...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

Tripanionship take two. Trusting the Lord. Filipino Humor

1.Funniest Thing Done: Well there are a lot of really funny moments being a missionary, but when you have a companion from the Philippines (Sister E2) things are just a little bit more hilarious! There are so many things that we all say that are hilarious and just great... But then you add in her adorable accent, and suddenly you are just laughing your head off.  Some of my favorite things that she has said, "What Ever Major Loooooossseeerrr!" 'Sister can I haveeeeee.. Please?! I am just poor Filipino..." "and I was like what the heck." "oooouuuu Sister G you got a love letter" "What will we tell President when we all have colds from the rain?" "Stupid Americans." "We have refrigerator, microwave, and toilet in the Philippines. We aren't stupid." So I just realized that these were not funny to you all, but they are really funny when you hear her say them.  She gets on these weird rants about things.  I am learning that I need to have lots of space on my camera to capture her saying all her great little phrases.  I will try to get as many videos this coming week.

Also, this last week there was a really big fire in the Cajon Pass.(Look it up on the Internet... IT IS CRAZY)   Sister E2 and I were out in the Ranchos area (we left Sister G with a member, because she was sick), and we saw all the smoke.  So we decided to drive as close to it as we could.  We didn't get that close, cause our area was still not that close. Sister E2 was so excited because she loves fire.  She just kept saying, "We are going to go see firemen work!!! WHOOO!" We never saw the fire, but we got some sweet videos of the smoke.

2.Biggest Blessing or Miracle: We have been trying to get more people to teach, but that hasn't been the best this last week. But we did get a referral for a guy that lives 3 houses down from us.  It is super great that we can walk there, but he is always either pulling out of his driveway when we are walking up, or he isn't home.  We are really excited because the first time that we talked with him, he was so happy to see us.  It took us awhile to get the referral, but we were able to contact him as soon as we could.  He has so many questions! I love it! Another Miracle: Oneida's Son Greg who is 9 told us that he wants to get baptized the same day as his mom. That was such a surprise, and shock to us, because she said that he would probably not really want to do it. That religion wasn't his thing. But when we were talking with him, he talked about how He loved church, and couldn't wait for Sunday. They also are all reading the Book of Mormon every night. Last week we promised that the Lord would bless them if she made the point and effort to read every single night. She told us that her mom is telling her reading the Book of Mormon every night is not that important, and Oneida told her mom: "Too many blessings are coming from the Lord, I have to read." Her mom is a less-active and is the kind of person that gets offended and then quits coming to church. I love that Oneida is able to realize the blessings of reading the Book of Mormon.

3.Exciting Events: We are now in a tripanionship! There was a Sister that President called me and asked if I would be willing to have another sister with us.  I was kinda worried, and then I realized that the Lord was just showing that he really trusted me, after all the other things that I was stressed about.  I am so grateful for the reassurance from Heavenly Father, and from President H.  I know that it is only for last week and this coming week, but it has been really good so far, and I am sure that this week there will be lots of videos, and pictures taken where we all look ridiculous... haha, classic missionary poses, awkward door approaches, and maybe a smile/normal face from time to time. eh... who am I kidding, that isn't going to happen.

4.Favorite Game: Puddle Jumping! or getting the Corolla stuck in the mud... I love to puddle jump.  It is so fun.  Yesterday we were out and about aaannnddd there were a lot of streets that were flooded.  Since half of our area is dirt roads and then when the rains come, and the floods come then the roads go away, and it all becomes mud.  I am making a petition to get us a truck.  There is no way that if the rain continues, then we will only be able to work in a couple areas of our wards.

5.Favorite Food: Filipino Food! except sometimes I don't know what Sis E2 is making me.  I have had some weird food just in the last couple days.  I have had fish soup, with some lemon and rice and onion.  It was surprisingly good... Although it was smelling weird.

