tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37554492951648133882024-03-19T04:08:56.679-07:00 Lauren's Best 18 MonthsKeep up with Lauren as she serves a mission in Tempe, Arizona for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-11998963066243130572014-04-28T14:37:00.002-07:002014-04-28T14:37:28.592-07:00Monday, April 28, 2014 - This Isn't the End, Just a New Beginning<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The last week of my mission has been the craziest I'd have to say.I guess I was getting too comfortable when I had figured everything out with all of my exchanges because I got a new companion last Wednesday. Her name is Sister Russell and her companion, Sister Baldwin, had to go home on medical release to go get hip surgery. Sister Russell is great and I'm glad I got to be her companion. So this last week I finished Sister Russell's training, worked her area, and continued all of my previous duties with all of the sisters. I have maybe had 4 hours of proselyting time this whole week. I felt bad for Sister Russell's area because we weren't able to work in it very much. The Lord did provide for some teaching opportunities though! This is also the same area when I went on exchanges a couple of weeks ago, we found a new investigator, Michael. I have been able to teach him several times this week and we were also able to give him a church tour. He didn't come to church yesterday because of family coming into town, but he was a lot more willing to come to church. We addressed a lot of his concerns and invited him to baptism in this lesson, but he wouldn't commit to a date. I know Sister Russell will do great and continue to help him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After sacrament meeting was when it was confirmed to me why I needed to be in this area again. The husband of this part member, less-active family we had been reactivating and trying to teach the wife, Rachel, came up to me. He said I needed to come by today to see his wife Rachel because she needed some upliftment and would be happy to see me. The spirit was so strong in this lesson. Rachel really opened up. I can't really remember what we said, but what I do know the Spirit was there and that everyone in the room felt it. I know Rachel will get baptized someday. The family has a lot of things to work through, but I know her heart has been softened. I know the entire family's heart has been softened. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. I think it was one of the most powerful lessons I've ever taught. I thank Heavenly Father for giving me this last teaching opportunity as His representative. I think the hardest thing about not going to be a missionary any more is that you no longer have the mantle when teaching people. I will miss it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This transfer we were not able to go to the Gilbert Temple as a mission. So last week as a zone we went to the Mesa Temple. This week I was also able to go to the Gilbert Temple for the first time to do a session with Sister Baldwin before she left <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1009714112" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Tuesday</span></span> afternoon. The Spirit is always so strong in the Lord's house. I received a lot of comfort that I needed and it was one of the most powerful times I've gone to the Temple with the exception of the first time I went. I am so grateful to have been able to go to the Temple twice this transfer. I can't wait to be able to go to the Temple every week! I always feel motivated and uplifted as I go to the Temple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Words can't really describe my feelings today.18 months has flown by way too fast. I wish I could remain a missionary here in the Arizona Gilbert Mission forever. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve a full-time mission. I wouldn't trade any of the experiences I've had for anything. Each experience has shaped me into the person I am today. I never want to go back to the old Lauren; I forever want to keep what I've learned and apply it for the rest of my life. Don't worry, I know I can't stay here and I will not miss the plane ride home <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1009714113" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span>. I have to continue to progress in life and I'm ready for whatever the Lord wants me to do. I have said a lot of goodbyes in the past couple of days, but I will be saying a lot of hellos in the next couple of days. I know this isn't the end, just a new beginning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know Christ lives! My entire existence is possible because of Him. I know this is Christ's church because it has the fullness of the gospel. I love my Savior and I know He loves me. I am a Daughter of a Heavenly King and because I know this I know my potential. I love reading the Book of Mormon and I know it is the word of God. Every time I read it, I always learn something new. I know the power of Christ's infinite Atonement because I have applied it in my life. He knows exactly how we feel and helps us become new creatures unto God. I love my Heavenly Father and I know He answers our prayers. I am grateful for everything I have learned on my mission. The top three things I've learned and will continue to apply are 1. Always aligning my will with God's 2. The importance of repenting daily and 3. Always being exactly obedient to the Spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for all of your support! I do look forward to seeing all of you <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1009714114" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span> (or in the next couple of weeks).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-52132757871292209862014-04-21T16:24:00.001-07:002014-04-21T16:24:11.367-07:00Monday, April 21, 2014 - Because of Him<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_329342840" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> Kristi, Jacob, and Haley were baptized! The room was packed and the Spirit was so strong! They have changed so much since the missionaries have started meeting with them. Kristi's non-member mother came and felt the Spirit. I'm hoping her heart will continue to be softened and will want to listen to the missionaries in the near future. The fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes everyone who lets it into their hearts. I know I have been changed by applying the principles of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. How marvelous it is to be a part of helping people come unto Christ. I love being a missionary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been a part of many many miracles this past week. I have to say I love going on exchanges and helping the sisters have fun and do missionary work. I love meeting their investigators and being invited to their baptisms this </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_329342841" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">next Saturday</span></span>. On almost every exchange I've been on we've either found a new investigator or put their investigator on date. The tender mercies of the Lord! The Arizona Gilbert Mission IS the greatest mission in the world! I have come to love Arizona (dirt and all). I will forever treasure my mission and all of the people I have met along the way. I wouldn't take back anything in these past 18 months- the good and the bad. All of the good far outweighs the hard things I've been through on my mission. A mission is 100% worth it. It changes you in ways you never thought you needed to change. I have come to know my Savior more intimately than I had ever before. I have learned to trust in Heavenly Father 100% so that I can qualify for the miracles I know the people I meet deserve. The success I've had on my mission is all because of Him. He makes everything possible. I am grateful He has allowed me to be an instrument in His hands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Belated Easter! I hope you were all able to watch "Because of Him" on <a href="http://mormon.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">mormon.org</a> this past week. Every time I watch the video, the Spirit confirms to me Jesus is the Christ and how lucky we are that He loved us so much that He preformed the Atonement. "He lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives. I know that my Redeemer lives." When we repent daily, we will feel His Atonement working within us so that we can have peace and happiness throughout our day. I have gained a strong testimony of repenting daily because I am nowhere close to being perfect and I have so much I need to ask His forgiveness for. Exercise your faith by asking Him what His will is. He will tell us by the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and the influence it's had in my life to comfort me, make decisions, and to know truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Continue to think about Christ and to share your testimony with others! He lives and He is always there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Sister Collins</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Kristi, Jacob, and Haley's baptism!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-2317078338239841422014-04-14T14:40:00.006-07:002014-04-14T14:40:59.855-07:00Monday, April 14, 2014 - The Absolutely Crazy Life of Sister Collins<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WARNING: You thought the last letter was crazy. This letter will be even crazier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently I have no companion. Sister Gardner needed to go home last Wednesday due to medical reasons- she just needs to work out some things. Currently I am sleeping at Sister Monson and Mireles' house with them and I go with them to church and on Mondays. They drop me off in the morning and pick me up at night. I still have all of my stuff at my last apartment so I'm living out of a suitcase and getting clothes every night. Luckily they live a stone's throw away from my apartment, I really do not want to pack up everything for a third time and move it when I just have to pack it right back up pretty soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What even happened this week? It's been a whirlwind. I know I went on exchanges... I exchange with 2 companionship's a day. This past week I exchanged with 7 companionship's. They're going good and everyone seems to like the training and then we go out a proselyte. I really crave going out and teaching. I really do not know how I worked in an office all day before my mission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's some of the miracles that happened while I was on exchanges:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I was with Sisters Baldwin and Russell (actually in one of my old areas. It was fun to eat with the people I knew before) we street contacted with man named Michael. I started talking with him and pretty soon he was bearing his soul to me and telling us his whole life's story. We taught and testified and gave him a Book of Mormon to read. The sisters have a return appointment with him tonight. He's been through so much in his life and is ready for the Gospel. I hope all goes well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to go to the Easter Pageant <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_609894366" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span> because the sisters I went on exchanges with were going with their investigator. It was just as good as last year and I am so grateful I got to go this year. I was a little worried, but the Lord always provides. The Spirit is so powerful with the production. It testifies that indeed Jesus is the Christ and how much everything is possible because of Him. Oh! Watch this video that's only up for the week before Easter: <a href="http://mormon.org/becauseofhim" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">mormon.org/becauseofhim</a> (share this video with all of your friends!). My life is possible Because of Him. Because of Him I can live again with my family and with Heavenly Father. Because of Him I feel peace and comfort in my life. Because of Him I know who I am, why I am here, and where we're going. Because of Him I know He knows exactly what I have ever gone through, am going through, and will go through. Because of Him I try to do what He would have me do and be who He would want me to be. I am eternally grateful for His loving sacrifice especially this Easter week. Remember Him always!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_609894367" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">coming Saturday</span></span> Kristie, Hailey, and Jacob are getting baptized. I've taught them 3 times now with Sister Monson and Mireles. They're a solid family and are so excited to be baptized. I'm so happy I am able to be a small part of teaching them the lessons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep the Faith! Have a great week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-210620607995432442014-04-07T17:14:00.001-07:002014-04-07T17:14:05.177-07:00The Saga Continues - Monday, April 7, 2014<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You'll never guess what happened this week. A new sister came into our mission mid-transfer from the SLC Visitor's Center and went with Sister Anderson. So I have a new companion! Her name is Sister Gardner and she's on a trial mission from here in the Valley and going on her mission to Washington. Also I have no area, well actually the entire mission is my area- I'm fully a traveling STL and I'm training all of the sisters and going on exchanges with all of them for the last 3 weeks of my mission. I'm training Sister Gardner and we're together so I can be very flexible and drive across the mission to where I need to go. It's been an interesting adjustment and I spent the majority of my time in the Office getting my training together. Then I'd go out at night and do some proselyting with some of the sisters. Let's just say the mission is full of surprises! it's funny how everything works out how it's supposed to because in the beginning of the transfer President gave me this assignment, but he really didn't know how I was going to do it. Now since we have an even number of sisters in the mission, it's allowed me to be very flexible. I'm happy to take this assignment and do what the Lord wants me to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_602220889" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Tuesday</span></span> when I was still with Sister Anderson in my old area we found a new investigator in the YSA ward. His name is Tim and he's actually roommates with our other investigator, Kyle. Tim is very interested and we think we were led to Kyle for Tim. I can't wait to hear how's they're all doing. Also <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_602220890" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Monday</span></span> when we visited one of our investigator's in the Spanish Branch, Ester, her husband Ramon joined us and said he would like to take the lessons also. Another new investigator! They're such a cute couple and Ester has been taking the lessons since 2008. She said this time she would read the Book of Mormon, which she's never done. Also <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_602220891" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Monday</span></span> night we stopped by the YSA's FHE and it happened to be a date night. Awkward. The girls had brought dinner for two and then the boys had brought dessert. What gets even better though was when we showed up during the middle of it to see if Kyle was there, the Bishopric came up to us and said, "Too bad you're missionaries because we could really use you tonight. There's more boys then girls!" Since when has that ever happened in a Singles Ward? lol Needless to say, we did not join them and we quickly left before any of them could get any ideas. Oh, the life we live. We also taught one of our investigators, Javier <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_602220892" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Tuesday</span></span>. His lesson went a lot better than last week's and the sisters had a lesson with him <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_602220893" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span> set up again to help him feel comfortable to pray. He has a lot of concerns and I hope we can help him resolve them and that his heart will continue to be softened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_602220894" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> when I was still living with Sister Anderson, during companionship study, I looked out the window and there was a SWAT team outside in our apartment complex. This is the ghetto of Gilbert, seriously. There was 9, undercover vehicles that one minute they were all standing around outside and the next they were gone. It was like we were in a movie. We still have no idea why they were there, but it was entertaining to watch them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am so glad I was able to watch General Conference! What a blessing it is to be able to hear from our modern-day prophet. I loved each of the talks and the sessions just seem to fly by. I received a lot of personal revelation for myself and those I'm serving. I especially enjoyed Elder Holland's talk on the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_602220895" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> morning session. I don't think I've ever seen Elder Holland open up conference. He set the tone for the rest of the sessions. I do believe we need to stand tall and defend our faith with love. Poor Sister missionary who had that type of abuse. Here in Arizona it's more of the verbal abuse than physical. This conference I felt like each talk was for me. I know they are inspired men and women who listen to the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost and say what we all need to hear. I know Heavenly Father loves each one of us and we must show our love for Him by keeping His commandments and having charity for all of those around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We'll see what this next week brings!