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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love You All!

Sister Amber Rietz

6541 Woodruff Place

Rancho Cucamonga, Ca

91701

 

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

Missions are hard. Knocking on doors is hard. But the callouses on my knuckles are harder.

Whelp. I stayed in Apple Valley.  I am still with Sister T2, and we are still covering both wards.  It is so weird to think that this is the first time that I have had a companion for more than 6 weeks, since Sister T. She thinks that she is going to be my last companion.  That would be nice.  Then I wouldn't have to let any more people meet the crazy Sister Rietz.  

Well Sister E2 is home.  She is sitting in the San Francisco Airport waiting to fly to Hong Kong, and then who knows where else.  If you hear of a lost Sister Missionary in Hong Kong, know that it is probably her, and she is fine.  On Tuesday after District Meeting we all met up at Panda Express and had one last meal together.  She loves Panda, and really wanted it before she left.  So we all got it, and it was great to just talk with her, and think about all the crazy things that happened over the last couple weeks that we were companions.  Being a missionary is so great.  I am sure that I have said that more this whole last week than ever before in my whole life.  Some how I happen to get myself into sticky situations are times when things are not the best for us... not sure, but there is a way that we always get out of it.  Being a missionary was hard this last week, but the blessings and the knowledge of the Gospel have never helped more.

Monday: Bed Bugs.  We were asked by a member to come over and help pack up some things in her house because she was getting her apartment sprayed...  So being the service missionaries that we love we told her we could come over after our dinner.  We got there and they put us right to work.  We were packing bags and boxes, and cleaning out closets.  There were cockroaches everywhere so we both thought that it was getting sprayed for them... NOPE. Someone (ME) had the bright idea to ask what they were getting sprayed for besides cockroaches.  The mom looked at me like I was crazy, and said, "Cockroaches. Oh Heavens No.  Those little $^(*&%^$  will die with this spray though.  We are getting sprayed for bed bugs."  I wanted to just cry and freak out right then and there.... I was so scared that we were going to get bit, and that we would bring them home with us.  We got home that night and showered and bagged our clothing and put it outside for the whole week.  We opened it this morning, and there was only one bed bug that was dead in it.  So I think that we are safe.  So that was the beginning of our week. Great way to start off the week right?

Tuesday: We get to District Meeting and the first thing the Elders in our District say is "Hey Look at this cool lizard that we caught!" They had a lizard in a cup and they were all so mesmerized by it.  I knew Elders would always be like little boys, but this was just a whole new thing. Hahaha, so G joined us for all of District Meeting.  At the end of District Meeting we took the classic end of the transfer pictures, and then we headed to Panda Express to go meet up with the other Sisters.  It was great to be with them, as I mentioned before.  Then we got the news that our house was going to be getting checked that day for cleanliness... Umm thank heavens we cleaned it on Monday.  Then we went and tried to find people.  We really just planted lots and lots of seeds. and then more and more seeds.  We were supposed to have a lesson with our Recent Convert but, neither he nor the members that we were going to have it with could have it.  So that left us with our back up of finding.  We saw that some less active members lived on the same street as our dinner, so we decided to go and contact them.  Well we didn't meet them in person, but their front doors were nice.  And now they have a nice little card to go with them.  Because He Lives cards were on a lot of doors this week from us.  We had an amazing dinner at our Ward Mission Leaders house, and then he came with us to a lesson with our investigator and his returning Less active wife.  The lesson was so great! I loved how our WML would just really carry the conversation. He would talk about a gospel principle and then let Larry talk, and then he would bear testimony of what Larry said.  IT WAS AMAZING!!! He gave both of them blessings, and in Larry's blessing it talked about how he would be able to be baptized, and take his wife to the temple.  I was crying. Larry was crying. Rene was crying.  The Spirit was so strong in that room, and I never wanted to leave.  Larry is waiting for some things with probation and another court case to clear up, so that he can get baptized.  I know that he is going to get baptized.  I had been praying this last week that we would know how to help him, and the blessing wasn't only an answer to his concerns but also an answer to my prayer. I love how Heavenly Father works.  He is amazing and I know that He is completely aware of those that are around me and the things that they are dealing with.

Wednesday:  Another day completely dedicated to FINDING! We had a list of about 15 people that were former investigators to go try.  No one wanted to talk with the Sister Missionaries.  Not really sure why, we are hilarious, normal for the most part, and we have a message for everyone to hear! So people, come to your door and listen to us for 1 minute! Tracting from 12-4:15 is not my most favorite thing to do, but we did meet some nice people.  One lady opened the door, took one look at us, and told us: Good Luck...  Thanks Lady, you have a good day too! One man was standing at the door with it open when we walked up.  He told us he saw us coming and didn't want to wake the baby.  We talked about the family proclamation, and now they have one in their home.  We are planning on going back, and seeing if they have any questions.  We had a good dinner, and they gave us all the left overs.  That saved us from having to get a lot of food prepared the next day.  We were able to just make the chicken sandwiches and get going.  It was great.

