...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

Baptism and More Baptism

This last week was CRAZY! and we only have a little time to email! I am so happy how this last week was.  We were so busy, and we saw so many little miracles and signs that Heavenly Father loves us.  We were able to contact all the referrals that we had, and then able to really buckle down and see those that we had planned to see this week.  We were able to have a less active come to church.  She always has some reason why she can't come but we told her the Lord doesn't like excuses.  I have learned that the Lord really will make sure that his will is done the way that he wants it done. That being said, this weekend was one of the best weekends of my mission!

We had two baptisms this weekend! The first one was in Apple Valley at 1! It went really well! It was for Brenda who we met one month ago yesterday.  So she got baptized, and it was glorious, and wonderful and we were all so happy! I thought that she was not going to show up, because at 1:00 she was not there. The members were asking where she was, and we told them her grandma was bringing her. But then when we checked the phone she had texted us that her grandma wasn't taking her anymore, so we quickly called a member and they were able to pick her up and bring her to her baptism.  When we walked in, there was just a Spirit of Peace, and Happiness. I knew that all was going to be well, and that Satan had lost another battle.  The baptism was great, and like I said there was just a Spirit of Peace in the room. Then we had 2 hours after that baptism till we needed to head down the hill to UPLAND! Sister T and I were able to go to the baptism of Cris.  She is someone that we taught in Upland and I was able to teach her for 6 months.  She has been taking the lessons for about 18 months, and the only thing stopping her from getting baptized earlier was that her parents said no. So we were able to go down the hill to go see her! She had the best birthday ever! She was 18 for only a couple hours and then she was baptized! WOOT! We also were able to see a lot of people in the Upland 2nd Ward, and people from the Upland 3rd Ward were even there as well.  A lot of people know Cris and are amazed at her dedication to the Gospel. She is always staying strong even in times of utter disaster around her.  I would take Cris back with me to Idaho in a heartbeat!

Well our time is almost up, but neither one of us are done, so we're probably going to email at a different building.  We had to switch cars this morning because our little Corolla was being temperamental so we now have a Subaru Legacy... it is the same color as your Traverse Mom.

anyways, that set us back pretty far.  We had specific instructions on how it needed to be cleaned, and let me tell you that car is C-L-E-A-N!

Love you all! Hope to send another email going into more details!

Love, Sister Rietz

One of Saturday's baptisms

With Sister T2

Our new ride

P-day fun

This is the Lord's Work

I love being a missionary.  I love the stress, the happiness, and even the mornings when you wake up feeling like you recieved zero hours of sleep.  Another missoinary mentioned that I looked like I had been hit by a train, and it made me think about one wonderful morning when Dad asked me if I was going to school like that, and then ever so kindly reminded me that I looked like "Death warmed over".  Haha, but I read this awesome quote (see quote in bold teal below)and I know that none of the things that are happening now are that big of a deal..... well the work is a big deal, but the exhaustion and the stress and all of the other round bumps that we hit are just small, and not something that we should get caught up in.  
"When we LOVE the Lord, 

OBEDIENCE ceases to be a burden.  

It becomes a DELIGHT." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Alright now onto the new and exciting things.  There is a new transfer, and new and exciting things happening here in Southern California.  Let me just put some rumors aside right now. 
Yes I am an "Old" missionary now.  My Mission Mom went home today, and is probably with her family right now.  No one is going to know who the crazy but loving and inspiring Sister M is... Until they meet me! I am not letting her memory die! Haha!

I am training a new missionary this Transfer.  There are 29 missionaries coming in.  They actually just got to the mission office 6 minutes ago... Haha, so Sister T and I are going back to the car that I drive to get my overnight bag.

Oh yeah, did I mention that Sister T and I are companions again!? Haha, well just till tomorrow but still! We are staying with the Redhill Sisters in Rancho, but then we were talking with the AP's and we were telling them we didn't know what to do tonight, and they said we could go work in UPLAND!!!!!!!!!! GAH! I am so happy! Hahaha, so I am back in Upland with Sister T! #dreamteamreunited She is training as well, so we will get to see each other in a couple weeks again at the 4 week meeting.  I could not love this transfer doctrine call anymore.  When Elder B called to tell me who my temporary companion was, he told me that I was going to like it very much... And then he paused. I am pretty sure it was just for like 20 seconds but it felt like forever.  And then he said you will be with.... (more pausing) SIster T! I may or may not have jumped in a circle and screamed/yelled in happiness. She is one of those Sisters that I know she was a saving grace, and a Best Friend in one.  How lucky to have her as my companion for 24/7 for 12 weeks.  Well make it 12 weeks and 2 days! Upland Better Watch Out! We are coming for you!

