Hello Family and Friends!
Hmmmm. It is hard to know how to start this letter. Part of me wants to tell you that it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. I am sad to see my mission go. I love it so much. I will be sad to not have the Savior's name literally plastered over my heart every day on my name tag. I will be sad not to be able to teach the gospel 24-7. I will be sad to not have the opportunities to continue to grow in the way only a mission can provide. The other part of me wants to say, I can't wait to see you! I am excited for the new adventures that lie ahead. I am excited to finally persue my education again. And I am excited for the other missions the Lord has in store for me, whatever they may be. And of course, I know that though the Savior's name wont be on a tag for everyone to read, He will forever remain in my heart. It is a bittersweet feeling leaving the mission. As you know, I'd stay longer if they'd let me. But I'm confident that the Lord has even more work for me to do. I guess it will just look a little different. So feel free to choose whichever side of the equation you'd like to! Because I have lots of emotions about coming home!
This week I made a goal to tract for every hour that we don't have appointments. I haven't been perfect at it, because things always seem to get in the way of it, but we have done 8 hours of tracting in the last 3 days. So that is pretty good. There is still a ton of work to be done on the area books to get them up to par for the Elders. So we've been doing that in the 8 o'clock hour. It is good though. I just want the Elders to be set up for success. So we are tracting like crazy to help them find new investigators, and preparing the records, so it is easier for them.
As for my companion, Sister Ward, every day is an adventure! Sister Matthews (the Relief Society President) put it perfectly when she called she told me, "You have a great opportunity to influence her life!" I didn't realize how true that statement was until the end of this week. Sister Ward is great. She has some difficulties reading, so I have been having her still read with me like I would any companion. I have been trying to help teach her how to break down words so she can understand them. Plus I have been trying to build her confidence and help her to see that she has talents and gifts. It has been good. I have also started making her give all the spiritual thoughts at dinner. It is great because it helps her to find scriptures she likes and helps her learn how to teach. She still doesn't feel all that comfortable at the doors while tracting, or teaching whole principles in lessons. But, she has improved in leaps and bounds. On Saturday she did her first full OYM! She street contacted someone and left them with a card all by herself! I was so proud. And we roleplay TONS in companionship study. More than I ever have. While we are tracting, I ask her questions and try to get her to share her testimony. Sometimes it is like pulling teeth, because she isn't quite sure of her testimony. But I know her testimony is being strengthened. I have also been able to teach her gospel principles that she never really learned, or at least explain them in different ways that she seems to more fully understand. It has been a great experience. She doesn't really know how to bear her testimony. So we've been practicing bearing our testimonies to each other. It truly has been an adventure!
I am so grateful for the time I have spent with her because I have learned so much! When you train a new missionary, you are called the "Mom." And I do feel like her Mom. I feel like the Lord gave me this experience so I could learn how to teach the gospel to my own children, and how to help them find their own testimonies. Plus I have learned how important it is not to just do things for your children. I have learned that it is better to have my companion give the spiritual thoughts and fail, then have her not open her mouth. I have see a ton of growth in her. The other day, I read a talk from the October 2007 General Conference. It was called Raising the Bar. I explained to Sister Ward that just like in the story of the boy learning to raise the high jumping bar, that I was trying to do that to her too. I try to push her to stretch farther than she thinks she can go, and encourage her when she leaps over what seems like an impossible hieght to go. As I have done this, I have seen her grow in leaps and bounds. I am grateful for all I have learned in this short time with her. I also love her so much! She is so sweet and we laugh all the time. I know we will be forever friends.
On Saturday our District Leader called us and asked us to get 40 OYMs by the end of the week. We didn't have very many and the end of the week was the next day. So I drove around looking for a good place to street contact, which was hard because I was never shown a place before. Well, we found a good spot and got 31 OYMs in one hour! It was so productive! And we found out yesterday at District Meeting that we did better than the other two Elder companionships! WOO HOO! It felt good to work hard and to exceed our goals!
On Monday, we tracted this big country road for 3 hours! It was quite exhausting, and yet fun. I pushed us to go just a little further to get to the next road, and when we got there, we looked over and saw 8 deer in a field! It was so beautiful! We took some pretty pictures of fall too! On the way back to the car, and our dinner appointment, my companion was getting pretty tired. So I sang hymns and we laughed the whole way home. Well, we were going to be pretty late, so I called the member, and they said they'd come pick us up. Well, we kept walking and we saw a car pull over, so I instinctively opened the door (not knowing the member well enough to know what she looked like or the car she drove since this was the first time we had dinner at their home) and the driver said, "Are you okay? Do you need some help?" I then appoligized and expalined that we thought she was our ride. Then I expalined that we were missionaries and handed her a pass-a-long card! It was quite amusing! It was definetly the most awkward OYM I have ever had! Well, the member came and picked us up only a block or so from her house. It was such a fun tracting day!
OH! I almost forgot to tell you the best news ever! I called the Dover Elders to get some info and found out that Amanda Kincade (now Amand Seigel) is getting baptized on November 14th! Isn't that amazing?!?! I am so excited for her. I just knew she would make it!
So this week we met with Taylor Ricks again, and he is doing swell. The Spirit is always so strong when we teach him. Brother McElhaney teared up as I testified of the Book of Mormon and how Christ came and appeared to the Nephites. We taught a few others, and had some great lessons! Donna almost came to church! She even went and got her hair cut for it. But, she got really sick! Pray that she'll be there on Sunday!
Well, I need to get going. I guess the next time I talk to you it will be in person or on the phone! How exciting! On Tuesday, we will have a mission tour. Elder C. Scott Grow will speak to us. Then I will bear my departing testimony at transfers. I am also going to sing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" in memory of Vikkiey Brenner. (I still can't wait to do her temple work)! Then we will go to Olive Garden for dinner with the Mission President and have our departing stuff. The next day I will fly home! it is crazy how fast the time flies. I want you to know that I do love this gospel. I know it is true because it has transformed my life. I have never been as happy as I am now. The more I love the gospel the more joy I feel. Before my mission, I would here RMs say that they learned things on thier mission that they couldn't learn unless they had served a mission. I now understand what that means. I have learned and grown so much from this experience. I am so glad I chose to serve. It was truly the best decision I have ever made. Thanks so much for all your love and support. Thanks for helping me get here, and encouraging me and supporting me while I was serivng! I love and miss you! See you soon!
Love,
Sister Virginia Kay Deal
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
8 October 2009
Hello Family and Friends!
Okay, there is much to report on this week, and as usual very little time! Thanks for e-mailing me family! You are great! Let's just go ahead and start with the big news. On Sunday morning, my companion, Sister Gibbs got sent home. Her health just got worse and worse, so she had to go home. She is doing a little better, but just needed to be at home where she could rest and not have to worry about the stresses that come with missionary life. That being said, I got a new companion. I guess it is the story of my mission! I have seen many companions go home due to health and been a part of many emergency transfers. I guess Heavenly Father knew I could handle it! My new companion's name is Sister Ward. That is my 14th companion on my mission (counting my MTC companion). So that makes 13 companions in 13 transfers! I guess I have lots of new friends :)
Okay, so a little about Sister Ward. She comes from Demseytown, PA. She is serving what they call a mini-mission. She hasn't been a missionary before. She has always wanted to go, but due to heart problems and surgeries couldn't go. So it has been an adventure to say the least these last few days. She is the shyest companion I have ever had, and she didn't have the benefit of going to the MTC. A month ago, Sister Stinger (one of my companions who is home now) wrote me and said "At least you aren't white-washing or training your last transfer." Sister Stinger, you spoke too soon! :) Since, Sister Gibbs was sick, we didn't get out much, so I didn't really have much opportunity to learn the area. And the area books on the Pittsburgh side aren't like ours on the Harrisburg side. They aren't broken into sub-divisions, with maps that show where everyone lives and info about who the people are. So it has been fun. I finally found another map of our area, so I have been working on updating the area book and that has helped a lot! It has felt a little like a white-wash. My companion, has a few struggles. She has been in and out of hospitals for surgeries so many times, that she didn't get much education. So she struggles to read, and is way scared about talking to people. So I have been training my last transfer too! For the first few days, I couldn't seem to get more than two words out of her at a time. It is getting better though. I've broken her into reading aloud. She struggles, but is doing just fine. And I am roleplaying lessons with her and trying to help her find her testimony, so it will be easier to share. She has never bore her testimony at church before. So it is truly an adventure! I do love her like crazy though! And she has such a desire for missionary work! So she is willing to work. It is so nice! I'm sure her two week mini-mission will be a life changing experience. The Lord sure does turn every bad situation into a good one. I am excited to watch her blossom over the next couple of weeks!