Thursday: More Referrals and Formers.  But before all of that happened, we had a lesson with the newest member of our teaching pool! Her name is Millie, and she is one of the most HUMBLE people that I have ever met! She has been prepared by the Lord, and we are really just so amazed at her desire to learn! She told us she would come to church on Sunday before we could even invite her.  She really just committed herself to come to church.  We walked out of that lesson, and I told Sister T2 that we were going to need to start praying for a date for her.  She is just so solid.  After that, we had another lesson with Larry and Rene.  It was great! They kept talking about the blessing, and how it really has helped them even though hit was just 2 days before.  I was amazed at their humility, and their desire to continue just trusting in the Lord.  I really love when that happens.  It just goes back to what I was saying about they really are so great, and Heavenly Father knows what they need in their lives.  After that lesson, we just went and tried tons of people! We went tracting, gave out tons of cards, and talked with literally only 5 people.  Then we went and had a Young Woman come with us.  She is so great.  She wants to serve a mission so we are taking her out with us.  We went and tried this potential, and let's just say she was NOT happy that we were there.  She yelled at us, and then told us to get off her property.... and then she just quit talking to us.  COMPLETE SILENCE! I felt so bad that we had brought Stacy with us. She is going to think people hate the missionaries.  Then we went and had dinner with a Part Member Family.  The Mom is not a member, but she told us that she wants her family raised in the Gospel.  She pretty much said that she will be baptized when her husband is 100% active on his own.  So we are praying that Trent is gonna get his head on straight, and start coming to church cause that is what is right and not because that is what Hailey wants.  Then we had coordination in the Ranchos ward.  It was really effective, and many great amazing things are going to start happening in that ward.

Friday: We weekly planned, and updated the Area Book for almost the whole day! With all the studies, lunch, and weekly planning and then the Area Book the whole day was almost sucked up! It was crazy, we ate dinner at our place and then we were off to a Recent Convert's house that isn't really a Recent Convert, but she is Less-Active half the time.  We had an awesome lesson with her, and talked about why it is important to get Patriarchal Blessings, and how they really can help us.  The Spirit was strong as well.

Saturday: back to Jo's house to do service.  We helped her shave her dog, and that was the weirdest service project that I have ever done.... We also are dying her dog pink for service on Tuesday.  I will let you all know how that goes. haha, the things that you do on a mission.  So this day was also one of the most stressful.  I thought that I was going to go crazy, because Transfer Doctrine came.  These days it is so hard to concentrate, because you know that if someone is getting transferred, that all of your backups become packing and saying goodbye to members.  Doctrine finally came, and we found out that we are both staying! We did a dance in the car, and then it was off to work.  We got lost on more dirt roads.  It would really be helpful if our maps that we had showed all the areas that we cover.  I think that would help a WHOLE lot, and probably save us a lot of miles.  We had a really good dinner at a member's house, and I thought that we were going to die.  You know how at Thanksgiving there are 100's of options.  Well that is how this family is.  They love to have options and let you choose what you want to be the main part of your dinner.  I loved it! We had a lot of beans though.  Everything was bean based... You can imagine how that all went later on...  I'll let your imagination do the work.

Sunday: We were at the Church from 6:50-2:12. That is what happens when you cover two wards, and they are almost back to back, and you have lots of meetings in the morning.  WHOO!  That night we had dinner for breakfast again.  They had lots of options as well.  It was great! They asked why I didn't like Bacon, I should have told them that we believe in eating meat sparingly.  That would have been nice.  They thought it was a weird Idaho thing.  WE EAT BACON IN IDAHO, I JUST DON'T LIKE IT!  We then tried more people, but for some reason even more people didn't want to talk with us.  People are crazy!!!  I also got a phone call from a random 909 number.  It was Candy, and she got my number from some sisters.  It was great talking with her.  She is the best!

Well as you can see, we had a week filled with ATTEMPTING to find.  I know that there are prepared people in Apple Valley.  They must just be hiding under a rock. Or maybe I am.  I know that this church is true.  I love being a missionary, even if it does mean just knocking doors over and over.  One of the Elders once said that tracting was worth it, even if it just made them think about God for 10 seconds.  I thought a lot about that this last week.  Cause when people see that card on their door, and if they watch the video they will be thinking about not only God, but also Jesus Christ.  I know who the Savior is to me.  I know that He is the way back to our Heavenly Father.  I know it is hard sometimes, but in the end it is all worth it.  I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.  I know that as we think of the Savior, and strive to BECOME like him, then we will.  I can promise every single one of you that.  You can BECOME like the Savior.  He wants you to come to Him.  He loves you, go to this website, and you will love this talk. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/followers-of-christ?lang=eng 

I hope that you all have a great week! We are going to the temple on the 17th, so I am not sure what day we are taking as our P-day next week.  I love you all.  Oh, and Elder Falabella is coming to our mission this week.  We have a conference with him this week.  That should be really good.  I will let you all know how it goes! Have a really great week, and pray that we find a lot of people to teach!