Sorry this email is so crazy! I am just running out of time! This last week we saw so many amazing things happen.  We were able to see Oneida this week with her Boys! They are so awesome.  When we were teaching them the Plan of Salvation the Spirit was so strong and they were all getting it.  I have never met a 5, 7 and 9 year old that has never heard the Gospel but has these experiences where you know the Lord has been preparing them. I can't wait for Oneida and Greg (9) to get baptized on August 22! It is going to be awesome! We went over last night and told them Sister G was getting transferred.  When we were there Brad told me that he had a lose tooth, I jokingly told him to pull it out.  Not 30 seconds later I feel him tap my back and blood coming out of his mouth.  Haha, he got the tooth out.  I guess that we really do have an influence on those boys!  They are too cool for school! Haha!g\

We also saw Brenda and had two amazing lessons with her! She is just so awesome! We taught Gospel of Jesus Christ and Plan of Salvation.  She is getting it all, and I just love her enthusiasm for the Gospel.  She is such an example to all of us.  She is still on track to get baptized on August 8th! And so that is super great! She came to Church, which is such a blessing because if she missed last Sunday then we would have had to push her baptism back.
You all are amazing people.  I was reading a talk this last week called Quick to Observe. You all should read it.  It really changed my perspective on a lot of things.  Good Ole' Sister C had me read it a couple weeks ago after exchanges, but I think that it was time for a refresher.  It is super good! Read it!
As a representative of Jesus Christ, I testify to you all that there is a living Prophet on the Earth.  He is there to lead and guide us, just as the Prophets of Old.  Why would the people have a prophet and there be no need for us to have one.  I testify that He is called of God.  I know this is the Lord's work.  His hand is in it more than I think we sometimes realize.  Times may be tough, but as a less-active was telling us: "He is always there, even when I make HUGE mistakes.  He is willing to let me back in, and He will still love all of us. I love the Savior." When she said that, she just started bawling, and I realized that she was finally getting the things that we had been teaching her.  It was such a miracle, and she told us that we are the one's that have helped her see God's Love in her life.  I know missionaries make differences in people's lives, but members make just as big of a difference, if not more.  I am so grateful for my ward members here.  They are all so great, and such a great example to me that the Lord will never let us do this alone.  He will give us companions, and others to help us.  I know that the same Priesthood Power that Christ had is here on the Earth today.  I know that same Priesthood is held by the Elders, my Dad, my Brother, and so many other Righteous Men in the Church.  It allows us to be blessed everyday of our lives.  I can't imagine the world without it.  Actually let me take that back, I can. But it would be miserable and sad.  I know that our Faith is sometimes all we have, but that Faith allows the Atonement and His Grace to work in our lives.  Our Faith will never leave, unless we let it.
Remember,  "When we LOVE the Lord, 

OBEDIENCE ceases to be a burden.  

It becomes a DELIGHT." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Have a great week! 

Love, Sister Rietz

Apple Valley Sisters

 District in the Valley of Apples.  (this is our Boy Band name, and we are going to be famous one day)

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

Baptism. Hula-Hoops. Trainer Call. Wait WHAT?!

1.Funniest things done: It probably was when we were trying to take pictures with the members, and with Candy.  I realized that my camera must think I am Asian, because after every picture, it would ask if someone blinked, and it would always be on my face. Or the funniest thing might be after I got the call that I was going to be training a new missionary, and I may or may not have started crying.  I was so scared, nervous, and kinda in shock about what just happened.  I think Sister T was like what the heck is wrong with you.  When the caller id came up, I saw it was the mission nurses number, so I didn't think anything of it, until I heard that it was the AP's voice.  Then I was like, "wait what?!" "who is this!?" Then I found out I was staying, and I knew with how awesome this ward is, and everything that I would be okay.  And to make it better my new ward mate is going to be Elder R who was my ward mate in Hesperia! It's gonna be a good transfer.