Sunday was a bit different. Since Sister Gibbs went home, I needed a companion. So I was with a Sister in the ward on Sunday. Her name is Sister Campbell! It was so great to be with her on Sunday! It was wierd though. Since I was with her and her family, I didn't get to go to church to watch Conference. She cooked up a whole buffet of food and we watched Conference in her living room. It was so weird and wonderful all at the same time! It made me feel like I was right at home with the Springgays watching conference with our Costco snacks! It was nice. After Conference, Sister Campbell and I went out. I figured we could contact some less-actives that the Bishop had asked us to stop by. We visited Heather Holloway and had an amazing lesson with her. She let us right in and told us she had been praying that the Lord would send an angel to her. She said she felt like we were an answer to her prayer. We had a great lesson with her on making Christ the center of our lives. When we went in, I had no idea what we were going to teach, but by the end, it was an amazing lesson! The Spirit truly did guide our words and scriptures just kept pouring into my head. I shared 1 Nephi 21:14-16 with her. That is my favorite scripture about how the Lord never forgets us. When I shared that one, she wrote down the reference and said it was exactly what she needed to hear because she had been feeling like He had forgotten her! I shared lots of other stuff, and ended with Helaman 5:12. It is about making Christ our foundation. Well, she said she had been feeling like the Lord had been telling her that she had her "house upon the rock" like it says in the New Testament. So she loved that scripture and felt it was for her too! AMAZING! Sister Campbell was perfect for her too. She was able to relate to her in such a powerful way. Heather cried and the Spirit was strong. I left her Mosiah 24 to read. We came back only two days later and she read it. We had another great lesson and tears again filled her eyes. We invited her to church. She struggles with the idea of church. So I commited her to pray about it and told her I'd pray every day that she will make it there. Please pray that she gets there!
Donna is doing great! She watched all of General Conference and the inbetween stuff. She was glued to the television, and begged Patrick not to turn off the tv! We met with her yesterday and she said she felt like every person who spoke was so powerful and were speaking right to her. We read with Patrick and Donna last night and commited them to read every day. Then I commited her to come to church and she accepted! AMAZING! Please pray that she will keep that commitment.
We stopped by the Lutz (a less-active family) last night. The lesson went well and Brother Lutz told us that they had read the first eleven chapters in the Book of Mormon since the last time we saw them (only two weeks earlier)! He said that when they miss a day, they read extra chapters to make up for lost time. He also said that as he is reading, things he has heard at church are making more sense! What a miracle! Pray that the Lutz Family will keep it up and come to church!
We visited Wes Omer. He is doing great as well. We commited him to read and pray every night, and he accepted. He also said that he will come to church with us this week. He is a great kid and is really making strides. I'm excited to teach him again next week.
Taylor Ricks continues to progress. He went to all of General Conference and the Priesthood session. He is really clinging on to the gospel. In no time at all, he will be fully reactivated. He has been asking suck great questions. The Spirit is always so strong when we are teaching him!
Well, I must get going, my time is up. Know that I love and miss you. I am grateful for all the love and support you have given me over these past 18 months. I guess I will be seeing some of you in only two weeks. That is a bittersweet thought. I am excited to see you, but sad to leave the full time missionary life. It has changed me in more ways than I can adequately express. I am going to work as hard as I possibly can before I go home. Elders will probably replace us, so I want to leave them with lots of people to teach and great records. This week I learned how much I love tracting. I had missed it so much. It is great to talk to people about the gospel. Yesterday we met Elma. I just started bearing testimony of Christ and tears filled her eyes. We had a great lesson on her porch about prophets, commandments, prayer, the Savior and the Book of Mormon. She didn't accept a return appointment, but she felt the Spirit. That was definelty a tender mercy of the Lord. Recognize His hand in your life. I know He is blessing you and helping you, as I see Him helping me each and every day. I love and miss you! See ya soon!
Love,
Sister Deal
Okay, there is much to report on this week, and as usual very little time! Thanks for e-mailing me family! You are great! Let's just go ahead and start with the big news. On Sunday morning, my companion, Sister Gibbs got sent home. Her health just got worse and worse, so she had to go home. She is doing a little better, but just needed to be at home where she could rest and not have to worry about the stresses that come with missionary life. That being said, I got a new companion. I guess it is the story of my mission! I have seen many companions go home due to health and been a part of many emergency transfers. I guess Heavenly Father knew I could handle it! My new companion's name is Sister Ward. That is my 14th companion on my mission (counting my MTC companion). So that makes 13 companions in 13 transfers! I guess I have lots of new friends :)
Okay, so a little about Sister Ward. She comes from Demseytown, PA. She is serving what they call a mini-mission. She hasn't been a missionary before. She has always wanted to go, but due to heart problems and surgeries couldn't go. So it has been an adventure to say the least these last few days. She is the shyest companion I have ever had, and she didn't have the benefit of going to the MTC. A month ago, Sister Stinger (one of my companions who is home now) wrote me and said "At least you aren't white-washing or training your last transfer." Sister Stinger, you spoke too soon! :) Since, Sister Gibbs was sick, we didn't get out much, so I didn't really have much opportunity to learn the area. And the area books on the Pittsburgh side aren't like ours on the Harrisburg side. They aren't broken into sub-divisions, with maps that show where everyone lives and info about who the people are. So it has been fun. I finally found another map of our area, so I have been working on updating the area book and that has helped a lot! It has felt a little like a white-wash. My companion, has a few struggles. She has been in and out of hospitals for surgeries so many times, that she didn't get much education. So she struggles to read, and is way scared about talking to people. So I have been training my last transfer too! For the first few days, I couldn't seem to get more than two words out of her at a time. It is getting better though. I've broken her into reading aloud. She struggles, but is doing just fine. And I am roleplaying lessons with her and trying to help her find her testimony, so it will be easier to share. She has never bore her testimony at church before. So it is truly an adventure! I do love her like crazy though! And she has such a desire for missionary work! So she is willing to work. It is so nice! I'm sure her two week mini-mission will be a life changing experience. The Lord sure does turn every bad situation into a good one. I am excited to watch her blossom over the next couple of weeks!
Sunday was a bit different. Since Sister Gibbs went home, I needed a companion. So I was with a Sister in the ward on Sunday. Her name is Sister Campbell! It was so great to be with her on Sunday! It was wierd though. Since I was with her and her family, I didn't get to go to church to watch Conference. She cooked up a whole buffet of food and we watched Conference in her living room. It was so weird and wonderful all at the same time! It made me feel like I was right at home with the Springgays watching conference with our Costco snacks! It was nice. After Conference, Sister Campbell and I went out. I figured we could contact some less-actives that the Bishop had asked us to stop by. We visited Heather Holloway and had an amazing lesson with her. She let us right in and told us she had been praying that the Lord would send an angel to her. She said she felt like we were an answer to her prayer. We had a great lesson with her on making Christ the center of our lives. When we went in, I had no idea what we were going to teach, but by the end, it was an amazing lesson! The Spirit truly did guide our words and scriptures just kept pouring into my head. I shared 1 Nephi 21:14-16 with her. That is my favorite scripture about how the Lord never forgets us. When I shared that one, she wrote down the reference and said it was exactly what she needed to hear because she had been feeling like He had forgotten her! I shared lots of other stuff, and ended with Helaman 5:12. It is about making Christ our foundation. Well, she said she had been feeling like the Lord had been telling her that she had her "house upon the rock" like it says in the New Testament. So she loved that scripture and felt it was for her too! AMAZING! Sister Campbell was perfect for her too. She was able to relate to her in such a powerful way. Heather cried and the Spirit was strong. I left her Mosiah 24 to read. We came back only two days later and she read it. We had another great lesson and tears again filled her eyes. We invited her to church. She struggles with the idea of church. So I commited her to pray about it and told her I'd pray every day that she will make it there. Please pray that she gets there!
Donna is doing great! She watched all of General Conference and the inbetween stuff. She was glued to the television, and begged Patrick not to turn off the tv! We met with her yesterday and she said she felt like every person who spoke was so powerful and were speaking right to her. We read with Patrick and Donna last night and commited them to read every day. Then I commited her to come to church and she accepted! AMAZING! Please pray that she will keep that commitment.
We stopped by the Lutz (a less-active family) last night. The lesson went well and Brother Lutz told us that they had read the first eleven chapters in the Book of Mormon since the last time we saw them (only two weeks earlier)! He said that when they miss a day, they read extra chapters to make up for lost time. He also said that as he is reading, things he has heard at church are making more sense! What a miracle! Pray that the Lutz Family will keep it up and come to church!
We visited Wes Omer. He is doing great as well. We commited him to read and pray every night, and he accepted. He also said that he will come to church with us this week. He is a great kid and is really making strides. I'm excited to teach him again next week.
Taylor Ricks continues to progress. He went to all of General Conference and the Priesthood session. He is really clinging on to the gospel. In no time at all, he will be fully reactivated. He has been asking suck great questions. The Spirit is always so strong when we are teaching him!