Pictures: 

Sister Allen and I with our ice cream that we stalked the ice cream man for on exchanges.

Sister Ednalino and I the last time.

The Sunsets are Super Great Here.

Sister Amber Rietz

6541 Woodruff Place

Rancho Cucamonga, Ca

91701

The sunsets are super great here!

Sis. A and I with our ice cream treats we stalked the ice cream man for on exchanges

Our Granite Hills ward-mates

Our Ranchos ward-mates

One last dinner at Panda Express with Sister E.

My long lost soul-sister

Out in the desert they wander - hungry and helpless and NOT cold!

This is going to be really long, I am sorry!

Let me just start off telling you how amazing each and everyone of you are! Every week you get this little notification on your computer, your phone, your iPad, or maybe we are even in the era of Hunger Games and it just blows a cannon into the sky telling you that you have received an email.  You are probably thinking that it is just another email for coupons, or a notification of one of those chain letters that if you don't send on then your one true love will never find you.  Instead that little notification is telling you that you received an email from some random goon that is just typing out her adventures, challenges, miracles, and thoughts.  You all read the email, and I am sure that at the end you wished that it had been just one for coupons or maybe some of you are even really wishing it was that chain email.  You all deserve a reward! You have been getting these emails from yours truly for about 15 months now. That takes real desire and charity to tell me to not take you off the list of recipients.  I wish that I could make a little reward or give you a hug for each and everyone of you!  You are so great. Okay, I hope that was a good enough pep talk, cause who knows.  Maybe one of you all needed it.

Now onto our week! Let me put it in one sentence: OH MY! That is how I can think of how to best describe this whole last week! I feel like it went by WAY to fast! I am really sad cause this will be the last day that I get to see the grand ole' Sister Rose Ann E2! She is a great sister missionary, and one that I really look up to and really trust! She really changed my perspective and the way that I wanted to become more like Christ.  Sister E2 taught me that even when Satan throws the hardest things at you, it doesn't matter.  Because there is always another way, and it is through Jesus Christ.  She was a crazy lady before her mission, and then BAM she learned that there was absolutely no way to disprove the Book of Mormon.  She has such a great testimony of the Book of Mormon, and for those of you that got to know her YOU ARE BLESSED! Hahaha, Okay. Now onto our week that was just "OH MY!" 

Monday: Normal good day. We went shopping and got food, and then that night we had Family Home Evening with a Less-Active family.  We played Volleyball, and even got their neighbors involved with the game.  We deep cleaned our house, and then that was able to invite the Spirit even more into our home.  We got our laundry from our neighbors house.  I was thinking about how when I go home, it will be weird not having a ton of skirts in the laundry every week.  It will mostly be..... pants.......GULP!

Tuesday: District Meeting.  I gave a training on Alma 17-23.  And focused on how the People's hearts changed.  It was great to really look for the ways that their hearts changed, and how we need that conversion in ourselves as well.  At night, we exchanged with the Sister Training Leaders, and Sister A got to come stay with ME! :)