2.Biggest Blessing: I get to be with Sister M for the next two days! I am so excited, and we have already talked a whole bunch! I am so excited to be back with my Mission Momma. Since we are both going to be training, we will be able to see each other at the 4 week meeting too, so I get to see her more and more before she "dies" and goes home in July.  On a mission, I feel like you never know when you are going to see someone again! It's crazy stuff!  Also, seeing Candy get Baptized.  I am so happy I was able to watch her change, and become the awesome member that she is.  

3.Latest project: I am going to be training a new missionary.  I am really nervous and worried that I am going to mess this missionary up, but everyone I have talked with tells me they have confidence that I will be okay.  I think I will be okay, but I am not so sure about my new Greenie.  If anyone has advice on training, LET ME KNOW!  Haha, I am all for advice right now.

4.Most exciting events: Candy was baptized! The Spirit in the Chapel was so STRONG! I thought we could have cut it with a knife.  We showed two videos "Because of Him" and "Christ-like Attributes" and I know that they really brought the Spirit into the room.  Candy didn't want us using notes during our talks, so I took up my scriptures, and my planner, and prayed the Spirit would be able to help me out.  It must have sounded okay, because people told me good job.  Haha, but they also could have just been being nice.  I am seriously just so happy for her. She has built my testimony up so much, and I know that whatever calling she gets, she will just completely rock at it.  I hope every missionary has someone in their mission who is like a Candy.  She read and prayed, and really applied the principles she was taught.  She even got us to really rely on Heavenly Father, and follow the Spirit when we were teaching her.  I have known her for 3 months, and she has helped me in more ways than she even knows.  Seriously.  She doesn't even realize the impact she has had on me and Sister T.

5. Favorite Game: Trying to guess what everyone's "transfer doctrine" is going to be.  We tried to figure out who was leaving, and who would be staying, and I have to say Sister T is pretty good at it.  We both guessed who the new Ap was going to be though.

6.Favorite Foods: We had homemade Indian food on Monday.  It was so good, and Sister S told us she would teach us how to make the Butter Chicken.  I could have eaten it all day long.  Sister T and I have had more diverse food here in Upland, than I think anywhere else.  Us Idaho girls are experiencing the world out here in California!
7.Most challenging thing: Having Patience.  I am really wanting to work on that this transfer.  I guess Heavenly Father knows I can learn that with being a trainer.  I think also a challenging thing is just change.  Changing companions, and who we are carpooling with, and all that fun stuff. President just said today, that missions keep us out of our comfort zones.  That is seriously so true!
8. Simple Pleasures: Hula Hooping with a 3 year old.  Just laying in bed talking with Sister T at night.  Feeling 100% exhausted after being out all day.  Reading letters from friends, and family.  Wearing Mustaches in District meeting, because it is green and it was St. Patty's Day. Driving a car last night, and realizing why I love biking so much.  Knowing the Lord, and President H trust me teaching a new missionary.  Seeing Candy so happy after her baptism.  Listening to President and Sister H's reactions when Candy connected the lesson with Jacob 5.  

9.Goals: Learn as much as I can from my new companion.  Find lots of people to teach this transfer.

10.Biggest smile: Seeing Candy got baptized.  It was the best moment of my mission I think so far.  

11.Biggest accomplishment: Staying on Bike for one more transfer.  I am over 1400 miles, and every 100 miles I just think about all the places I have gone, and how far I have come.  (literally)

12: Favorite Quote: "HOLD STILL! JUST CHILL!"- Candy when I was getting my nails painted. 

Have a great week! 

Love, Sister Rietz

Hula hoop girls

I was complaining about being thirsty and we came upon this broken pipe.  Tender mercies of the Lord.

Sis. T, Candy and Me right before the baptism.

You won't be surprised that I think this is hilarious!!

A great picture of a great companionship

To one and all!!!

Another one bites the dust...(or gets a cold)

1.Funniest things done: For the last little bit, Sister T has been bragging about not getting sick, and then this last week she got hit with a cold! I couldn't help but laugh.  She said that all the colds, and flu that I have had has finally torn her immune system down.  She is really funny when she is sick, and she told me that I was a brat.  I was like what, and then she just went back to sleep.  Sister T on Nyquil is an adventure for all of us.

