Into Week 2!

Hello! Sorry for sending this a day late. It was Martin Luther King Day yesterday, so all the libraries were closed! But, school has begun at USM again, and we missionaries are happily e-mailing today. 

Not gonna lie, it's been a weird week! I think that's a consequence of the first week of a transfer, though. Sister Matealona and I can't believe we're already into week two! We can't wait to see what this transfer holds -- for us, the members, and for our investigators. 

We've been dropping people from our teaching pool as they've not kept teaching appointments nor answered our phone calls. And in turn, we've also been dropped by a few people. I deeply appreciate how straightforward those people are, though! One day, they will be able to receive the fulness of the gospel, even if it isn't from my mouth. One of my Sister Training Leaders made a fine point this week: you never know if you're the first, the fifth, or the seventh voice they've heard. For most people, it takes a few tries for them to open their hearts to the gospel. You never know when their spiritual window will be open, so you have to trust in the Lord's timing. 

As we've been working with finding, teaching members, catching mice in our apartment, and trying to plan effectively, I've been finding the Spirit's influence in all things. I remember in the MTC, how strongly I'd felt the Spirit all twelve days I'd been there. I'd felt it in my TRC lessons, in my district classes, even walking down the hallway -- the Spirit was everywhere. In the field, He's there, but you really have to listen for Him, just like you'd do at home. It's easy to miss His promptings; even missionaries miss small nudges in the right direction, but I know that as we continue to strive to listen for the still, small whisperings of the Spirit, we will be able to discern His voice above all others -- even our own. 

For instance, this whole week I've constantly had a less-active couple on my mind. We'd been by their house with a member before. They live pretty far away, and we always miss their road when it's time to turn onto it. We don't know them very well, and part of me was worried about being super awkward since I'd only met them once. Everyday, we set them as back-ups to teaching plans, but a little voice in me kept telling me that that wasn't quite good enough. I tried to push that aside and focus on finding new investigators, but, nevertheless, the little voice kept nudging me, pushing me, putting this couples' name in my head until finally, Sunday evening, I turned to my companion and expressed that we needed to go see them. 

So, we went. 

This couple is old and plagued with health problems. They usually need help cleaning, and they generally don't have the energy to do what they need to. Even so, they let us in, and we chatted a little. I kept asking my Heavenly Father why on earth He had prompted us to come here when I had no idea what to say or do, other than to sit there and ask them about their day, their scripture reading, and so on. 

But, that's what God gives us companions for!

Sister Matealona, my wonderful companion, somehow managed to gear the conversation right to the Savior. It was then that we discovered a large need in this family's wavering testimony. Right then, amidst the distractions of anxiety and uncertainty, I felt the Spirit prompting us to bear our testimonies and ask questions that only our Heavenly Father would know to ask. I left that home feeling assured and confident, knowing that my Heavenly Father had guided us there to help this family. We can't take credit for what transpired in that house; we only have the Lord to thank. If not for Him, it may have been weeks or months before we would have made it to their home. If one more day had passed, who knows what would have happened? 

I don't know if this family will keep the challenges we left them. That is up to them and their right to choose. But, I have faith that they can make it through this. Through Jesus Christ, all things are possible. 

This reminds me of something else I've been studying this week: faith. We had been talking to an investigator one night, and he mentioned how he'd needed to see something to believe in God, in the love of Christ, and in Their love for Him. He reminded me of unbelieving Thomas in the book of John, after Christ has been resurrected and is visiting His disciples. The disciples were rejoicing and spreading the good news that Jesus Christ was resurrected, walking among them. They told Thomas, who doubted. 

Thomas says in John 20, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." 

It's easy to criticize Thomas for his lack of faith, but remember what he's been through. He's seen his Savior and Friend crucified, beaten, betrayed, and killed for beautiful miracles and good works. He saw his hope fade into nothing, and I do not doubt that that affected his faith. So, to be sure, he established that he would not believe until he could touch the Savior's wounds. 

But we know that Thomas did exactly that. With love and kindness, Jesus Christ allowed Thomas to touch the prints of the nails, and said, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." 

Many times in our lives, we want our faith to be reaffirmed by miracles. We beg our Heavenly Father, sometimes even demand, that He show us a sign or something to reinforce what we already know to be true. We want miracles, even though we've witnessed them before. If there's one thing you must know, brothers and sisters, it is that miracles are what solidify faith, not create it. 

