...grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)

Where do I even begin!  This is going to be my last email as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  As I said in last weeks email, I would never in a million years, trade anything for my mission.  Even if someone was offering for me to meet the Prophet.  I am so grateful for this time to teach the people of the California Rancho Cucamonga Mission.  I am so grateful to know that the Lord called me with all of my weaknesses to come and that he trusted me to do this.  I am so grateful for the people that I have met here.  They have changed my life.  I am not the same person that I was 18 months ago.  And in all honesty, I am so grateful that I am different.  The point of the Atonement is for us to change.  That is really something that I have come to notice on my mission.  So speaking of my changing, there is something that I haven't really told anyone before. And now it is about to be known to the world.  My whole life, I have had the HARDEST time comparing myself to others.  I have 4 fabulous sisters, and 1 amazing brother.  Growing up with all of them I always felt like I was not really all that important.  I thought my parents loved them more than me, were more proud of them than me and so on.  (Now I know how wrong I was.)  Anyways, so for years I have struggled with the thoughts of having to be as great as my siblings.  I thought that I would be the biggest failure in the world if I didn't live up to my siblings accomplishments.  So then I came on a mission, and had the best trainer in the world!  I wanted to be just like her.  I started comparing myself to her.  I know that she and I were supposed to be together in Hesperia.  I started to realized how little I knew about being on a mission, and what it took to be out here.  I started back to my old ways, and went back to comparing myself to others.  Luckily Sister M was always there to encourage me.  Sometimes I was super mad at her, but she knew that it was what I needed to change and become better. ( I am so grateful for that by the way.  Thank You!)  
Months later, my mom sent me a letter about comparing myself, and it really helped so much.  The letter also included a talk that was written by a young woman in my ward back home.  The letter got me thinking about how every single one of us is important to Heavenly Father.  I learned how to really come to the Savior and use the Atonement to change.  I was sick of trying to be the next best missionary.  I wanted to be the missionary that Heavenly Father wanted me to be.  I wanted to quit comparing myself to others.  There is a reason that we all have different personalities.  We all have to be different.  That is how Heavenly Father's Plan is for all of us.  I really learned to turn to the Lord, and trust Him with the things He had in store for me.  I knew that if I was always trying to be someone else that I would be hindering myself and the Lord's work.  I didn't come on a mission to make a new list of regrets, so I decided that day to ask the Lord for help.  I wanted to change.  I wanted to become the best that I could be.  That day has changed my life.  It has helped shape me into the best missionary that I could be.  I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  That is the only reason that I was able to change.  The Atonement of Jesus Christ can and will help you change.  I can promise you that.  You have to put in your part, but the Lord will make up the difference.  That is another thing I have learned.  Grace is so crucial for us to change as well.  In True to the Faith, The phrase “after all we can do” teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fulness of the Lord’s grace and be made worthy to dwell with Him. The Lord has commanded us to obey His gospel, which includes having faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.  This is what I have been teaching people for the last 18 months.  They can change.

So many people have changed since I have been out.  Like I said, I have changed! So much, and I am so grateful for that.  I met Constance.  She literally changed her life for the Gospel.  She is a such a great example to me, and her faith and testimony are sometimes the thing that has pulled me through to the end of that day.  I am so grateful for her.  She is one of my best friends in the whole wide world.  I am so grateful she is still working toward more covenants.  I will be there for them! 

Others that really had a major influence in my life was my loving STL's last transfer.  Sister C and Sister A are the best! They helped me when I thought there was no other way.  They had patience and were so loving when I needed to change.  They laughed at my jokes and really that was one of the first times I learned how to help myself on the mission.  

My trainer I mentioned above, Sister M.  She was so patient and I am sure that she is just sitting there laughing at this.  She really taught me what it meant to be a missionary.  She was exactly what I needed for those 3 transfers.  She is an amazing lady, and I am so lucky to call her Mission Mom.  She sure taught me a WHOLE lot.  This leads me to two other amazing sisters.  Sister T and Sister C2.  Holy Cow.  Who would have ever thought 3 sisters on bike could have as much fun as we did.  Who could have thought we could teach and grow all together.  These sisters were there when my testimony was not the best.  They were there to really pull me back out of the comparing myself rut.  They were my saving angels.

President and Sister H are next.  Never have I seen a couple with as much stress and responsibility as they have, deal with all of it with such ease.  They are the best people to lead and guide our mission at this time.  They are pushing us to become better and all the time they were my "parents" on the mission.  Sister H sat through doctor visits with me, and President H emailed me advice and encouragement every week.  I am so grateful for those emails.  They have really helped me a whole lot.  There are so many people that I am sure I have missed.  Know that everyone I have ever talked with, even those who I just talked with on the street or at their door, have taught me some principle that I know will help me.

This last week was a whirlwind.  Many people are leaving for vacation so I had to say goodbye to them.  That was hard.  But we went on exchanges, and Sister C and I were together for 24 hours.  It was some of the best 24 hours of my life.  I guess that it is just a taste of what Friday and Sunday will be like when we are companions again for the temple trip and the departing devotional.  We were able to see a lot of people, and ended on a miracle.  We decided to go eat a milkshake and talk about exchanges.  While we were there, we saw this lady that they had been working with.  It was such a miracle, because her phone had shut off and the sisters were having a hard time getting a hold of her.  They set up a time, and Sister C told me they have been seeing her almost everyday.  What a great miracle!  