Well, I must get going, my time is up. Know that I love and miss you. I am grateful for all the love and support you have given me over these past 18 months. I guess I will be seeing some of you in only two weeks. That is a bittersweet thought. I am excited to see you, but sad to leave the full time missionary life. It has changed me in more ways than I can adequately express. I am going to work as hard as I possibly can before I go home. Elders will probably replace us, so I want to leave them with lots of people to teach and great records. This week I learned how much I love tracting. I had missed it so much. It is great to talk to people about the gospel. Yesterday we met Elma. I just started bearing testimony of Christ and tears filled her eyes. We had a great lesson on her porch about prophets, commandments, prayer, the Savior and the Book of Mormon. She didn't accept a return appointment, but she felt the Spirit. That was definelty a tender mercy of the Lord. Recognize His hand in your life. I know He is blessing you and helping you, as I see Him helping me each and every day. I love and miss you! See ya soon!
Love,
Sister Deal
Monday, October 5, 2009
1 October 2009
Hello Family and Friends!
How are you? I am doing well. First off, I would like to thank you for your constant love, prayers, and support over the past 18 months. It has been felt. Second, I would like to thank the many consistent snail mailers that write me. I guess a lot of my mail was still going to Dover, so this week, I got the mail from the beginning of last month delivered to me. That gave me a grand total of 14 letters with the mail I received in Cranberry! Let me just say, I feel VERY loved! So thank you. And if I don't get to all of you today, I'll write by next week! Promise!
Okay so, I kinda spent awhile responding to some of the personal e-mails from family wanting to know info of when I return and what my plans are, so this just may have to be a really short e-mail! Forgive me! Well, the most important news to report has to do with my companion, Sister Gibbs. As I mentioned to you earlier, she was really struggling with health issues. To put it bluntly she has severe depression problems, so we haven't been able to do very much work at all. Yesterday, we met with President Summerhays, and he has counciled her to return home at the end of the transfer, when I go. That is 6 weeks early. It is sad, but I think it will be the best thing for her. As missionaries we use silly little language. For example, when you start your mission, your trainer is you "mom" your first area is where you were "born" and when you go home you "die." If you see a missionary go home you "killed them off." So my joke to my companion has been that I want to stay so bad that I wont let anyone kill me off. But since I have to "die" I am going to take someone down with me, hence the joke that my companion is coming home now with me. It made her laugh a little at the situation. Anyway, it truly is the best thing for her and for the missionary work in this area. We have really done little to no work due to her health.
That being said, I was feeling kind of frustrated. I didn't understand why in my last transfer when the mission president encouraged me to work hard and give it my all, I would be with a companion who just can't work. I was praying lots and trying to figure it out. Then, two nights ago, while I was comforting a crying companion in the middle of the night, I realized why I am here. The Lord has blessed me with the tools to help Sister Gibbs through this time. It's weird because I have served with a lot of sick companions, or companions struggling with depression. As I was comforting my companion the other night, I heard the voice of the Spirit speak to me and say, "It's not about having a baptism in your last area or how many doors you knock on in a transfer. It's about people. Each of my children are precious to me. Your purpose here, is to help save lost souls. Sometimes those who are lost, are those who are right next to you. Your purpose for being here in Cranberry is to help Sister Gibbs through this trying time. And that is a very important purpose that only you can fulfill." Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I am grateful that the Lord is pleased with my efforts even if the work I am doing is different than what I would have pictured. Sister Gibbs is constantly thanking me for being her companion. Our testimonies have been strengthened while serving together. This week she gave me the sweetest compliment ever. She said that I am one of the most spiritual people she has ever met and her most spiritual companion! That one comment meant the world to me.
Okay, I am out of time so I must be quick with the rest. This week we got to perform musical numbers at the Seniors Conference in Pittsburgh. It was way fun! I was able to sing "This Is The Christ." The Spirit was so strong as I sang, and my companion played. It was great.
We got to see the General Relief Society broadcast this week and it was amazing! I've been praying that the Lord will guide the leaders at General Conference to share what I need to hear before I go home. Kinda like counsel to me before I leave my mission. Well, President Eyring (my favorite) spoke at the General RS Broadcast. He talked about how the Savior had summoned men in the field to come work with him and promised them that they would have more joy. Well, he then went on to say, that they were already laboring in a field and doing great things. But he had an even greater work for them to do that would bring even more joy than they had already experienced. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like he was saying that serving my mission has been a great joy and a blessing, but the Lord has even more missions for me to perform, that will bring even more joy to my life, like it would add to the joy I've already experienced, not take away from it. That one statement brought me such peace about going home. Though I'd love to be engulfed in this work forever, the Lord is calling me to a new work that will fill my heart with joy! Exciting!
Last Thursday, we had dinner with the Fishers. Brother Fisher asked me about my conversion story, and he shared his story of how he became reactivated only 10 years ago when his wife was being taught the lessons. Well, it was a beautiful story. Then I shared Alma 36 with them. I talked of the joy that has come into my life because of the gospel. Anyway, the Spirit was really strong. Then Brother Fisher looked at me and said, "You are a great tool in the Lord's hands. He will use you to convert many!" Tears were in his eyes and mine as he spoke. What a tender mercy of the Lord to hear those words.
On Sunday, it was my last Fast and Testimony meeting on my mission. So, of course, I bore my testimony. At this moment I can't really remember what I talked about. All I know is that the Spirit was really strong. I talked about the love the Savior has for each of us, how when I first started reading the Book of Mormon, it put a fire of reading the scriptures in my heart, and helped me to overcome sin and temptation. I bore testimony of how happy my life is because of the gospel. I cried through the whole thing. It was probably one of the times I've felt the Spirit strongest on my mission.
Speaking of feeling the Spirit, I got asked to write my "most spiritual experience" on my mission, to the mission president. Well as you can see from my "short" e-mail, that was a bit impossible! So instead, I shared a few spiritual experiences from each area I served in. It truned out to be a 9 page letter! Whoops! Anyway, I had interviews with the Misison President this week and he and his wife commented on how much they loved them and appreciated that I took the time to write them down. In my interview, President was very encouraging. He told me he was proud of all the great work I have done and was excited to hear about the many miracles I have been blessed to see. It was a great interview.
Well, our investigator pool is dwindling. We aren't teaching much due to my companion's health. But we are having great success with Taylor Ricks! He is coming to church consistently each week and staying all three hours. We are meeting him every Thursday and the Spirit is always very strong. He is on his way back to being fully reactivated! Yay!
Speaking of not teaching much, yesterday we had interviews and the Zone Leaders did role plays with us. As I roleplayed teaching the First Vision and the Book of Mormon, I felt the Spirit really strong. Then I got asked two different questions. The first was "Who is Jesus Christ?" The second was "What does the Savior mean to you." As I shared I felt the Spirit so strong. The Zone Leader, Elder Page, was trying to get us to see the difference between stating facts (the first question) and bearing our testimonies (the second question). It was very powerful and I was drawn to tears the second time. Teaching even during roleplays got me thinking. It made me realize how strong the Spirit is when we are teaching. When you teach all day, every day, you kind of take the feelings of the Spirit for granted because you feel it all the time. When you are stuck inside the apartment for hours, and then you get to teach one lesson, the Spirit feels amazing! The contrast of helping to lift a depressed companion, versus teaching the gospel is so vast! I am grateful to have noticed how powerful the Spirit really is as we teach. What a lesson to learn!
Well, I must be going! I love and miss you guys! Keep writing! It makes my day!
All My Love and Prayers,
Sister Deal
How are you? I am doing well. First off, I would like to thank you for your constant love, prayers, and support over the past 18 months. It has been felt. Second, I would like to thank the many consistent snail mailers that write me. I guess a lot of my mail was still going to Dover, so this week, I got the mail from the beginning of last month delivered to me. That gave me a grand total of 14 letters with the mail I received in Cranberry! Let me just say, I feel VERY loved! So thank you. And if I don't get to all of you today, I'll write by next week! Promise!
Okay so, I kinda spent awhile responding to some of the personal e-mails from family wanting to know info of when I return and what my plans are, so this just may have to be a really short e-mail! Forgive me! Well, the most important news to report has to do with my companion, Sister Gibbs. As I mentioned to you earlier, she was really struggling with health issues. To put it bluntly she has severe depression problems, so we haven't been able to do very much work at all. Yesterday, we met with President Summerhays, and he has counciled her to return home at the end of the transfer, when I go. That is 6 weeks early. It is sad, but I think it will be the best thing for her. As missionaries we use silly little language. For example, when you start your mission, your trainer is you "mom" your first area is where you were "born" and when you go home you "die." If you see a missionary go home you "killed them off." So my joke to my companion has been that I want to stay so bad that I wont let anyone kill me off. But since I have to "die" I am going to take someone down with me, hence the joke that my companion is coming home now with me. It made her laugh a little at the situation. Anyway, it truly is the best thing for her and for the missionary work in this area. We have really done little to no work due to her health.