Remember the story of the brother of Jared in Ether 3. Because he knew of the glory of God, he was able to see the Lord's finger. Because of his faith, he witnessed a true miracle. 

All things work according to your faith. But do not think that just because something doesn't happen the way you thought it would, doesn't mean you didn't have enough faith. The voice that whispers, "You did not have enough faith" is not of God; that is from the father of all lies. Do not listen to that voice. Remember your Father loves you and knows that you are walking by faith, which is not a blind sense. By closing your eyes to the world's methods and allowing yourself to walk by faith, you are opening your eyes to a world of eternity, a world of miracles, a world full of Christ's light. 

How are you strengthening your faith? And how do you show that faith? It is a principle of action. Share with me your faith-building methods! Tell me how you build your faith everyday! Without faith, we can achieve nothing. How has faith helped you achieve the things your Father would have you do?

I love y'all! All is well in Purvis! I'll talk to you next week!

Godspeed!

Sincerely, 

Sister Flower

P.S. Thank you, Brother Gwin, for that nickname ;)

#TheDogsFoundUsAgain

This dog always follows us when we tract! ALWAYS! 

The roads in Mississippi are really cool. This is where we were tracting the other day! #SidewalksAreForTheWeak

Let's Zoo It!

Good morrow, brothers and sisters! This heading comes to you from a conversation I had with my companion: 

Me: "We should go to the Hattiesburg Zoo." 

Sis. M: "It's closed on Mondays." 

Me: "Okay, but since it's transfer week, we can go on Tuesday." 

Sis. M: "LET'S DO IT." 

Me: "LET'S ZOO IT." 

It's been a good week! I struggle to remember all that I did! We've been tracting and trying to improve our finding methods since our teaching pool has been shrinking ever-so-slowly with people we've found dropping us, ignoring us, going out of town... And, we've honestly been struggling with just finding! Who would've thought! If you've always been a stickler for tracting hours, let me remind you that tracting is not always the most effective method of finding in an area. I am going to stress again the importance of member involvement! I am gaining an ever-growing testimony of members in missionary work. You members have no idea how truly effective you are in teaching and preaching the gospel. 

Since I've been in Purvis, I've realized that not all missionary work has to do with investigators. Spreading the gospel and teaching it to those who have never heard it is most certainly one of the greatest things you can do to feed the Lord's sheep. However, we must also not forget about the sheep who have already been welcomed into the fold of God, those sheep who know of the true Shepherd and who still need love, still need feeding -- because their testimonies and their hearts are lacking in spiritual food, and the Lord has placed these people into our care for a reason. 

We visit plenty of less-actives in Purvis. We have members who are more than happy to go with us, and that is amazing! Always go with the missionaries! You members are so personable on a level we missionaries can't be, and that is something others need, especially less-actives. There's something that's tweaked at their testimony, that's poked at their heart, that's slid them away from the gospel, even if it's just a little. They're less-active for a reason. And while you probably in most cases should not outrightly demand why this person hasn't attended church...you still have to find out why, and Sister Matealona and I had the privilege of finding out why about a certain woman in our ward. 

I am so grateful to know that these people trust us enough with their concerns to share them with us. And for that reason, I will not disclose who this person is or what exactly her problem was. There are some issues with some less-active church members that are beyond the powers of a missionary to fix. We are not testimony repairers. But, through the power of the Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ, we can find a way to mend the tears in the hearts of members who have wandered from the fold, as this woman had. I remember the Spirit filling my heart as she spoke of her concern, and as we talked, I saw something in her eyes. I saw a glimmer of hope, a light of faith rekindle as she gripped her Book of Mormon. 

There is always hope, brothers and sisters. This week, I have been made aware of the lives changed through visits from members, active challenge-extending, and love of fellow brothers and sisters. You have no idea how your testimony can change the life of another. You really have no idea. I have seen a visible light return to the eyes of members who I did not see for the first few weeks of my being in Purvis, and now they are beginning to come to church diligently. I have seen Christ touch these people with every visit, every phone call, every time they set foot in the chapel -- I have seen it. 

Our Savior's love is so real. He so sincerely cares for each and every one of us, even those who have strayed a little, or a lot. You are not a lost sheep. You will be found if you call for your Shepherd, and He will find you. 