Wednesday: This is where the week went CRAZY! So on exchanges we always try to really work hard.  I mean we work hard the other days, but there is just a special spirit about exchanges that puts a whole new perspective and light on missionary work.  I love Sister A, and I knew from the minute we started planning Tuesday night that our day was going to be miracle filled!  So we started that morning, and went and walked our hearts out! We walked to lessons, and potentials and saved miles in our little car.  We met these two older men: Gus and Dan.  They were hilarious.  I realized that moment talking with them, that they are the reason missionaries think of missionary work being awkward.  They just watched us walk up to them, and then waited for us to start talking.  Sister A just said Hello, and then they jumped on that as the ok to start talking and never stop! Hahaha, they could have talked about everything under the sun.  We talked about Italy, Germany, Family History, Huskies, Blue Eyes, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormon Missionaries, more Jehovah Witnesses, and then back to the Plan of Salvation to sum it all up.  We learned in the course of all those conversations that they liked their beer, they liked huskies, they like Family History, and Gus' wife passed away, and started crying when we were talking about it.  We told him that he could see his wife again, and he just started crying again, and asked if we really thought that could happen.  It was so great, and we would have continued talking about it except Dan had a different idea, and was a little more drunk then he thought... At one point he jumped up and yelled in our faces... We just took it like champions.  Then we walked back home, and headed off to go try more potentials.  A few answered the door, and told us to come back, but most of them were not home.  We did meet one woman named Delia.  Delia is like Dan and Gus, she would have talked all day if we hadn't told her we needed to go. In the course of 30 minutes, I know more about that woman then I do about my own companion.  Sister A and I died laughing when at one point she told us that she was born in a barn.... Ummm. Okay.  Her mom didn't know she was pregnant, and was milking the cow, and BAM! Out comes Delia! We were dying laughing and then we just couldn't stop.  I thought we were either going to fall over from laughing so much, or we were going to die of the heat.  Even though we talked for 30 mins with her, she never had us come in, cause she only "have a minute to chat."  We told her we had to go, and now in my notes I have that she talks a lot, and you will learn her whole life story in 30 minutes.  It was CRAZY!  Then we tried more potentials  and more formers.  Then we kept trying more and more. We had a lesson with a less active, and then we had one more goal that we needed to accomplish.  We needed to find the ice cream man, and we only knew one thing: that he lived on Rancherias in the Rancho Ward.  That was all we had, but we were determined to find him.  So we started driving down the road, and then 4 houses from the end of the street we found it!!! Haha, except the gate was locked.  We realized that it was a member, and so we tried to call them.  No luck.  I may or may not have said a prayer for them to come out.  And then Sister A freaked out, because he was OUTSIDE!!!! Haha, it was great! and then we tried to pull a missionary thing and pretend that we were just trying to set up a lesson, and then they told us the Elders met with them... It was not the best approach.  But then we were just bold and told them we would love to help their ice cream business and buy some ice cream.  It was the most sketchy ice cream truck.  Most of the ice cream was sold out, but buying an ice cream was our fun goal so we had to do it.  It was great! We saw so many little instances where we were able to see God's love really showing forth.  I loved being with Sister A, and just talking about the struggles of being a missionary.  I learned a lot from her.  She is so great!

Thursday: We had a couple people that we saw, and we had a lesson with our Recent Converts: Oneida and Greg! They are so great! The Elders are teaching them the new member lessons, and we are going over every week to teach from the Book of Mormon.  We taught about Nephi breaking his bow, and this coming week we are talking about Samuel the Lamanite.  Stay tuned because we are acting this one out! Hahaha, our socks are in the laundry right now getting prepped for that lesson.  That day we got a call from the Assistants and they told us that they were going to be meeting us half way up the Cajon Pass to switch cars with us.  We made a meeting spot, and then we went about our business the rest of the day.  We were heading down the hill to go meet them when traffic completely stopped.  It was just bumper to bumper, and there was nothing to do but wait... So what do we do? We made a music video in our car.  It was great, and then we realized that since it was dark outside and we had our doom light on, the car next to us could see us... It was pretty funny! I was dying laughing!!! 

Friday: We were determined to go and find a less active family that lived in the middle of nowhere.  We were talking about how it has been a really long time since anyone had seen them, so we decided to go out and search for them.  So we took our trusted Subbie, the paper map that doesn't show all our area, and the GPS from the Zone Leaders.  We were all happy and ready to go, and then fast forward to 2 hours later... that is where we were just lost with no cell phone reception and no clue where we were.  The GPS wasn't picking up where we were at, and the paper map was ZERO help! We took a long time really trying to figure out where we were, but we were just straight up lost.  So we took some pictures because I was really frustrated, and just confused where these people lived.  Then we got back in the car, and i swear within 20 minutes we were back to somewhere that we recognized.  That was such a miracle!

Saturday: Filled with Weekly Planning, 12 week, and more potentials.  We taught one woman, and she became an investigator.  She is really confusing to follow, but we told her the only way that she could change would be to learn about the Gospel. SO we are now teaching her.  Her name is Lori.  We also caught the biggest spider ever.  His name was Gerald, and he was a hybrid between a black widow and a violin spider.  All I know is that he was poisonous and now he is D-E-A-D!

Sunday: Normal sunday, except that while we were going to the other ward, this woman stopped us and told us that she was less active, and wanted to become active... I am sure that you could imagine what I was thinking! WHAT THE HECK!!! THIS NEVER HAPPENS! She invited us over last night, and we had such a great lesson talking about trusting in the Lord, and all that he has for us planned.  It was really good, and then to top it all off she said the prayer, and it was so humbling to listen to her really plead and ask Heavenly Father to help her become active, and worthy to go back to the temple.  Hearing her ask him to also lead us as we were teaching her so that we could know what she needed in her life really made me realize even more how sacred of a calling it is to be a missionary.  Heavenly Father trusted us to teach Marcella, and he knows what she needs, and he is going to work through us to help her.  I was so dumbfounded when we walked out of that lesson.