6.Most Challenging Thing:  Knowing that one of your best friends is leaving the mission and that she won't be at the mission office at transfers, to give me a big hug, and ask how I am doing.  I love Sister M. Saying goodbye to her is really the hardest thing.  I am not going to be able to call her by her first name it will always be Sister M to me.  I was promised that I would make a lot of good friends on my mission, but I never realized how good of friends they would be.  It gives a whole new meaning to having friends that share the same standards and goals in life as you.  She was one of my hardest working companions, and she was the only companion that lasted more than 3 transfers.  She was such an example to me, and the things that she taught me will not only stick with me on the mission, but for ETERNITY! I would go back in a heart beat to the day that I met her.  She was the one sister that when I saw, I was hoping would be my companion.  She had this long flowy hair, and she was wearing a white shirt with black birds on it, with a royal blue skirt.  She was the one that taught me to not wear dark blue, and black.  She taught me how to contact people, and share my testimony of the restored gospel with others.  She was the one who never gave up on me, and I am so grateful for that.  From the Beginning to the End, Sister M is one of my BEST FRIENDS <3, and someone that I know I knew in the Pre Earth Life.  Family, I can't wait to see you, but I would go back to 14 months ago to when I met Sister M, and start it all over again.  I LOVE YOU SISTER M!

7.Simple Pleasures: Rain! It helped with the fires, and it made our area the new Disneyland.  I think that I am going to start charging people to come here to good ole' Rancho, and Granite Hills. I LOVE THE RAIN!

8.Goals: Get 3 new Investigators this week! Prep for TRANSFERS!!!

9.Biggest Smile: We have a member that is dying of cancer that I have told you all about. Well she wants her daughter to be raised in the church, after she passes away. So we have been working with the Bishop and Relief Society President to find her an LDS family. Well Bishop just found a family that will take her! WHOO! The family has 5 kids, and they love Brie already! She is so excited too, because they have a horse, and dogs. They are filling out the paperwork for joint guardianship so that if she dies the daughter will have legal guardians to take care of her!! We were so relieved when we heard about it! It seriously has been giving us stress this past few weeks! When we got into the car after hearing this we just yelled "Thank you Heavenly Father!" It is so amazing to see how Heavenly Father uses us to help others! It is such an amazing blessing for everyone involved when you listen to the prompting and when you act on the opportunities that are presented to you!! 

10.Biggest Accomplishment: Not really getting all that stuck in the mud! Haha, we only were 30 minutes late to dinner, and the roads were all washed out.  But other then that, it was great!!!

11.Favorite Scripture Story Studied: The Tree of Life.  It is kinda how weird how much we can compare it to our lives.  You all should study it, and ask yourself how it can apply to you.

12.Favorite Quote: "Did you know that there is no Hell? They tell us there is one to scare us, and then we get scared. So we can LIE!" -Sister E2  (One of our first days with her she told us that it was ok to lie because there isn't a hell! We just doubled over laughing!)

Also, got this cool email to everyone in the Mission from President:

Dear Elders and Sisters:
Sister H and I love you and are proud of you. Our mission has focused on reading the Book of Mormon each day and drawing closer to Christ. We know the Book of Mormon will give us comfort, build our faith, and draw us closer to our Savior. That is so important for each one of us. We have heard so many testimonies of the blessings that have come from the Book of Mormon. Thank you for your faith and effort. Faith and diligence invite miracles. They also lift our spirits and give us peace.
We have also focused on Preach My Gospel and setting companionship baptism goals. We know this will give us focus and purpose. We have seen blessings come from these things.
Last week's key indicators were all higher. In fact, much higher than previous weeks. We hear about and see good things happening. This is the Lord's work. As we join with Him, we see His hand and blessings in our lives and in our work.
California Rancho Cucamonga Mission Last Five Weeks Key Indicators Report
Last week we had
7 Baptisms
81 Baptismal Dates
86 At Sacrament Meeting
123 Member Presents
82 New Investigators
Each one of these numbers represent one of our Heavenly Father's children. Someone He loves and someone you have helped draw closer to Christ. These are the best numbers we have had in a number of weeks. Our averages are moving up. That is a blessing from the Lord. Of course we can and want to do better, but we are progressing and the Lord is blessing us. We know that focusing on the fundamentals: Book of Mormon, Preach My Gospel, the Missionary Handbook, and seeking to baptize by setting companionship goals will give us purpose and direction. We will grow in testimony, and we will be able to share the Spirit with others. If we can connect them to the Spirit, we will see more miracles and we will feel joy. Please read Jacob 5:75--it is true.
Sister H and I love you. We are proud of you. Have another great week. Sister H would like you to also read 1 Nephi 17:3. She testifies that principles with promises are very real. I agree with her.

Love
President and Sister H

So cool right?!

I love being a missionary.  So grateful for all of you, and the testimony building experiences that you all have had.  Continue being amazing.  I know the Lord blesses all of us! He only wants to bless us, but we have to do our part first!!! I am so grateful for Family Home Evening, and all the times our family was together.  Those are the times that I know helped my testimony a lot.