In light of my last e-mail, my mother always taught me to never pray for patience. Why? Because it will always be tested, and you will feel like a failure. Knowing this, I've been consistently praying for patience so I can better understand this heavenly virtue of our Savior. In response, my Heavenly Father has been teaching me the things of eternity little by little as the map of my mission unfolds, and I see the light of the Savior illuminate the world around me. How have you been able to see the Savior's light more abundantly in your life? If you can't see it, pray for it. Look for it. It's there. He is always there. 

I love y'all, and I hope the week brings fantastic things! 

Godspeed!

Sincerely, 

Sister Rose 

P.S. This transfer is going to be SEVEN WEEKS!!!!!! With the new MTC policy, the transfer times are all being changed! AH! So this will be a seven-week transfer, and we'll go back to a hearty six weeks right after :) 

Look! My companion took a beautiful selfie on my camera without my knowing while I was cleaning the pool!! So it gets to go on my blog!!!!!!!!!!!! (Love you, Sister Matealonaaaaaa)

 Sis M. hung her new flag!

COWS!! while tracting 

I have no clue what this is, but it's in a yard of a member's home! 

We cleaned a pool for Pre-Transfer Day of Service :) It was freezing :) 

trees! That still have leaves! In January!

?!?!!!???

And a Happy New Year!

Happy 2016, all!

First off, thank y'all who sent Christmas cards my way! I so appreciate them, and they now have a permanent (well...until transfers) home on my wall, just by my bed where all my photos are. I loved getting those cards, so thank you!!

Being a missionary over the holidays is such a brand new experience. I hardly even registered that we were going into a new year until I was writing "January 1, 2016" in my planner. Weird! But I am super excited about it all! A new year brings promises of new beginnings, resolutions, and waves of change. A lot can happen in a year. A lot can happen in a week, too!

This week, we've spent a lot of time doing service and trying to recover from the flurry of the holidays. If you'd like a funny story: Sister M. and I were helping a sister in our ward move out of her house and into a camper. She only had a few things left, one of them being this small, wheeling clothes rack. There was no room for it in our car nor in hers, but we were determined to get it to her new home in one trip. Being the innovative sister missionaries we are, I hopped into the passenger seat, rolled down my window, and gripped the clothes rack while Sister M. drove slowly (in theory. In practice...not so much) to this sister's house (which was only down the road, mind you). 

I don't think I've laughed harder in my life. My fingers were freezing in the bone-chilling air, and I watched the clothes rack bounce and drag its way to this camper while I tried my hardest to keep it wheeling and upright. 

We managed to get it there! And we only lost one wheel :)

Last week, we didn't have a P-Day, which is why this e-mail is coming a week late. Our Christmas week involved two P-Days, so on Friday, I had the privilege of talking to my family, seeing their beautiful, smiling faces, and telling them in verbal words what life is like in the MJM! It was fantastic! And since then, much has happened in Purvis. I've learned a lot, and I have seen the Lord's hand in everyday since then. 

Sometimes things fall apart. This happens normally, and on missions, the things that fall apart are always the things you absolutely do not want to fall apart. Like an investigator coming to church, members cancelling on you for a teaching appointment, going over your monthly allotment of miles; things happen the way you don't expect them to. Yet, even so, the Lord has an odd, amazing way of piecing everything together again. 

In the book of Alma, Ammon has endured many, many trials in trying to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. As we near the 26th chapter, the Lamanites begin to convert to the gospel and join the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. Ammon begins to rejoice! These brothers and sisters of his who were trapped in darkness with seemingly no hope of being freed saw the light of Christ and converted. He endured so much to help them get there, and in Alma 26, Ammon begins to bear his testimony on the mercy and love of God toward His children, even to those who threaten the righteous. As Ammon recounts the Lamanites' initial want to destroy the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, Ammon reminds the people of the Lord's solemn promise to them: 

"Now, when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success." 

I cannot tell you how much this scripture has resonated with me, especially over the past few weeks. As things don't always work out the way I expect them to, I ask the Lord for guidance as to what I can do better, how I can help my investigators, and plead with Him to give them the desire to read, to pray, and to come to church. 

Just when I think things are about to fall apart, the Lord blesses me, my companion, and our investigator with success. 

The Lord always has your back, brothers and sisters. Have I said that enough? He's always got your back. You can trust in your Heavenly Father no matter what! He will tell you what you need to fix. He will tell you how to make yourself better. He knows what's keeping you from progressing and He will help you. Throughout the few months I've been serving, my Heavenly Father has made known to me the things about myself that hinder me from progressing. He has brought to light the needs of my investigators when I couldn't possibly do it all myself. 

