Week 17: Feliz Ano

Hi friends. 

So this last week has been so bittersweet, but mostly sweet. Our members our amazing here and have just been spoiling us rotten... I seriously think I've gained like 10 pounds, it's ridiculous. #missionlife

lol it snowed again :-)

Christmas on a mission is probably one of the best things ever. It is hard being away from home, but really Jesus Christ makes everything worth it. And how lucky am I to wear his name on my chest around this sacred time of year. I love Him. 

​A member gave us a real tree... lol. So our Charlie brown Christmas tree is just hangin' around.

As missionaries, we are always out working, regardless of the holiday or season, so Sister Ricks and I decided to carol as we knocked doors Christmas day. Most people appreciated it, but we literally had 3 different people stop us in the middle of caroling and be like no, no, please stop. It was shocking? Who the monkey doesn't want to be caroled too. And Sister Ricks has the voice of an angel, so I didn't understand these people's deal. Needless to say, God is good, and the atonement is real, so we just shrugged off the weirdos really fast. 

We had the most amazing miracle this week. A Vietnamese woman named Faith committed to be baptized January 15. She is married to a less-active member in the Spanish ward here, and is just amazing. She's heard about the church for years but has never ever been interested. But over these last couple of months has just realized that she isn't happy, and that she hasn't been happy for a really long time. Sure she is doing great at work, and is actually really REALLY ahead in her job, but her marriage has been a hot mess lately and she hasn't made time for her daughter as much as she wishes she has. So she decided after looking into a lot of different things, and a lot of different choices to look into the mormon church. She started reading the Book of Mormon, and knew that something was different. We met her for the first time last week and she is literally glowing. Nothing is better than being able to see someone else who has come to know God, and who is truly so ready and willing to understand how to build a relationship with Him. As Faith was talking to us it just reminded me of a mormon message by Jeffrey R. Holland.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-09-016-wrong-roads?lang=eng

Holland shares an experience in which him and his dad our out driving and come up to a fork in the road. They aren't sure which was they should go, so they stop and pray for a answer. They both feel really strongly that they should drive down one of the paths, and after driving for about 5 minutes or so come to a dead end. They turn around and make their way back to the fork in the path and start down the other side. Elder Holland turns to his dad and asks why Heavenly Father would tell them to go the wrong way. Essentially, they realize that Heavenly Father knew what they needed, and that it would be easier to drive down the wrong road for 5 minutes and know that it was wrong for sure, rather than have first gone down the right road for 20 minutes not knowing if they were actually driving the right way. 

It's amazing, because Heavenly Father loves us so much. We are His children, and He wants to do everything He can to help us in this life if we let him. He knows us personally and he knows exactly what we need and when we need it, even if sometimes that path seems wrong or maybe too hard. Faith had a chance to learn about the gospel years ago, but she wasn't ready. Her heart wasn't softened. But in her own time, she realized that she isn't happy, and now because she has tried all these other things, she can say with out a doubt that she knows that this is the way. That this is the only way that she and her family can find true joy. And man oh man is she so excited to start living it, and to start learning and understanding what Heavenly Father has planned for her. She is literally on fire, and glowing with the light of the gospel. 

Heavenly Father is so good. What a H U G E blessing and opportunity it is to be His hands here in Surrey, BC. 

I love all of you, and pray that you'll stay safe and enjoy this Holiday break with your family and friends. Thank you THANK YOU t h a n k  y o u for all of your love and support. 

Love always,

Sister Robertson

 We spent Christmas Eve with Miss Shelby and her family (:

We slept in the living room Christmas Eve

Week 16: Heavenly Father loves you more than a monkey loves bananas

To all my Alabama babies,

My heart is so full. Missions are a really weird thing. It's amazing how many weaknesses you can find in yourself, even within the things you thought you were actually good at, yet at the same time all the things you can do, yet never in a million years thought you would be able to do. Heavenly Father definitely has a sense of humor that's for sure. 