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Sister Collins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Any letters or packages send to the mission office her last 3 weeks:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1001 N. Burk Street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gilbert, AZ 85234</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-87011886457061287102014-04-01T15:29:00.002-07:002014-04-01T15:39:54.838-07:00March 24, 2014 - Letter Home<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This is part of a letter wrote home last week; thought you might enjoy reading it. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">. . . My new companion is great. We're now the head Sister Training Leaders and she goes home the next transfer after me. We are very similar and she's 24. No more 19 year old comps, even though I do love them dearly! We've already started strong this transfer and I know she can sprint with me. I'm excited to be with someone who isn't so fresh out; it takes away some of the stress. We get along great. What a great last transfer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a little bit of a shock to go Spanish! I guess I do get to learn a language after all. Spanish is more difficult that I thought. Just like German, it's easier for me to read and write than to say it. Oh well, its only been 5 days of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's see what else . . . it's completely (well, maybe not completely) different missionary work then English family wards - both Spanish and Young Single Adults (YSA). Two new beasts. But, I'm a fast learner so hopefully it will come very quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can all still write me for the next 5 weeks! I'm still alive! Oh, and we live like 2 minutes away from the mission office.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sis. Collins</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-5991675105679159432014-04-01T06:40:00.004-07:002014-04-01T06:40:51.139-07:00Monday, March 31, 2014 - Oh, the Life We Live<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I know the gift of tongues is real. I have learned so much Spanish in one week. I now know how to pray in Spanish and how to read. I'm still working on understanding what the people are actually saying since my vocabulary is so limited with only what I've memorized. We'll see how much more I can learn in the next month. I hope I can at least understand some of what they're saying to me by the next month and actually carry on a conversation besides where I'm from and how long I've been out. I know Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways and He will help me!</div>
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This week we found another new investigator named, Fernando. He's a son of a less-active member in the Spanish Branch. He's in his 20's and when we met him, he just poured out his life story to us and everything he had gone through. Luckily he also speaks English so I was able to participate more than Hello, prayer, my testimony, and goodbye. I think I'll study Spanish after my mission. Maybe the gift of tongues will extend after the mission??</div>
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The Branch and the YSA are so cute! I love all of them already! We have more work in the Branch than the YSA. We're working on getting the YSA going even more. We still haven't been able to get into contact with Farrah which is really sad and Kyle canceled our appointments this week! Sad day. He did go to a baptism with his fellowship <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1514711117" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span> in the family ward and he loved it! He just is so busy and thinks he doesn't have time to meet with us. We visit a lot of the Recent Converts and less-actives in the Spanish Branch. This week we also had a lesson with our new investigator, Javier. It was kind of a disaster. The fellowship we brought just talked and talked. It was supposed to be a 15 minute lesson which is reminded the fellowship THREE times; it turned out to be 50 minutes full of what the entire gospel consists of when we were just trying to focus on who God is. Oh, members. Got to love em'. We did set up another appointment with Javier and I really pray he will keep the appointment <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1514711118" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span>.</div>
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I loved the Woman's Broadcast <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1514711119" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span>! How inspiring it is to hear from the woman of the church and to be edified other than General Conference. Speaking of General Conference, I can't wait for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1514711120" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Saturday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1514711121" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span>! What a blessing it is to receive revelation. President Nattress encourages us to look of the Apostolic Promises and to write down questions we want answered. Also I can't wait for the May Ensign to come so I can read and highlight the Conference Talks. I feel like sometimes I get more out of them reading them than listening. I get two different views. I am grateful for the living, modern day prophet and apostles who receive revelation for the church as a whole. I know they are men of God who are inspired to talk about what we each need to hear. I invite all of you to watch all of the sessions of General Conference this next weekend and to take notes and especially be prepared to receive revelation. Elder Bednar says there are two things we need to do in order to receive revelation: 1. Be willing to sacrifice and 2. Be willing to make covenants. We also have to sanctify ourselves so we can be an open vessel for the Holy Ghost.</div>
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Enjoy General Conference! I look forward to your insights and how your missionary work is going!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Sister Collins</div>
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Here are some photos from my last area in San Tan Valley:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnmCinEax_cnGAnGvo53UVPlqdFIFYCSj5Q1nfB1jeu3k5UqdRDPd8xo_nyn4X-dP5vy-LKW22ZjqM0D6HLtsMMzlkG2Kduri3JmDOlwRm_CVk3lyGpOdlmpOd_vOtA3xQFjF8tNlNOKO/s1600/Easter-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnmCinEax_cnGAnGvo53UVPlqdFIFYCSj5Q1nfB1jeu3k5UqdRDPd8xo_nyn4X-dP5vy-LKW22ZjqM0D6HLtsMMzlkG2Kduri3JmDOlwRm_CVk3lyGpOdlmpOd_vOtA3xQFjF8tNlNOKO/s1600/Easter-2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Having fun with Easter glasses with Sis. Beach, my last companion!</div>
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Sis. Collins' posterity (minus Sis. Pooley & Camelletti)</div>
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My last zone, acting goofy</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-63041455905201519612014-03-24T14:52:00.002-07:002014-03-24T14:53:31.656-07:00Monday, March 24, 2014 - Say Whatttttt???? A New Adventure<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first week of my last transfer! Transfers were super interesting let me tell you. So I'm sure you want to know who my companion is and all of that jazz. My new companion is Hermana Anderson and she goes home the transfer in June. I'm back in Gilbert! I cover one of the YSA wards and....a Spanish Branch. Yes, you may now refer to me as Hermana Collins. I went Spanish speaking my last transfer. Let's just say I haven't studied a language since German class my Sophomore year of High School. It's been an interesting past couple of days let me tell you. Very humbling. I feel like I'm a newbie all over again not know what's going on. At least we have the YSA ward which saves me because I actually know all that they're saying (even if they might be a little weird. Oh the joys of a Singles Ward. I like looking in from the outside- it's a lot more entertaining). I can now say some of my testimony and I learned the vowel sounds. We haven't had a lot of time to really have Spanish study and I've been praying a lot for the Gift of Tongues. I really need it. At least I can understand some of the words because they sound and mean the same thing in English, gospel terms seem to be easier! Sometimes what I remember from German class pops out and it's embarrassing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This transfer I also have another assignment to go on mini exchanges, along with our regular exchanges, with all of the sister companionship's and teach them how to effectively plan and how to organize their Area Books. Apparently President thinks I'm very good at both of these things. We'll see how it goes! I really have no idea where we're going to find the time or how I'm even going to train them! A lot of prayers and tender mercies from Heavenly Father! I know He is helping me and I wouldn't be in this area with Hermana Anderson for no reason unless it was divine inspiration, which I believe it is. I'm going out with a BANG. I'm going to be sprinting for the last 5 weeks and I'm totally up for it. Can't.Wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let's see, what has happened the last couple of days...? The first night I get here in this area we go and have dinner with the Branch (we basically only eat with the Branch because no one in YSA signs up) and it was only in Espanol and we had our Branch weekly coordination with our Ward Mission Leader and the ward missionaries. It was all in Espanol so I had no idea what was going on. They like to give me a hard time because I don't understand what they're saying. Oh, well. This really made me wish I had actually taken Spanish in High School. The next day we had Interviews with President and had trainings from the Assistants (oh and now we have 3 of them and one of them is a Traveling Assistant who just goes on exchanges with all of the Elders every day) and the Zone Leaders. I always love Interviews with President. Later that night we went to the Visitor's Center (Can you believe Kelsey is going home <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1561336683" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span>! Too bad I didn't get to see her this one last time where we're both missionaries) with our YSA investigator Kyle. We watched the Testaments with him because he wants to understand more where the Book of Mormon came from and the time frame with the Bible. He really started with no religious background at all, so we have to teach very simply. The night before I came he had learned how to pray. He comes from a very chaotic background and he's ready to change to have that peace in his life. Also while we were waiting for Kyle to get to the Visitor's Center his same fellowship brought another non-member friend, Farrah. She had taken the lessons when she was 14 (she's now 28) but stopped taking them because of the pressure to get baptized and the Elders told her she wouldn't see her animals in heaven (we have no idea the doctrine on that). She's very hesitant and she wouldn't set up a specific return appointment to meet with us, but she accepted a Book of Mormon and said she'd pray. She had gone to the Temple Open house and she felt the Spirit very strongly and she said she wanted to be baptized! She also said I was the one to introduce Temple video to her at the Temple Open House. She took this as a sign to maybe press forward. That was a cool experience to see why I needed to be in this area my second day here. We've been praying that she'll call us to say she's ready to take the lessons. We relieved some of her concerns about missionaries and the lessons. Hopefully soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Branch has a lot of Recent Converts that we're teaching the new member lessons to and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1561336684" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span> we knocked on a less-active woman's door and her non-member boyfriend, Javier, answered. In short he's now our new investigator! We got to talking with him and he lost his oldest brother a while ago and he said he lost his faith and that it's a problem. We said we have the answers and that we can help him get his faith back. We have a lesson with him today at 3. We're also teaching a part-member family and the father is not the member and he won't commit to be baptized. Even though he's taken the lessons. He refuses to pray and even work towards a date. We're teaching the family the new member lessons and he's there. This past lesson we had with them the kids were like "Dad! You need to be baptized so we can be more united and a forever family!" The kids I guess have never called out their dad before in front of the missionaries. We'll see if his heart will be softened. We hope to continue to find new investigators this week! I know the Lord will bless us for our obedience and diligence! Church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1561336685" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span> was also interesting. We only went to the Branch's sacrament meeting and they all speak so fast I really didn't catch much. We went to the YSA Ward because Kyle came to church! That was great! He hasn't been to church yet! Also before we went to dinner we street contacted these two guys who right after they started talking we realized they were high as a kite and drunk. One of the guys said "Are you with Jesus?" I replied "Yes, we represent Jesus Christ." We invited them to the Easter Pageant and the same man asked "Oh, is Jesus at University and Stapley?" Oh the people we talk to. Also another couple we talked with were also on a little somethin' somethin' and the guy asked if he had to wear shoes and his wife said "he had to put on holy shoes like ours."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm so ready for the challenge that lay ahead and I know the Lord will/has blessed me so far (well, my entire mission). Someone in one of the talks <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1561336686" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span> said "very little comfort happens in the growth zone. Very little growth happens in the comfort zone." I feel so blessed to be a missionary and to be serving the Lord. I know Heavenly Father will never give us things we can't handle without His help. I have seen the power of faithful prayers and diligent scripture study. We can be protected as we follow the commandments God has given us. Today I read in John <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1561336687" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">14:15</span></span>. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." It's really that black and white. Either we keep all of God's commandments (even the little ones) showing to Him that we love Him or we don't follow His commandments which show Him that we don't love Him. I strive to in every action show how much I love my Father in Heaven by doing all that He asks me to do. I know He lives and will bless me as a try my best to do everything he's asked me to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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Hermana Collins and Anderson</div>
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Beautiful Arizona sunset</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-75114947873407602702014-03-17T17:09:00.000-07:002014-03-17T17:09:11.040-07:00Monday, March 17, 2014 - When I am Baptized<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Transfer News! I am leaving the area and Sister Beach is staying and training (everything I recommended for the sisters I'm over happened! I'm so excited Sister Beach is training. I know she'll do great things). I'm so excited to see where I'll be going and who will be my companion on Wednesday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I could be going about anywhere in the mission. Bring on my last 6 weeks! I can't believe I just received my last transfer call- man, does time just fly right on by. This morning we did a sunrise hike up the San Tan Mountains at 5am</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. It was a lot of fun and the sunrise was beautiful! I love the Arizona skies! An Elder sat on a jumping choya (a type of cactus that's round and when you get too close to it, it latches on to you). Needless to say, his butt was not too happy!</span><br />
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This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1550589505" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> Sierra and Preston got baptized! It was a joyous day! When we were filling up the font we found a scorpion floating in there. Good thing we saw it before! They all looked so happy and cute when they were confirmed <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1550589506" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>. I will sure miss them! Their non-member family came to the baptism was that was good to see them and I know they felt the Spirit. I think their father will join the church someday.</div>