We also had 3 little boys get baptized on Saturday! It was such a great day! We were all so spiritually exhausted.  I am so grateful for Jesse, Jordan and Brian.  They are all the best little boys!  We (8 missionaries) sang Lead Kindly Light, with one of them playing guitar.  The Spirit was there and from what we have heard, so many people loved the baptism.  I spoke at Brian's Baptism, and talked about how our covenants are related to a Kit-Kat.  

K-Keep your commandments

A-Always remember him 

T-take his name upon you.

This was such a great week.  I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  I am not perfect, but I am perfect (at times) at trying.  I still have a problem at times of comparing myself, but then I remember how great our Savior is and that He can help me.  I can promise you all that the Lord will succor you in your time of need.  He can help you to change.  I know it doesn't take a mission to change everyone, but that is what it took for me to change.  I know this church is true.  I know Heavenly Father is there for all.  I am so grateful for the opportunity that we have to pray.  I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  It will allow us to grow closer to God than any other book in the whole world.  I can promise you If you ever become discouraged or feel too weak to continue living the gospel, remember the strength you can receive through the enabling power of grace. You can find comfort and assurance as you pray to the Lord: “My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them”.

Thank you for all that you have done for me.  I love you all so much! Thank you for the love you have given me on the mission.  It has helped me become such a better person!  I am so grateful for the time that I have had to serve the Lord.
Love you all so much! 

XOXO, 

Sister Amber Rietz

(I don't know what my email is for back home, but I'll email you from it.)

Sister Amber Rietz

6541 Woodruff Place

Rancho Cucamonga, Ca

91701

Squash for friends

Nyquil is MYquil. Women's conference, Exchanges with Sister Cauble

Well it sounds like Dad and I had the same sort of week.  On Thursday I started feeling a little down (ill), and then by 2 I was really feeling bad.  I knew that there was not going to be a lot of missionary that was going to get done because I didn't feel the best so I decided that I was going to take a nap.  Well that nap turned into a lot longer than I thought it would.  I woke up, and we went to dinner and then back home we came.  I had the WORST migraine.  I never really get migraine, but I had one and nothing was helping.  It was not good.  I tried to just sleep but even the pillow wasn't helping.  I now have first hand experience with Nyquil, and I really approve it.  One of the Sister Training Leaders, Sister A gave me Nyquil and Dayquil.  That stuff really works great.  I felt sick on Friday as well, but Sister M taught me that you don't quit working till you really don't think it is a good idea anymore, and so we went out and worked again.  Haha, I am not sure if that was the best thing, but I think that we were still able to make a difference to some people.  

We were able to visit with our Investigator Larry, and we talked with him about how important the Comforter is.  We read the talk, "The Comforter" and then HE bore HIS testimony of how he has seen the Holy Ghost help him.  Then he talked about how he knows that the Holy Ghost helps us.  He talked about how it protects us, and that he KNOWS that we are on the Lord's Errand.  It was really cool to see how the Holy Ghost really is working through him.  I know that the Legal System is a great thing, but I really wish that Larry's Probation is shorter.  He doesn't get off till 2018, and the chance of him getting off of it earlier is pretty slim.  But we know that the Lord works miracles, and we know that it is in the Lord's timing that Larry will get baptized.  That is one thing that I have really learned from Larry.  He trusts the Lord so much, and knows that it will all work out how the Lord wants it to.  I am really grateful that I am able to learn from him.  

A missionary that I served around in the past said, "You think you come out on a mission to teach Investigators, then you realize in reality you are out here learning from your Investigators."  I really know that is true!  I am seeing that more and more.  I love to think about the things that I have learned from all those that I have met on the mission.  I have not only learned from Investigators, but everyone that I talk to.  Even those that we just talk to on the street.  For example, last week when we were getting some things from Target there was a woman on front of us in line, and we just started talking with her.  And then we ran into her AGAIN at Winco.  Same woman, different store.  Coincidence, I THINK NOT! I really know that the Lord works in mysterious ways.  Nothing has happened with contacting her, but I do know that I felt good talking with her.  

I really love being a missionary.  I am sorry that I have been saying that a lot lately, but I really really love being a missionary.  It has been the decision that I know really has only brought blessings, and happiness.  Even on those hard days, Heavenly Father blesses you with his Love and that is a blessing in itself.  On the mission, I have really learned who I am and I have been able to see a glimpse of who Heavenly Father wants me to be. okay, that is enough of that.