I cannot do this work alone. I cannot do this work alone with my companion. We are instruments. This is the Lord's work, and I am so grateful to be able to do this throughout the whole of 2016. What a blessing it is to be able to see others progress spiritually -- and I'm even seeing that with those of you at home, too. How do you want to progress this year? By December 2016, where do you want to be? Who do you want to be? And more importantly: who does God want you to be?

When considering your resolutions, always have the end result in mind. Before I write a novel, I always have the ending in mind, even if I don't quite have the specifics of it yet. I know where I want to go, and from there I can decide how I'm going to get there. 

How are you going to change yourself? How are you going to let the Lord help you?

This year, challenge yourself. You will not grow if you do not allow yourself to stretch. Do not stunt your growth -- spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or even physically! Do your very best this year. I won't accept less, and neither will your Heavenly Father. 

But the wonderful thing about Him is that He will make up for the rest when you feel like your best just isn't enough. 

Do your best, and He'll do His, too. 

I love y'all. Have a lovely week!

Godspeed!

Sincerely, 

Sister Rose 

 We went to Louisiana for a baptism! These are all the missionaries that taught Dolcia, the recent convert :) 

Happy 15th, Sara Cardenas! 

TRACTING AGAIN! 

Check out this neat driveway! 

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Hello, all! I should really learn how to say "hello" in Tongan, since my companion is fluent in it...

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT'S THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS?! Man! Where did December go? I certainly have no idea. It's so weird to think that it's almost 2016! What on earth are we going to do with this new year?

This week has been pretty chill. Literally, actually. We've been blessed with some chilly weather! I can't help but laugh while we're driving through the hills of Purvis listening to "White Christmas" when everyone here is still watering their lawns, wearing t-shirts, and wearing sunglasses. I've gotten away with just wearing a scarf and cardigan for now -- we'll see if that holds until January! 

Speaking of hills, we biked all over Purvis this Tuesday! We're running a little low on miles we can drive for the month, so we're trying to budget them by biking. I think I biked around nine or ten miles on Tuesday. Those hills are killer -- if you want great legs, just come bike in Mississippi! 

Missionary work is a little odd this time of year. Most people don't want us to teach them until after the holidays. We still tract and increase our finding efforts; we know there's someone out there who needs our message, regardless of the time of year. Everywhere we go, we do our best to share a message about the Savior and His restored gospel, even if it just means giving them a pass-along card and a candy cane. It is by small and simple things that great things come to pass. 

We've done a lot more service than usual, and I do think that's a consequence of the season. I have loved doing service here! People actually let us help them! People want our help with moving them into a new house, raking their lawns, and simply carrying groceries inside. With the gift-giving spirit of the season, people are more receptive to receiving gifts like a small act of service and love. This always reminds me of the Savior, and how He has given so much to us, and how He was always seeking ways to serve others during His ministry on this earth. 

Christ accomplished huge acts of service: He healed the sick, helped the blind see, raised the dead...so many things I cannot do. I am so grateful to be His disciple. My heart is warmed every time I am able to serve one of my brothers and sisters. I have seen so many miracles come from simple acts of service. A gift of love can change someone's heart forever. What are ways you serving your fellowmen? Especially during this season, it is important to remember the giving love of Christ. Christ never did anything for Himself. Everything He did was for others. His love stretches farther than we can comprehend! How amazing is that! I am so grateful to know of the Savior's love in my life. 

I've seen it here with the ward members in Purvis. Some of these members don't have much to give. Some of them don't live in the best of situations, and yet they still make time to feed us missionaries. Some have even wrapped and given gifts to us to put under our little trees in our apartments so that those missionaries who might not have something to open on Christmas can have a gift from someone who loves them. 

I cannot think of a greater call than to give to others. As disciples of Jesus Christ, it is expected of us to give what we can to further the work, to increase the love of Jesus Christ in the world, and to build up Zion. What can you give, brothers and sisters? What can you do to show that light of Christ that I know is in all of you?

This year, the Church released a video called A Savior is Born. The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, God of Israel, the Christ was born for us so that we could have a Savior to break the bonds of death and release us from captivity. He was born to help us. He was born to uplift us. 

He was born to give. 

What were you born to do, brothers and sisters?

Have a great week, and a merry Christmas! 

Godspeed!

- Sister Rose 

Winter Wonderland?

Happy December, everyone!