Well that was our crazy week! I would do it all in a heart beat again! Even the spider! Hahahaha, but this coming week is transfers, and I have no clue what is going to happen! At this point I have realized that when I think one thing the complete opposite happens, so I am just not even sure what to expect anymore.  I love being a missionary, and wouldn't trade it for anything!!!

I love you all! Have a great week! Good luck with school, work, and whatever else you have going on.  The Church is true even out in the middle of the desert where we were lost.  

Love, Sister Rietz

Pictures to give you a glimpse of Apple Valley and my life.

A new way to eat Otter Pops!

I don't recommend trying this.,,

...or this!

The spider formerly known as Gerald.

Out in the desert they wander...

One year out...

1.Funniest Thing Done: Well we were in ward council, and the Relief Society was talking about her husbands cat, and how much she hated it. And then out of nowhere this super sweet 80 year old man blurts out, "well just kill the cat. That is all you have to do." Then he didn't laugh or change his facial expression at all.  It was pretty funny because no one expected him to say that.  At the end of the meeting, he turned to the Relief Society President and told her that he would take care of the cat, or he was going to take her husbands man card.  There were so many funny moments in Ward Council.  Anytime there was a disagreement or someone was saying something kind of serious, someone would drop the "just kill the cat" line, and then everyone would start laughing.  That was probably one of the most hilarious, but long meetings of my life.  It was two hours long.

2.Biggest Blessing or Miracle: When we were at the Doctors, I was able to talk with Sister H and get a new perspective on the area, things that we could do to help the ward, and to also find new people to teach.  It was so awesome.  Another Miracle that happened this last week, was we were reading from Stand a Little Taller, from President Hinckley and the scripture that was for my birthday was exactly what I needed that day.  I knew that Heavenly Father led us to that scripture for me. BUT it doesn't stop there!!! We brought it with us to some lessons, and we would ask people their birthday and then we would look it up and read them their scripture.  So many people were just baffled that it was what the book said.  One lady thought we were making it up, so she read it herself and started freaking out saying, "He really just answered my prayer.  He was listening to me. He was listening to my freakout of a prayer." That was such a miracle, because we had ZERO idea how we could help her, and now we have a direction as to how we can help her testimony grow.  I love the Spirit. haha.

3.Exciting Events: We had President Interviews, and guess who is going to be RIDING A BIKE AGAIN really soon?? ME! I was telling President last week that I would love to bike again, and in interviews we talked about it some more how in a car you can't really contact that many people, because no one wants a car pulling up beside them asking if they want to learn about Jesus Christ. Then BAM we got a call from the Zone Leaders about if they could theoretically get us a bike rack would we use it? I told them, ELDERS IS THAT EVEN A QUESTION!!! OF COURSE! Our area is too far to bike to, so we will be driving to our area and then biking where ever we want! The Upland 3rd Area just got a couple points for fun/adventure.

4.Favorite Game: Umm. We are on a mission. That is a game in itself...

5.Favorite Food: We had homemade tortillas, and they were AMAZING! The woman made them into enchilladas, and they were so good! I am still thinking about them... Yeah, judge me. I like my grains.

6.Most Challenging Thing: I am now supposed to be cutting dairy out of my diet.  That is really hard, but it is doable, and I am sure that it is only gonna make it that much more of a healthier of a diet.  Also, it is challenging to be in the same area that I was called to work in last transfer.  Sometimes when we are in the boundaries or near the boundaries of the other ward, I want to just go knock on members doors and pretend something is wrong with our car, and we just so happen to be stranded in their area.

7.Simple Pleasures: We were able to have Sister H come with us to the Doctor, and then she came out with us in our area.  She was such an awesome Member Present, and she was able to make a connection about being a mom, and never giving up on your children with the woman that we were visiting.  Sister H (member) loved Sister H (mission pres. wife), and Sister H (mp wife) has been asking how Sister H (member) is doing.  What an amazing thing to have the opportunity to have Sister H come with us.

8.Goals:Be Positive. Even when times are tough in the area, or if my stomach really really really hates me.... 

9.Biggest Smile: When Sister S and I are just laughing about dumb things, or when we people watch in our car.  There was a man that watched her back me out, and then he said, "I need a camera for this.  Watching you back her, makes my day." Umm you are so welcome that we make your day when she backs me out of our parking spot.

10.Biggest Accomplishment: I only had to do 13 U-TURNS!!! That is such a great accomplishment, because the week before I did a lot more than that... A LOT MORE!!! 