That being said, I was feeling kind of frustrated. I didn't understand why in my last transfer when the mission president encouraged me to work hard and give it my all, I would be with a companion who just can't work. I was praying lots and trying to figure it out. Then, two nights ago, while I was comforting a crying companion in the middle of the night, I realized why I am here. The Lord has blessed me with the tools to help Sister Gibbs through this time. It's weird because I have served with a lot of sick companions, or companions struggling with depression. As I was comforting my companion the other night, I heard the voice of the Spirit speak to me and say, "It's not about having a baptism in your last area or how many doors you knock on in a transfer. It's about people. Each of my children are precious to me. Your purpose here, is to help save lost souls. Sometimes those who are lost, are those who are right next to you. Your purpose for being here in Cranberry is to help Sister Gibbs through this trying time. And that is a very important purpose that only you can fulfill." Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I am grateful that the Lord is pleased with my efforts even if the work I am doing is different than what I would have pictured. Sister Gibbs is constantly thanking me for being her companion. Our testimonies have been strengthened while serving together. This week she gave me the sweetest compliment ever. She said that I am one of the most spiritual people she has ever met and her most spiritual companion! That one comment meant the world to me.
Okay, I am out of time so I must be quick with the rest. This week we got to perform musical numbers at the Seniors Conference in Pittsburgh. It was way fun! I was able to sing "This Is The Christ." The Spirit was so strong as I sang, and my companion played. It was great.
We got to see the General Relief Society broadcast this week and it was amazing! I've been praying that the Lord will guide the leaders at General Conference to share what I need to hear before I go home. Kinda like counsel to me before I leave my mission. Well, President Eyring (my favorite) spoke at the General RS Broadcast. He talked about how the Savior had summoned men in the field to come work with him and promised them that they would have more joy. Well, he then went on to say, that they were already laboring in a field and doing great things. But he had an even greater work for them to do that would bring even more joy than they had already experienced. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like he was saying that serving my mission has been a great joy and a blessing, but the Lord has even more missions for me to perform, that will bring even more joy to my life, like it would add to the joy I've already experienced, not take away from it. That one statement brought me such peace about going home. Though I'd love to be engulfed in this work forever, the Lord is calling me to a new work that will fill my heart with joy! Exciting!
Last Thursday, we had dinner with the Fishers. Brother Fisher asked me about my conversion story, and he shared his story of how he became reactivated only 10 years ago when his wife was being taught the lessons. Well, it was a beautiful story. Then I shared Alma 36 with them. I talked of the joy that has come into my life because of the gospel. Anyway, the Spirit was really strong. Then Brother Fisher looked at me and said, "You are a great tool in the Lord's hands. He will use you to convert many!" Tears were in his eyes and mine as he spoke. What a tender mercy of the Lord to hear those words.
On Sunday, it was my last Fast and Testimony meeting on my mission. So, of course, I bore my testimony. At this moment I can't really remember what I talked about. All I know is that the Spirit was really strong. I talked about the love the Savior has for each of us, how when I first started reading the Book of Mormon, it put a fire of reading the scriptures in my heart, and helped me to overcome sin and temptation. I bore testimony of how happy my life is because of the gospel. I cried through the whole thing. It was probably one of the times I've felt the Spirit strongest on my mission.
Speaking of feeling the Spirit, I got asked to write my "most spiritual experience" on my mission, to the mission president. Well as you can see from my "short" e-mail, that was a bit impossible! So instead, I shared a few spiritual experiences from each area I served in. It truned out to be a 9 page letter! Whoops! Anyway, I had interviews with the Misison President this week and he and his wife commented on how much they loved them and appreciated that I took the time to write them down. In my interview, President was very encouraging. He told me he was proud of all the great work I have done and was excited to hear about the many miracles I have been blessed to see. It was a great interview.
Well, our investigator pool is dwindling. We aren't teaching much due to my companion's health. But we are having great success with Taylor Ricks! He is coming to church consistently each week and staying all three hours. We are meeting him every Thursday and the Spirit is always very strong. He is on his way back to being fully reactivated! Yay!
Speaking of not teaching much, yesterday we had interviews and the Zone Leaders did role plays with us. As I roleplayed teaching the First Vision and the Book of Mormon, I felt the Spirit really strong. Then I got asked two different questions. The first was "Who is Jesus Christ?" The second was "What does the Savior mean to you." As I shared I felt the Spirit so strong. The Zone Leader, Elder Page, was trying to get us to see the difference between stating facts (the first question) and bearing our testimonies (the second question). It was very powerful and I was drawn to tears the second time. Teaching even during roleplays got me thinking. It made me realize how strong the Spirit is when we are teaching. When you teach all day, every day, you kind of take the feelings of the Spirit for granted because you feel it all the time. When you are stuck inside the apartment for hours, and then you get to teach one lesson, the Spirit feels amazing! The contrast of helping to lift a depressed companion, versus teaching the gospel is so vast! I am grateful to have noticed how powerful the Spirit really is as we teach. What a lesson to learn!
Well, I must be going! I love and miss you guys! Keep writing! It makes my day!
All My Love and Prayers,
Sister Deal
Monday, September 28, 2009
24 September 2009
Hello Family and Friends!
How are you doing? I am doing great.This week is kind of a weird week because Monday (September 21) marked one month until I am home, and Saturday (September 26) marks me being being a missionary for 18 months! It sure is crazy how fast the time flies, and it continues to go faster and faster!
This week, we had a great lesson with a less-active young man named Taylor Ricks. He is originally from Idaho and is just here for work for a few months. Well, the Bishop wanted us to reteach him the lessons since he hasn't been active in church since he was 13 (he is now 21). Well, we taught him the first lesson and it went so well. The Spirit was so strong. After I shared the First Vision, I paused and then asked him how he felt at that moment. With tears in his eyes, he looked up and said, "Good. Really Good." I then testified that those good feelings he was having was the Spirit whispering to him that the things we had taught him were true. It was amazing! He is doing well at working his way back. He came to church last week, and we are still going to teach him. It turns out that he's headed home to Idaho in November, so I may see him at school when I return home. Ironic!
We had dinner with an active woman this week, named Sister Ellis. She shared with us some struggles she had been having. I then felt prompted to share Mosiah 24 with her. It wasn't what we had planned to share, so I almost didn't share it. But I felt like the Spirit kept whispering that was what she needed to hear. So I shared it. I explained that the Lord explains why he doesn't just take their burdens away, but lightens them. He says, "And this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hearafter, and that you may know of a surety that I the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." I explained that the Lord uses every bad situation for good and that He helps use us as a tool in His hands to help others out of similar bondage situations that we were once in. The Spirit was really strong. And then she laughed. She explained that I am the third person in a matter of just a few weeks to share that same chapter with her, and that she felt the Lord really wanted her to get the message that she needed it! Amazing! The Lord really does use us as tools in His hands to help others. I'm so very grateful I listened to that prompting and was able to help her.
We had another great lesson with August. We taught him the first half of the plan of salvation. It went really well. He loved it. He continues to consistently read. Thorughout the lesson he kept saying, "You know, I'm really thinking about becoming Mormon." So I challenged him to pray about baptism! Please pray for August. His hurdle is that he hasn't come out to church. Things just keep getting in the way. One week he was really sick, and the next he had a family emergency. So pray that he'll make it there. He's so excited about the gospel and has great fellowshippers. He really wants to come.
Well, the combining of the missions has been a bit tough. It was interesting to see some of the things the Pittsburgh Missionaries do and don't do. Well, I have remembered the words that President Pugh told us before he left. He told us not to lower our standards, but if their standard was higher to come up to theirs, and if ours was higher to help lift them to it. Well, lots of the Sisters seem to dress a bit too casual for missionaries. They were t-shirts instead of button up ones, and don't ever wear suit jakets. Well, I told my companion why I always wear suit jackets in the chapel and why I dress the way I do. I expalined that we are representatives of Christ and should look like it. That we shouldn't be too casual in our dress, so that people can recognize us as servants of Christ. She then started adjusting her wardrobe. Now she wears a suit jacket everytime we are in the chapel and has been wearing more button up shirts. It was really neat. She even thanked me for inspiring her to do that more. So I am being an example to my companion. We are both learning lots from each other!
Well this week we taught Carlos Levia (our recent convert) and his non-member friends Cornelio and Alejandro. Well, we had an amazing lesson with them. They were all asking lots of questions. By the end Alejandro said he wants to come to church this Sunday. Amazing! It turned out though, that yesterday Carlos and Cornelio moved to Pittsburgh :( We were way sad. But hopefully we can still teach Alejandro. I love teaching the Spanish people. They are way awesome and I love following along in my "El Libro De Mormon." It is fun.
This week we had to get our car checked for emssions. Well, while it was happening, I felt prompted to go tracting. The only person we ended up talking to was Darren. He was working in a yard a little ways away. So I ran over and started talking to him. The Spirit was way strong and he became a new investigator! Infact, he is the first investigator we have found though tracting since I have been here! Amazing! I love following the promptings of the Spirit.