Sister C is my Sister Training Leader, and on Wednesday we went on Exchanges.  It was the BEST! I really am so grateful that she is my leader, and that I can go to her and Sister A for things that I need.  They are really funny, and they actually LAUGH at what I say.  I am still trying to figure out if they are laughing with me, or at me. Regardless, I love these Sisters a whole lot.  They are super awesome.  We were talking about how after the mission we are going to all be friends.  Since Sister C and I are both going to be at BYU-I we decided that we are going to make it a priority to go to the temple at least once a week.  I know that will really keep us seeing each other and that we can be missionaries for those on the other side.  On exchanges we had such a BUSY day!  We had a lesson with their Investigator, and we taught the first part of the Plan of Salvation with her.  She got baptized this last Saturday actually.  I guess it was really good.  We also had a lesson with their Less-Active.  We read the Book of Mormon with her, and commited her to read the rest of the chapter.  3 Nephi 17 is one of my favorite chapters, because it talks about Christ blessing the Children.  I love to think about that happening.  We also had a lot of things fall through.  So we walked, and were able to contact people that we saw.  Then we went and helped some kids with their homework.  I really hated math before the mission, and the fact that we were helping them with math was a nightmare.  I know that it was just 7th and 3rd  Grade Math but Sister C and I were asking each other how to do the homework cause we both were stuck.  As Sister C said, "I need to go back to Kindergarten..."  I know that it could benefit us greatly.  But then we went to dinner with a Less Active Family.  It was a good lesson.  We talked about 3 Nephi 11.  Then we were supposed to go visit people in the YSA Ward, but no one came to meet at the church, so we just went and tried people like normal missionary work.  Sister C and I were catching up on old times, and talked about how great Hesperia was and how it was so great that we were able to serve the first 6 months, and the last 6 months together.  One thing that always amazes me when I go on exchanges is that I really am able to feel the Love that Heavenly Father has for those that we are visiting.  Because most of the time we have never met, and I just want them to know how much Heavenly Father loves them.  I feel so blessed to be able to feel of that love.

Well everyone, I hope that you have a great week.  I know that this church is true.  I know Heavenly Father loves each one of you.  Women's Conference was the best.  I love going to it now.  We were talking with the member that we went with, and I was telling her how I really wish that I loved General Conference and Women's Conference before the mission as I love it now.  Those talks were really inspired by God.  I know that it was exactly what we needed at this time.  I really love the leaders of our church, and I cannot wait for the chance to raise my hand and sustain them as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.  Enjoy General Conference Everyone!

Love You All!

Sister Amber Rietz

6541 Woodruff Place

Rancho Cucamonga, Ca

91701

 

Sister Allen, Sister Cauble, Myself, and Sister Thomason at the Temple

TIWI. Enough said

Okay. This week was pretty great! We had Zone Conference which is always way great, and there were a lot of really good training that actually apply to the kind of missionary that I want to become.... and then TIWI got introduced. TIWI Look it up.  One of the best, but the WORST things that have ever been introduced in the mission.  This little box not only tracks what we do---> stopping, starting, accelerating, turning, speed, and lots of other things, but it also has a GPS system in it... BUT the GPS isn't something that we can access... It is there so it can know where we are, and what time we get into the car, and everything.  Also, it "yells" at you in a monotone voice if you, turn too sharp, speed, accelerate too fast, don't have your seatbelt, and also if you forget to log in... then it says, "No Driver. No Driver. No Driver." haha, yeah it may have said that to me a couple times.  I think that sometimes it is pointless, and not many of the missionaries like it, but I think that it will be great! *no sarcasm included* But I did get this card with my name on it, so that is cool, and when I scan the card in, it says Driver Logged In. SO that has been the most interesting stuff that has happened. 

Other interesting things have been that we are running out of people to teach! Our last investigator is getting baptized this Saturday! I am so excited for Oneida!  She was just telling us how amazing it was all the things that we knew, and how she never knew them even though her parents are members!!!  Her son Greg is also getting Baptized, and we had the lovely pleasure of teaching him and his 2 younger brothers the Law of Chastity!  It was a struggle, and those boys are patient, and totally like sponges soaking up everything that we taught! One of my favorite things about that lesson was when they asked me to teach them the Wise Man, and the Foolish Man song.  They were cracking me up! So the M Family now has a video of me attempting to teach the song to the boys.  I need to get a copy of it, but they really got into the rain and the floods part.  They are all so great, and I am so happy for them!  Speaking of great, we have some AMAZING Sister Training Leaders.  I love them to death! I was talking with them, and you know that no matter what you say to someone, they are going to listen and actually care! Well that is exactly how I felt when I was talking with them.  They are amazing, and I am so grateful for Sister C and Sister A.  They just listened to me, and it was the BEST thing that could have happened today.  They are really on the Lord's Errand. 

Brenda is doing so GOOD! hahah, she is going to be either an excellent full time missionary, or an excellent member missionary. Or maybe both! She was talking with us yesterday during our lesson, and she was telling us about this bracelet that she got.  She said that at first she didn't know how to put it together, and that she just was staring at the bracelet, and then BAM it hit her! She said that as she looked at the bracelet, she realized that different parts of it reminded her of the plan of salvation that Sister G and Sister E2 had taught her. She explained it to us, and it really did make so much sense! It was not a stretch at ALL! She gave us the bracelet, and it is now on my desk back home.  I love it!

I love being a missionary, sorry this email is so jumbled and crazy, but that is my life right now.  This week we have to go down the hill for the trainer and trainee meeting, and I can only imagine how many times TIWI is going to get mad at us.   Let's hope only once! 

WATCH THIS!

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/abide-with-me-1

I love this mormon message.  It really always hits me.  Not sure why, but probably because we all need those reminders every once in awhile.