I'm sorry I haven't e-mailed too much in the last couple of weeks, I really do love you all, a lot, I promise. Things are way good here in Surrey. Sister Ricks, my new companion, is from Texas. YES ANOTHER SOUTHERN SISTER. They are very few and far in between here in Canada, so it literally makes me so so happy. She also sings opera, which is BOMB. We sang yesterday in Sacrament meeting and it was wonderful. Another fun thing about this past week,it snowed. I know that doesn't seem very odd for Canada, especially considering who I'm writing too, but it doesn't really snow here in Surrey, so it was a miracle. 

As far as the first part of my e-mail goes, here's an example of what I mean. So something I've been struggling with lately, well and essentially my whole life is receiving revelation. I know that God is real, that he listens to my prayers, and that he loves me. I know that he answers prayers, because he has answered mine in the past, but the majority of the time I feel like I kneel down to pray, and I never know what Heavenly Father is trying to say to me. I feel his love, so strongly, but I can never understand what it is that He's trying to say. 

We teach that we pray to Heavenly Father, and that he answers us through the Holy Ghost, or the Spirit, and that those answers come through our feelings, thoughts, and impressions.  

Well, I've been learning how to trust my thoughts and impressions, and as I have done that I have received so many answers from The Lord, and I know that they really are answers, because as I have acted on them, I have felt the Spirit testify to me of their truthfulness and I have seen the fruit of following those impressions. Anyways, so I was asked to give a training this past week at our Zone Meeting, which is literally like the last thing I want to do- to get up and teach like 30 other  missionaries about some article, especially when over half of them have been out serving for like triple the amount of time I have been out, but that's the funny thing about Heavenly Father, he knows each of us personally, and he knows that we all have something to offer. So I was praying and praying about what He wanted me to share with everyone. Day after day, I still didn't really have anything and I was getting super nervous. Well, the morning of, I had the impression to read my Book of Mormon. Immediately I didn't want to do that because I was short on time, but I did anyways, and that Chapter I was on that day was Jacob 5. It was perfect. Heavenly Father definitely answered my prayers. And it's amazing because with this Christmas Season we have been focusing a lot on Jesus Christ. I mean we always do, but we've just really been trying to understand his atonement more fully and how we can take advantage of that gift and of His sacrifice more readily in our lives. It's amazing because in Jacob 5 when the Lord is ready to cast the bad trees into the fire, the servant says to spare it a little longer. And I know that that is exactly what Jesus Christ has done for us. And what as missionaries, we should be doing for our investigators. Always be looking for ways to prune, and nourish, and dig about the trees that we work with, until eventually they put forth good fruit. Because that is exactly what our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done for us. They never give up. They keep on working, they keep on pruning, and picking, and nourishing, and digging, until we are ready and willing to become beautiful trees, putting forth good fruit. 

I just love this Gospel. And even though sometimes it seems hard to keep going and we want to give up, I know that Jesus Christ never will. I pray that each of us will be able to remember him during this wonderful Christmas season, and throughout the rest of the year. To remember the gift of the atonement that he has given us. 

I LOVE YA'LL AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Also, if you haven't already go watch "A Savior Is Born". It's better than milk and babies. Which is saying a lot.

https://www.mormon.org/christmas

​ Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree :)

There was a big wind storm here the other week and we found a pretty sweet branch. He makes us happy :)

Merry Christmas!

This was just a way cool garage

Sister Ricks and Sister Robertson

Me and my Compie (: I love her.

Sabina is to my right, she is from the Filipines and has more faith than anyone I have ever met. We have only taught her the Restoration so far, but she is committed to be baptized January 30 (: PRAY FOR HER. Sima is on Sister Rick's right, she is Michael's wife, and the fijian couple we have been working with. They're struggling, but they came to church yesterday WE ARE SO HAPPY!

Week 14: Hi. I'm 3 months old.