We got to serve at the Senior Center this week. It was a highlight. I loved playing Scrabble with one of the cute older women. Plus it was so cute to watch them line dance. I just love opportunities to serve. Since my companion had been so sick, I hadn't been able to do any service in two weeks. I didn't realize how much I missed it! I just love serving others.
Well, my time is up for the week. Know that I love and miss you! Thanks for your letters. They make my week. It's nice to know that after 18 months, you still haven't forgotten me. Have a great week, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Sister Deal
How are you doing? I am doing great.This week is kind of a weird week because Monday (September 21) marked one month until I am home, and Saturday (September 26) marks me being being a missionary for 18 months! It sure is crazy how fast the time flies, and it continues to go faster and faster!
This week, we had a great lesson with a less-active young man named Taylor Ricks. He is originally from Idaho and is just here for work for a few months. Well, the Bishop wanted us to reteach him the lessons since he hasn't been active in church since he was 13 (he is now 21). Well, we taught him the first lesson and it went so well. The Spirit was so strong. After I shared the First Vision, I paused and then asked him how he felt at that moment. With tears in his eyes, he looked up and said, "Good. Really Good." I then testified that those good feelings he was having was the Spirit whispering to him that the things we had taught him were true. It was amazing! He is doing well at working his way back. He came to church last week, and we are still going to teach him. It turns out that he's headed home to Idaho in November, so I may see him at school when I return home. Ironic!
We had dinner with an active woman this week, named Sister Ellis. She shared with us some struggles she had been having. I then felt prompted to share Mosiah 24 with her. It wasn't what we had planned to share, so I almost didn't share it. But I felt like the Spirit kept whispering that was what she needed to hear. So I shared it. I explained that the Lord explains why he doesn't just take their burdens away, but lightens them. He says, "And this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hearafter, and that you may know of a surety that I the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." I explained that the Lord uses every bad situation for good and that He helps use us as a tool in His hands to help others out of similar bondage situations that we were once in. The Spirit was really strong. And then she laughed. She explained that I am the third person in a matter of just a few weeks to share that same chapter with her, and that she felt the Lord really wanted her to get the message that she needed it! Amazing! The Lord really does use us as tools in His hands to help others. I'm so very grateful I listened to that prompting and was able to help her.
We had another great lesson with August. We taught him the first half of the plan of salvation. It went really well. He loved it. He continues to consistently read. Thorughout the lesson he kept saying, "You know, I'm really thinking about becoming Mormon." So I challenged him to pray about baptism! Please pray for August. His hurdle is that he hasn't come out to church. Things just keep getting in the way. One week he was really sick, and the next he had a family emergency. So pray that he'll make it there. He's so excited about the gospel and has great fellowshippers. He really wants to come.
Well, the combining of the missions has been a bit tough. It was interesting to see some of the things the Pittsburgh Missionaries do and don't do. Well, I have remembered the words that President Pugh told us before he left. He told us not to lower our standards, but if their standard was higher to come up to theirs, and if ours was higher to help lift them to it. Well, lots of the Sisters seem to dress a bit too casual for missionaries. They were t-shirts instead of button up ones, and don't ever wear suit jakets. Well, I told my companion why I always wear suit jackets in the chapel and why I dress the way I do. I expalined that we are representatives of Christ and should look like it. That we shouldn't be too casual in our dress, so that people can recognize us as servants of Christ. She then started adjusting her wardrobe. Now she wears a suit jacket everytime we are in the chapel and has been wearing more button up shirts. It was really neat. She even thanked me for inspiring her to do that more. So I am being an example to my companion. We are both learning lots from each other!
Well this week we taught Carlos Levia (our recent convert) and his non-member friends Cornelio and Alejandro. Well, we had an amazing lesson with them. They were all asking lots of questions. By the end Alejandro said he wants to come to church this Sunday. Amazing! It turned out though, that yesterday Carlos and Cornelio moved to Pittsburgh :( We were way sad. But hopefully we can still teach Alejandro. I love teaching the Spanish people. They are way awesome and I love following along in my "El Libro De Mormon." It is fun.
This week we had to get our car checked for emssions. Well, while it was happening, I felt prompted to go tracting. The only person we ended up talking to was Darren. He was working in a yard a little ways away. So I ran over and started talking to him. The Spirit was way strong and he became a new investigator! Infact, he is the first investigator we have found though tracting since I have been here! Amazing! I love following the promptings of the Spirit.
We got to serve at the Senior Center this week. It was a highlight. I loved playing Scrabble with one of the cute older women. Plus it was so cute to watch them line dance. I just love opportunities to serve. Since my companion had been so sick, I hadn't been able to do any service in two weeks. I didn't realize how much I missed it! I just love serving others.
Well, my time is up for the week. Know that I love and miss you! Thanks for your letters. They make my week. It's nice to know that after 18 months, you still haven't forgotten me. Have a great week, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Sister Deal
17 September 2009
Hello family and friends!
Well, there isn't a ton to report this week. It has been kind of a crazy week. My companion, Sister Gibbs, has been way sick. So we were able to do very little work this week. She has been having similar stomach problems as I have had my whole mission. She too has suffered with it her whole mission. She has other struggles as well. So it has been a tough week. It was tough trying to work with combining our different personalities and ways of doing missionary work, since we come from different missions. At first, it was really hard. But I spent a lot of time in prayer and trying to serve her. Now I can honestly say, that I do love my companion, and despite the challenges we are facing, I am learning a lot from serving with her. Plus we have really learned how to laugh and just have fun together, despite the challenges we are facing.
That being said, there isn't much to report. But I will share a few fun stories with you. This week we had 5 investigators at church and 3 less-actives at church! One of our investigators who came to church, was Wes Omer. He is a cute 15 year-old boy. We met with him last night and had a great lesson with him. He has TONS of questions, and really seems to be searching. It is great. He LOVED church and said he wants to come again. After the lesson, we visited with his parents for a little bit (Wes doesn't like them to sit in on the lessons- he's a teenager) anyway, they started asking us questions. His dad asked if we have ever heard stories of spirits who have passed on communicating with people. The temple just kept coming to my mind. My companion talked about the Spirit world and I pulled out a temple pass-a-long card. I talked about how the temple is where our families can be together forever and how many people have felt the presence of those who have passed on, in the sacred house of the Lord. It was really neat. They felt the Spirit as we talked, and shared how they had visit the San Diego and Salt Lake City temples! Amazing! I am excited to work with them more. The whole family came to church this last week. Please pray for the Omers.
I also got to help teach a first lesson to a less-active member's, Patrick Maggard, Mom. It was a great lesson. As we talked about families, she started to cry as she expressed her love for her son, Patrick. She was so excited about the message we were sent to bring. Patrick said he caught her over and over reading the Book of Mormon. He said she seems so into it, and that it has answered many of his prayers. Patrick has been working on coming back. We are so excited for him and his Mom. Please keep them in your prayers.
We also visited with a less-active family this week, the Penlands. They are amazing. They have such strong testimonies. As I shared a favorite scripture, their son, open his scriptures and shared 2 Nephi 4 and how it helped him in a hard time. Then I related how that scripture also helped me in a hard time. Then before I knew it, we sang the song that goes along with it, "I Need Thee Every Hour." My companion plays the piano, so she played it and we sang along. The Spirit was so strong. It is amazing how the Lord uses the scriptures to bless each of our lives and to change us. I love this gospel so much!
Well, this week I have done tons of reading and cleaning because I have been stuck inside. It is funny. But it turns out I have discovered I am kind of a neat freak. Our apartment had been so unorganized and cluttered and dirty. So I have been working on it so hard, and it looks much more like a home. I love it. Plus I got the Zone Leaders to give me more materials to make the area book more organized. I guess Pittsburgh just didn't have some of the great tools we had in our mission, to make our area books more effective. I am grateful to have the opportunity to get it more organized. So, even though I have been in a lot this last week, I am doing all I can to make every minute count and to leave this area better than I found it.
Well, time is short. I want you to know, that I love and miss each and every one of you. Write me soon. I didn't get any snail mail this week. So don't forget my address changed to:
2727 Chelsey Court
Cranberrry TWP, PA 16066
oh and don't forget that I love mail...especially when I am stuck inside for hours at a time with a companion who is in bed sleeping most of the day because she's sick. So write soon, and I guess I'll see you soon too.
All my love and prayers,
Sister Deal
Well, there isn't a ton to report this week. It has been kind of a crazy week. My companion, Sister Gibbs, has been way sick. So we were able to do very little work this week. She has been having similar stomach problems as I have had my whole mission. She too has suffered with it her whole mission. She has other struggles as well. So it has been a tough week. It was tough trying to work with combining our different personalities and ways of doing missionary work, since we come from different missions. At first, it was really hard. But I spent a lot of time in prayer and trying to serve her. Now I can honestly say, that I do love my companion, and despite the challenges we are facing, I am learning a lot from serving with her. Plus we have really learned how to laugh and just have fun together, despite the challenges we are facing.