2.Biggest Blessing: Even though Sister T was sick, I was able to go out with one of the 3rd Sisters, because her companion was sick as well! It was sad that they were both sick, but it needed to happen so that we could go on Exchanges.  We didn't really see a whole lot of people, but there were some that we saw and it was a blessing to still be able to work.

3.Latest project: Finding.  We are really struggling finding more people to teach, but we have faith that we will find because EVERY missionary fasted, and members joined in to find, teach and baptize.  I know we will see the fruits of our labors eventually.  All in Heavenly Fathers timing right?

4.Most exciting events: When I was on exchanges, I was able to go to Mount Baldy.  It is in the 3rd Sisters area, and that is where their dinner was, so up the Mountain we went.  I realized how much I am used to the warm weather, because it was 67,3 degrees outside, and I was freezing! It was so bad! Haha, guess I better love the warm weather while I can.  November is going to be coming faster than we all expect. Also, Candy's Baptism is this Saturday, and everyone is so pumped! She is so ready.

5. Favorite Game: Chasing Lizards on the Sidewalk with our bikes.

6.Favorite Foods: Broiled Veggies, with olive oil and garlic salt on them.  They are so good! Or the guacamole that we ate at Candy's house when we went over there for dinner with Alex, and Candy's momma.
7.Most challenging thing: Getting the Cold that Sister T has.  Companions that are with each other 24/7 are bound to get sick.
8. Simple Pleasures: Getting texts from other missionaries about their miracles, and how they are experiencing the same things we are, but just slightly differently.

9.Goals: Have more patience with those around me.  I seem to get really annoyed with others, especially other missionaries so that is what I am working on right now.

10.Biggest smile: Getting little notes from Mom with the battery that she sent me.  Also big smile when I got my camera working again! The Lord answers all our prayers, even the ones that we think are not super important.

11.Biggest accomplishment: Biking with Colds.  That is one of the biggest accomplishments I have seen in a long time... and I am 8.2 miles away from hitting 1,400 miles on my bike.  Guess we will see what happens with transfers, and if I can stay on bike! I really hope that I can stay on bike! That would be so awesome!!!

12: Favorite Quote: "You are such a BRAT!"- Sister T "umm excuse me..."-Sister Rietz.  The next day: "you little jerk."-Sister T "what? hahaha"-Sister Rietz

This was when she was on Nyquil.  It was hilarious!  She doesn't remember saying this, and she has been feeling really bad.  But I only use it against her a little bit. ;)

Candy is getting baptized this week, and I am so excited.  Words can really not describe how much she has helped me, and how I have seen myself grow from teaching her.  She is definitely a role model for me, and I know that she will be a really strong member of the Church.  She once said that she had a corner suite in the building in Lehi's Dream.  But now I see her holding fast to the Rod, and never letting go.  She is such an example to everyone she meets, and she doesn't even realize it.

Whelp, guess we will see where I am next week! Love, Sister Rietz

Biking, Baptisms, Service

This last week was so CRAZY! Sister T and I biked EVERYWHERE! It was awesome.  Members would ask us if we needed rides, and we turned everyone down.  I am SO close to 1400 miles, and I want to leave this area with over 1400 miles.  It isn't nearly what we would bike in Hesperia, but we are racking up those miles.  I was able to add back my miles into the odometer, and it feels so good to see those numbers on it.  It reminds me of all the craziness that has happened these last 9 months; wrecking, cutting my leg (with Sister M), wrecking again (with Sis. E), biking up Jenkins and Joshua, teaching  Samantha and her husband, biking to Peach Street to get to the K's, racing Sister M down Newhall Hill, reaching 1000 miles, biking in BRUTALLY hot summer heat, contacting people on the street, sharing He is the Gift, seeing peoples reactions when they see that we bike in skirts, wrecking AGAIN (with Sister T), allowing my love for biking increase all the time, and SO much more.  I will forever remember all of these things, and how they have helped shape me into the person that I am becoming.  