11.Favorite Scripture Story Studied: John 15:1-8.  It is about Christ being our Vine.  How important is it that we don't let our vine get cut even just a little by Satan? It is so important that we stay strong, and keep increasing our testimonies so that Satan has a harder time attacking us.

12.Favorite Quote: "Wow, that is a big bun..."-elder j "yes, that thought crossed my mind."-elder b. The reason this was so funny, is because the sister that was getting a blessing, was wearing her hair on top of her head... and the Elders didn't know where to put their hands on her head. It was so great! 

I hope that you all have a great week! I know that there are so many miracles if we just look for them! I know Heavenly Father is always aware of us! I know that he is totally aware of all the things that we are going through.  I promise you if you pray and ask you will receive an answer! I hope that you all look for the miracles in your life!!! 

Good Luck to Sister M's Little brother as he goes out on his mission on Wednesday!

Love, Sister Rietz

Someone parked in our spot so we decided to leave them a nice loving note, telling them to never do it again.

Sister N got all 4 dots on her visa waiting stuff, so she should be in Brazil in less than 4 weeks!!!! (note from the mama.  I have no idea why this picture is turned this way.  Sorry)

New Area. New Beginnings. Driving a Car

1.Funniest things done: We played a joke on all the missionaries that we are serving around.  We convinced them that I was getting sent home.  The best was when an Elder found out, and he thought that it was serious, and we convinced him for 10 mins that it was really happening.  He was so confused cause there was a sister that went home awhile ago because she was sick, and he couldn't figure out that it was happening again.  It was pretty funny, but also not that funny cause there is an elder that wrecked on his bike, and got a concussion and is now going home. (not because of the concussion, but because his 2 years are finished).  Everyone in the zone told me to watch my back cause he is going to get me back, but pranks are not always allowed so we shall see.  I will keep all of you updated.

2.Biggest Blessing: Staying in Upland.  It is a weird feeling, because I am getting transferred to the ward right by the 2nd ward, but I am really grateful because I will still be able to see members at Stake things.  I also am so grateful for wardmates.  They are the best! This last week there was a nasty flu going around, and for once in the last 6 months I was not the only sick person.  Everyone got it, and there was a time when an elder and a sister were both getting sick in the bathroom at the same time.  Talk about ward mate bonding time.  Today the Elders called and sang God be with You till We Meet Again.  They are so hilarious, and we decided they are going to start a band when they go home.

3.Latest project: Learning about a new ward! I am actually really excited! It should be really good! We have no investigators, so please join Sister S and myself in praying for people to teach.  This area is what they call a dead area, and we have the goal to build it up this transfer.

4.Most exciting events: I got a new companion, and now we are in the richer part of Upland.  I am not sure how I feel about that, but I do know that this is where I am supossed to be and the Gospel is true no matter where you are at right? Sister N is staying in Upland 2nd, and I know that she will do a good job! That ward was/is so great! I gotta stop being so attached to wards.  It makes it seem like I am saying goodbye to my family all over again, but that is a plus about serving in good ole sunny California: I can come visit a lot!

5. Favorite Game: Guessing transfers.  That is always the favorite game on week 6.  Imagine it like being March Madness Brackets.  We pair people up in wards, and then we see who was closest.  I was WAY off this last time.  Going to the Upland 3rd Ward was an eye opener.

6.Favorite Foods: Campria Salad? haha, okay I don't know how to spell it... but it's tomato and then cheese, and then basil.  SO GOOD!!!! I loved it.  and now I wanna make it all the time! or Homemade Pizza, that was way good!
7.Most challenging thing: Going into an area with a new companion, and neither one of you have ever served there before.  BUT, the Lord wants us there, and we already have a game plan of what is going to happen.  So, I am not too worried, but I am worried.
8. Simple Pleasures: Getting FREE ice cream while at the Chaffey College setting up the "talk with missionaries" booth.  Seeing Sister M and Sister T! They both were at transfer meeting!!! Sister M and I are now serving around each other! She is in the other really really really rich ward and they got whitewashed in as well, so it's going to be a party for all of us!

9.Goals: Be confident Whitewashing.  Not crash the Car. Have more Faith and Trust in the Lord.

10.Biggest smile: When we were sitting in Sacrament Meeting and Sister H started doing an Ode to Me, and then mid story she switched topics and started talking about how much she loved her husband.  It was great! And really funny! Everyone was like what the heck!?

11.Biggest accomplishment: I guess when the members were telling my goodbye and everyone was sad to see me leave.  I guess that means I left a good impression on them? ahaha, okay that was selfish, I know training was really really hard but it was the stretching and the growth that I needed to be the missionary that I am now.

12: Favorite Quote: "Hey Sister Rietz-y deep down you like my mustache."-remain un-named... It was an awkward, but hilarious conversation with them.