That being said, there isn't much to report. But I will share a few fun stories with you. This week we had 5 investigators at church and 3 less-actives at church! One of our investigators who came to church, was Wes Omer. He is a cute 15 year-old boy. We met with him last night and had a great lesson with him. He has TONS of questions, and really seems to be searching. It is great. He LOVED church and said he wants to come again. After the lesson, we visited with his parents for a little bit (Wes doesn't like them to sit in on the lessons- he's a teenager) anyway, they started asking us questions. His dad asked if we have ever heard stories of spirits who have passed on communicating with people. The temple just kept coming to my mind. My companion talked about the Spirit world and I pulled out a temple pass-a-long card. I talked about how the temple is where our families can be together forever and how many people have felt the presence of those who have passed on, in the sacred house of the Lord. It was really neat. They felt the Spirit as we talked, and shared how they had visit the San Diego and Salt Lake City temples! Amazing! I am excited to work with them more. The whole family came to church this last week. Please pray for the Omers.
I also got to help teach a first lesson to a less-active member's, Patrick Maggard, Mom. It was a great lesson. As we talked about families, she started to cry as she expressed her love for her son, Patrick. She was so excited about the message we were sent to bring. Patrick said he caught her over and over reading the Book of Mormon. He said she seems so into it, and that it has answered many of his prayers. Patrick has been working on coming back. We are so excited for him and his Mom. Please keep them in your prayers.
We also visited with a less-active family this week, the Penlands. They are amazing. They have such strong testimonies. As I shared a favorite scripture, their son, open his scriptures and shared 2 Nephi 4 and how it helped him in a hard time. Then I related how that scripture also helped me in a hard time. Then before I knew it, we sang the song that goes along with it, "I Need Thee Every Hour." My companion plays the piano, so she played it and we sang along. The Spirit was so strong. It is amazing how the Lord uses the scriptures to bless each of our lives and to change us. I love this gospel so much!
Well, this week I have done tons of reading and cleaning because I have been stuck inside. It is funny. But it turns out I have discovered I am kind of a neat freak. Our apartment had been so unorganized and cluttered and dirty. So I have been working on it so hard, and it looks much more like a home. I love it. Plus I got the Zone Leaders to give me more materials to make the area book more organized. I guess Pittsburgh just didn't have some of the great tools we had in our mission, to make our area books more effective. I am grateful to have the opportunity to get it more organized. So, even though I have been in a lot this last week, I am doing all I can to make every minute count and to leave this area better than I found it.
Well, time is short. I want you to know, that I love and miss each and every one of you. Write me soon. I didn't get any snail mail this week. So don't forget my address changed to:
2727 Chelsey Court
Cranberrry TWP, PA 16066
oh and don't forget that I love mail...especially when I am stuck inside for hours at a time with a companion who is in bed sleeping most of the day because she's sick. So write soon, and I guess I'll see you soon too.
All my love and prayers,
Sister Deal
Thursday, September 10, 2009
10 September 2009
Hello Family and Friends!
How are you doing? I am doing well. I will start with the big news first today. Transfers came and......drumroll please......I got transfered?!? And so did Sister LaMont! They closed our area to Sisters and moved in Elders! We had only been there for 2 transfers (3 months) so that was really odd and something I defintely didn't anticipate happening. Of course it was way sad to leave Dover, with only 6 weeks left. I was especially sad to leave Cody and Amanda. Cody is still on for being baptized on September 26th and is way excited for it. He was sad to have me leave. But luckily Sister LaMont got transfered to Lititz, so hopefully she can go to his baptism and take pictures for me. It's funny because Lititz was my longest areas, and both of the Sisters I trianed, went to Lititz right after I finished training them. Crazy! Well, we had to pack like crazy and leave extra notes for the Elders, and say good-bye to everyone. Amanda and Ernie's wedding was yesterday. They were way sad that we both left. And we volunteered to help them at their reception, so I guess the Elders were busy doing that.
The hardest part of leaving was saying goodbye to the Shoemakers. Brother Shoemaker is the Ward Mission Leader there. We would have dinner with their family every Wednesday night, and do our laundry in the morning, on p-day. They were our home away from home. On our last day, they invited us over for dinner. Then Brother Shoemaker asked his whole family to bear their testimonies to us. It was a sweet Testimony Meeting, we were all crying. They expressed thier love for us and how much they would miss us, as well as the things they have come to know are true. I too, expressed my love for them and how much I would miss them. They really are part of my extended family. I will miss Dover so very much!
As far as the work in Dover, the Elders have it good. When we got there, if you'll recall, the Elders had left us with no records, no investigators, and no appointments. These new Elders get to come to an area with Cody set with a date and a lot of potential for others. Plus, I'm a great record keeper and left good notes. They have quite a few appointments too. I feel good about those Elders though. I think they will do good work.
We did have lots of people at church this week. Brother Choate, Sister Gonzalez, Brother Holmes, and Brother John Bubb came. Brother Choate stayed for all three hours again. I had called and left him another funny message Sunday morning to help inspire him to come. I guess it worked! When I called to tell Brother Choate good-bye, he thanked me for all we have done to help him and said he'd really miss us. That is a miracle, because he is always a jokester. It was great to feel like we had impacted his life. It was also great to have Brother Bubb at church, because him and his wife have been less-active for awhile. He even brought his kids! Miracle!
This last week, the Elders came and Blitzed our area (Dover). It means that the whole district went tracting in our area. Well, none of the Elders found new investigators, but we did! We found and awesome man named Stanely. He told us how Christ had helped save him from the bad life he was living. I then recounted the story of Alma the Younger, and it really seemed to hit him. He literally said, "Wow! That is amazing!" after I read a few versus of Alma 36. It was a great experience. It was also an affirmation that we were doing great work in Dover. During the Blitz, Sister LaMont and I taught half of the lessons of the whole district (4 sets of missionaries) and we street contacted half of the people too. It was wonderful to see the Lord bless our efforts and to feel like we are doing great work, especially since they just kicked us out of the area. I do know that the Lord had a purpose for us there. I guess we just fulfilled it. Of course, the ward was sad that we left. They hadn't had Sisters in the ward for over a year, and were so glad to have us back. We also were seeing more sucess than other missionaries had seen in a long time. I guess we were just supposed to get the area going again, so the Elders could keep it rolling.
Well, by now, you are probably wondering where I am? Any guesses? Well, let's talk about the transformation that occurred. They took Sisters out of Meadville (the Pittsburgh side) and us out of Dover. Then they moved to sets of Sisters into State College (that has been an Elders area for years). Well, I got moved to an area on the Pittsburgh side of the mission, called Cranberry. The travel over here was kind of odd because I was the only Sister to transfer to this side of the mission, so I rode in a van with two Elders!?!? Weird! Well, I am excited to be here in Cranberry and excited for the adventures that lie ahead. My new companion is Sister Gibbs. She has been out for awhile too. She is only serving for 12 transfers so she has two more transfers left and goes home in December. I am enjoying serving with her, but it was sad to say goodbye to Sister LaMont.
Yesterday, I had the most amazing experience of my mission thus far. We knocked on this door (it was the first street we tracted in this area), and a deaf woman named Angela, answered the door. She was trying to tell us she was deaf, so I started to sign to her. I haven’t taken a sign language class in probably two years, and it was only one quarter at college, before that it has been since I was a junior in High School. Well, the Spirit is amazing, because I was able to remember way more words than I ever should have. I also talked with her for awhile. I testified of the Savior and the Book of Mormon and even prayed in Sign Language. It was amazing! The Spirit was so strong too, I felt overcome by it, and was fighting back the tears. It is amazing what the Spirit can do, and how he can use you to bless the lives of others. I know I was supposed to be in Cranberry yesterday, so I could meet Angela. She didn’t invite us back, but we are going to see if there is an interpreter in the ward, that we can bring to meet her, so who knows.
We also met an amazing man last night who was a member referral. His name is August. His friends (the Cruvers) gave him a Book of Mormon and he has already read a few chapters. We were able to teach him the first lesson and he wants to come to church! I think he has a lot of potential. Who knows, maybe he’ll get baptized before I leave. We also met a recent convert, Carlos, who speaks only Spanish. He comes to church every week and only understands Sunday School (where they teach in Spanish). What an amazing man he is! I am excited to get to know him more, and am starting to read the Book of Mormon in Spanish again, so I can hopefully learn a few more words.
Well, it feels as if my mission, is flying by so fast. I will be home at Halloween. Everyone, keeps putting up Halloween stuff in the stores, so I am trying not to notice it. Plus the leaves are changing colors and beginning to fall, which means Halloween is coming. The other night Sister LaMont and I were tracting, and it was a full moon, a black cat crossed our path, and their were tons of spider webs in doorways. Well, I am trying to hide from Halloween, but it is just no use! I guess the end of my mission will come, no matter how hard I try to hide from it. So, I am just going to work really hard every moment and make every minute count.
