letter.five 04.22.13

Michelle mentioned in her letter that she hopes I enjoy being in the city... well let me just tell you, this is not the city ha. I'll send some pictures so you can see, but the houses are further apart than they are in good old c-ville. But I LOVE it here. People don't necessarily love us but I love them and parts of the city are beautiful and other parts are well.... less than beautiful haha. Again, I'll try to send some pics.

"the city"

Highlights of the past week:
Our members that we live with have a zip line and we did that last Monday for preparation day. It was super fun! Also we got together as a zone at a church and some people played basketball but mostly we all chatted and got to know each other. I love my zone and district. They are some of the greatest people. I love it!
 

zip-line.

Zone Training. I loved it. It was so helpful to learn more clearly what I can do better to be a good missionary and person in general. I forgot my notes but I remember that one thing I liked was that we talked about how we should have our “lines in the water” at all times. There are no breaks. Everything we do should be helping us become a better disciple of Christ or inviting other to do such because the more we have our line in the water the more fish we catch.
 

Ann's companionship with Dallas and Jenna.

Coolest moment of the week was our BAPTISM! It was for Dallas (13) and Jenna(10). There mom has been less active since she was baptized at 8 and was previously a ‘do not contact’. The growth has been amazing and I was only here for the very tail end. I haven't even known them that long but I feel an intense love for them. They are amazing. Ordinances are so powerful. The Spirit was so strong there it felt like you could cut it with a knife. We were able to have a moment of reverence while the kids were changing. We bore our testimonies and it was an awesome experience. We were all a little nervous because President and Sister Greer were there but my companions bore powerful witness of baptism and the Doctrine of Christ. I didn't feel like my testimony was all that great but I do remember that I bore testimony of the privilege of being able to use the Atonement daily.
 
After the meeting we went around talking to people because there were a LOT of people that weren't members of the church there. It was awesome. While my companions and I were talking with some people a girl pulled me aside and asked me if I really did need to use the Atonement everyday. She said she's been wanting God in her life but she didn't think she was worthy of going to church. She asked what she could do to be worthy and if it was ok for her to go. We were both crying as I bore testimony to her that she can be forgiven and that that guilt can be washed away. She can be fully clean and that of course she can come to church! I talked about how I mess up everyday but that's why we go to church: to learn how to be more like the Savior and to partake of the Sacrament. It was amazing. I felt how much God loved her. She has been through a lot. Her fiance died two years ago and she said sometimes she wants to blame God, but that she's wanting to start taking the steps back to Him because she needs Him. She is amazing. I will forever love her. We will hopefully meet with her this week. She's not in our area but she seemed not super excited about meeting with Elders so we may end up teaching with the Elders but we'll at least teach the first few lessons. She is so ready for this. She needs the joy and peace that only the Atonement can bring. Man I love her so much!
I wish we could have a baptism every weekend. It was amazing! The Spirit was flowing through my body in a way I never thought it could. Also Dallas and Jenna's dad was there who isn't a member and I think he had a good experience so we're hoping that this will help him come around because he really is a nice guy and their mom has changed so much.
 
Another cool moment. We went out to lunch and we were talking to a nice lady and we let her go ahead of us and then when we got up there they told us that she wanted to pay for our food. So nice. We thought she must be a member and we went over to thank her and asked what ward she was in but she said she was Lutheran Wow. Talk about a disciple of Christ right there. She was so sweet. I wish she was in our area so we could visit her but we gave her our number so that hopefully she'll call and we can get her in touch with the missionaries in her area.
 

Ann's companionship with a girl they read scriptures with every week.

I love you my dearest family! I love your letters!

David and Matty: I have a challenge for you and really anyone, but especially those preparing for missions. You think that you will have tons of time to study on your mission? WRONG! You don't have even close to enough! So I want you to start reading PMG NOW! I want weekly reports on what you've read and how it has helped you grow and become a better disciple of Christ. I wish I would have done that before my mission. Also, practice teaching and approaching people like CRAZY! You can't get enough practice of that. Even you Matty who has a bit before you go. Start NOW! I'm expecting your reports next week. They don't have to be long and I know I sound like mom but I wish someone would have done this for me. I love you both! I wish there were more missionaries like the two of you out here with me now. You both are going to rock it out in the field, but remember the field for you right now is Centerville, Utah! And believe me there is a lot you can do. Maybe not with people that aren't members but at least with all those who need a little lifting. Go feed His sheep! It's such a blessing!