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This past week I had two exchanges one with Sister Wiggins and one with Sister Trump.This week Valerie found out she had bronchitis and they still do not know what's really going on with her sister's back. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1550589507" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Thursday</span></span> when I was on exchanges with Sister Trump in our area we went over to visit her while she was sick. We thought we should teach about the priesthood and specifically the comforting power of priesthood blessings. We had a priesthood holder come with us and we explained about the priesthood which is contingent on our faith and offered her a blessing. She accepted and the brother gave her a touching blessing and Valerie was tearing up. The Spirit was very strong. We're going to be seeing her today before I leave <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1550589508" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span> and I'm excited for that!</div>
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This week we visited a potential investigator family and when we got there it was just the husband outside in his shed and his wife pulled up as we were talking with him outside. Her son had just gotten baptized this past December and they've been a little curious. We ended up talking with them for quite a bit about their background in religion their different concerns. They both said they would read the Book of Mormon and to pray about it. They both haven't been to church in a while and the husband said he won't go to church. They did say though that they love to talk about religion. We'll see with them. They're going out of town this week and their son who just got baptized and his wife are house sitting for them. They said we could come by any time this week and meet them and we will try to meet them <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1550589509" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Tuesday</span></span>! There are a lot of things starting to happen in our area and I'm sure there will be a lot more this next transfer.</div>
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I know I'm going wherever and with whomever the Lord wants me to go. I know I still need to learn a lot and I'm willing to change even more to who the Lord wants me to be. This is going to be the best 6 weeks of my mission, I can just feel it. I love this gospel and I love being one of His representatives in the Arizona Gilbert Mission. I have been reading a lot in Alma 5 this past week. Alma presents a series of questions we all need to ask ourselves. I know after each question I read, I answered them myself. It's a good self-check to find out where I am standing and what I still need to work on. This life is the time to prepare to meet God. It's going to take a lifetime to try to become as close as I can to being who God wants me to be. Sometimes it's painful, but it's His will which should be my will. I am thankful that He knows better than me!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Sister Collins </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-17307347934768514102014-03-10T14:03:00.000-07:002014-03-10T14:03:06.420-07:00Monday, March 10th, 2014 - Pray Always<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This week we had a great lesson with Valerie! Since we had found out her main concern last Friday about her wanting her family to support her (which is totally understandable) we decided to talk to her about the Temple and Family History. We both shared how our families became members of this church. I shared my story about Morfar and Mormor's conversion story and then Dad's conversion. I had drawn out a little family tree showing how many people have been impacted because of their righteous decision. I also stared those in the family who had served missions and who are currently on missions. I am so thankful for Morfar and Mormor and also Dad for their decision. They were the ones who were at the right place at the right time in their lives for members and missionaries to help them Come unto Christ. I know I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for them. I will be forever in their debt for their courage. I know this Gospel has blessed my life and my family's lives beyond measure. Sister Beach's family is a lot different from mine since both sides of her family have been in the church for generations so she shared the story of when they joined the church. Valerie said she knows the church is true and when we asked her where she saw herself in 5 years she said a part of the church, married in the Gilbert Temple, and maybe one kid. She had talked with her mother who told her she should go to church this Sunday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">! Miracle! Now she just needs to talk with all of her extended family. She said she was going to church this Sunday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">for Stake Conference, but she had slept over at her cousin's house in Mesa and had slept in. Too bad, but I know next Sunday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> she will hopefully come to church! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stake Conference was amazing! It was on Hastening the Work and President and Sister Nattress were guest speakers. They showed a great video called "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go" from the World Wide Broadcast in June. It's a powerful video showing how easy doing missionary work is for every person in a family. It all starts out with our own preparation with how we pray and read our scriptures. They didn't have to go out of their way to find those people to help and they involved the missionaries in their efforts to help their neighbors. We need to all work together to help those to come and follow the Good Shepard. It can be done in simple, but profound ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sierra and Preston are getting baptized <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_432062590" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Saturday</span></span> and we're super excited! Sister Beach has been sick the past couple of days so we didn't get as much done as we would have liked to, but I'm glad she's feeling a lot better now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so glad Heavenly Father is in charge because He does know all. He is the Gardner of our Lives. He knows everyone's heart when we certainly do not. I am grateful for the power of prayer and the Holy Ghost who is able to give us guidance and the power of discernment as well as feelings of peace and comfort. I love Doctrine and Covenants 90:24: "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another." </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-61506298442867122932014-03-03T19:05:00.001-08:002014-03-03T19:05:23.780-08:00Monday, March 3rd, 2014 - This is the Good Life<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1569334859" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> we were able to watch the Cultural Celebration that the youth put on. President Monson and President Eyring came to dedicate the Temple and to also watch the dedication. The <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1569334860" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> before the Celebration, 12,000 youth were practicing at Discovery Park (right across from the Temple) and the dust was so bad, 5 kids had to go to the hospital. It hadn't rained here in the valley since December. On the day of the celebration there was a 100% chance of rain. It rained the night before and it didn't start raining until 20 minutes into the celebration. I'm sure rain was a lot better than inhaling dust for the whole day. And we were actually able to see the kids because there wasn't any dust being kicked up. Right as the celebration ended it started to down pour. The Lord had kept just the right amount of rain to fall during the celebration. Also during the entire day's practice, there were rain clouds all around them but at the park. This is the Lord's work. He knows what's best. The Celebration was amazing and I'm glad I got to see it since I had never seen one before.</div>
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The Gilbert Temple has now been dedicated to the Lord! What an amazing experience to be a part of the dedication. We got to watch it at the stake center with all of the common folk (because we are the common folk :D). I kind of remember when the Nauvoo Temple was dedicated because I was able to go to that, but the Gilbert Temple Open House and the dedication I will never forget. It was an amazing experience. I know it is the House of the Lord and I am so glad we got to participate in the Open House. I'm a little disappointment President Monson and President Eyring didn't talk with us as missionaries, but I know perhaps it wasn't supposed to be (President Monson looks like he's getting really old and it's hard for him to move around). The Spirit I felt during the dedication and the impressions I felt will never be forgotten. I can't wait to do a session in the coming weeks.</div>
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This week we had a very successful week because we saw a lot of miracles. We saw a lot of people and I had meetings again this week. We had great lessons with both Sierra and Valerie. Sierra and her little brother Preston are getting baptized on the 15th of this month. They're super excited for it as are we. Since there was not regular church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1569334861" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Sunday</span></span>, President Nattress said in order to count them as at church we need to have a lesson with a member present at a church building. To make it fun for Sierra and her family we did a scavenger hunt/church tour. We hid sticky notes with scriptures of them throughout the church and they led them to different parts where we had a mini lesson with them about the principle. We taught the rest of the commandments in a creative way. Like for tithing we had the scripture Malachi <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1569334862" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">3:10</span></span> and the next sticky note was hidden where you get the Tithing slips by the Bishop's office. They had a lot of fun and we ended in the kitchen were we had made brownies.</div>
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This week for Valerie was kind of rough in the beginning of the week because when we had our lesson with her she hadn't been reading and she hadn't come to church. We were praying and fasting to know what we could do for her so that she could receive her answer. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1569334863" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Friday</span></span> we took her to the Mesa Visitor's Center where we watched the Restoration Video and the Gospel Blesses Families video. She was touched by each of those and we went inside the Temple in the foyer since she can go that far. We wanted her to feel the Spirit of a dedicated Temple. We invited her to be baptized again and she said not yet and she didn't want to set a date right now. She just said she wants to learn more which is perfectly fine, but kind of frustrating at the same time. I kept of getting the feeling it was her family who was holding her back. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1569334864" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Saturday</span></span> during our companionship study we were pondering about Valerie and we knew we needed her to pray specifically about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, but we didn't know how to put it in a different way so she would understand and actually do it. We asked her to read page 11 out of the Restoration and to pray that night specifically if Joseph Smith was a prophet. We had asked her before, but she had never done it. For Valerie's lesson yesterday we gave her a church tour, since she hasn't come to church yet. The Spirit was super strong as we led her around. We can tell she wants it so badly. She prayed about Joseph Smith being a prophet and she had received her answer that he is a prophet of God. She was very happy and having the church tour eased her fears of coming to church. As we sat in the Relief Society room with the baptismal font open we asked her again to be baptized (in Preach My Gospel we are supposed to invite them to be baptized every lesson). This time she felt comfortable enough to tell us her real concerns. She said she wants her whole family to support her in getting baptized. She said she wants to be baptized, but not until they support her in some way. We invited her to pray specifically for a baptismal date and to know what to say to her family members. We know with the Lord's help everything will work out in the way He wants it to that's best for Valerie. If she doesn't get baptized then I'll be sad because I know of everything she'll be missing in her life right now. I know if she doesn't accept it now then at some point in her life she will and that gives me peace.</div>
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I have been reading this months Ensign and there are a lot of great articles in there. This morning I was reading the article, "Trials, Tribulations, and Trust in the Lord." I love this quote: “Sometimes we will face things for which there is no earthlyexplanation. In those moments we need to erect a sign that reads, <strong>‘Quiet: God at </strong><strong>Work.’</strong> Meanwhile, hold on, child of God.Keep believing. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Let God do His work in you. The greatest tragedy is to miss what God wants to teachus through our troubles." I want to have a sign in my future house that has that quote on it: "Quiet: God at Work." I pondered today how God is in our daily lives all of the time. We wouldn't have been able to get into the Rice's home or meet Valerie or start teaching Mercedes without His divine help. It reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures, "Be Still and Know that I am God." I invite all of us to be quiet and reflect at how the Lord is working in our lives at that moment. We must maintain an eternal perspective. Everything we go through is for our eternal benefit. How blessed we are to have a loving Heavenly Father who will help us become our best selves. We have to be refined so we can be who God wants us to be. <strong>"Quiet: God at Work."</strong> I know He lives and He does miracles every day of our lives. I have seen His hand in my daily life.</div>
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Love,<br />Sister Collins </div>
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Sis. Collins, Valerie, Sis. Beach</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-60444076489048913792014-02-24T14:18:00.002-08:002014-02-24T14:27:30.795-08:00Monday, February 24th 2014 - Count Your Many Blessings<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We saw a lot of miracles this past week. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173581" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Monday</span></span> night both of our lessons canceled- with Sierra and Valerie, but we prayed and we got them to reschedule for later that night. We went and visited some potential investigators and we were able to have great experiences with them. We had found Mark while tracting in the Proving Grounds a couple of weeks ago and when we went to his house, he was just pulling up. He invited us in and we were able to talk with both him and his wife. It turns out their son and recently gotten baptized into our church and she remembers how good she felt at his baptism. They told us we could come back any time and they were super friendly.</div>
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We also visited our Recent Converts house, where Mercedes is a non-member. She's the one who told us she wants to be baptized, but she'll tell us when she wants to hear our "lectures." We had put her into our plans not really knowing why and a little scared because she had already kind of told us to only come when she wanted us to. We get there and she's worried because her son Robert, who's the Recent Convert, hasn't come home and he hadn't called yet and it was getting dark. We read her a comforting scripture and we said a prayer that she would be comforted and that Robert would be home soon. She asked us if we would call later to make sure she was alright. As soon as we go down the street a little ways we see Robert there riding his bike home. We pull over and call Mercedes telling her Robert was going to be there soon. She exclaimed, God does answer prayers and I did feel comforted after the prayer! She told us to call her <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173582" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span> so that we could come back. It was a huge faith booster for her. That was the reason why we were there. Her fellowship called us <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173583" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span> and told us Mercedes wanted to start taking the lessons and we set up an appointment for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173584" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span>! We taught her <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173585" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span> and<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173586" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span>. Thursday's lesson was a lot of her just talking about her concerns. It was kind of painful because we can't understand Spanish and she was just jabbering on in Spanish and Brother Thompson was translating. We did resolve most of her concerns. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173588" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Friday</span></span> we actually taught her the Restoration and found out her main concern was that she did not know Joseph Smith was a prophet, but she knows the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. She committed herself to read and pray about Joseph Smith and to read the Book of Mormon. She also said she will pray about baptism. So we have a new investigator who is so prepared. She's been coming to church for the past 2 months and I'm so glad I got to be here to see how her heart has been softened by us and the other ward members.</div>