Sister Matealona and I have decorated our apartment for Christmas with as much as we can. (Thank you, Kelly, for the lights and the tree and the window things!) People around Hattiesburg, Oak Grove, and Purvis have lights all over their lawns and houses. I've noticed that Purvis people seem to want to pile every decoration they have into their lawns to see who can have the most stuff for Christmas. So far, one of my favorites has been someone who lives nearby us that has a rather large and prominent light display of, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS."

In-town Purvis decorates for Christmas with "MERRY CHRISTMAS" signs strung between trees, angels attached to lamp posts, and tinsel candles hanging from stores. Purvis is very quaint and country; it makes Christmas feel very different, especially since we haven't gotten any snow or hardly any cold weather! It's been pretty warm this week, and I start sweating wearing my lighter scarves. (Maybe I should stop trying to force the weather to be what I want it to be and just accept it ;]). 

The ward members here have been trying to make us feel warm and loved this season. We had investigators give us some delicious fruitcake. That fruitcake was absolutely life-changing, everyone. Just sayin'. The ward members basically fought over us for Christmas and Christmas Eve, so some people are having us over before and afterwards so they can celebrate Christmas with us, too! I feel so blessed to be here, and to be in a ward that loves its missionaries so much! 

We had Zone Conference this week! Elder Kopischke, one of the General Authorities came to speak to us. Usually, a Zone Conference is just a single Zone gathering to hear from the President. However, because we had a General Authority coming, the Zones of Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Jackson all converged and gathered at the Oak Grove building. This meant that I got to see my mission grandma and my mission mom -- Sisters Garry and Harrison! I was so excited! Especially since this is Sister Garry's last transfer. :( I was also able to see a bunch of other missionaries I served with in Jackson, along with others I knew from the Gulfport Zone, like Sister Winkel! I was so excited. 

Elder Kopischke is amazing, just so y'all know. He told us to ponder and write down a few questions as directed by the Spirit. These were questions we might have had about ourselves, about investigators, missionary work, etc. I had quite a few. He then invited us to ask these questions. "You cannot learn if you aren't prepared to learn," he said. "So, what are you prepared to learn today?"

We heard from President and Sister Olson, and talked with Elder Kopischke. The Spirit was so strong in that meeting. I learned so much. I suddenly knew everything I needed to do better; I knew exactly what I needed to do for my investigators, how I could improve my finding, how I could improve myself as a companion. I needed that Zone Conference, and I'm sure plenty of other missionaries did, too. 

Ever since this Conference, I've been able to be more in tune to the Spirit. Multiple spiritual moments have happened this week -- from small answers to my prayers, to finding and teaching efforts rewarded after weeks of finding nothing. For instance, we decided to tract along a main road that had houses spread out across it. Most of the people who lived across this road owned farms and ranches, and probably didn't get too many knocks at their doors. With no sidewalk and plenty of ant mounds to dodge, Sister Matealona and I happily made our way along the road, trying our best to find a house with those who were prepared to hear the message we bring. 

And we found some. 

The lesson we had was amazing. We were teaching three brothers, all attending a church and all very insightful. While teaching about the Restoration, they understood points of doctrine before we even said them. Right then, I knew the Spirit was teaching, not us. I am so grateful to be able to be an instrument in the Lord's hands and give people the evidence of the Restoration of the gospel, and to give them the fulness of the gospel. There are so many good people out there who need the fulness, and I know we are here to bring it to them. 

The Christmas season is a wonderful time for service, for family, friends, and the love of our Savior. This month, my heart has been overjoyed with the love my Savior has for me and God's children. I have been rather strongly prompted to read in Doctrine and Covenants, and every time I do, I always find scriptures that impress me. For instance, in Doctrine and Covenants 98, verse 3, it reads, "Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord." 

I'm always reminded of the Savior's love for me. Peace fills me whenever I think about it. He is my Savior, my Rock, my Salvation. I love Him so much, and He loves me more than I can comprehend. We have a Heavenly Father who gave His Only Begotten Son so that we could live again and be free and be happy! What a selfless cause! I am so happy to be able to serve a mission for my Savior. I know I have been called of a prophet of God; I know I am doing the Lord's work. This is what He would have me do. I know it. There is no greater work we can do than bring souls unto Christ. 

I am so happy to be a missionary. I am so glad I'm here in Mississippi. This is a wonderful place, and I am so blessed to be here. 

