I’m emailing a little late today because we went to the ZOO! Some members drove us, paid, and bought us all lunch afterwards. It was so great. I really needed a way to de-stress this week. Things have been a little crazy.
I don’t remember if I ever told you about Sis Shurtz. She was one of my companions during VC training at the MTC so, we got here in AZ at the same time. Last transfer we also lived in the same apartment complex, and we’ve become pretty good friends. Anyways, if you could all keep her in your prayers that would be amazing. Her sister passed away on Monday. I saw her for the first time since it happened yesterday, I short of abandoned my phone responsibilities at the VC, and spent a good chunk of time crying with her. She’s so strong, but extra prayers for her and her family would definitely be appreciated.
One of the sisters from my district was also sent home this week. She’s been having really bad headaches for the past couple of months so, they sent her home to get better.
Carmen decided she wants to get baptized 🙂 It was actually really kind of funny when she told us, because we had brought the branch president with us to the lesson, and after we had finished reviewing the first lesson he started to ask her, “What if God sent you an angel right now and told you to be baptized would you do it?” She responded that she would. He continued to go on and say “What if the angels were busy and God sent two messengers instead?” She said, “it wouldn’t really make a difference.” So he asked her what was holding her back then, and she said, “nothing.” He started to continue to try and convince her when she interrupted and said, “No, I want to be baptized. So, I don’t need any angels. I decided two weeks ago.” Then she told us a story about when her and Luis were out with their friends and they were talking about her visiting with the missionaries. She ended up having to defend the things she was learning about, and she said that’s when she realized she isn’t Catholic anymore. So, awesome.
Anyways, we asked her what day she wanted to be baptized and she picked this Friday! She also shared her testimony yesterday during sacrament meeting 🙂
We were able to find some new investigators this week. So, fingers crossed for second lessons this coming week.
We also had exchanges. Hna Wardle came out with us. It was so good to be with her, because she’s really good at just starting to teach lessons to people out on the street. I usually just ask them if they want to learn more and try to set up a return appointment, but I’ve actually been able to teach people a little of the first lesson and about pray right when I meet them. It’s way more effective. She’s also really good at bearing her testimony throughout the lesson instead of just at the end. I learned a lot and I was really sad that I couldn’t just keep her.
Love you all lots and lots,
Rachel
Questions:
Is it too hot for layering? What do you recommend for clothing?
I think layering is fine as long as the top shirt is really lightweight. Sometimes long sleeve blouse are actually the nicest thing because then your skin isn’t in the sun.
Anything you wish you had brought, but didn’t or anything you brought that you have been really glad you have. Recommendations for shoes or raincoats?
Not really, I had a pretty good amount of stuff, and I’ve ended up with a lot more clothes as time has gone on… my supply has doubled. My favorite shoes have been my Sperry’s, which by the way, would someone google a good way to clean them? I really never wear the one pair of actual sister missionaries shoes I bought, buuut I’m a spoiled brat and always have a car.
Hannah wants to know why she isn’t on a mission?
Because we don’t want any of her kind here!
Dad says “Why the heck doesn’t Rebekah tell us what she’s doing?” I think he wants a bit more info girl, and that’s a compliment to Rachel since he didn’t include you in that question.
Thanks I have been a good emailer/letter writer lately.
Sorry about the bike accident. Who’s bike was it? Have you had to ride bikes since then?
I was riding a member’s bike. A lot of the areas in the mission just have a couple of bikes that the members are loaning to the missionaries. It was a large frame bike and really uncomfortable. I have not ridden a bike since then. We did a lot of walking, asking for rides from members, and stretching the additional miles Elder Nielson gave us (shh, it’s on the dl).
I’m still in a car this transfer it’s just because the sisters used a lot of miles the month before because they had to make a couple of trips to Scottsdale. I’m glad that it’s a new month and that I have miles again. In this area we get 800 a month.
CD or ipod? Speakers?
I’d like an ipod if that’s still possible. I brought the speakers James gave me for my birthday. I’ve just never used them because I don’t have anything to hook them up to.
Dad is mailing letters to the mission home, because you aren’t at the VC. Is that best?
That’s fine, or you can still send them to the VC because I’m there at least once a week for phone calls and usually a couple more times during the week with investigators. I actually put my current address on the last letter I sent home if you’d like to use that. Transfers will happen on the 29th this month so, stop sometime before then in case I get moved, but writing me at my current address will be the fastest way.
1440 N. 40th St, #3
Mesa, AZ 85205