Well I got to get going, but I love you all! I love the Gospel, and I do not love driving a car.  I hope everyone has a good mothers day! I know I will, cause 1. my mission daughter is around me, and 2. I GET TO SEE MY FAMILY!!! WOOT-WOOT!!!

My new comp, Sister S

LOVE, Sister Rietz

Last week in the ward

Wardmates

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

Mission Impossible Moments, Cancelled Appointments, Struggle Bus, Birthday Cake

1.Funniest things done: This last week we were helping a hoarder clean out her house again, and it was hilarious the amount of things and just the things that she had.  I told her there was enough things to last a zombie apocalypst and she told me that was the theory behind having 8 containers of salt on the kitchen counter.  I also have been dubbed the ULTIMATE Stalker by Candy. I don't know what she is talking about, because I only have people's addresses, phone numbers, and their work schedules memorized... Call me a creeper, but I call it, "I don't want to bike to houses if I KNOW they won't be there, and they will be at work.  It saves time, and we are able to see more people.  Every missionary can attest that this happens to them as well.  But I will gladly be called the ultimate stalker. #mormonstalkerlife #whatcandywhat 

2.Biggest Blessing: So I know Dad and Trevor are going to laugh, but we got locked out of our apartment this morning... We were going to go switch our laundry out, and I always grab the card with our laundry money on it, and the keys. But I somehow forgot to grab the keys.  Then we went outside, and we always lock our door on the inside because we have crazy people that might wanna steal my bike (okay and Sister N's bike) and sell it for scrap metal. Anyways, we got 4 or 5 yards from our door, and I realized I didn't have the key in my hand.  So we went to the Hermana's to borrow their phone and attempt to figure out what to do.  They weren't home.  So we went and switched our laundry and then got talking to this lady who walked in, that only spoke Spanish, and very broken English.  She recognized us as Hermana's and we got talking about the Gospel.  We were amazed she recognized us as missionaries, because we weren't in Proselyting Clothing yet, and I was in shorts and a tee shirt, with NO tag.  I left that in the apartment too. #Strugglebus BUT Sister N used the Portuguese and Spanish that she knew, and I used Bien, and Si and was praying that something Senora Yarno and Senora Jackson taught me in High School would help me out, and Marcela used the VERY broken English that she knew, and patience with our TERRIBLE Spanish, and we managed to get through it like champions.  We told her where the church was, and she said she might come on Sunday because her meetings are on Saturday.  It was cool, because I was able to see Sister N bear testimony to her in Portuguese, and I COULD FEEL THE SPIRIT, even though I had no idea what she was saying. Then she left the Laundry Room.  We were able to get a hold of the Hermana's and called some Elders, and they were able to take our bedroom screen off and I lifted Sister N into the window, onto my bed.  I never leave the window open but I didn't get around to shutting it yet this morning, and all we had to do was get the screen off, and then Elder J was able to reach his arm in, and move the little screw that keeps the window from opening all the way.  It was amazing the way all the things worked out, and that we were able to actually get into our apartment without having to call the mission office for a spare key.  I love the Gospel, and sometimes we don't know why things happen, but I believe we wouldn't have been able to meet Marcela had we not gotten locked out of our apartment. If that makes sense.

3.Latest project: Working with the Ward Council to make sure we are using our time effectively, and that we aren't seeing people that are not the Wards focus right now.  I also am now doing 4 hours of studies.  We went to a meeting and in the meeting they gave permission to the Visa Waiters to use an hour of extra studies to do Language Study. This means that I am able to study the Scriptures for an EXTRA hour every morning.  I am now determined to study from the New Testament, and really look at all the Parables and Miracles Christ performed!

4.Most exciting events: With that extra hour of studies, I was able to bake a cake for our Ward Mission Leader's Birthday.  It was an amazing thing! Graham Cracker on the bottom, strawberries, Yellow cake mix, and buttermilk frosting. With the best dream team dynamic duos you could possibly imagine! We gave him a chocolate cross we got from someone, (how thoughtful right??), and a card and poem the Elders wrote for him.  It was probably the best birthday he has had in a long time.

5. Favorite Game: Zone Soccer.  It is so fun, and always an adventure trying to play with everyone.  People seem to think they should be playing in the World Cup, but it still is a lot of fun, and I love to get competitive, and just go crazy.

6.Favorite Foods: We went to this nice BBQ place, and they had real mashed potatoes, and THEY WERE SO GOOD!!!
7.Most challenging thing: Having all of the set appointments we had planned fall through.  Our Investigators all stood us up, except for 1, and then the people we see on a weekly basis all were not home, or were too busy to see us.  It was no bueno, but with every bad week, there is always a REALLY good week right around the corner.
8. Simple Pleasures: Last week we were playing Ultimate Frisbee, and every time it came near me, or they were throwing it to me, I dropped it.  I would have my hands 100% on the frisbee, and as Elder C would say, "I RUIN EVERYTHING!" It reminded me of when we would play whiffle ball, and I would drop the ball EVERY TIME!