There are miracles all around us, and we just need to look for them.  That is something that Heavenly Father has taught me this last 9 months.  This week we had our days packed to the max, and then all of a sudden things would fall through, and we would be scrambling to keep using our time effectively, and then we would meet with people that we have had a really hard time getting in with.  This week wasn't the greatest in numbers, but we were able to visit with a lot of people, and follow up on a lot of family mission plans.  Missionary work our Ward is really taking off, and it makes us really excited seeing the members get excited about it.  One thing that I think has made members really excited, is planning for Candy's Baptism.  She had her interview yesterday with President M (2nd Counselor in the Missionary Presidency), and when she walked out of the room I just pictured her as a member of the Church.  I didn't view her as someone who is learning about the Gospel, I viewed her as someone that is LIVING the Gospel.  It was so awesome, and she is really really excited.  I can't wait till the 21st, and to see her all in white.  It will be a precious moment that I will forever remember.  Moments where you watch someone go into the water is so emotional, and so spiritual.  I remember the Spirit at Samantha's, Denise's, Andrew's, and Violet's, Cheyenne's and at Allie and Amber's.  That Spirit is something I will never forget, and something that I will take with me always. 

1.Funniest things done: I found this piece of corn on a stick, and I think that it was really old cause it looked like the corn we throw in the field to let the pheseants eat, but anyways I wanted a picture with it, and then people saw us, and honked at us.  It was just funny cause of the timing and everything.  Okay, it wasn't that funny. Sorry.  This is now weird. OH WELL!

2.Biggest Blessing: Our ward council is working on getting everything in line for the baptism, and some major building and scheduling conflicts came up. But the ward was able to figure it out, and now we are having the baptism, and a homemade ice cream party after! I am so excited!

3.Latest project: Getting more investigators to progress.  We are starting to see people not progress at all, and it is hard cause every time we pray about it, the answer is not to drop them yet.

4.Most exciting events: Brad P came to Ward Conference, and then the Stake President talked about him.  He told everyone what great faith Brad had and how he was setting that example for his family.  It was great!

5. Favorite Game: Impersonations of other missionaries.

6.Favorite Foods: Vegetables with olive oil, and salt and pepper baked in the oven.  Best way to eat Veggies!!!
7.Most challenging thing: Not having the B Family come to church.  They told us that there is no such thing as a true church, so they will bounce between the LDS church and their Bible Church.  It also is getting more and more hard to communicate mormon/religious terms to them when they barely understand english, but they refuse to let us bring someone that knows French.
8. Simple Pleasures: Seeing James B (9 year old from Ivory Coast) dancing to the primary songs that he got when he went to church. It was so precious, and it made us smile, and laugh so hard! 

9.Goals: Find, Teach, and Baptize everyone in the Upland Area.
10.Biggest smile: Muddy-Buddy Pancakes.  This is why missionaries get fat.  Cause we crave things, and then we just eat them.  Or you watch your companion eat them.  I am not eating desserts right now, and this last week members gave us: girl scout cookies, cream puffs, popsicles, and tons of cookies.  People we are trying to not gain weight!!! but it still makes us feel good when members say that we can just go bike it off.  If only it actually worked out that way...

11.Biggest accomplishment: I have been praying to understand the scriptures more, and this last week I learned so much from my personal, and companionship studies.  The Lord answers prayers for sure.

12: Favorite Quote: "I know you were sent to my door to take me to much better places. Thank you so much for helping me find Chirst and get in touch with Heavenly Father."- Candy.

Officially 9 months IN California!

Crazy thing, she asked on Mormon.org for us to come to her.  No one ever does that, and so it just made it all the more awesome!  She is so solid, and awesome.  I don't think I can ever do justice for how awesome she is.

I love this work. I love this ward.  Pray that I don't get transferred in 2 weeks.  That I stay here!!! I would be so sad if I left this area.  I hope you all are doing well! Love you all so much! Tell everyone that I say hello!

Service Project at Cris's House. Companions who shut each other in garbage cans, stay together.  Hopefully! *fingers crossed*

Found this Corn-cob on a stick on the ground, looks like I found lunch!

Love, Sister Rietz

Ivory Coast, Miles lost, Juice on top of it all.

This week has been crazy! We've been seeing miracles and seeing set backs, but the Lord has a plan.  Better, safer, and smarter than ours.