Also, really really love this talk from the last General Conference that the Church had: 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/on-being-genuine?lang=eng

Love you all, have a great week!

Love, Sister Rietz

My Preach My Gospel book is getting a little hammered!  :)

Sister C and I telling Sister A how to take our picture at Zone Conference

Obedience brings blessings...then floods

This last week was CRAZY! Seriously, we have been raising our level of obedience, and blessing came flowing in. And then our Kitchen Flooded. TWICE. We got kicked out of 4 homes. We are now singing at a Missionary Homecoming. We are in a Talent Show. We got Stuck in the Mud. 

1.Funniest Thing Done: We got home the other night, and something was different about our apartment.  There was not anything different besides the fact that there was a HUGE hole where our dishwasher used to be.  Our landlord came and got it, and left us the note telling us to not use any HOT water.  So we thought that we would be smart and heat up some coldish water, and then we could wash the dishes that we needed.  We put it in pans, heated it up on the stove, then were about to wash our dishes, we realized that we were both stepping in water, and it was spreading more and more. So we did some detective work, and realized that the plug/knob was not turned all the way off. So we turned it off, and finished dinner really quickly, and then we realized that water was still coming out and flooded the under sink area and went onto the floor again. We then stopped and cleaned up as much as we could. Since we only had one small hand towel we asked the elders if they had any extra towels that we could borrow. They said yes and gave them to us. They did mention to us as we got the towels from them that they were dirty. Gross. So we cleaned up the rest and went to bed. The next morning we realized we still have all of the water that we were heating up in the pots. (we had turned off the stove when the kitchen started flooding the first time). We put it down the drain thinking nothing of it. And then the floods cameagain. We missed ward council completely and were a few minutes late to church because of it. To wrap up the first adventure: we have no dishwasher, can't use the sink, and all of our dishes are dirty. If the dishwasher doesn't come back tonight we might have to become very inventive to clean our dishes. I am thinking that the shower/bathtub might be the next best place...

Then: We got stuck in mud for a minute. or a couple... Almost had to call the elders to come pull us out. So glad we were able to grab traction and get out because we would of never heard the end of it.  We have come to the conclusion that our little Corolla and mud do not mix well.  So glad that I didn't have to get out and push... That would have been the worst. 

2.Biggest Blessing or Miracle:We met with our investigator Oneida and talked about baptism. We asked her to be baptized on August 22 and she said that she would if her boys were here.  (they were in the system) We promised that if she worked towards this baptism date she would get her boys back sooner than she thinks. The elders then had dinner at her house that night (which we didn't find out about till later) and promised her the same thing! Then we get a text the next day from Oneida saying that she has her boys back! We were so ecstatic!! Seriously, it was such a miracle and we all knew it!!! Blessings come from those promising blessings which we promise to others. So amazing to know that Heavenly Father is just waiting for us to open our mouths so that people can act and receive those blessings! She also texted us on Sunday morning to bring a Book of Mormon for each of her boys!!  

3.Exciting Events:  After we saw Oneida on Thursday we went and tried a potential/former investigator who had met with some sister missionaries a year ago, moved to the Bay area and then moved back two weeks ago. We met with her and she expressed how much she missed church and meeting with the missionaries. We got onto the subject of baptism and asked her to be baptized on August 8. She said yes! So amazing! We set two baptism dates in just a few hours! We were so happy! This was definitely a moment where we saw Heavenly Father opening the windows of Heaven, and pouring down the blessings.

4.Favorite Game: Not really sure.... Sorry.

5.Favorite Food: BBQ Sandwiches.  They were so good! Homemade Bread, and home grown animals...

6.Most Challenging Thing:  This last week we went to go see a less active and to go say hi.  She was in the shower but her daughter invites us in to wait for her mom to get dressed. After ten minutes of waiting the less active tells her daughter to ask us to leave and come back later. When we did come back a few days later she was completely out of it and got mad at us and the member we had brought with us. She said that we embarrassed her by reading scriptures that she didn't understand and bringing someone to see her.  She could not understand what we were talking about she said that we crossed the line.  We felt so bad for the lady that we brought with us.  She was so excited, and we just hope that this experience didn't dampen her missionary desire. This Less Active is usually very nice and had asked us to bring people in the past but, it was the worst. Easily the worst lesson we ever had.

Then: We have been helping a drunk lady get sober and she was walking around without any pants.... or underwear.... Yeah fun memory right. NOT! We were like, “ You need pants on!” She was so out of it, that she didn't know that she was flashing the world. Sorry to put that picture in everyone's head.  We are just really stuck as to what to do to help her.  She says so many times that she wants to change, but then when it comes down to actually changing, she won't do it.  I hate that she is always saying one thing to us, and then telling something different to her Visiting Teacher, and then something even more different to her Husband.  So frustrating.  One day she will get over this.  I just hope that she doesn't get hurt.  Alcohol does terrible things to people.  DON'T DRINK! Please, it is the worst.  It does terrible things to people.  It messes with people, and they do STUPID, STUPID things.

7.Simple Pleasures: I MILKED A GOAT!!! The members we had dinner with had a goat, and when we asked if there was anything we could do, they told us to milk the goat.  It was awesome!  I also got to go be with Sister C for a day, she was my STL, and I went on Exchanges with her.  It was so great!