Love, Sister Rietz

Sis E2 and I got really board reading the Ensigns while Sis. G slept.  

It is raining outside, A LOT!

We found some toilets on the side of the road, and sat on them.

Vampires, Zone Conference, Upland Beautification Project

1.Funniest things done: This last week I met a vampire.  Her name was Mary.  She took my blood.  She was really nice.  She is going to be the person that determines my fate as a missionary.  Okay just kidding, but when she brought out the needle to take my blood, there was this little boy sitting in the chair next to me, and  his face just got white and I knew he was going to freak.  I just smiled at him, and then he just got wide-eyed, and looked like he was going to pass out.  He asked if it hurt, and I told him nope.  But I lied.  Yes, I lied to a little boy.  It hurt like the dickens, cause she had to dig.  But Mary knows what is up, and I didn't even get a big bruise.  So three cheers for Mary.

2.Biggest Blessing: Having an awesome Zone.  Everyone has been praying that I would be okay, and then the Spanish Sisters told me they fasted that I would be alright.  This Zone is amazing, and I love every member of it.  That normally doesn't happen for me, I normally have a problem with at least one missionary.  But it is not because of who they are, it is just because i have short comings.

3.Latest project: Prepare for transfers.  They are this next week, and I have no idea if I am staying, or if I am going.  I have been in Upland for 6 months almost, and that is a long time.  I could be here for longer though because of doctors, and I just became companions with Sister N.  But the Lord always has a different plan for us than what we plan.  So I am just trying to make sure that Sister N knows the area, the area book, our investigators, the 15 names list, and that I have 100% confidence in her that she can do it if I leave.

4.Most exciting events: I GOT TO SEE SISTER T!!! We had Zone Conference on Thursday, and since Rancho is her zone, and the building we were at is in Rancho she just so happened to be there.  It was great! I loved seeing her, and there may or may not have been some tears that fell from our eyes.  I also got to see Sister M! I was in heaven seeing as those are the only companions that I have had that are still out on their missions.  Sister and President H were making jokes about the 3 of us, and we told President that we know what our "transfer doctrine" (what happens at transfers) is.  He told us that when he is asked for something he does what Elder Bednar taught him.  Go the complete opposite way.  So I have a feeling Sister M, Sister T and I will never serve around each other again.  haha, but it was worth a shot telling him.

5. Favorite Game: I got in a pretty intense staring contest with this little Indian girl in the doctors office.  I lost.  She was good. Too good. She probably had glass eyes or something.  She never blinked!

6.Favorite Foods: We ate Tongan food at Zone Conference.  It was really good, but unfortunately we are not all up to eating the amounts of food that the Tongans were dishing up.
7.Most challenging thing: Working in Upland for the Upland Beautification Project.  We were spreading Mulch, and painting buildings in this housing district.  It was amazing to see the families that lived there come out and really help us.  They were so humbled that we wanted to help make their duplex look better.  I am now friends with a boy named Joey, and a girl named Denaja.  They are so cool, and we were able to spread mulch like complete champions.  They were a crack up too. They told me a white girl like me really works hard.  They seemed surprised.
8. Simple Pleasures: See above.

9.Goals: Have more faith.  Have more Compassion.

10.Biggest smile: I saw a tennis court that was not locked up! Normally the ones we pass have locks on them, but because someone forgot to lock it, I was able to connect with Trevor cause he is in Boise playing tennis.  I prayed on the court that you would do good Trev!

11.Biggest accomplishment: Not passing out on the table while getting my blood taken.

12: Favorite Quote: "You are like a mule.  A straight up mule.  Except you are white, and mules are black." -Denaja my friend who is totally awesome!

I love you all, and am so stoked to skype on the 10th! I hope everyone had a (not sure what she meant to put.  The sentence stops short at "a". - The Mama)

Tennis court love<3

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.

The call to repentance

Family. Friends. Random Citizens. I am still in Hesperia, and running super low on time, cause we had to go down the hill (this means go to Rancho Cucamonga area.  So out of the Desert)  this morning, and come back up and traffic was really bad.  Don't think we went faster than 30 mph..., and we still have a HUGE list of things that we must get done.  My new Companion is Sister E.  She is from Northern California, and she has been out for 14 months.  She seems like she will be a great companion, and I really hope that she is.  I am worried that this will be a hard 6 weeks, but it shall be wonderful.  The Lord wants us together, so that is what happened.

