate and eternal salvation. I think one of the Elders is sending a picture to your email mom, he can't send it to me, let me know if you get it and forward it to this email! I want to see :) 

Our investigators are wonderful. Sean Foley is doing awesome! Tomorrow he wants to have a fast with us, we are excited. Fasting is pretty powerful and I am praying that this helps Sean to recognize the Spirit telling him that he needs to be baptized.

We have found some new investigators over the last couple of weeks and there is one that I am so excited about! His name is Jovani. Jovani is from Mexico, he recently moved here from Arizona. We met him through Brother Cartwright a couple of months ago during Christmas time (Jovani is working for Brother Cartwright). They had invited him over for dinner and Sister Workman and I had stopped by to sing a Christmas hymn. Jovani was sweet and smiled as we sang but at the time he didn't seem very interested. We did not get any contact information from him but he continued to remain on our minds and we would occasionally ask Brother Cartwright how he was doing. The other day we were driving to an appointment and saw someone standing at a bus stop. We pulled our car over to the side of the road and as we walked up towards him we recognized that it was Jovani! He was so kind and listened as we shared our testimonies with him. He said some things to us that were a little difficult to understand but we were able to leave him with our number and he gave us his address! A few days later he texted us and told us he would like to meet with us! It was a miracle, we were so excited. Brother Strock, a super cool member who served in a Spanish speaking mission, offered to pick Jovani up and have a lesson at his home. Our lesson was last night and it was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. Brother Strock was able to translate for us and we were able to learn more about Jovani and understand the things that he was struggling with. He mentioned that he has very few people in his life and feels lonely. He doesn't have any family here and there are maybe 2 hispanics that live in all of Sandpoint, I've only met two so far. This town is full of white people. He said in order to deal with his loneliness he draws because it helps him to not go crazy :) He wants to make more friends and feel connected with others. As we conversed with him and listened to him, Sister Workman and I shared the message of the Atonement and how the Savior knows exactly how he is feeling. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, he can find greater peace and happiness. He can develop strong relationships with others and meet people who will accept him and love him in the Church. As Brother Strock would speak Spanish to him and share with him the things we were teaching, Jovani would get a hug smile on his face, it made me so happy. The lesson we shared was simple but the Spirit was incredibly strong! A majority of our lesson was spent listening to them speak Spanish back and forth but the feeling in the room was powerful and I felt so much joy. That experience strengthened my testimony. I did not understand what was being said but it was so obvious that the Spirit was present. It felt good to not worry about words but to rely completely on the feelings and promptings I was receiving. Jovani committed to come to church when his work schedule will allow him. I want so badly for him to come and feel the joy of the gospel. He is such a sweet kid and full of humility, he is prepared! We are working on getting him a Book of Mormon in Spanish so he can start reading it.

I feel very blessed to be having experiences like this on my mission. I love those moments when it is clear that the Spirit is present and you know the person you are teaching can feel it. I love feeling the love that Heavenly Father has for each of his children. Through the Savior, we can find true peace and happiness. We can feel contentment and confidence in our lives. It is through his Atonement that we can receive direct help to overcome the challenges of life and our personal struggles. Trust in the Lord and all things will work together for your good. I LOVE YOU! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK! 

Thank you Dad for the work out routines :) I did some this morning! I also received your package mom with my cousins gifts. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GIRLS! All of it made me cry hahaha I felt a little homesick looking at all of those pictures but I got over it quick. It meant so much to me so thank you! I love you!

I am thinking about all of you and I continue to pray for you!

Love, Sister Rogers

• 3 Attachments
• View all
• Download all

 

February 10, 2014
Hello!

Happy Valentines Day :) This week was another wonderful week and every time I get on the computers to email, I realize how blessed I really am to be a missionary and to have the gospel in my life. I treated myself to some lovely snow boots the other day... I couldn't take it anymore! It has been below freezing temperatures with wind and tons of snow on the ground. I am not a huge snow boot fan especially paired with a skirt but it got to a point where I stopped caring about looking cute. And my toes are so grateful. Sister Medsker and I were together on exchanges the other day here in Sandpoint and we decided that even though it was incredibly freezing we were going to hop out of our warm car and talk to everyone we saw. I could feel that the Lord was pleased with us as we did our best and endured the freezing temperatures. You know what is really cool is somehow on a day where hardly anyone was out, we were blessed with so many miracles! I was bubbling over with joy when we came home that evening. Sister Workman and Sister Becraft had miracles too! Together we found tons of new investigators for our area and had quality lessons with our investigators and inactive that were filled with the Spirit. Tomorrow we are going to Libby for another exchange, I am so excited. That drive is beautiful and I am all about beautiful scenery. This drive is Montana at its prime. The Montana you see on the tourist commercials. The people are crazy there so it should be fun.

Sister Workman and I have felt a lot of improvement in our area this transfer. Our investigators are moving closer and closer to baptism. Yesterday we had a wonderful lesson with Sean Foley. The Lord was definitely helping us and we were able to teach solely by the Spirit to address his needs and help him understand what he needs to do to take the next step. Those lessons are thee best. It felt like we made a break through. Those things that Sean has been struggling with in the past couple of weeks seemed to click in his head and make sense to him. He said he has a desire to be a member of this church but he hasn't yet felt a confirmation from the Spirit that it is what he should do. Sister Workman and I have been praying hard for Sean and I know that in the Lord's time, Sean will receive that spiritual witness and we will be able to see him be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I hope it is so so soon!

I love you! Have a fun Valentines Day <3

Love, Sister Rogers

February 4, 2014

 

Hello my sweet family! 