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This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173590" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> I went on exchanges with Sister Holcomb. Yes, the Sister Holcomb I trained. It was kind of weird to be companions again! So many memories brought back. It seems like so long ago, but at the same time like it just happened. I can't believe she's almost done with her mission in September. Crazy! We saw miracles on the exchange. I let her lead since when we were together I was the one leading mostly because she was so new!<br />
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173592" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Saturday</span></span> I went on exchanges with Sister Caron. She is awesome! She is a convert of 3 years, she was baptized when she was 19 and she's been out for 5 months. We had an awesome day in her area. I had prayed the night before that I wanted to hit all of the key indicators for our exchange that day. By the end of the day we had accomplished my goal. The power of faithful prayers when you back it up with action. I think that most exciting part of the day happened after dinner. During dinner we had gotten a referral from one of their members about this lady who's having a hard time. We go to her house and it's all dark and as we were going to leave, a car pulls up. It's this lady, Carol. She's been having some financial problems with raising 4 kids, one 14 year-old and three 12 year-olds. Her husband had left 10 years ago. Her life has basically hit rock bottom. We got to talking with her and she asked how one could join our church. We said that was perfect question and that we were missionaries who teach people about that. She said there was no coincidence that we were there. We ended up giving her a church tour right that night because she had been wanting to see what it was like, but had never been able to go inside. We invited her to be baptized and she said she'd absolutely would! She's excited to read the Book of Mormon and she's looking for a way to change her life and to become a better person. I'm excited for Sister Caron and Sister Trump and their new investigator! It was a wonderful night! The miracle of exchanges.</div>
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This <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173593" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">next Sunday</span></span> is when the Gilbert Temple will be dedicated. I'm so excited to be a part of it and no, we don't actually get to be inside the Temple. I don't even know if President Monson and/or President Eyring is going to meet with us missionaries. It would be really sad if they didn't! I hope they're planning on it! Also <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173594" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Saturday</span></span> is going to be the Cultural Celebration and we get to watch it also. I can't wait to do a session in the Temple! What a wonderful time it is to be here right now. I know the Lord knows each one of us and we're where we're supposed to be for a reason. Oh and this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1799173595" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> night as I was praying before going to bed, I hear Sister Beach scream. And there it was. A killer scorpion in our room on our windowsill. Luckily one of the sisters we live with smashed it with a rock (the only way to really kill them) and the other one had a black light so we checked out entire house to make sure there weren't any others. NASTY little critters. I'm so happy the Lord answers prayers and cares about each one of us so that we can find those we need to! The Church is true! I love it, live it, and know it.<br />
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Sis. Holcomb and Sis. Collins</div>
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Sis. Caron and Sis. Collins</div>
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Sis. Collins and "posterity" - minus Sis. Sister Peck, Sister Pooley, and Sister Camellitti</div>
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yikes - scorpion!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-85402123396048784292014-02-17T16:36:00.003-08:002014-02-17T16:36:36.130-08:00Monday, February 17th, 2014 - Birds of a Feather, Flock Together<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Happy Belated Valentine's Day! We had a great day! We made cookies and brownies for all of our investigators, part-member, and less-active families we're working with in the ward. Most of their hearts are slowly softening. It was neat to see how excited they were to be getting a goodie plate from the missionaries and they were willing to let a share a quick message on John 13:43</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, "As I have loved you, love one another." We had a very productive day and it was fantastic. At our dinner we decorated sugar cookies and it was a lot of fun (she even made chocolate sugar cookies by just adding coco- I had never had one!). This week at the farm, little turkey's were born. We actually got to see one hatch! One of those life experiences as the members we live with say. Sister Beach and I have been having a lot of fun. :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Gilbert Open House is now over. The last day was this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_239978866" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span>. We had, I mean got the opportunity, to work three shifts this week. We worked the very last shift and it was as crazy as we all thought it would be. Everyone went earlier in the week so it was a lot crazy then. President Hale, who's in our Mission Presidency, gave 17 of us missionaries a private tour of the Temple after the last tour went through. It was amazing and he was able to tell us a lot more details than we had gotten before. It was also very spiritual as everyone bore their testimonies and of course because the spirit is already in the Temple. I can't wait for it to be dedicated on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_239978867" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 2nd</span></span> so we can do a session! We go to the Mesa Temple on the 26th and it will probably be the last time I'll ever do a session there. It's been exciting to work at the Open House and now it's about to be opened. I thought this day would never come when the Temple would actually be completed. I love the Temple and the peace and comfort I feel there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Valerie is golden! She wants to be baptized and her baptism is going to be on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_239978868" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 15th</span></span> as well as Sierra and Preston's. The month of March is going to be fabulous (well every month is fabulous). We love teaching Valerie because she really has the desire to change and to really find out if this is the church for her. We were also able to meet with Sierra this week and we went to the Open House with them <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_239978869" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span>, even Kelly came. I think his heart is being softened even more. Hopefully we'll be able to start teaching him as well soon! If only Denise would fully commit! They finally came to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_239978870" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>! It was great to see them again at church. They're slowly doing more and more and building good habits. I'm excited for their family because I know how much it will bless them now and in the eternities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_239978871" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">This Sunday</span></span> we taught BYD. We had challenged the youth to invited their non-member friends because we were going to be teaching the Restoration. We had many kids invited, but only 2 non-members showed up and neither live in our ward boundaries. One of the girls is already taking the missionary lessons and the other wants to but her dad won't let her. It was a success though! The kids had fun and the spirit was strong. We played telephone to tie in with the apostasy and going straight to God to find out the answers. The first time we had them try to pass, "A little tug boat tugged as hard as it could down the river with two little blue men down the shore." What got told at the end was, "Tell me something I don't know." We were just like WOOOW. lol The second time we had them pass, "Joseph is a true prophet." That one didn't get messed up at all. Then we watched the Mormon Message, "Origin." I would highly recommend looking it up: <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/video/origin?lang=eng" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/youth/<wbr></wbr>video/origin?lang=eng</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know God answers prayers since He answers mine every day. He answered my prayers when I asked if this church was true, if Joseph Smith was a prophet, if the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know this church is the same church Christ did establish when He was on this Earth and that Joseph Smith did restore the church and translate the Book of Mormon by the power of God. I cannot deny it because of the many experiences I've had and how many times the Spirit has born witness to me of the truthfulness of the message I teach every day. It comes through just living the Gospel and God will let us know. We have to take action and actually find out for ourselves, we can't rely on someone else's opinions. Actually read the Book of Mormon with a sincere desire to know if it is God's word and He will tell you through the power of the Holy Ghost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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The Rice Family</div>
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Baby Turkeys!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-65007289455613921752014-02-11T16:43:00.000-08:002014-02-11T16:45:42.549-08:00Tuesday, February 11, 2014 - Good, Better, and Best<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It's a great day to be alive! This is the best time to be a missionary! We are on the last week of the Gilbert Open House. Last week we didn't have to work at the Temple at all, but we're making up for it by working 3 shifts this week. It's already been a crazy week and it only started yesterday. Fun times! On Wednesday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">we had our transfer meeting. It was a crazy one with 2 new zones created and all of them basically renamed. No one knows where the zone boundaries are any more. Sister Beach and I are part of the select few companionship's who actually stayed together this transfer. Exciting! Our mission has a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the work. It's fantastic. President said we're almost at our capacity for how many missionaries are going to be in the mission. We won't be changing around as much in a couple of transfers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had a great lesson with one of our investigators, Valarie. She's 18 and she's part of the family who we took to the Temple last Monday. She is golden! We love her so much! She compared herself to Joseph Smith because he was searching for what church he should join. She said she's been searching. She accepted a baptismal date of <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_187575718" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 8th</span></span> and she's super excited! The Spirit was powerful during the lesson. She basically wants to meet with us every day and of course we're happy to! We have been praying and fasting for someone like Valarie. Her parent's don't seem as on board as she is. We think something/someone must have gotten to them since we had met after our first lesson. Which is very sad. Their friend and neighbor, our Stake President, is going to talk with them and see what some of their concerns are. The spirit was so strong in those lessons with the family and now with the lessons with Valarie. We have another lesson with her tonight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sierra is still scheduled for baptism on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_187575719" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 15th</span></span> with her little brother, Preston. We made prayer rocks last night with them so they will remember to pray. It was a lot of fun! We're going to the Gilbert Temple Open House with the entire family<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_187575720" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span>. We're excited to be able to go with them! We hadn't been able to teach Sierra all this last week because they were busy. During church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_187575721" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> (which they didn't show up to even though they said they would) I was praying and pondering about Sierra's family. I just couldn't get them out of my mind. After church before dinner we had some time so we decided to go try to make contact with them in person. We get there and it's just getting dark. And surprise, surprise, the gate is closed. We're sitting outside the gate for a few minutes and I suggest that we pray. I pray that someone will come outside (just like the first time we got into their home) and let us in the gate. Literally 5 seconds after I said Amen, Kelly comes outside and opens the gate! We talked with Kelly for a couple of minutes, but Sierra and Denise were not home (Kelly is Denise's nonmember husband), but Alex was there. Alex is 12 and she's a great girl. We were able to chat with her for a couple of minutes and we invited her to read her scriptures every day, especially before she does her homework. It was a great visit with her with just the three of us. Kelly wasn't too interested to staying for the lesson, but he was in the background listening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you remember Mercedes who I mentioned a couple of letters before? She's the mother of one of the recent converts in our ward. She's been coming to church and she's Hispanic, but she understands English. Well we had sent over the Spanish Sisters to try to teach her, but she told them she wasn't interested in taking the lessons because she knows everything already. But she does want to be baptized. Well she told her fellowship, who happens to speak English and is the Elder's Quorum President, that she will take the lessons in her own time but she wants us to teach her not the Spanish Sisters! She called them Gringos... We're just excited that she does want to be taught and that she's warming up to the idea of taking the lessons. She was even going to sit on the the recent convert lessons this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_187575722" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span>, but they both got sick. It's all in the Lord's timing! Hopefully it's before I leave!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Funny story that happened this week. We have a lot of fields where we live and from the bottom of our area to the top of our area takes about 15 minutes. We know the members that own the fields between the Proving Grounds and the church building. We were late so we saw a dirt path that led us in a straight course to our dinner's house, which happened to be the Bishop. The sister's before us had gotten permission to use the dirt path for part of the way. So we went off-roading big time by going through the fields on the dirt paths the trackers use. We ended up going in our Bishop's and Stake President's backyards. It was so embarrassing because they had seen us through their back window and the Stake President was outside as we're coming right behind his house. Bishop kept on giving us a hard time because now our car is so dirty! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past week I have completed the October General Conference talks. I have learned so much from reading the talks since I have listened to them in Conference. I think I learn more and retain it more as I re-read the talks. They are revelation given for our day from living Apostles and our Prophet. I love the talk "Drawing Closer to God" by Elder Vinson: www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/drawing-closer-to-god?lang=eng. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We should be asking ourselves every day- How Close Am I to God? Is this decision bring me closer or farther away from God? We know that it's us moving away from God, not Him. He never moves because He is the "same yesterday, today, and forever." If we love God we will want to align our will with His. He will not fail us or forsake us. I love my Savior and I'm so happy I made with best decision for myself to serve a mission at this time. I have learned so much and I have grown so much. I love the 3 hours of study I get to have each day to become closer to my Heavenly Father. I know He's there and in fact He does answers prayers; sometimes immediate, other times over time. I know Heavenly Father is the Gardner in our lives. We have to be thankful He loves us enough to sometimes cut us down. He knows what is ultimately best for each one of us on an individual level. I know He lives and loves each one of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-66594497277474188842014-02-04T17:44:00.001-08:002014-02-04T17:44:06.606-08:00Tuesday, February 4th, 2014 - Transfer News!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Transfer News! Sister Beach and I are staying together for this next transfer. I'm really glad I'm not leaving the area and that we're still companions. This next transfer will be good. Transfers are on Wednesday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. This morning I went to the airport with President and Sister Nattress, the Assistants, and the other STLs to go pick up the new missionaries. It was a lot of fun and they have a lot of enthusiasm. We got 10 sisters and 1 elder this transfer. I sympathized with the one elder because that's how I was when I came- just me and 18 elders. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday we went with our investigator family to the Gilbert Temple Open House. Their fellowship is our Stake President, who's in our ward. I love walking through the temple and seeing the beauty of it as well as the special feeling. I can't wait for it to be dedicated. The family loved it and thought it was great! Right now we have the most investigators this ward has ever had at one time. We're hoping to find more people to teach though! We also went through the temple with another family in our ward with their neighbors. That was great to see their hearts softening because all of their neighbors are Mormon and they've been fellowshipping this family for quite some time. Hopefully the Temple Open house will spark something. We're hoping to get at least one Temple referral! We've also worked at the Temple twice this week. We had some great lessons with our investigators this week and we were able to see both of them twice this week. We have been seeing a lot of small miracles this week, but combined they add up to a lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also yesterday morning we went on a hike as a zone. It was supposed to be a sunrise hike, but we ended up seeing the sunrise from the car. We went with a member couple and a non member lady who knows the trails on the San Tan Mountains. This was my first time hiking and I really wasn't prepared for how much a hike it actually ended up being. lol Let's just saw I'm definitely a city girl and I think I'll stay that way. It was a lot of fun though to go as a zone. Hopefully this next transfer we'll actually be able to go on a sunrise hike and see the sunrise from the mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past week I went on my last exchange for the transfer with Sister Ball. It was a great day and we had a lot of fun. Luckily Sister Beach wasn't sick again. :) We saw a lot of miracles and it was a nice exchange to end the transfer. We also had Interviews with President this past week. The training was great from the Assistants and the Zone Leaders. After interviews we went on splits with the Relief Society presidency and we talked to a lot of people. It was crazy because we found out there was a less active sister who had moved in, but hadn't transferred her records in. I had actually talked with her while I was on exchanges and they were super excited about the Temple Open House. Well, we go to knock on this less-actives house with the relief society and there was the same woman! The Lord works in mysterious ways. How crazy that I had talked with her just the week before and she happens to be in our ward. So she's going to move her records in our ward and is excited to come back to church. Also her son and daughter-in-law are here visiting from China (who I don't think are members). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Sister Collins </span></div>
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We had baby bunnies born at our house!</div>
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Zone Conference hike</div>
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Sis. Beach and Collins at the Gilbert Temple</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-86453441980808193822014-01-28T05:49:00.002-08:002014-01-28T05:49:31.915-08:00Monday, January 27th 2013 - Is This Real Life?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we showed the Temple Presentation to a family in our ward boundaries and they accepted to have us teach them again! It was a powerful 15 minutes and we're very excited to teach them again today especially since they're a family. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had a good lesson with Sierra this week about praying often. We can see how the family is slowly changing and progressing. Denise and Sierra finally prayed in front of us. That is a big step for them and we can see the spirit working on them. We're trying to have shorter lessons with them, but they love to talk. :) We love them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1717119127" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Saturday</span></span>, I went on exchanges with Sister Welch and we had a good day! Unfortunately, Sister Beach got the stomach flu that morning. Sister Welch's companion ended up being sick also so it kind of worked out great (not the getting sick part). In the evening we both had this feeling we were supposed to be somewhere, but we couldn't figure out where we were supposed to be. We prayed and we felt like we needed to go to one of their investigator's home. We went and he wasn't there. We were like, okay, where are we really supposed to be? We prayed again and Sister Welch thought to go to a less-active's house. While we were walking to the house we stopped to talk to this man, Carlos. We found out he was visiting from California and he was going to go catch his plane. He had talked with missionaries the day before and they had given him a Book of Mormon. It was a powerful street contact as we bore testimony how the Gospel was going to bless his life. The less-active didn't turn out to be home and the spirit bore witness to both of us Carlos was the reason why we needed to be on that street. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1717119128" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Sunday</span></span>, Sister Beach was still very sick so we couldn't go to church. The Elders came and gave her a blessing and she immediately felt better. One of the Elders wanted a turkey feather (he's kind of...special), so the members we live with brought the turkey to him to pluck the feathers. It was the most funniest thing. I couldn't believe he would make that request and second that the member brought the turkey to him so he could pluck it's butt feathers! I kept on saying, "Is this real life?!" I have to say it takes a very special person to do that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's crazy because this week I've had a meeting every single day. I'm hardly in my area! I know families can be together forever. Death cannot separate us because of the blessings of the temple. I am so grateful I get to work at the Gilbert Temple Open House and to see the spirit change people once they come out of the temple. This knowledge had blessed my life. I'm grateful for this opportunity to serve and for the precious time I have left to dedicate myself to the Lord. I am so glad this is my life right now in January 2014. I wouldn't trade anything for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sis. Collins</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-34559081708667766052014-01-20T14:59:00.000-08:002014-01-20T15:04:02.291-08:00Monday, January 20th 2014 - Temple, Temple, and More Temple!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Can I just start off by saying that I have never actually considered moving to Gilbert until I saw the inside of the Temple? I want to just pack right up and move into the Temple. It's absolutely stunning. I wish everyone could come and see the Temple. On Tuesday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> night we had a Sisters Training for the Open House with Elder Walker of the 70. He is a funny guy. Here are some of the instructions he gave us: Absolutely NO PROSELYTING. We need to be happy, nice, and smile. Look and feel your best (he said, you have to wear make-up!)We're the first and last people they'll see. He also told us that only 45/82,000 missionaries in the entire world get to have this privilege that we have right now. He said we were the chosen few to be able to have this experience. How humbling to know I am able to be here for the Open House and then the dedication! It's been an amazing experience. Then Elder Walker took us on a tour of the Gilbert Temple. We got the VIP tour and we were able to see more the Temple then the regular tours will. Every Temple is the House of God and this Temple is just, wow. Breath taking. I am so glad we were able to see the Temple before we started working it. I was a little worried that we'd only be able to see it if we got investigators there. This past Wednesday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">through Friday</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> were the VIP tours. As sister missionaries we have a 60 second speal and then we start a 12 minute introductory video before they start their tour. We also stand in a tent outside the Temple when they're done with their tour where they are able to ask us questions. We were able to work Thursday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">morning during the VIP tours where it was slower paced. We were also assigned to work on the Saturday </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">morning shift, which was the first day it was opened for the public. It was a little slow in the morning, but then we were soon running from room to room starting the videos. We rotate every two hours from the stake center where the videos are shown to the reception tent. We are divided into 6 groups of 8 sisters each and we will rotate throughout the coming weeks. I love working at the Temple. I feel so blessed. I have already seen so many people from my previous areas and even some people from my past life (lol). I can't wait to continue to work at the Temple for the next month! I have had some interesting questions asked to me. There are some people when I hear them talk about the Temple who are not of our faith and the Spirit whispers to me that they're going to join the church some day. I know there are miracles happening because of the Open House. The missionary work is going to start booming! I hope I get to be a part of the boom!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1427629305" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> I went on exchanges with Sister Kemmerer and she's from New Hampshire. She's been out for about 5 months. She was companion's with Sister Camilletti who left in the beginning of this transfer to go to her assigned mission to New Zealand. She hasn't had a companion since and she is in a trio in the morning and then she has members from her two wards sign up for the rest of the day. She's had a stressful transfer. We had a really good day in her area. We were able to talk to a lot of people on the street and even set up a return appointment from a guy who's interested in learning more. Miracles always happen on exchanges. One of the miracles we saw was when we went to a former investigator's house. She was going to be baptized, but he husband didn't want to commit because he loves drinking and gambling too much. We were able to get into the door and we did some service for her. We were able to share a quick message and she said we could come back the next night when her family was home to show them the Temple Video Presentation. We were also able to have a lesson with two of her investigators. It was a wonderful day and I had a good time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sierra came to church this week! We were able to get in with them <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1427629306" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Monday</span></span> and we had a good lesson on church attendance. Sierra and her little brother Preston, who's 7, will be baptized together on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1427629307" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 8</span></span>. Sierra is very shy and she doesn't like the spotlight so we decided to more the baptism. We addressed many of their concerns and it was a good lesson. Tonight we have a lesson with them. We are also showing the Temple Video to two families tonight. We pray that they will want to meet with us again! Also <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1427629308" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> we taught BYD (Bishop's Youth Discussion) on missionary work. Boy are teenagers a tough crowd! Next month for BYD we're going to teach the Restoration and we committed all of them to invite a non-member friend so that they could hear the message of the Restoration. We gave them a commitment card and made a deal that if they bring them, we'll ask them. We also found a part-member, less-active family who are not on the records. We had a very good chat with Tracy. She's so wonderful and she's been less active since she was a teenager. Her husband, Jose, is not a member and he's a non practicing Catholic. Tracy had a lot of questions and we committed her to read the Book of Mormon since she hadn't in such a long time. We're excited to go back later this week! The work is hastening! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-4939405372401912762014-01-14T14:40:00.000-08:002014-01-14T14:40:58.422-08:00Monday, January 13, 2014 - So This is Life<div>
This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1549883272" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span> night all of the STLs were invited to have Family Home Evening with President Nattress and his family at the Mission Home. We taught the Restoration using a cup tower one of the other sisters had. We didn't have much time to prepare a lesson because he asked us like two hours before if we would be available. Too bad Sister Beach couldn't come with and she and our house-mate went to our lessons both companionship's had that night. It was neat to see the family life of our Mission President and also to see the traditions they do as a family. Tonight actually we're having a sisters training meeting regarding the Gilbert Open House which starts <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1549883273" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">this Saturday</span></span>!</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1549883274" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Wednesday</span></span> I went on exchanges with Sister Taylor. We had a great day with a lot of miracles. Miracles always happen on exchanges. We were able to teach five lessons with people on the street and get their numbers and addresses. One lady in particular, Claudia, was quite an interesting experience. She is actually a wiki, a witch, and doesn't believe in God anymore. She was raised Catholic and turned away from the religion because she doesn't think God would allow suffering to occur if He was God. We were able to testify her answer to her question could be answered through the Book of Mormon if she read and prayed about it. She gladly accepted a copy and told us she had actually talked with missionaries before and told them she would talk to them, but they never came back. She actually started crying while we were testifying and talking about the Restored Gospel with her. I see potential in her and I know the Spirit can touch her heart. It's amazing the people Heavenly Father puts in our path if we just take the time to go and talk with them.</div>
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Actually this week we went up to go talk with this lady since we saw her while we were going to our appointment with our Young Men's President. When we started to talk with her about families and how the Restored Gospel can help with raising families (her teenage daughter was in the car), she said she's actually been thinking a lot about our religion lately! Her sister is Mormon and she gladly took a Book of Mormon and a Restoration pamphlet. She wasn't willing to set up a return appointment with us because she said she needed to talk with her husband. It's amazing how the Lord is preparing so many people. We hope to get into contact with her later this week and hopefully her husband is just as prepared as she is!</div>