Mom: before you ask, I had the Mission Nurse look at my leg.  She said that I need to watch it, and keep a hot compress on it whenever my leg is not in motion, so like in the morning, and at night.  She said to just keep her updated on the status of it.  But she tells everyone to put a hot compress on their injuries, (including the sister that tore her ACL recently...) but I'll be obedient for a little bit, and do as she says.  Then I will let you know how it all goes.

1.Funniest things done: Celebrating Sister M, Elder O, and my birthdays yesterday, and the lady in our ward giving us our party put 61 candles in the cake, cause that is the combined age of all 3 of us.
2.Biggest Blessing: CONFERENCE!!! We all got called to repentance, and I have a HUGE list of things to get better at.  How awesome was the talk by Jorg Klebingat??? SO GOOD! All those things are things that I need to take responsibility for. Also, Elder Nelson, AND Elder Kacher both came to my mission and spoke to us, and it was SO cool to see them on the TV!  I shook both of their hands!  Also, Having Sister M as a companion.  Yes, there have been hard times, but there were also a lot of really sweet times too! I really know that she and I were meant to be together for my first 4 months, and I miss her already. 
3.Latest project: Getting my new companion ready for our area.  She has a beach cruiser for a bike, so this will be interesting...  We are working on getting a real bike for her.  Dallin and Dad, thanks for not letting me get one of them.  That would have been no bueno.
4.Most exciting events: Transfers, and the fact that I am staying in Hesperia!! WOOT-WOOT!!!!
5.Favorite game: Bingo.  Every time that we see a yellow car, we say Bingo.  The members of the ward think that we are WACK-O!  Those who own yellow cars, I will thank you on behalf of the other 88,000 missionaries.  We thank you for making our lives a little bit more fun!
6.Favorite Foods: The 3 Birthday Cakes that people have made for us these past 2 days.  They were wonderful, and I am positive I am going to be in a sugar comma for days.

7.Most challenging thing: Realizing that I will be the person that know the area, and that I really am in charge of planning the schedule for the day.  Talk about inside freak out!
8. Simple Pleasures: Riding our bikes with no handlebars, and then learning how to turn them, without using our handlebars.  Trev-  I will own you in Biking now.
9.Goals: Bike 40 miles this week, (I will let you know how the beach cruiser handles the "Outer Darkness" hills.)
10.Biggest smile: Seeing Meet the Mormons.  I cried.  I laughed.  I am now motivated to run everywhere in the World.  When you see the movie, you will realize how lucky and blessed you are to be a member of the church.  There are so many cool people in the church, and you all will love the film as much as I did I am sure. Mom and Dad- I have decided to drop out of school after the mission and just travel the world.  Just kidding, but really... Kristin- let's take up traveling the world.  We can document the different wards around the world, and show the church is the same all around the world.  You can see that I have thought a lot about this.
11.Biggest accomplishment: Sister M and I have biked 806.3 miles in 4 months.  Our goal was 800, and we reached our goal.  Woot-Woot. This companion and I wanna hit 600 miles.  My tires are getting really worn, but they are great.  I might need to get new brake pads, but I will cross that bridge when I wreck.  Haha, okay maybe I will get them fixed before then.

12. Worst Food: I actually don't know if we had any BAD food this week.  It all seemed really safe to me.  We shall see about this coming week though.
13. Amount of Miles Biked: 38.  We didn't bike a TON, but it was enough to help us reach our goal!
14: Favorite Quote: "Don't let the wordly riptides carry us away from the current that we are in right now."- Elder Kacher Another not church one... Same 79 yr.old Argentina Lady, " And then I passed away..... hahahah, I mean pass out!!!" she was talking about something that happened with her heart, and she told us that she died. And then realized that she had messed up. It was wonderful.  We all laughed really hard!

Well, I am out of time.  I will hopefully have more time next week.  Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes.  I was freaking out I am no longer a teenager.  I now have to act like an adult!!! GAH!

XOXOLove, Sister Rietz

Me playing pin the Name tag on the Elder.  They didn't have a Sister one. I won a HUGE candy bar!

our cake with 61 candles in it.  Fire Hazard Galore!

The lovely L, S, and J Families that put together the Birthday Party.  I am awkwardly on the side.  Two Points for AWKWARD!

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.