What blessings has the Savior brought to you this season? How has Heavenly Father expressed His love for you this week? 

Remember the Savior in all that you do, and you will be able to see Him right there, walking beside you, far better than you ever have before. 

Have a blessed week, friends. 

Godspeed!

- Sister Rose 

Sister Matealona washing the car in the dark. With a mop. And a flashlight in her mouth.

BEST SIGN #SouthernServin'

Our tree with all the presents :) Thank you, family. And thank you "Santa" who sent those presents to Sister M!

This dog's name is Frankie! He's so sweet! He tried to kill our car while we drove away! Aw!

So Much To Do!

Greetings from the University of Southern Miss! 

This week has been totally NUTS. Since it was transfer week, Sister Matealona and I have had to scramble around to get me settled in to a brand new place. We have quickly discovered that there just aren't enough hours in the day for us to do everything that we need to. 

Even so, I am loving Purvis! My new district is very different from my last one; we have less missionaries in it, and they're new people, so they're definitely different! My district consists of Elder Stokes and Elder Lovell, who are in Purvis with us. Elder Lovell comes to us from Guyana! He's a lot of fun, and rather obsessed with cricket. The other two elders are Elder Petersen and Elder Dubosz, who are actually Spanish-speaking! We have a Spanish Branch at the Oak Grove building, so they get to help out these members and travel all over the Zone to help teach Spanish-speaking investigators. I am so grateful to have these wonderful elders in my district! 

As a quick tangent, usually when I type up these e-mails, I have my journal open in front of me so I can recall everything that's happened this week. However, with transfers and how much Sister M and I deeply enjoy talking way past our bedtime, I only have two entries! Ha! It's making it rather difficult to remember everything, but I am doing my very best. 

This week, we helped the Oak Grove Stake put together and run a Christmas nativity event. This event included dozens upon dozens of nativities donated by people in the ward on display and presented with flickering, electronic candles and surrounded by gorgeously lit Christmas trees (also donated by a member who actually owns a tree farm!). On the stage was a live nativity, where couples played the parts of Mary and Joseph, coddling little baby Jesus while the visitors ogled at the nativities. 

In the chapel, the Stake President told the story of Jesus's birth, and introduced musical performances by people in the stake. One of my Zone Leaders ended up playing the piano for everyone, actually! (Awesome job, Elder Stanford!) They were all beautiful performances, especially the finale put together by a local Methodist church. This choir, combined with some members of our stake, sang beautiful Christmas hymns and truly invited the Spirit to the event. It was gorgeous! 

My companion and I did different things on both nights of the event. The first night, we worked in the Old Bethlehem Marketplace. This was a hands-on area for kids, where they could write or draw something they'd give to baby Jesus on His birthday. We'd then roll it up and tell them to keep it under their Christmas tree as a reminder of their gift to Him. These kids came up with the most adorable things! Some of them said they'd give Him money, while others said they'd "give Him a hug" or "love." I remember one girl very carefully spelled out "hope" on her piece of paper and happily handed it to us to roll up and tie. 

This touched my heart. It reminded me of 3 Nephi 17 in the Book of Mormon when Jesus Christ is blessing the children. Christ blessed every single one of the children of the Nephites and He is so touched and is so consumed with love for them that He cries. Jesus Christ truly has a special place in His heart for little children, who are so innocent and close to the Spirit. They don't even realize it sometimes, but they are. We all have a tendency to grow away from our Father in Heaven as we get older. While some of us may be aware that He's there, we struggle to feel Him, and feel the influence of the Savior in our lives as we are tossed to and fro by the waves of the world. It's terrifying, to be carried away in that. How scary is it to think that we, just like these children, were so close to our Heavenly Father and by our own choices and influences of the world drew away from Him ever so slowly?

This makes me think of Peter when he went to his Savior on the water from his ship. In Matthew 14, we read that Peter "was afraid" and "beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." The next verse has one word in it that strikes me: immediately. 

Immediately, the Lord reached out and caught Peter. Immediately, the Lord helped him and raised him up. Immediately -- without hesitation or second thought, the Savior stretched forth His hand and caught this fearful disciple and with love in His voice He said, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

In a world of tossing waves and stark confusion, we must always remember never to doubt the fact that Jesus Christ will always and immediately stretch forth His hand to catch us when we are drowning in the raging seas of trial, temptation, and affliction. He will always be right there, ready to help, if all we do is stretch forth our hand and ask. 