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This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1549883275" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> I was able to go to MLC and Tracey Watson and Brother Gonzales were training us. He is the head over the world's proselyting tools. He was an inspiring teacher. All of the Zone Leaders, District Leaders, and Sister Training Leaders were invited to come to the meeting. They talked a lot about looking through the lenses of the Doctrine of Christ always because it is the center of everything. The Doctrine of Christ is having faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. This is our purpose as missionaries. Brother Gonzales stressed that everything God communicated to men is calculated to draw attention to the Atonement. I thought how true this is and how important using the Atonement daily in our lives is. They also stressed if we want to teach with great power we need to keep it simple. Brother Watson said to expect miracles and we need to have a 90 day vision- we need to think ahead. He also taught us the process of how to be successful not only in the mission field, but in life. 1. Establish Vision from God. He kept on using the phrase, "connect yourselves to Heaven," and I really liked how simple, yet significant it is. 2. Set Inspired Goals 3. Create and Execute Inspired Plans 4. Be Accountable to the Lord and Mission Leaders. This is how we will succeed as missionaries and also in life in general. We need to figure out how the Lord wants us to work. This is His work and His glory. Of course He's going to know what will work best and who is ready at this time. Something I really liked what Brother Watson said was that we have 30 seconds to make an impact on someone. They have to see Christ in our countenances and feel the truth of what we're saying is true.</div>
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Another significant visit this this was a Tri-Mission Conference with the Gilbert, Mesa, and Scottsdale Missions. Elder Holland was supposed to come, but he had to cancel the day before. Instead we had Elder Wright of the 70 speak to us. He compared himself to the Dixie Chicks and Elder Holland to the Beatles. They kept on apologizing again and again about Elder Holland not being able to make it. Some of the highlights were "love is the lubricant and life of missionary work." "Act on the promptings you receive. Just don't listen." "Just don't learn the lessons of Preach My Gospel, embrace them." "Doing the simple things (church, scripture study, praying, etc.) will bring the Spirit." "Give the Lord the one thing He can't take from you- your heart." I learned a lot from the conference and I know Elder Wright was supposed to talk with us and the Lord called Elder Holland another way. I'm glad we were able to still have that experience. I did not see Kelsey Hamstead there since she was really sick and had to stay home. :( </div>
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I am grateful for the experiences I have had thus far on my mission. I know they have helped me become a better person and I will continue to see the blessings throughout Eternity. I am grateful this sacred time of 18 months to give all that I have to the Lord. May each of us recommit ourselves to the Lord and receive the blessings He's waiting to pour upon us. </div>
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Sister Collins</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-31576818048724387642014-01-06T15:26:00.002-08:002014-01-06T15:27:26.322-08:00Monday, January 6, 2014 - The Tamest New Year's Yet<div>
HAPPY 2014! This New Years was quite...uneventful. It was the tamest New Years I have ever been apart of. We read from Preach My Gospel for three straight hours. I focused my study on boxing every time it mentioned part of our purpose. I got through about half of Preach My Gospel (100 pages) in the three hours. I actually really enjoyed sitting down and reading through Preach My Gospel quickly. It gave me a broader perspective and showed how every chapter relates to each other. Also it was neat to focus on how much our purpose is scattered throughout Preach My Gospel. There wasn't one page where there wasn't one principle mentioned. This really re-enforced how we should <em>always </em>have our purpose at the forefront of our minds. I have continued reading a little bit each personal study because it's so nice to remind myself of everything I've learned throughout my mission.</div>
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In my personal study I'm currently reading in Jacob 5. I have been really focusing on applying the chapter to myself regarding missionary work. I've always looked at this chapter as the Spiritual history of the world. It's been very enlightening to really dig deep and studying this chapter little by little. Today I read verses 13-25. I love how the Lord never leaves us alone because this is His work and His glory. He will always say, "Let <em>us</em> go down and labor". This re-enforces D&C 84:88 and gives me great comfort, and is an example of how Christlike leadership. The Lord knows His vineyard (the world) perfectly. We should never seek to counsel the Lord (vs.22) because His ways are <em>always </em>higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). We cannot judge others based on their circumstances (vs.21-22) and we must labor with all diligence regardless if we see the fruits of our labors currently (vs. 25). I am so grateful for personal revelation and the counsel Heavenly Father gives to each of us as we are obeying one of his commandments- reading the scriptures. I know the scriptures give us protection as we read them daily. </div>
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This past Monday we had a lesson with Sierra! Which was great because we taught the first half of the Plan of Salvation. Each of them had a lot of questions and we addressed many of their concerns. We found out the deep underlying concern Denise has and why she really hasn't been to church in the past two years. They didn't end up coming to church yesterday because they all had the stomach flu. Sad day! Now it's just over coming that hurdle! We're trying our best! We're trying to teach more the families in the ward the lessons so that Sister Beach can learn to teach and to strengthen the member's faith in Jesus Christ. We were supposed to teach Mercede's this week, but her sister who she hasn't seen in two years from California randomly showed up on the day we were supposed to teach! She then wasn't able to come to church because she was sick. We will teach her this week! I can feel it. The Lord works in mysterious ways- last week we just weren't supposed to start teaching her. Man, too many people have been sick these past weeks. We have had so many canceled appointments because of sickness. Luckily neither of us has gotten it (knock on wood). This past Sunday a less-active family we have been working with all came to church! That is two weeks in a row. We were so happy to see them and the ward was welcoming them in since they've only been to the ward twice since they moved in two years ago. We are teaching them the lessons to practice. :)</div>
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This Thursday I went on my first exchange as an STL. I exchanged with Sister Kamstra. She has been out for 8 weeks and I went to her area. We saw a lot of miracles during our exchange. We were supposed to start teaching one of their potentials, George, but he couldn't stand being at home since his wife just died. We talked to his neighbor who was going to come with us and asked if she would be willing to have the lessons at her house so George doesn't have to be reminded of his wife's passing while they're teaching him. We gave away two Book of Mormons to some people we talked with on the street, Dallin and Rene. They are both two solid potentials the sisters can work with. I have a firm belief in street contacting and finding people through Opening Our Mouths. Overall it was a great first exchange and I learned a lot from Sister Kamstra and I had a lot of fun! We even saw an icecream truck and had a popcile! I haven't seen an ice cream truck since I was a little girl! Fun times!</div>
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I am grateful for the many miracles we see daily and that we are able to participate in. I know my Savior loves me and watches out for me as well as all of you. I know the Lord wants each one of us to become more like Him and He will help us know what we should change and how we should go about doing it. He has set the perfect example and I love reading about His life and how I can try to emulate Him to become just a little bit better. I have come to have a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as I have prayed and used the Atonement in my life daily. I <em>want</em> to be closer to Him and I never want to do anything that would take me farther away from Him. I always strive to have the Spirit to be my constant companion because He is the ultimate teacher. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Sister Collins</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-66335291057984037692014-01-01T07:46:00.001-08:002014-01-05T11:26:19.449-08:00Monday, December 30, 2013 - Ring Out, Wild Bells!<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What a great week it's been! The <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621550" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span> before Christmas <span style="color: black;">we went to a family's <span style="background: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">FHE</span></span>. This is a long standing tradition in their family and they were kind enough to invite us. Part of their tradition is Grandpa dressing up as Poncho Claus and lip syncing the song that goes with it. HILARIOUS! We're definitely right by the border!!! Christmas we were able to eat dinner with a family and we had Mexican food! I've decided to appropriately theme this Christmas, "My Christmas Across the Border." We then went caroling with some of the members in our zone. We had a blast and I loved watching every one's faces we caroled to (even though I'm sure it was slightly out of tune, but I'm sure the Spirit made up for the rest). I'm so glad I was able to talk/see my family through <span style="background: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Skype</span></span> on Christmas Day! It felt right and surreal at the same time. I haven't <span style="background: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Skyped</span></span> with them since Mother's Day and I've changed so much since then. We were well taken care of by the members of our ward. I'm so grateful for them! We were invited to two breakfasts, a lunch, and a dinner. When <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621551" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6pm</span></span> rolled around for our zone activity we were exhausted- in a good way! I'm glad we were able to stay busy because it made our Christmas. We got together as a zone and we watched Chronicles of Narnia. We picked out all of the motifs related to the gospel! It was a fun night and I'm glad we were able to get together as a zone. It was a great last Christmas on the mission!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The next day I had to leave Sister Beach and go to <span style="background: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">MLC</span></span>, Missionary Leadership Counsel, from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621552" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9-5pm</span></span>. It was a long day, but it was good for Sister Beach to see how another sister works. She went with the Spanish sister who lives with us since her companion is an <span style="background: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">STL</span></span> as well. It was a wonderful experience to be taught by President and the Assistants in a more intimate manner. I learned a lot about Christlike leadership and the focus of the mission right now. President <span style="background: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Nattress</span></span> is a very inspired man. I am grateful he is our Mission President. I can tell he loves us a lot and he wants to do what's best for all of us collectively and individually. It's a big responsibility, but I know the Lord is helping me magnify my assignment. I know how much He loves each one of us and I can see the potential each sister I have stewardship over has. I'm excited because I made posters for each companionship that reads, "Got Miracles?" and we're going to record a miracle a day that we recognize from the Lord. I though since we're in cow country (literally there's a dairy in our area and we have a cow in the back yard) we must embrace it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Sierra is scheduled for baptism on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621553" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">January 25th at 11am</span></span>. Her family hasn't come to church the past two Sundays and they canceled our lesson this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621554" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span>. We had texted and called them, but no reply. We were getting a little frustrated because they had been doing so well! We went to their house every day and sat outside their gate for a good 15 minutes, praying we would be able to get in. We went there two days in a row and nothing. Their cars were there, but we couldn't get in. The Lord works in mysterious ways. I don't know what the difference was between <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621555" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621556" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> when we went, but we got in <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1615621557" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> afternoon. We pulled up and there were 3 of the children rollerblading outside! If we had been any earlier or any later, we probably would have missed them. We both felt strongly we should go to them at that specific time and the Lord blessed us! We were able to discuss Sierra's baptism, share a message, and set up an appointment for this evening. We've been praying for them and especially Sierra's mother because it all rests on her to have Sierra progress. She's the main holdup right </span>now and we've been trying to address her concerns. I know there's something else we just need to touch on to make her more comfortable at church- she doesn't like how friendly the ward is! What a change from most people's concerns! We had to tell the ward to not swarm them! Yesterday we had several less active families come to church we've been working with! What a great day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had a miracle happen at our dinner yesterday! The members we ate with started talking about one of our recent convert's mom, Mercedes. She has been coming to church the past three Sundays. She prefers to speak Spanish, but she understands English and even knows a lot of English. We had thought the Spanish Elders had been teaching her. It turns out they haven't been able to get in. Yesterday Mercedes' son, Robert, decided to not come to church but she came by herself! We have quite a few Spanish speakers in our ward and the ward has really been rallying around them. We had painted their house a couple of weeks ago and her heart has been softened. She wants to be baptized and she just needs the lessons! We're going to start teaching her on Tuesday! I'm so thankful the Lord trusts us and has been blessing us. I know this would have not happened unless it was by the power of God. We have been praying and praying to find the seekers of truth. The ward really feels like she'll progress in our ward and stay active. Robert is an alcoholic unfortunately so we have to get him to rehab. We're planning on getting him there in two weeks. I hope he'll straighten up and become more active. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am grateful for this time to serve the Lord and to be focus on Him which in turn helps me to become better. We have been studying the sanctifying effect of charity on people in the Book of Mormon. Charity encompasses so much- the Atonement, compassion, service, faith, repentance. As I've been studying this topic for the past couple of weeks I have in turn learned a lot about myself and how I want to become better. Charity is the pure love of Christ. When we have charity we do not have pride. Pride is the root of all sins. We can combat pride with having charity towards all men and seeing them as God sees them. When we truly see others as God does, we become happier. I have seen the effect of charity in my life. I notice the difference when I am charitable and when I'm not. We're all not perfect and we all have weaknesses, but we can strive each day to become better. Especially as we are reflecting on this past year and the year to come, we need to set goals to just become a little bit better. We just can't set goals and forget them. We much write them down and reflect on them daily. This is something I have noticed which has helped me throughout my mission. Once I make a goal I try to review it every day and then re-evaluate and then make a little bit of progress. Setting goals is the only way we become better! I know Christ will help us accomplish those righteous goals! He knows how we feel. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2014 is going to be the best year yet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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Lauren's district</div>