8.Goals: Meet with all of our Investigators this week!

9.Biggest Smile: When we set a Baptismal date with Oneida, and then one with Brenda a couple hours later.  It was awesome!

10.Biggest Accomplishment: Getting 2 new Investigators, Setting 2 Baptismal Dates, and Flooding our House 2 times.  Apparently all good things come in 2's. 

11.Favorite Scripture Story Studied: Captain Moroni.  He is such an amazing example.  He led an army when he was just a little lad himself.  He must have been really really respected if people were willing to listen to him.  

12.Favorite Quote: "Sorry the only mail we have it a bill for you... Wait, it really is a bill! I am so sorry sister!"-Elder Dreher

Well have a great week! Be safe! Remember who you are! Don't Procrastinate the day of your Repentance! I love all of you so much! I am so grateful for towels, the Atonement, and pickles.  Not sure in that order though! 

XOXOXO, Sister Rietz

With my MTC buddy, Sister C

Hanging with the goats

Mystery solved. (From Amber's mama - I couldn't figure out how to rotate this picture.  My apologies to your neck.)

I will bike 1000 miles, and I will bike 1000 more

I hit 1,000 miles on the good ole' bike Moroni-Gideon this week.  When I hit that 1,000 mile I felt so accomplished.  I knew that there was a lot of blood, sweat and stitches in those 1,000 miles.  I seriously feel SO accomplished.  Haha, yeah it is only a number but do you realize that means I have almost biked double what an Elder here biked his entire mission? and I have been out for a little over 5 months! Woot-Woot!  It was super dark when I hit it, but I still had to take a picture so I apologize that it is so far away. 

We played family games this week, with people after dinners, we cleaned a zoo, we had miracles occur after appointments would cancel, we got to see Sister H in the Hospital.  She made me brush her hair before we took a picture, and when I told her that her hair looked good, she said, "you better not be lying to me." Her hair has definitely had better hair days. Haha.

WEEK IN REVIEW:

1.Funniest things done: We got stuck in a lesson, so we texted the Elders asking them to call us with an "emergency" to help get us out of the lesson, cause it was 10 mins till 9, when we needed to be going home... Well, they called, but the man just kept talking to Sister E, and didn't even realize that there was an "emergency" on the phone.  Needless to say, I had a one sided conversation with the Elders, because they had NO idea what was going on... It was pretty funny, and we still got stuck there for another 10 mins... The phone call with the Elders afterwards explaining why we needed an "emergency" was pretty memorable.

2.Biggest Blessing: The weather has been awesome! It has been in the 70's and there has not been any wind.  Heavenly Father really answers prayers, but late.  Haha, but none the less he answers our prayers.
3.Latest project: Getting mentally prepared for transfers.  Haha, it sounds dumb but I love this area too much, and it is all I know for my mission, and I will more than likely cry when I leave.

4.Most exciting events: We cleaned the ZOO! Yes, there is a zoo here in Hesperia.  It is full of lions, tigers, bears, kangaroos, cats, dogs, llamas, deer, camels, ostriches, more dogs, a pig, porcupine, baboons, monkeys, birds, and lemurs! It was the most weird, but cool zoo in the whole world! We got a free tour, and Sister C and I got to take lots of hilarious pictures together. 

6.Favorite Foods: We had pork chops with apple chalet? It was really good, whatever it was.  There also is a mexican place, that when we come and visit we will go eat there.
7.Most challenging thing: Helping investigators realize that it IS important to come to church, and that it is important to meet with us.
8. Simple Pleasures: Getting to hang out with llamas while we cleaned their cage.  We also met the REAL Aslan from Chronicles of Narnia.  My life is complete.  I mean, I knew him before from when I was Lucy in the Movies in my younger years. haha. (Note from Amber's mama - when Amber was younger, she and the character who played Lucy resembled each other - A LOT!)
9.Goals: Bike to 1,500 miles now.
10.Biggest smile: When we are in Church, and everyone wants to know how the work is going. And you tell them, it's going but we need member help... Calling them to Repentance without them noticing! Buahaha!
11.Biggest accomplishment: Being happy even when the times are tough, and it doesn't seem like there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.  Spoiler Alert: There is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel.

13. Amount of Miles Biked: We biked 37 miles this week.  That 36th mile was the happiest mile of my mission life.  Honestly, I felt so accomplished.

14: Favorite Quote: Me: "Well..." (trying to wrap up the lesson) Less-Active: "That is some deep thinking for a shallow mind." Me: "....." (I was so confused... I didn't get it...) Sis. E and the Less-Active: "HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA" Me:"....... WAIT! I do not have a shallow mind!" Less-Active: Hahahahaha.  

I gotta go, but I love you all! The church is true! Read the Scriptures, the answers are there!

A few pictures from the Hesperia Zoo.

I got to see Sis. H in the recovery room.  She is doing pretty well.

We played headbands with this family.  So fun!!

Proof that I have biked 1000 miles

Trials and Tribulations Always Lead to Miracles

MTC Companion Reunion

I'm walking on the edge of darkness

There is beauty all around - even in the desert!