On Tuesday we went to see a family that we'd met through a member in the 3rd ward. They're from the Ivory Coast, and their accents are super cool, but kinda hard to understand sometimes. We only met with the mom Joann B and the 9 year old son James, when we went, but the entire family came to church yesterday!  All 5 of them! We texted everyone in the Ward Council and told them to welcome this family, and guess what, the ward opened their arms right up to them.  Literally, there were hugs all around. The dad Cliff told the men during Priesthood, that he felt like he was home. It was so wonderful, and we're going to try them this week to see if they'd like to start taking the lessons.  We are seriously so excited, and can't wait to see what happens with all of them! I can totally see them being members of the church. We are working on getting them Book of Mormons in French, and how perfect that there is someone in our ward that just returned from his mission in FRANCE!  

 

1.Funniest things done: I started crying when my bike odometer got wiped.  I think that my battery died, because all of a sudden it was all cleared.  I was really upset but then Sister T said that I always know what the numbers were, and it's true.  I was at 1,337.2 We are buying a new battery, and I can add miles to it, so that is what I am going to have to do.

2.Biggest Blessing: We were helping at a service project feeding homeless people, and I was holding the tray of Orange Juice.  Well I went to give some juice to these 2 guys, when all of a sudden I was watching the juice dump on them.  I felt so bad, but luckily they were really chill about it, and didn't really care.  They said that accidents happen, and then they fist bumped me.  I felt so bad, but they weren't mad at me.  They even told others that it was excitement added to their day.

3.Latest project: Raising Expectations to Find, Teach, and Baptize.  We are really working hard with Candy making sure that all will be good when she gets baptized.  Prayers for her would be awesome!

4.Most exciting events: We had 17 lessons this week.  That is the most that we have had since I have been in this area.  They were mostly family mission plans, and we are excited to see the members reach their goal.

5. Favorite Game: Playing the mini cooper game.  Those of you that have either a yellow car, a bug, or a mini cooper you are missionaries favorites.  

6.Favorite Foods: We had fish last night, and it was so good! We also had roasted cauliflower, which is kinda my favorite.  It is really good!
7.Most challenging thing: When appointments fall through, and they don't give us a reason as to why.
8. Simple Pleasures: We had a meeting Thursday night, and a high councilman was talking about missionary work. He said as we take little footsteps forward in faith, Heavenly Father insures that His work gets done. So everyone, start making little steps in sharing the Gospel!

9.Goals: Bike 42 miles this week. Talk with everyone that we see.

10.Biggest smile: Seeing the B family walk into church, because they were 10 mins late.  They came in, and sat right behind us.  They sang all the songs, and really fit in well with the Ward.  Hearing them say they felt like they were home, was the best thing ever.

11.Biggest accomplishment: Reaching over our goal of Less-Actives that we wanted to see this week.  We also had really good lessons with Candy.  She is so close to baptism.  We are all really excited.  And her mom actually wants to meet us! Score one for us!!!

12: Favorite Quote: "Norm is not Normal."

I love this ward, and all the craziness that happens in it.  I love all the experiences I have on my mission.  All the good, and all the bad.  Thanks for all the letters, and emails.  I love them all so much! Continue making those small steps.  They will lead us to bigger and better things!

Love, Sister Rietz

Sorry there are no pictures! Sister T's and my camera are both broken!

Where has the time gone? 9 months

Well family.  It is here.  The "half-way point".  The "glass half full/half empty".  The "all is downhill" from here.  The "hump".  I am now considered an OLD missionary! If anyone is wondering, I have loved my mission this far, and I love that it is not over.  I am so grateful that I can be out here, and everyday I learn more and more why I was called to this mission at this time.  So many things happened this week, and I am not sure I have enough time or the memory to recall all that happened.

We had times this week where we knew Heavenly Father was there, really looking out for us.  There is some sort of cold/flu going around the mission, and I got it. Again.  I swear I have the most useless immune system in the world.  I feel like every other week I am sick.  But luckily, I have a quick recovery time.  We would only be able to work about half a day before we would have to come home because I couldn't really talk, and I was getting lightheaded.  So those tender moments where we were able to work, we knew were answers to our Prayers. 