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Poncho Claus</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-22277995452213411442013-12-26T13:43:00.002-08:002013-12-26T14:07:19.637-08:00Monday, December 23, 2013 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What a crazy week it's been! My new companion is Sister Beach. She's from Washington State, 19, never stayed away from home, and just arrived here from the MTC. We get along great and she's excited to be on the mission! I am also one of the new Sister Training Leaders and I'm over 3 other companionship's. I'm excited since I love the sisters I have stewardship over and it's going to be an awesome transfer! There were only 4 sisters that came in this transfer because all of the foreigner's visas didn't come in. We have about 4 Elders who came in this transfer who are foreign, they're sending a lot of them to our mission in the next couple of months! Also a Spanish sister companionship moved in with us in our house this transfer. The more the merrier I guess!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday was transfers and we had a lot of appointments that night. I felt bad for Sister Beach because we were running from one appointment to another and I didn't have really time to explain anything. But I'm glad the night was packed so Sister Beach jumped right into missionary work. The next day we had our Mission Christmas Party! It was a lot of fun. We started off the Party with going to the Mesa Temple. It was neat to see everyone in white and to do a session with President and Sister Nattress. We had lunch and did Minute-To-Win-It games. Then we presented all of our 5 minute Christmas Skits to the mission. We did a twist of "It's a Wonderful Life" with missionaries instead. It was a great time to be together with the whole mission and have some fun. We had a mini devotional at the end where we talked about how the imagery of light is associated with Christ. One of my favorite scriptures related to Christ and light is D&C 88:50, "Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound." I know Christ is our Savior and the Light and Life of the World. Light will always conquer darkness; with Him there can be no darkness. I know He lives what a wonderful gift that is to each one of us. They then had balloons for each of us with a light attached to each one. We sang Silent Night and after the first verse we let go of all of the balloons into the night sky. It was so beautiful to see all of the blue, red, and green lights twinkling in the night sky. What a neat symbolism!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we had a lesson with our investigator, Sierra. Her baptism is going to be on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_796666277" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Jan 22nd</span></span>because of the holidays and we want to everyone possible there instead of <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_796666278" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Jan 4th</span></span>. They downloaded the Gospel Library App and they're reading it together as a family. We're hoping Sierra's dad will come around soon so we can start teaching him as well! We're trying to find new investigators and the other day we were driving and we saw a sign that said, "Heaven Help Us Please!" So naturally we turned around and went up to knock on the owner's door. It was a little old man that opened the door. We said, "We saw your sign outside and here we are to help!" He just laughed and said it was for political reasons (sigh). We ended up having a very good conversation with him about the Plan of Salvation (his grandson had died a couple of years ago from cancer at the age of 16) and the Gilbert Open House. We're going to go back and show him and his wife the Temple Video Presentation. Unique finding activities! We've been seeing a lot of tender mercies from Heavenly Father! We were also able to go see the Christmas lights again! It was Sister Beach's first time. One of our Recent Converts had all of her non-member family come so we were able to go. It was a great night and the Christmas are always magical! I'm glad I was able to go again! This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_796666279" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> all of Sacrament Meeting was music and it was very touching. The choir did amazing and you could feel the spirit very strongly. Til the Christmas Season! I'm so grateful to be serving the Lord and even though I'm away from home, I am being very well taken care of. We're going to be Christmas Caroling tomorrow night and we have a lot planned for Christmas- I get to talk with my family and I'm excited for that! I feel so blessed to be here in Arizona at this time! The Lord is watching out for each one of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Merry Christmas!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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Heaven Help Us Sign</div>
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Sis. Collins and Sis. Beach</div>
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Mesa Temple Visitor's Center Christmas Lights</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-18931645415637410392013-12-18T19:39:00.003-08:002013-12-18T19:39:28.331-08:00Monday, December 16th, 2013 - The CHRISTmas Season<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First off, Camden is entering the MTC <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_756470389" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span>! I can't believe he's leaving for his mission in 2 days. It's crazy how much time has flown by, it seems like yesterday I was departing for the MTC. Transfers are <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_756470390" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">this Wednesday</span></span> as well. I am staying in the area and Sister Wallace is leaving. I'm excited to stay here because Sierra is on date to be baptized on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_756470391" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 4th</span></span>! The family came to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_756470392" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> and they enjoyed being back. The ward really reached out to all of them and helped them to feel welcomed. It was really a great Sabbath day. We also showed the Temple Presentation to two non-members who were invited by their friends to watch it. Neither of the families wanted to meet with us again to learn about the Restoration, but at least they're excited for the Temple and now they know more about it before the Open House. I can't believe the Open House starts in less than a month. We've just been building up to this for a long time and it's finally almost here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we were able to go to the Mesa Temple Lights with Sierra and her family. It was beautiful and we all had a lot of fun. I'm glad we were able to go with them to experience the Visitor's Center and to see the lights all around. The light display was smaller this year than last year and there weren't as many people there when we went- which was a blessing. We were able to actually see all of the nativities from around the world. I was also able to see Sister Hamstead! Fun times to catch up with her for a few minutes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our Relief Society had a Christmas Party and the theme was "Women of Christmas." I really liked it since I had never seen it. It's all about the different women in the Christmas Story- Mary the mother of Jesus, Christ's grandmother, Elisabeth, Joseph's mother, the inn keeper's wife, and a Shepard's wife. I know they're not all in the Bible, but the author kept it has historically possible. It was very touching. I would recommend to look it up. I love this season of Christmas! I just wish there was snow to make it even more magical looking outside, but what really matters is what's in our hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we had Zone Conference and I really learned a lot- I always do when the Assistants and President train us. We role played a lot and we also focused on exchanges and developing Christlike attributes. We then had a Sister's Conference later in the week where all of the 30 sisters got together. It's crazy how many sisters we have in the mission now! There are going to be 52 sisters coming in the next 4 months. CRAZY! We talked about building Zion Companionships and lifting where you stand. It was inspiring and I had a great time being with the other sisters. We had a clothing exchange, but I really don't need any more clothes! I have way too much!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we did a lot of service for someone the less-actives in our ward and other members. It feels great to be serving other people in different ways than just spiritually. Some times people need to first be helped temporally before we can help them spiritually. Serving other people is the key to having them feel good and also you feel good in return. This is what life is all about! Make the most of what you have! I know looking outward will help you be happier than just looking inward all of the time. Serve those around you and you'll see the difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Merry Almost Christmas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-72135911819817760662013-12-09T20:04:00.000-08:002013-12-09T20:04:06.280-08:00Monday, December 9th - What a Wonderful Gift to the Savior<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we were able to attend the Temple! What a glorious morning it was to be able to spend a couple of hours in the House of the Lord. I always feel comforted and peaceful whenever I go, I receive answers to questions I have, and I better understand God's plan specifically for me. I am grateful I am able to go to the Temple every six weeks and that the Gilbert Temple is being built in our mission. I'm also excited for the Open House coming up in January! We don't have any details as of what we're going to be doing at the Open House, but I'm sure we will soon. *Hopefully!!*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've been having some great member visits this week! We have been encouraging members to take Elder Ballard's challenge from Christmas seriously. "We are not asking everyone to do everything. We are simply asking all members to pray, knowing that if every member, young and old, will reach out to just "one" between now and Christmas, millions will feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful gift to the Savior." I love this Christmas Season! I love seeing all of the Christmas decorations and I am especially grateful for the Spirit of Christ that is all around us. May we all give this wonderful gift to the Savior by reaching out to those around us by turning outward. When we lose ourselves, we find ourselves. I have seen this while I have been on my mission. When I truly forget myself and get to work, I am happier. I feel God's love He has for me. We were able to watch the First Presidency Christmas Message yesterday night and we were uplifted and strengthened. They talked about putting into focus the true meaning of Christmas and to have the Spirit of Christ in our lives. We not only focus on the Savior's birth, but we focus on His life and what He has done for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we were able to teach Sierra the message of the Restoration. Her entire family sat in the lesson and we had a good discussion. We soft committed her to baptism and she said yes. Denise (the mother) said they would come to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_184199442" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> since they really do want to come back to church. I love the family already and I've only met them twice so far! We're so happy they didn't cancel the lesson on us like I guess they had previous missionaries. They unfortunately did not come to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_184199443" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> because Sierra was sick. It was a sad day to not see them there! We have an appointment this week to teach them the message of the Plan of Salvation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_184199444" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> we were able to help out a recent convert, Robert, with the ward to paint his house. I wish I had the before and after pictures (I'll get them next week)! It was fun and it was truly humbling to see the circumstances of some people. Having come into this new area a month ago has really opened my eyes to how some people live. I am glad we were able to serve him and his mother (she's not a member) by helping with their temporal needs. We also had the Ward Christmas Party <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_184199445" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span>. The ward had an ornament exchange and I got a pink ornament with a mustache on it. We were also able to see Santa Claus! (don't worry we didn't sit on his lap and we have picture to prove it) :] What a glorious day and what a fantastic time to be a missionary on the Lord's errand!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week I found out I have Mono, but not to worry! I haven't been kissing anyone! The Lord is lifting me and helping me to not be so tired. I know this is His work and glory and that I am in His service and am entitled to His help. I have seen His hand everyday even if we weren't able to get out as much as I would have liked to this week. The members are great and are taking good care of us! I am so grateful!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been reading this past General Conference talks these past couple of days. President <span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Monson </span>quotes in his talk, "I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee," a poem by Douglas <span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Malloch</span>:</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good timber does not grow with ease,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The further sky, the greater length.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The more the storm, the more the strength.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By sun and cold, by rain and snow,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In trees and men good timbers grow.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know Heavenly Father never forgets us. He gives us trials, afflictions, and sorrows to make us stronger. He is the Gardner of our Lives. We need to align our will to His so that we can be truly happy. I am grateful for this Gospel and the strength it gives me to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope" (2 <span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Nephi</span> 31:20).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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Santa and the Sisters!</div>
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Service - painting the house</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-18334763891695584762013-12-02T14:19:00.000-08:002013-12-02T14:19:01.688-08:00Monday, December 2, 2013 - Off Roading Miracles<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am so grateful for all of the members who had us over on Thanksgiving. What a wonderful day it was, we were well fed! Maybe a little too well fed... We started the day off with breakfast with a family who had her parents over, Gramma and Pajo. Gramma gave us both pearl bracelets with a cowboy boat charm, a southwest culture keepsake. After breakfast we were trying to find a family who lived out in the middle of the desert. Our map wasn't very detailed and we drove around for quite some time because hardly any of the dirt roads or houses are marked. While we were driving out in the middle of nowhere our car got stuck in the mud again! Luckily, we could see some houses near by so we went and knocked on their doors. Only one family was home and they kindly helped us get our car unstuck. We are so grateful the Lord was looking out for us that we were able to find someone home! We never found the family's house that day, I guess it wasn't the right time! For lunch we were invited to the Mayor of Queen Creek's home for Thanksgiving lunch (they are also in our ward). There again we had delicious food and good company. We were able to show the Temple Presentation to some of their non-member family who were curious about the Gilbert Temple. We had only an hour in between lunch and dinner. #missionaryprobs. Dinner was also great and so was the company. We are so blessed to have so many thoughtful members who take care of us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have seen so many miracles this week! The day before Thanksgiving we were going by come less-active and part-member families that the sisters before had been trying to get in for awhile. One family in particular, no one had been able to get in for a long time because they have a gate to get onto their property. We had tried to find this family before (again, out in the middle of nowhere) and on this day we had found it! We pulled up to the gate and wondered how we were going to get past the gate. I said a quick little prayer to myself that someone would come out of the house and open the gate. Seconds after I had said Amen, someone came out of the house! I quickly jumped out of the car and yelled, "Is this the ___ Residence?" The old man said nothing, but went back into the house. A second later, the gate started to open! We walked inside the gate and started talking to the man. He really wouldn't talk to us, but to confirm this was the family's residence and then got in his car and left. We stood there very confused, but decided since we were inside the gate to go knock on the door! At the door were two of the