Leaving the mission for a little field trip.  (Don't worry, we got permission)

No car for the Trunk or Treat?  No problem.  We just made our own.

We got bored while we waited for the baptismal font to fill up...

...for this baptism.  These are all the missionaries who taught this new sister.  (Sister E is brand new to the area and two elders are missing, though.)

Me with the Bacon girls

Sister C with her companion, me and Sister E

Hello Family! Friends! And all you other random citizens! 

Sister H and I found these "antelope antlers" out in the desert

Trials and Tribulations Always Lead to Miracles

Although I have had a hard time with this concept I know that it is true.  I know the Lord gives us really really really hard things where we want to give up, and go home, but then there will be a tender mercy, and I want to hit myself for thinking God left me.  He will never leave us.  We might leave him, and forget how much he loves us, but he will NEVER forget us.  I love the Gospel.  I love that I have this opportunity to share it with others.  I love that I have the needed support from my family, and the family that I have gotten here in this ward in Hesperia.  Thanks for all the letters of encouragement, and love that I got this week.  I really needed them.

Alright, now to the cool part of the week.  I was not on a bike for a WHOLE DAY! and I hated it.  The day was great, but I hated being in a cat.  haha, awkward, meant car.  But it was nice not having to use a ton of energy to get from one place to another, but there were so many people that we could have talked with, but didn't because it would be kinda awkward to pull a car over just to talk with someone... So, we just drove on by.  I really was grateful that I was able to get a break from being on bikes, but I really missed Gideon Moroni.  It was nice to be reunited with him.  I also learned a lot from Sister H.  She is such a great Sister Missionary.  I really could tell that she was in the work 100%.  It was nice to be with her for a day, and to get to know her better.

1.Funniest things done: While I was on exchanges, Sister H and I came across this pack of dogs... They surrounded the car, and we literally could not go anywhere.  Never fear, because we were in a truck. But they wouldn't move, and Sister H didn't want to run them over.  We would start to move forward, and then they would surround us again, causing us to be stuck.  It was pretty funny, because we were both kinda laughing, but kinda scared we were going to kill a dog.  We thought they were gone, so she started to go, and then we hear them barking, and we were like a yard or two away from hitting them.  We finally got them to leave us alone, and that is how I was surrounded by a pack of dogs that were on crack.

2.Biggest Blessing: SETTING TWO BAPTISMAL DATES WITH OUR INVESTIGATORS! December 20th, better come quick.  It was actually a really cool experience.  We were praying about what date to set, and when Sister E and I were both talking, we both got the answer that December 20th, was the day the Lord knows they will be ready.  I am so excited, and we know it is going to be hard, but that it will all be worth it in the end.
3.Latest project:  Trying to focus on having the Members help us with Missionary Work. Sister M and I didn't really rely on them that much, but we have been asked by President H to really work with them, so that is what Sister E and I are really focusing on.

4.Most exciting events: Setting that Baptismal Dates. Samantha, the Elder's Investigator, but she fed us ALL the time, so I have a huge amount of love for her. I got to see Sister P (MTC comp), Sister M (trainer), and Sister S (moon's trainer) at Samantha's Baptism.  It was awesome! We left the Mission.  Yup, I am a rebel.  We actually had to receive all this permission from people, and I think from Salt Lake as well, but we had to go to the Kaiser Hospital for Sister E. (She is okay)  We had our Ward Halloween Party/Trunk or Treat.  The Elders and us, were the "official" Chili Cook-Off Judges.  It was grand.  

5.Favorite game: With Sister H: Who can make the weirdest faces while eating Jelly Beans.  She is an overall champion at it.
6.Favorite Foods: Homemade Tacos.  Homemade Tortillas.  Yeah, it is SOOO good.  I know why the Lord didn't send me to a Hispanic Cultured Mission: I WOULD ONLY EAT! No missionary work would happen, unless REAL Mexican food was there.
7.Most challenging thing:  Trying to figure out why the Lord allows bad things to happen to good people.  I have yet to figure this one out, but I know the Lord has a plan.  There were a lot of people that had bad things happen to them this week, and they are all good people.  
8. Simple Pleasures:When people recognize us as Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and not just "Mormon Missionaries".
9.Goals: Be more Positive when things seem to be spiraling out of control.  That should help to have a better week.
10.Biggest smile: When I saw two pieces of bacon walking around the Ward Halloween Party, and thought of Kristin and Addie, and their odd obsession with Bacon.  I got a picture with them in your honor.  They got them from Amazon.  You should look into getting them.
11.Biggest accomplishment:  Getting Two Member Present Lessons, the day of the lessons.  The members that we had planned on bringing bailed, but our ward is awesome.  They really stepped up, and helped us out.  

12. Worst food: Her mom deleted this in case someone's feelings might get hurt.
13. Amount of Miles Biked: 59 Miles.  We really biked a lot.  I am so close to reaching 1000 miles on that bike. Speaking of biking, do I have a funny story for you all.  See story later.

14: Favorite Quote: "You really need to get a car rack for the back of your bikes."- Sister C.  We were talking about how we could use a car to get to our area, and then we would be 100% fine with just biking all day.  Sister C found the most "perfect" solution, and then after she told us, we all busted up laughing.  It was great.