9.Goals: See all the Less-Actives on our list that we are planning on seeing, and if they aren't here then we will just keep trying. Because I am the Ultimate Stalker.

10.Biggest smile: Seeing Sister N testify in Portuguese, and I was able to understand the Spirit, and not what they were saying.

11.Biggest accomplishment: Not wrecking on my bike this week. An Elder wrecked again this last week, he has wrecked almost every week.

12: Favorite Quote: "SISTER RIETZ! CATCH THE FRISBEE! DON'T BE SCARED OF IT!!!"-Elders at Zone Sports

I love you all, and hope you are all doing well.  I love being on a mission. It is the greatest thing in the whole world! 

Love, Sister Rietz

Our Zone loves Soccer at the Park. <3

Why am I always taller than my Companions?

 Happy Birthday to our Ward Mission Leader!

Because He Lives. We all Can Live again.

1.Funniest things done: We were in the Library and there will be people who come in  and they always are a little crazy sometimes.  Well there were some other Elders who were in the Library too, and as we were sitting there, this man walked up to Elder R and gave him a hug, and then kissed his shoulder.  It was such an awkward moment, and I am so grateful I didn't have to experience it, but just watch it.  The man told the Elder he would come back for him.  Precious moments of being in the Upland Library.  Also, Sister N's bike was too big so we called the mission office, and they said they would fix it.  Elder S just took a saw to the pole on the seat, and cut four inches off the seat.  Problem Solved.  

2.Biggest Blessing: Well Sister M and I had a blast together.  I got the flu on Monday, but it only lasted 24 hours thank heavens! But during that time, I really realized how special of an opportunity it is to teach a new missionary how life on the mission really is.  I am sure there will be so many times where I want to give up, but that is what Satan wants us to do.  Seeing Candy bear her testimony on Sunday was one of the best things in the world.  She talked about how precious of a gift the Book of Mormon is, and how we need to not take it for granted.  There have been so many times where I have just read my 10 mins for seminary, and then called it all good.  But now listening to her talk about how much of a gift it is, I realizes she is totally correct.3.Latest project: Learning what the heck I am supposed to be teaching this new missionary.  She is awesome, and there is a lot that still needs to be learned for both of us.

4.Most exciting events: I think the most exciting, but most scary thing is that Sister N almost got hit by a car.  She was crossing the street, and I don't think the car saw her.  The Lord is really protecting her.  Sister N is also a Visa-Waiter.  Shs is called to the Brazil Fortaleza East mission.  Her visa never came, and so there are 5 of the 10 missionaries that came out that are visa waiters.  They all speak Portuguese, and we were told to not let them use it right now.  She gets frustrated when I make her pray in English, but that is how President H wants it right now.

5. Favorite Game: Getting to know a new person.  The cool thing about a new companion, is you can literally decided how much you want them to know about your life before the mission.  It has been more fun for me, than for Sister N I think.

6.Favorite Foods: We ate sweet pork tacos, with vanilla cake.  It was so good! The tacos were all homemade, and I am a pro at making tacos now.

7.Most challenging thing: Being a trainer, and having no clue what to do when they ask how it applies to the MTC. Suggestions would be helpful!
8. Simple Pleasures: I think watching the odometer on my bike just go up and up.  It sounds dumb, but being in a car with Sister M was weird.  We kept joking we should have brought my bike to Ontario for the day.  Then it would have been like old times for sure. Also, finding a hat that is missing the top.  So cool.  You literally find the craziest things when you do service.

9.Goals: Smile at the challenges that I am sure will come.

10.Biggest smile: Hearing that a Less-Active has decided to serve a mission.  He was praying about what to do, and then bam.  Answer was to go on a mission.  And now he is going to get the advancement in the priesthood, and the rest will be history.

11.Biggest accomplishment: Managing to give Sister N a run down of EVERY person on the ward list.  It was cool, cause I didn't realize I knew people as well as I do!

12.Favorite Quote: "It has been a really long time since I have been made fun of by 12 year old boys for my virginity of not smoking pot. It hurts. A lot." -Elder R

I gotta go, but family have fun in Utah all together! I love you all so much, and I know we can be together forever because Jesus Christ died for each one of us, but he was resurrected so that we could return to live with Heavenly Father again!

Love, Sister Rietz

pictures:

9367: Sister Austin and Me

9366: My cool hat I found.

9363: Reunited with my Mom!

My cool hat I found.

Sister A and Me

Me and my mission "mom"