I hope all is well and life is good! I don't have a lot of time today but I just wanted to tell you I love you. Our investigators are progressing wonderfully. Especially Amanda, shes the best. It is great watching her learn more about the gospel as she continues to meet with us and read The Book of Mormon, she never misses a day :). She cracks me up haha the other day we were teaching her the Plan of Salvation and I asked her if she believes that through the Savior she can be forgiven of all of her mistakes. She replied, "I believe anything that comes out of your mouth." HAHAH oh my goodness it made me laugh and blush a little. She is so sweet. I told her that I hope she did because the things I have been telling her are true and the Spirit can help her to know that. We were texting her yesterday and towards the end of our conversation she said I can't wait to meet with yall on Saturday, there is something I want to talk about :) She put a smiley face on the end too sooo spiritual discernment lets me know that she will be asking us when is the quickest date she can be baptized! Haha who knows? I'm excited to hear what she has to say, I'll let you know.

The temple was wonderful today. I heard there is a new new movie but we didn't get to see it this morning, maybe next time. I am glad that we are able to attend the temple regularly in this mission. It is a nice place to put cares and worry to the side and soak up the spirit that is in the house of the Lord. And to get a good look at the whoppin chandelier in the celestial room... that thing is beautiful oh my goodness. We stopped by the mission office and Elder Fisher, the car guy, told us we will be getting a new car soon! That should be fun haha Sister Workman is quite the driver. Our car has gotten a little battered since she came to Sandpoint. A new car will be nice but I'm not sure if it's a good idea haha we have some pretty rugged terrain here in our lovely area :) 

Mom that is so cool Sister Snead got in touch with you! She is the cutest, let her know I love her and I hope she is loving Utah.

I love you all. Valentines is coming up :) I am excited. Sister Workman and I are going to take Amanda out for lunch to celebrate.

Thank you, each of you for all of the emails by the way! I am sorry I am not able to write back all of the time, I feel so bad about that. Just know that I am so happy to hear from you and I am very grateful.

Oh and here are some pictures of my magical drive to the temple this morning. I am lucky.

Love, Sister Rogers

January 27, 2014

 

5 Months!

 

I have been out for 5 months! That is a little nuts but at the same time it feels like it has been a year since I have seen everyone! I have had a wonderful week. Sister Workman played a beautiful piano piece in sacrament meeting yesterday so this last week we have been inviting millions of people to come to church with us. We had 5 investigators come! Judy, the one who believes that God is everything... good and bad, that there is no hell or Satan, she came! She is the sweetest and I hope and pray that she felt the spirit. She is reading the Book of Mormon so we are continuing to meet with her. She is a a tough cookie but she said that if she feels being a mormon is the way to go then she would do it so we are encouraging her to continue reading with real intent. She cries a lot when we come over and teach her, show her mormon messages, read with her, we even had her watch President Monson's last conference talk with us and it made her happy! She was beaming with tears in her eyes when he ended. She is feeling the spirit, she just doesn't know it yet :) Amanda came to church too! I love her. She is so wonderful and I have high high hopes for her. She is on date to be baptized March 1st! We also had a woman named Janie come that we met the other day. She is an adorable older woman who is so loving and sweet. She has a cute smile :) almost all of her teeth are missing, that is pretty typical here. She said her name is on our records when we introduced ourselves so we are really happy to have found her! She is less active so it was a treat to see her show up yesterday.

A couple of people fell into our laps this last week :) Ben, a boy in our ward grabbed us after sacrament meeting and asked if we could give his friend a church tour sometime that evening. Of course we said yes and it was a great experience. Her name is Danielle. She is 17 years old and she is prepared. We put her on date for February 15th :) She said she is going to try her darn hardest to be prepared by that date. Whether it is the 15th or later, I just feel blessed and grateful for the miracles Heavenly Father has given us here in Sandpoint. We may not be getting hundreds of baptisms but I know this area will get to that point some day. I am learning so much and having so much fun! My testimony of the gospel has grown incredibly.

Sister Workman and I have been together almost 4 months! Time flies! She is probably getting tired of me... I am such a dork and she gets to be with me 24/7 :) Poor thing. Lately I have been scaring her. I can't help it haha she is so easy to scare. I wait around the corner until she comes out of the kitchen or opens the bathroom door and the faces she makes and the screams she lets out are the best! We have had some pretty funny moments together. I didn't tell you about the time I fell into the ditch! We were out Christmas caroling one night with the Elders and when we got to one of the houses Sister Workman pulled the car up in front to park. The Elders car was parked perpendicular to ours facing my side. They started getting out when we arrived so I opened my door and took one step out and before I knew it I was turned over in a ditch with my legs flailing in the air. It was so dark we didn't notice there was a BIG hole right there by my car door. Oh my goodness haha it was the worst. The Elders saw the whole thing. I was like a little beetle on it's back. I was struggling to get into a position that would allow me to get back up on my feet. Luckily I had dark leggings on because my skirt was up to my face. Sister Workman ran over and tried to hoist me up the best she could but she slipped right into the muddy ditch with me, we were side by side. The whole time we were laughing so hard and the poor Elders were stressing and tried to help the best they could haha they weren't sure how to help because you don't touch girls on your mission. So finally we were able to help each other up and it was just all around an embarrassing and priceless moment. Sister Workman and I laughed our heads off all the way to the next house. I wish I had it on video to show you.

Anyways haha I have had some fun times here in good old Sandpoint and I am happy to have had every one, even the embarrassing ones. Next week I will be emailing on Tuesday! We are going to the temple. I LOVE YOU.

Love, Sister Adrienne Rogers