Okay, so that was the week in review.  A lot more happened, but never fear, because I have some time left before I gotta get off. 

CRAZY AWESOME BIKE STORY: Okay, so the other night we are biking home.  There is a LOT of sand randomly in the road.  If you are not paying attention, your back wheel or your front wheel will go crazy, and you will end up almost crashing... Well... Bike crash number two happened this week.  It was pretty hilarious.  This is what happened.... 

We were biking along in the dark.  We have lights, cause it is the law, and we are law abiding citizens here in Hesperia.  So the light informs me of a patch of  sand in the road... I had the phone in one hand and was going to call the Elders, for something about the ward, so we are going along and I hit this patch of sand, right when I hear a DEEP voice, "Hello" it was the Elders.  And it scared me to death! I didn't realize that it had started to call them.  I had only one hand on the handlebars, and when the sand and my tires hit each other, and I got all startled from the voice on the phone it went a little crazy... I tried to brake but didn't want to use the front ones, cause I didn't want to fly over the handlebars, so being the "smart" me that I am, I crossed over, and tried to use the back brakes... yeah, not smart... I went to the left, hit a root of a tree, and proceeded to slide in the sand.  ALL WHILE LAUGHING SOOO HARD! I didn't get hurt, except for a small scratch on my leg.  I quickly hung up, and laid there dying of laughter.  It was great.  Gideon Moroni has some sand in the gear changer on the handle bars, but nothing a little compressed air won't change.  Yeah, so add that to my list of bike wrecks, and mission awkwardness.  We called the Elders later, and they thought we were trying to be funny, and then realized that I had wrecked, and then they didn't believe I was fine, but I totally was 100% fine.

I feel like a lot of really crazy things happened this week, and I know that I probably missed a ton of them, but I will write them to you if I remember.  Yeah, all depends if I remember.

The Church is true.  The Prophet is still called of God.  The Book of Mormon is for us today.  Yeah, all of that is still true my friends.

I love you all so much! I am doing the best I can, but it gets hard, so pray for us here in Arrowhead.  We need all the prayers we can get.

Meet the Mormons!

HELLO FROM HESPERIA!!!

WEEK IN REVIEW:

1.Funniest things done: We went to go teach a potential investigator, who is now an investigator, and he had this BEAUTIFUL Pond in his backyard.  We were talking, looking, at all the fish, and he told me that he wants to put Salmon in it, and go fishing.  I told him that would be awesome, and that he should fish some salmon.  He thinks just cause I am from Idaho, that I only fish for food... I am starting to realize people think Idaho is undeveloped, and that we still drive buggies, and have teams of horses, and not cars... Riddle me that one, cause it is NOT like that anywhere in the USA, except in Amish Areas...

2.Biggest Blessing: Hearing the talks about the Temple at the General Women's Broadcast, and having Kathy sitting right behind us.  There were tears shed from both my eyeballs, so you know that it was a lot of tears...  ALSO.  Mom and Dad, don't be mad at me... I lost two things this week that are really important.  1. My personal debit card. and 2. my missionary debit card.  Yes.  The Story is below.
3.Latest project: Getting our apartment all clean, and not an unorganized mess that it has been for the last couple days.  We also are getting it ready for a new companion, because the chances of Sister M staying here for her 7th transfer is VERY slim.

4.Most exciting events: Transfer Calls on Saturday, and then on Sunday we are having a Birthday Party with 2 of our favorite families in the ward for Elder O, Sister M, and myself, because our birthdays are all coming up next week. AND GENERAL CONFERENCE on Saturday and Sunday!!! Woot-Woot!!! I bet they talk about being prepared, temples, missionary work, and families.  But of course, betting is bad, so there will be no reward when I am correct.
5.Favorite game: Nose-goes to who has to say the Prayer when we have meetings with the Elders.  My finger on the nose skills are getting Olympic Gold Medal Worthy. Challenge me.  I dare you.
6.Favorite Foods: Banana Milk.  So good in the Morning. AND Strawberry Muffins. MMMM!

7.Most challenging thing: Knowing that there are things that I need to get done, but that this time in my life I really just need to focus on my Mission.
8. Simple Pleasures: Hearing the Elders give a blessing to a Less-Active, and knowing that it was all the things that she needed that moment in her life.  It really makes me grateful for the Priesthood Holders that I work with, and that I have in my life.
10.Biggest smile: Beth and I saying hello after not seeing each other for 4 weeks.  She was so happy to see us, and we were so happy to see her! We worked with her, and counting money.  She was so happy when she was able to count back my change of $0.32 for the treasures that I was "buying" from her.

11.Biggest accomplishment: Having a lesson with Trent. (the pond guy.) We biked 3 miles in 40mph gusts of wind in 12 mins.  Members told us that we should do this triathlon with them, and we want to, but we wouldn't be able to finish the race, cause we can't get in water... YEAH... That would be awkward.
12. Worst Food: Cheese-It Chicken... Not Good.  Don't try it.  You have been warned.
13. Amount of Miles Biked: umm... I forgot to look. Sorry, but it was a lot.
14: Favorite Quote: Member at Church tells us: "You see that Elder over there, you need to grab him.  Take him on a date.  Look at the birds, the little kids running around. Feel the wind on your face.  Tell him about your faith." Us: "UMMM...  hahah, yeah we can't do that." Her: "I am 79 years old.  I still got it." Us: "hahaha, yeah no sorry that won't happen." Her: "Girls! I know when I see a perfect match, fight to the death for him!" Us: "Haha, yeah no.  Sorry Leah..."  She is a recent-convert from South America, and she doesn't really understand all the rules for missionaries.  It does give us good laughs though.