1.Funniest things done: I went on Exchanges, and I was with a Tongan Sister, and she took us to a Tongan Family in their ward, and forgot to mention to me all the rules about eating food that is offered to us.  So we are in this house, and they offer me an ice cream bar. It was hot outside, so I took it.  Well then the Mom found some cake.  Not just one cake, but TWO! and gave them to us.  I declined them, and all the kids got quiet, and Sister V told me to just take it.  The Mom said something in Tongan, and Sister V told her that we would have some cake.  The Dad asked if we were hungry, and we said no.  But apparently No is like a bad word or something, because he told the boys to get us food. I still have SO much leftovers, and I am scared that they are going to go bad.  Moral of the Story: Don't tell Tongan families that you don't want food, cause they won't listen to you, and you end up offending them.  By the end though I would consider them friends, and they told me when I come back after the mission to come to their house, and they will feed me till I have to be rolled out of the house.

2.Biggest Blessing: We had a big scare with Candy.  We had a long talk with her, and she was SO close to not being able to be baptized but we talked her out of it.  And now she is 100% on tract to being baptized.  She got a dress from the "I" family, and we are going to the T family tonight so that she can hem it.  I also got a blessing on Tuesday, and the Elder said that I would be healed through out the night, and then the next morning, I felt so much better, and we were able to go out and work for a little bit.  Everyday this would happen over and over, until I was 100%  on Sunday.  The power of the Priesthood is real, and it is so awesome.  I love it.

3.Latest project:  Finding activity.  We are trying to find more people to teach, and on March 9th we are doing a mission wide fast. We are hoping to get all the members of Ward Council and Members in the Ward to join.  President said, "Together we will call upon the powers of heaven to strengthen and unite us as missionaries and members. He will increase our faith in His purpose to "Hasten His Work" and help our Heavenly Father "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."  I am so excited, and I know that Fasting works. See number 4.

4.Most exciting events: Candy fasted by herself! She had a really rough week, and she fasted for strength.  She texted and told us that fasting worked, and that she felt tons better and received the strength that she needed to get through all the things people were saying to her about how she was going to fail as a Mormon.  But joke is on them, cause she is the best, and she will be the BEST member ever.

5. Favorite Game: Playing hide and go seek with Hannah and Nicole.  It always is fun, and so much laughter occurs.

6.Favorite Foods: Tacos and Homemade Guacamole. and REAL Chinese food for Chinese New Year. Dong-she-fats-tsoy. or something like that, means Happy New Year.
7.Most challenging thing: Knowing that no matter how hard you try those you are working with are still being attacked by Satan.  Prayers are the only thing that we can do sometimes, but prayer works.
8. Simple Pleasures: RAIN! It rained a lot, and flooded a little, so we walked! And then we got soaked! see pictures below.

9.Goals: Have the next 9 months of my mission the best they can be.  My goal is to allow Heavenly Father shape me into the person that He wants me to be. That would be the best!
10.Biggest smile: I got a blessing because the cold/flu that I had, knocked me off my feet and we didn't have the time for me to be sick.  I was sleeping and Sister T came in and woke me up to tell me that they were there to give me a blessing.  Well normally when someone gets a blessing there will be 2 elders, and then 2 other sisters.  But not this time, I walked out of the bathroom, and there were 4 elders- the zone leaders and the AP's.  Talk about awkward. Cause I couldn't really talk, and I had such a bad headache that it hurt to open my eyes, so I just sat there with my eyes closed.  The looks on their faces when I walked out was priceless.  I was not in missionary clothes, and I looked like a hobo.  No seriously everyone, it was bad! Good thing that I don't really care what I look like to other people, at least on the mission. haha, 

11.Biggest accomplishment: REACHING 9 MONTHS! Woot-Woot!

12: Favorite Quote: "no. you must eat my food.  That is what the rule is, and you are going to do it." -Tongan Mother

I keep thinking about something I have said a lot but really, how lucky we are to be missionaries.  How lucky I am to be serving in California. How lucky we all are to be able to share the Gospel with all those around us.

I know this church is true.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is leading and guiding us, and I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and knows exactly what we are feeling at all times.  I know that the adversary is out there, but that we can beat him.  It is not the end when he starts influencing us.  It only means that Heavenly Father knows that we can handle it.  I love Heavenly Father  and Jesus Christ.  I love the Upland ward I am serving in.  I love all of you, and pray that you are all doing well!  Hey Kristin and Trevor! GOOD LUCK AT TENNIS! YOU WILL DO AWESOME!  I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Talk to you all next week! XOXOXO

Love, Sister Amber Rietz

Me with Sis. V

No words can describe...

Not here either!

A really wet day!