Oh! I saw Elder Smart this week at transfers! He is an Elder who lived in the same ward the Springgays live in. I had met him a few times before when I would go to the family ward with them. Well, I led the music at transfers (a talent I have learned on my mission) and afterwards, he came up to me and said hello. Marilyn, I told him you said hi, and he said you were amazing and his all time favorite teacher. He is doing well. It was neat to meet an Elder who is from the same town as me back home. But he is pretty new in his mission, so I probably won’t see him again. It was fun though! It’s funny that President Murray (my old Bishop) got called to Philly, I got called to Harrisburg, and Elder Smart got called to Pittsburg, and we all live in the same town back home. I guess Pennsylvania really needed the Washington influence!
Well, this letter has gotten long! Sorry I am so long winded, but there was much to report. Know that I love and miss you…oh and I almost forgot to give you my new address. Here it is:
2727 Chelsey Court
Cranberry TWP, PA 16066
There may not be a ton of time left on my mission, but I expect you to keep writing me! I love and miss you. Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Deal
How are you doing? I am doing well. I will start with the big news first today. Transfers came and......drumroll please......I got transfered?!? And so did Sister LaMont! They closed our area to Sisters and moved in Elders! We had only been there for 2 transfers (3 months) so that was really odd and something I defintely didn't anticipate happening. Of course it was way sad to leave Dover, with only 6 weeks left. I was especially sad to leave Cody and Amanda. Cody is still on for being baptized on September 26th and is way excited for it. He was sad to have me leave. But luckily Sister LaMont got transfered to Lititz, so hopefully she can go to his baptism and take pictures for me. It's funny because Lititz was my longest areas, and both of the Sisters I trianed, went to Lititz right after I finished training them. Crazy! Well, we had to pack like crazy and leave extra notes for the Elders, and say good-bye to everyone. Amanda and Ernie's wedding was yesterday. They were way sad that we both left. And we volunteered to help them at their reception, so I guess the Elders were busy doing that.
The hardest part of leaving was saying goodbye to the Shoemakers. Brother Shoemaker is the Ward Mission Leader there. We would have dinner with their family every Wednesday night, and do our laundry in the morning, on p-day. They were our home away from home. On our last day, they invited us over for dinner. Then Brother Shoemaker asked his whole family to bear their testimonies to us. It was a sweet Testimony Meeting, we were all crying. They expressed thier love for us and how much they would miss us, as well as the things they have come to know are true. I too, expressed my love for them and how much I would miss them. They really are part of my extended family. I will miss Dover so very much!
As far as the work in Dover, the Elders have it good. When we got there, if you'll recall, the Elders had left us with no records, no investigators, and no appointments. These new Elders get to come to an area with Cody set with a date and a lot of potential for others. Plus, I'm a great record keeper and left good notes. They have quite a few appointments too. I feel good about those Elders though. I think they will do good work.
We did have lots of people at church this week. Brother Choate, Sister Gonzalez, Brother Holmes, and Brother John Bubb came. Brother Choate stayed for all three hours again. I had called and left him another funny message Sunday morning to help inspire him to come. I guess it worked! When I called to tell Brother Choate good-bye, he thanked me for all we have done to help him and said he'd really miss us. That is a miracle, because he is always a jokester. It was great to feel like we had impacted his life. It was also great to have Brother Bubb at church, because him and his wife have been less-active for awhile. He even brought his kids! Miracle!
This last week, the Elders came and Blitzed our area (Dover). It means that the whole district went tracting in our area. Well, none of the Elders found new investigators, but we did! We found and awesome man named Stanely. He told us how Christ had helped save him from the bad life he was living. I then recounted the story of Alma the Younger, and it really seemed to hit him. He literally said, "Wow! That is amazing!" after I read a few versus of Alma 36. It was a great experience. It was also an affirmation that we were doing great work in Dover. During the Blitz, Sister LaMont and I taught half of the lessons of the whole district (4 sets of missionaries) and we street contacted half of the people too. It was wonderful to see the Lord bless our efforts and to feel like we are doing great work, especially since they just kicked us out of the area. I do know that the Lord had a purpose for us there. I guess we just fulfilled it. Of course, the ward was sad that we left. They hadn't had Sisters in the ward for over a year, and were so glad to have us back. We also were seeing more sucess than other missionaries had seen in a long time. I guess we were just supposed to get the area going again, so the Elders could keep it rolling.
Well, by now, you are probably wondering where I am? Any guesses? Well, let's talk about the transformation that occurred. They took Sisters out of Meadville (the Pittsburgh side) and us out of Dover. Then they moved to sets of Sisters into State College (that has been an Elders area for years). Well, I got moved to an area on the Pittsburgh side of the mission, called Cranberry. The travel over here was kind of odd because I was the only Sister to transfer to this side of the mission, so I rode in a van with two Elders!?!? Weird! Well, I am excited to be here in Cranberry and excited for the adventures that lie ahead. My new companion is Sister Gibbs. She has been out for awhile too. She is only serving for 12 transfers so she has two more transfers left and goes home in December. I am enjoying serving with her, but it was sad to say goodbye to Sister LaMont.
Yesterday, I had the most amazing experience of my mission thus far. We knocked on this door (it was the first street we tracted in this area), and a deaf woman named Angela, answered the door. She was trying to tell us she was deaf, so I started to sign to her. I haven’t taken a sign language class in probably two years, and it was only one quarter at college, before that it has been since I was a junior in High School. Well, the Spirit is amazing, because I was able to remember way more words than I ever should have. I also talked with her for awhile. I testified of the Savior and the Book of Mormon and even prayed in Sign Language. It was amazing! The Spirit was so strong too, I felt overcome by it, and was fighting back the tears. It is amazing what the Spirit can do, and how he can use you to bless the lives of others. I know I was supposed to be in Cranberry yesterday, so I could meet Angela. She didn’t invite us back, but we are going to see if there is an interpreter in the ward, that we can bring to meet her, so who knows.
We also met an amazing man last night who was a member referral. His name is August. His friends (the Cruvers) gave him a Book of Mormon and he has already read a few chapters. We were able to teach him the first lesson and he wants to come to church! I think he has a lot of potential. Who knows, maybe he’ll get baptized before I leave. We also met a recent convert, Carlos, who speaks only Spanish. He comes to church every week and only understands Sunday School (where they teach in Spanish). What an amazing man he is! I am excited to get to know him more, and am starting to read the Book of Mormon in Spanish again, so I can hopefully learn a few more words.
Well, it feels as if my mission, is flying by so fast. I will be home at Halloween. Everyone, keeps putting up Halloween stuff in the stores, so I am trying not to notice it. Plus the leaves are changing colors and beginning to fall, which means Halloween is coming. The other night Sister LaMont and I were tracting, and it was a full moon, a black cat crossed our path, and their were tons of spider webs in doorways. Well, I am trying to hide from Halloween, but it is just no use! I guess the end of my mission will come, no matter how hard I try to hide from it. So, I am just going to work really hard every moment and make every minute count.
Oh! I saw Elder Smart this week at transfers! He is an Elder who lived in the same ward the Springgays live in. I had met him a few times before when I would go to the family ward with them. Well, I led the music at transfers (a talent I have learned on my mission) and afterwards, he came up to me and said hello. Marilyn, I told him you said hi, and he said you were amazing and his all time favorite teacher. He is doing well. It was neat to meet an Elder who is from the same town as me back home. But he is pretty new in his mission, so I probably won’t see him again. It was fun though! It’s funny that President Murray (my old Bishop) got called to Philly, I got called to Harrisburg, and Elder Smart got called to Pittsburg, and we all live in the same town back home. I guess Pennsylvania really needed the Washington influence!
Well, this letter has gotten long! Sorry I am so long winded, but there was much to report. Know that I love and miss you…oh and I almost forgot to give you my new address. Here it is:
2727 Chelsey Court
Cranberry TWP, PA 16066
There may not be a ton of time left on my mission, but I expect you to keep writing me! I love and miss you. Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Deal
3 September 2009
Hello family and friends!
How are you doing? I am doing great. This week was pretty good, but unfortunately we had a lot of cancelations. Luckily, we were blessed to see many friendly faces come out to church. The Evans came and this was their second time coming since we've been here. Before that, they hadn't been for 6 months! So it was a treat to have them come and to see them stay for Sunday School. We had a great lesson with them this week. They really opened up as we shared the Plan of Salvation and even invited us to stay for dinner. It was great. They are progressing nicely. Ernie and Becky Seigel came to Sacrament meeting again this week. It is great to see them coming more regularly. Cody and Brother Holmes also came to church! So it was a great Sunday!
On Sunday though, we did get some shocking news. One of the areas we cover (New Cumberland) is getting moved into the other ward. So that means, the Evans, will get turned over to the Elders. It is sad. But hopefully it will be a good thing. We saw a lot of success working in that area with less-actives and investigators. So it will be sad to let it go. But the Elders in the other ward are amazing, so I am sure they will all be in good hands.