little girls. We asked if their parents were there and the said no. We really didn't believe them and kept on talking with them. As we were talking another car drove through the gate. It was their dad, who's not a member, and oldest sister. He said, "you must be looking for my wife" and let us in the house. We started talking with the family, they're super nice and cute! We shared the Temple Presentation with them and we found out some of her concerns why she hadn't been to church in years and that her youngest daughter hadn't been baptized yet. We asked if she wanted to prepare for baptism and they said yes! So now we're teaching Sierra, a nine year-old. We have dinner with them <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_507324687" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span> to teach the first lesson. We're super excited because this is my first investigator in this area. The blessings of faithful prayers. I know Heavenly Father answers each of our prayers- mine and all of the members of the ward who I'm sure have been praying. It's also all in God's timing- we happened to be in the right place and the right time listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Later that same day we were also able to contact another less-active part-member family who people haven't been able to contact in quite some time. At the beginning of our meeting with the man, he told us he was no longer a member and that he wasn't interested. We got him to start talking with us more and we were able to testify and find out some of his concerns why he stopped going to church. We got him to commit to read the Book of Mormon again and to pray about it. At the end of our meeting he asked where the church building was and what time church was at. We didn't see him <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_507324688" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>, but we're going to go back again and see how his reading of the Book of Mormon is going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also in that same day we were going to go contact a former investigator. As soon as we pulled up, a boy came out of the house directly across the street. He was at the end of the street by the time we had the car parked. I got out of the car and started walking towards him. He saw me and then he turned around and came back without me even saying anything to him. It turns out it was Pabel, the boy we had gotten as a referral 2 weeks ago and we had contacted his parents who were not interested. We were able to have a lesson with him right on the street and gave him a Book of Mormon. He said he'd have to think about meeting with us again, he'd have to get permission from his parents first. It was a miracle he came back and wanted to talk with us. I know something will come of it, in the Lord's time and in His own way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were driving by our Bishop's house one afternoon and saw they were putting up Christmas decorations outside so we stopped and helped them. After we had helped them we asked the Bishop if he wanted us to go by anyone. He said he had been thinking of his neighbor's across the street and that we should stop by them. So we went and contacted them. We knocked on the door and a woman answered the door. She spoke no English and invited us in, calling to someone in the house. She sat us down in the living room and then 2 teenage girls came into the room. It turns out the woman had thought we were their friends coming to visit! We talked with the girls and they were actually interested in going to the Gilbert Open House and watching the Temple Presentation. We were in the middle of setting up a time when their parents would be home when in walks the parents! We started talking with them and they seem confused as to why we were sitting in their house. We tried to watch the Temple Presentation then, but they were "busy". So we tried to set up an appointment, but the mother said "she would call us." Too bad, but at least we got in the door! Who knows what will come of it, but I know the girls felt something and they seemed very open to it. There are so many other miracles, I wish I had time to write them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you Mom for sending me Advent! We had a great time putting the presents under the Christmas tree the members we live with gave us! Ah, the Christmas Spirit is a wonderful thing. I'm so glad we now have decorations so our apartment isn't completely bare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was reading yesterday in Doctrine and Covenants 50:41. This verse really struck me yesterday, "<sup>a</sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50#" rel="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=50&noteID=41a" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">Fear not</span></a>, little <sup>b</sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50#" rel="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=50&noteID=41b" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">children</span></a>, for you are mine, and I have <sup>c</sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50#" rel="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=50&noteID=41c" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">overcome</span></a> the world, and you are of them that my Father hath <sup>d</sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50#" rel="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=50&noteID=41d" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">given</span></a> me." I know that Christ has performed the Atonement for each one of us and because of that act, He has overcome the world for each one of us. We need not to be fearful because He is right there beside us. I know He is my Savior and Redeemer and I am so grateful for this Christmas Season to remember Him and that He does live. May we keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of our minds. I know that He lives! And what comfort this great sentence gives!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Sister Collins</span></div>
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The Christmas Spirit</div>
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Happy Advent!</div>
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Thanksgiving</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-84199605330030693132013-11-25T14:57:00.001-08:002013-11-25T14:57:17.259-08:00Monday, November 25, 2013 - And Then There Were Two<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I now only have one companion- another sister who had actually just came out a week ago, just went home <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556552" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday, so </span></span>President Nattress called us <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556553" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> night and said Sister Camilletti had been reassigned. Bummer! She was to leave <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556554" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> morning to her new area. I had actually started to get used to being in a trio. Sister Camilletti and I are so alike- kindred spirits. I guess we just needed to meet each other for 9 days so that we could be friends after the mission! We're both probably going to be at BYU! So it's now Sister Wallace and I at the house with all of the farm animals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a great week- we saw a lot of miracles. Doors were opening that I guess haven't been opened since Sister Wallace got here 6 weeks ago with potential investigators. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556555" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> was a fantastic day. We had a lesson with a less active laurel and we invited her to church and actually her step-mom came to church, but not the rest of the family. Maybe next week. What was also neat was having a less-active/part member family open the door for us. Her active RM sister had made her promise to always let the missionaries have water because when she was on her mission, no one gave her water. So she let us in! She told us some of her concerns and we were able to testify powerfully we knew this was the Restored Gospel. She actually agreed to have us teach her children. Her husband had taken the lessons years ago, but they got offended at church again so they stopped. We have really been the first missionaries to get in with the family again since the husband had taken the lessons. We're excited about that! It's too bad they're going out of town for the Holidays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week we also were given the chance to show Temple Presentation to two nonmembers. We have been showing them to the families in the ward and encouraging to invite their friends over who they have invited to go to the Gilbert Temple Open House to know a little bit more about the Temple before they go through. The first presentation was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556556" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span> and the member's friend said yes she would like to meet with us again to hear more. She doesn't live in our area though, but we're still going to teach her the first lesson then pass her off to the missionaries in her area. Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556557" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> at our dinner, the member had invited over her neighbor. We showed the video and she also said she would be willing to meet with us again! She said she won't be able to meet until after the Holiday's though. We're still going to stop by and say hello in a couple of weeks to see if we can do anything for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556558" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Friday</span></span> it really started to rain and it wouldn't let up like it usually does here in Arizona. It rained all day <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556559" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> as well. We have an area in our ward boundaries that is called the "Proving Grounds" which is basically out in the middle of nowhere. Most of the area is dirt roads. We had to go there <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_58556560" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span> and the roads didn't seem that bad so we continued on. While we were looking for a house (and some of the roads aren't even marked along with some of the houses!) our car got stuck in the mud! Luckily a members house was close by and we went there and they were able to get our car unstuck. At least it wasn't like Sister Allred earlier in my mission! I actually had good reason with wet roads and out in the middle of nowhere! lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of the Holidays, Thanksgiving is this week. We have been invited to breakfast, lunch, and dinner so far. All of our appointments have people the members want us to be introduced to. It's so nice of them to invite us over. I can't believe last year I had Thanksgiving in the MTC. Also in 2 days it will have been a year since I came to Arizona! Crazy. I'm so grateful for this time of year and to remember Christ, our Savior. Everyone seems to be just a little nicer to us and a little more likely to listen to us. I am grateful for all of you and especially my family who supports me and loves me. I am grateful for the members here in Arizona who open their mouths and share the Gospel. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and I know it is another witness of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for God's beautiful creations and I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who loves each one of us and listens to our prayers. I am thankful for my Savior and the Atoning sacrifice He made for each one of us to make our burdens light when we come to Him. I am grateful for this opportunity to come on a mission and to help others come unto Christ. I love this Gospel and this precious time I have to be here in Arizona.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">HAPPY THANKSGIVING!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Collins</span></div>
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From left to right - Sis. Wallace, Sis. Collins and Sis. Camilletti</div>
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Car stuck in mud!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755449295164813388.post-35516952509912313892013-11-18T14:14:00.003-08:002013-12-09T20:05:57.163-08:00Monday, November 18, 2013 - "We're Not in Gilbert Any More"<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow, where to start? I'll start with earlier this week in my old area. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone and to pack up. We had a lot of appointments and the last one I had in the area was at a member's house where they had invited less actives to have us teach them the lessons. We had actually had our first lesson last Tuesday and we were just going to make it a set appointment every week. The last week went great and this week one of the men brought his son with him. His son, Colton, wants to be baptized, but his mom won't let him. He's been coming to church and he even goes to seminary. We taught the Restoration again and we asked Colton if he'd like to take the lessons since his mom wants to know why he wants to get baptized (and I'm assuming she wants a "good" reason, which is understandable). Colton's parents have been divorced and his dad just started coming back to church. What a neat experience to have a new investigator on my last night in the area!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Transfers were <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1731443567" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span> morning since Sister Huefner and I had to be there early for the trainers meeting. While we're sitting in the meeting with the Assistants training us, President Nattress came in and said he needed to talk to me. My heart started racing and I had no idea what he was going to say. So we stepped outside into the hall and he said I was going to be also training a sister who just got out of the MTC. So not only was a second half training, but also training a new missionary. SURPRISE! Plus he said the area was not doing so well (surprise, surprise. I wasn't expecting anything different since all of the areas I've been, I've had clean up duty) and he's putting me in there to get the area going. He said the stake president of the wards I just left wasn't very happy with him for moving me. He also said he might be pulling me out soon and that he usually doesn't tell anyone what his thought process is with transfers. So basically he was telling me to get the area going quick because he wants to put me somewhere else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My new companion's are Sister Wallace, from Austin Texas, and Sister Camilletti, from Denver Colorado. They're both 21. Sister Wallace went to BYU-ID and Sister Camilletti went to BYU. Sister Wallace has been here in Arizona for 4 weeks since she's a visa waiter, so I'm second half training her. She's going to Brazil and she's speaking Portuguese. Sister Camilletti just got here from the MTC and she's also a visa waiter and she's going to New Zealand and she's speaking Samoan. It's definitely been interesting!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I actually moved out of Gilbert! I'm now in Queen Creek which is south of Gilbert. It's the farm country. I live on the property of members in an annex house. They have a minature farm! They have turkey's, chickens, the whole shabang. We even have goats. They are penned in on the side of our house where our bedroom is. Every morning we get a good morning for the goats at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1731443568" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5AM</span></span>... yep, I'm definitely not in Gilbert. It's been an interesting adjustment. We cover one ward and the ward boundaries are huge compared to what I'm used to. The ward goes all the way up in these mountains to what the call the "proving grounds." We even have to go off roading up there to get to a recent convert's house. It takes us about 20 minutes to just get there. CRAZY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We currently have no investigators. The sisters have been working with the members with the temple video presentation and they've been trying to visit all of the members. We have 2 recent converts in the ward. I'm not used to just having one ward; church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1731443569" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> was very short- only 3 hours! The ward members seem nice which is good! They do try hard to reach out which is good. I know we'll be seeing miracles this week! I know we will find investigators.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am excited to be in this area. I know I'm supposed to be here for a reason and I'm making the best of it! The Lord knows me better than I know myself. Again, I love this Gospel- it's makes me so happy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Sister Collins</span></div>
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Living with animals!</div>
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The House</div>
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The goats!</div>
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The 3 Amigas!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08681501015213240565noreply@blogger.com