The new movie that has been a huge deal here, is Meet the Mormons.  We were all worried that this movie was gonna come out, and that the missionaries would have ZERO idea what it was about.  I mean, how awkward would that be, you are talking with a Non-member, and they are talking about this movie, and you just have to nod your head, and pretend you have an idea of what they are talking about.  Yeah, and then we hear that we will be seeing the movie.  But, it will be BEFORE it is released.  We are watching it on the 2nd, and everyone else can see it on the 10th.  We are really excited to be able to tell others about it, and let them know what normal Members are like.  For some reason, most of the people think that Mormons are only those that wear tags, and that they have to wear tags and church clothing at all times.  Yeah, that is not the case.  But this video is really going to bless the members, and those that watch it.  TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS TO GO SEE IT!!! Also, here is a link to watch the trailer.  http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/meet-the-mormons-movie

Hopefully it works...

Well, like I said, we saw Beth.  She was so excited to see us, and I was really happy to see her too! She really has taught me so much, and she has such a sweet spirit about her.  She knows when someone is down, and how to make them happy.  We took a picture together and it is one of my favorites, because first she is laughing really hard, and she is squeezing me like crazy, and I feel like I am going to die from too much love from her.  and Second. You would also see my awesomeness of wearing a little boys v neck shirt from Walmart.  It looks like a nice shirt, but then I take off the cardigan, and the truth is revealed.  I love cardigans.

 We also meet with Sara and Martha.  They are awesome.  They are what you would call dry-mormons.  They are from Central America.  Moved to New York, and then when 9/11 happened they moved.  The one that is standing up, Sara, was supposed to be on the 110th floor the morning of 9/11, but something kept her on the 5th floor.  She says that she knows she was saved.  I would say that is a miracle.  She loves New York, but says that she will never be able to see it the same that she always has.  It was really sad to hear her talking about her co-workers that passed away, but she knows that she will see them again.  She has been really sick, and just started coming back to church.  I love them both so much.  Martha, has a lot of health problems, and can't really do anything.  She likes to make faces at Sara, when her back is turned.  I really love them so much.  

So yes, I lost my debit cards... Both of my sources of money for food, and other things.  I was freaking out.  I was praying hard, and the cards were nowhere to be found.  I have no idea how I lost them, but they were both GONE! Then, this morning... I was worried cause I needed to get somethings like shampoo, and a toothbrush.  Well, Sister C was over washing her clothes, and she walks in with my missionary debit card.  IT WAS IN THE DRYER! I think it was in my pocket, and then I forgot about it, and washed my clothes, and forgot about it... So then I was worried, but not as worried cause my bank card was still MIA...  I looked in the dryer for the card, and it wasn't there. I prayed one more time, and felt prompted to look in the dryer again.  I didn't want to.  I had already looked there, and there was nothing there. Well, Low and behold, I looked in the dryer again, and it was there!!! I was stunned...  I had looked there before, and it was not there, and then I look again, and there it is.  The Lord blesses us AFTER the trial of our Faith.

We also saw one of my favorite less-actives, Sister P.  She is really sick and has cancer, and is really going through so much.  She weighs about 85ish lbs, and every week she is super sick looking.  Well the other day, she opened the door, and she looked so much better!! I am enclosing 2 pictures of her, so you can see for yourself how much better she looks! Her friend Mona was there, and lives in a city down by the Ocean, but she wants missionaries to come see her there, so we are pretty excited for her!!

  

Sis P and me (before)

Sister P, me and her friend. (After)

Rock Strong Sara and Marvelous Martha

A very funny man who dropped us, but is funny none the less.  He makes things out of wood.

We wore these things for an FHE thing that our ward did while singing Book of Mormon Stories

I love this Gospel.  I love tender mercies from the Lord.  I love the Prophet.  I love Hesperia.  I love the sun, and I especially love the days when there no wind.  I am so grateful for the people that I am meeting out here, and for all things that I am realizing I am blessed with back home.  I love all of you so much, and love all your emails, notes, and letters that I get.  They really are great.  I love the fact that I can email all of you, and see how all my friends are doing out on their missions as well.  I know that the words that we hear from the Prophet this weekend is truly what the Lord wants us to hear.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  I know that Joseph Smith was foreordained to be a prophet.  I love all of you.  oh.. I already said it. But it's nice to say it twice.  Golly darn it, I am so PUNNY! You all are amazing, and know that I love all of you, and pray for you all the time.  I will strive to be safe this week, and still be my crazy awkward self that I always am.

I might be running behind next week, cause there is a 99.7% chance that Sis. M is getting transferred, and that I will have to go down the hill, and get a new companion.  

I wish that I had tons to say, but all the things that I wanted to say, I put in the list of things above.