With the Christmas season rounding the corner, remember the Savior's role in your life. Just as we had given thanks to our Heavenly Father and all He's done for us this past Thanksgiving, don't forget that Christmas is a season for Christ. This is the time to remember why the Savior was born for us, why He came to this earth, why He even bothered with such a wicked people! We are His brothers and sisters; we are children of God and all He wants to do is help us! How amazing is that?!

Give thanks to your Redeemer, your Rock, your Giver. He gave His life for you. It still astonishes me just how much our Savior suffered for us. His suffering began long before He was nailed to the cross. Remember what He's done for you, and now think of what you can do for Him and for your brothers and sisters, whether they be followers of Christ or not. Your Heavenly Father loves them just the same as you. 

Give. Serve. Do all you can to invite the Lord's light into someone else's life by giving your time to another. Show your love this Christmas season by giving the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and understand what He would have you do. 

Have a wonderful week, brethren and sistren! 

Godspeed!

- Sister Rose 

A nativity on display

Another nativity

The live nativity set!

Old Bethlehem Marketplace! (Well...half of it.)

Some of Purvis

New Area!

Hello from Hattiesburg, Mississippi! Sorry this e-mail is coming on Wednesday; we had no time to e-mail on Tuesday!

Two things from this week: I had scuppernong juice and learned that "white elephant" parties are called "dirty Santas" down here.

As you can already tell, I've been transferred. It's not unheard of for new-ish missionaries to get transferred after they're done training, but it is possible...especially if they close your area! Which is, sadly, what happened to Flowood. 

Saturday night, Sister Harrison and I received a phone call from President Olson. He said they'd decided to close Flowood and give it to the Pearl elders. This happened for many reasons, but we know everything happens for a reason. The investigators we had in Flowood will be split between Brandon and Pearl; those people are now under their jurisdiction, and we trust them just as the Lord does. 

We spent the entire weekend packing up our apartment, saying goodbye to members, and cleaning. We made it to the Clinton transfer point, hopped onto our transfer vans, and went to our new areas. Sister Harrison is proudly serving in Picayune down in the Gulfport Zone! And I have been happily stationed in Purvis in the Hattiesburg Zone with Sister Montealona! She is the SWEETEST! We've been companions for less than a day, and I know she's going to be a fantastic companion! I can't wait to see what we'll accomplish here in Purvis! 

One thing I've noticed is that miracles always happen the last week of a transfer. People are more receptive; they happily set return appointments; they're more interested in the Book of Mormon. It's so cool! The Spirit is so strong then, and it really makes you so happy to be able to end on a high note. Even if baptisms don't necessarily come out of the seeds we planted, we still planted. You cannot have a harvest if there are no seeds in the soil. In John 4, verse 36, we read, "And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that he that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice together." 

I think oftentimes people look down on missionaries who may not have accomplished many baptisms on their missions, or did not achieve any. While baptism is crucial, and most definitely a necessary step toward salvation, it is not the point of a mission. A mission is a time for a person to serve the Lord, however and wherever the Lord may guide them. You may hand out a hundred Book of Mormons and not a single baptism will come, but I will guarantee that somewhere in there, someone was touched. Maybe not immediately -- but maybe their kid finds that Book of Mormon lying around, reads it, and discovers the truth. That wouldn't have happened had you not been there.

Missionaries serve all kinds of purposes on a mission; they are all united in one desire: to invite others unto Jesus Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. Heavenly Father recognizes their efforts and loves each and every one of them. Do your best to help out your missionaries, too! The Lord recognizes all the seed-planting and reaping you do, too. 

I want to bear my testimony on the Book of Mormon, and how it is the proof of the Restoration of Jesus Christ's church on the earth today. Missionaries all around the world are handing out copies of this book and inviting others to read it, so that they might know their Savior and what He wants for them. I know that the Book of Mormon changes lives; it gives others the desire to change and be clean and closer to their Heavenly Father. I know that this book is the most important book on the earth today, and I want all I meet to have the opportunity to read from it and allow their hearts to be changed by the Spirit of the Lord. 

I know that this is the true Church. I am so excited to share this with the people of Purvis! 

Sorry for the short e-mail! Godspeed!

- Sister Rose 

Sister Harrison and Sister Rose

Sister Harrison and Sister Rose

Turkey Bowl!

Bro and Sis Turner~! 

Sis. Martin! 

The MJM sign on the Brandon building!