This week, a family in that area called us. Sister Cheryl King called us to ask if we could come visit them. Well, she is less-active, and the only member of their family. So there is potential for her 3 children and husband to join. We had a great lesson with them. They seem to have great potential. Unfortunately, we'll only be able to work with them for another week or two and then they move into the other ward.
We went to Chocolate World again last week for p-day with the Sisters and President and Sister Summerhays. It was way fun. We went out to lunch, visited chocolate world, and then he sent us home with a lot of chocolate! It was sweet of them to spoil us so much!
Unfortunately, we haven't met with Cody since my last letter. Hopefully he will meet with us again in the next couple of days! Pray for it! He did come to church though, they said they needed to check their schedule at work before setting another appointment. They (Rebecca & Cody) did seem excited about meeting with us again though. Rebecca called and told me that Cody was way excited after our last appointment and even more excited that I invited him to be baptized on the first appointment! AMAZING! He is also excited that I am a convert too, and can relate to him. It is amazing how the Lord blesses us to see miracles. I am very grateful to be able to have more opportunities to work with Cody.
This week we stopped by to visit with the Gholsons. We had a wonderful lesson with the. During the lesson, Brother Gholson (Dave) who isn't a member, sat in on the lesson! This was a miracle because he is never involved in the lessons and usually excuses himself when we teach or even pray. Well, as I was teaching about the Anti-Nephi-Lehis, he started asking lots of questions. Then, he applied the story to the family! AMAZING! Well, he told us that he isn't into church, but completely supports his family. Then he invited us to a party. I explained that our time was valuable, and we probably wouldn't be able to go. I could see it was really important to him, so I softened and comprimised that we could stay for an hour. Anyway, the lesson went on, and we invited the whole family to church. Sister Gholson started making excuses, and then Brother Gholson jumped in and said, "No. You were involved in that church for 9 months, while I was away. You even taught in Sunday School. As soon as I get home, you decide not to go anymore. I don't think that is right. We will all be at church on Sunday, myself included." So he invited himself to church and the whole family was shocked but agreed to go! I then went into explain fast and testimony meeting. Well, as I did, he tried to commit Amber (the 10-year-old girl) to bear her testimony on Sunday. It was cute. We shall see what happens. Oh! The next day, Sister Gholson called us to "un-invite" us to the party. She expalined that there would be drinking there. I explained that was why I was so apprehensive was because I was afraid there might be. She said she talked to Dave and that he agrees it is best we shouldn't go but that he told her to tell us he'll still be at church on Sunday! AMAZING! Please pray that the Gholsons will keep their commitment and come to church on Sunday!
This Sunday we were part of teaching BYD. It was fun. They asked us to share experiences from Seminary or Institiute (in my case). It was fun to reflect on how much Institute prepared me for my mission, and strengthened my testimony.
This week, we tracted Mulberry Court, and I sang, "Round and round the Mulberry court, the Sisters went a knocking..." It was pretty funny. I know, I am a bit cheesy. But it is fun to sing while tracting!
Okay, so time for me to be just a wee bit trunky. Many of you have been asking what my plans are for when I retrun home. So here they are. I will arrive home on October 21. October to December is a bit of a blur. Some plans are, that my little brother, Robert is taking leave in October, so I will get to see him. My Mom and I are headed to Disney and to Florida to visit family for a week in November. Then there is always fun holiday stuff. In January I will be headed to BYU-Idaho. I start on January 5. I got accepted to the Winter/Spring track, which means I will be going to school from January to July. As far as other plans, who knows. But that is the basis of it. I am way excited to go to BYU-Idaho. I am also way excited to see all of you. Transfers are this week, which means I only have one transfer left. I am pretty sure I am staying in Dover until the end, so keep the letters coming! Well, if you have any more questions, just ask.
Well, time is short. Know that I love and miss you guys. And I guess it will be no time at all before I see you again. But don't worry, I'm not too trunky. I love this gospel! I love this work! I am excited for the miracles that lie ahead. I am excited to work hard until I come home, so I can see many more miracles. I love and miss y'all. Have a great week.
Love,
Sister Deal
How are you doing? I am doing great. This week was pretty good, but unfortunately we had a lot of cancelations. Luckily, we were blessed to see many friendly faces come out to church. The Evans came and this was their second time coming since we've been here. Before that, they hadn't been for 6 months! So it was a treat to have them come and to see them stay for Sunday School. We had a great lesson with them this week. They really opened up as we shared the Plan of Salvation and even invited us to stay for dinner. It was great. They are progressing nicely. Ernie and Becky Seigel came to Sacrament meeting again this week. It is great to see them coming more regularly. Cody and Brother Holmes also came to church! So it was a great Sunday!
On Sunday though, we did get some shocking news. One of the areas we cover (New Cumberland) is getting moved into the other ward. So that means, the Evans, will get turned over to the Elders. It is sad. But hopefully it will be a good thing. We saw a lot of success working in that area with less-actives and investigators. So it will be sad to let it go. But the Elders in the other ward are amazing, so I am sure they will all be in good hands.
This week, a family in that area called us. Sister Cheryl King called us to ask if we could come visit them. Well, she is less-active, and the only member of their family. So there is potential for her 3 children and husband to join. We had a great lesson with them. They seem to have great potential. Unfortunately, we'll only be able to work with them for another week or two and then they move into the other ward.
We went to Chocolate World again last week for p-day with the Sisters and President and Sister Summerhays. It was way fun. We went out to lunch, visited chocolate world, and then he sent us home with a lot of chocolate! It was sweet of them to spoil us so much!
Unfortunately, we haven't met with Cody since my last letter. Hopefully he will meet with us again in the next couple of days! Pray for it! He did come to church though, they said they needed to check their schedule at work before setting another appointment. They (Rebecca & Cody) did seem excited about meeting with us again though. Rebecca called and told me that Cody was way excited after our last appointment and even more excited that I invited him to be baptized on the first appointment! AMAZING! He is also excited that I am a convert too, and can relate to him. It is amazing how the Lord blesses us to see miracles. I am very grateful to be able to have more opportunities to work with Cody.
This week we stopped by to visit with the Gholsons. We had a wonderful lesson with the. During the lesson, Brother Gholson (Dave) who isn't a member, sat in on the lesson! This was a miracle because he is never involved in the lessons and usually excuses himself when we teach or even pray. Well, as I was teaching about the Anti-Nephi-Lehis, he started asking lots of questions. Then, he applied the story to the family! AMAZING! Well, he told us that he isn't into church, but completely supports his family. Then he invited us to a party. I explained that our time was valuable, and we probably wouldn't be able to go. I could see it was really important to him, so I softened and comprimised that we could stay for an hour. Anyway, the lesson went on, and we invited the whole family to church. Sister Gholson started making excuses, and then Brother Gholson jumped in and said, "No. You were involved in that church for 9 months, while I was away. You even taught in Sunday School. As soon as I get home, you decide not to go anymore. I don't think that is right. We will all be at church on Sunday, myself included." So he invited himself to church and the whole family was shocked but agreed to go! I then went into explain fast and testimony meeting. Well, as I did, he tried to commit Amber (the 10-year-old girl) to bear her testimony on Sunday. It was cute. We shall see what happens. Oh! The next day, Sister Gholson called us to "un-invite" us to the party. She expalined that there would be drinking there. I explained that was why I was so apprehensive was because I was afraid there might be. She said she talked to Dave and that he agrees it is best we shouldn't go but that he told her to tell us he'll still be at church on Sunday! AMAZING! Please pray that the Gholsons will keep their commitment and come to church on Sunday!
This Sunday we were part of teaching BYD. It was fun. They asked us to share experiences from Seminary or Institiute (in my case). It was fun to reflect on how much Institute prepared me for my mission, and strengthened my testimony.
This week, we tracted Mulberry Court, and I sang, "Round and round the Mulberry court, the Sisters went a knocking..." It was pretty funny. I know, I am a bit cheesy. But it is fun to sing while tracting!
Okay, so time for me to be just a wee bit trunky. Many of you have been asking what my plans are for when I retrun home. So here they are. I will arrive home on October 21. October to December is a bit of a blur. Some plans are, that my little brother, Robert is taking leave in October, so I will get to see him. My Mom and I are headed to Disney and to Florida to visit family for a week in November. Then there is always fun holiday stuff. In January I will be headed to BYU-Idaho. I start on January 5. I got accepted to the Winter/Spring track, which means I will be going to school from January to July. As far as other plans, who knows. But that is the basis of it. I am way excited to go to BYU-Idaho. I am also way excited to see all of you. Transfers are this week, which means I only have one transfer left. I am pretty sure I am staying in Dover until the end, so keep the letters coming! Well, if you have any more questions, just ask.
Well, time is short. Know that I love and miss you guys. And I guess it will be no time at all before I see you again. But don't worry, I'm not too trunky. I love this gospel! I love this work! I am excited for the miracles that lie ahead. I am excited to work hard until I come home, so I can see many more miracles. I love and miss y'all. Have a great week.
Love,
Sister Deal
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