This is the Kirbys. They have voices like angels. I am so blessed to be a part of the Surrey 3rd Ward. These people are so good. The Kirbys called us last night and asked if we could drop by really quick because they had something they wanted to give us. Sure enough, they surprised us with Christmas Stockings full of goodies! My heart is so full of gratitude. Although we don't have a Christmas tree yet, and Christmas isn't quite the same on a mission as it is at home, I am so thankful for the great opportunity I have to share to share it with Heavenly Fathers children here in Canada, especially when they spoil us rotten;)

One of these days I'll get a picture with Shelby. She is my best friend here. She is one of our investigators, and one of the best people I have ever met in my life. I am so thankful to be serving a mission and to be trusted enough by the Lord to take care of some of his most precious children. 

I hope things are going well for everyone back home. I sure do miss the South. 

Which reminds me, I think I forgot to share a super cool miracle from a couple of weeks ago. Sister Wright and I were out knocking doors and we met the coolest family! When she answered the door she wasn't so thrilled to see two missionaries on her doorstep. Still, she listened. Somehow we got to talking about where we are from and it turns out that her and her family had recently moved to Canada from Alabama. She was so shocked, and thoroughly overjoyed so she decided to invite us in. It was such a tender mercy. Anyways, I'm out of time like usual. But I love and miss you all. 

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Well we get transfer news this past weekend. Sister Wright is heading up to Duncan, which is in the Vancouver Island, and I am staying here in Surrey 3rd. My new companion is Sister Ricks, and the only thing I know about her is that she can sing opera, so stay tuned ;)

 

This is Sister Yonk. I love her. 

Caroling (:

Sister Yonk and I went on exchanges two weeks ago, and we taught this way cute Chinese family and then afterwards the mom was like, "Come see our tree house." So this is part of their tree house. It was so cute! 

Week 13: "And This Is Why Lion's Eat Their Young"

We had our Ward Christmas Party this Saturday so yay for Christmas

HELLLLLLOOOOO FRIENDS!!!

First I'll explain the title really quick:

Last night we ate dinner with a member family and some of their friends. They fed us Thanksgiving dinner 🙌 ,which is honestly the only reason I even remembered Thanksgiving was this week (you'll see from my pictures we have already moved onto Christmas). Anyways, so we were eating dinner and all the little kids kept whining all dinner and bugging their parents every 5 minutes, which honestly was super funny and just reminded me of home. So at some point in the conversation, after the kids had interrupted for like the 38398 time, one of the dads just said, "And this is why Lion's eat their young." It was great. 

Anyways moving on.

So a lot of things have happened these last couple of weeks that I have failed to mention. Essentially these past couple of weeks our Zone has been talking alot about being on fire. About how we need to first be on fire as individuals, so that we can then be companionships on fire, and then a mission on fire. Of course, the problem is that it all starts first with ourselves. Which is something I've been trying to work on my entire mission now. Everything in a mission relies on being in tune with the Holy Ghost and with God, which is literally the hardest thing in the entire world. And things have been going really well still, but I still know I've been holding something back. The problem is I'm not quite sure what. 

Well two weeks ago we had a Zone Conference where we had the opportunity to hear from Elder Teh from the Quorom of the Seventy and our mission president. We talked about a lot of different things and the spirit was really strong. Really though, just this past week a lot of the things I've been feeling as well as the things I've been learning have finally clicked. 

At Zone Conference, President talked about the principle of "Just doing it." He said that we need to stop doubting, because when we doubt ourselves and others, all that happens is we go back and forth in circles and then nothing is ever accomplished. And then, Satan wins. Again. I remember President Burt saying this two weeks ago and I knew he was so right, still it was a lot easier said than done. 

Really I don't have enough time or honestly know how to even explain it, but after my exchange with Sister Yonk this last week, and the Training I gave in our last district meeting I just finally felt like I'm on fire. I'm not quite sure what happened, or when, but I learned to stop doubting everything. That I already know the things that Heavenly Father needs me to do so I just need to do them. That thinking about home sometimes and about being a mom isn't a bad thing, because those are the reasons I am our here serving. Because I know that this gospel blesses families, and my greatest desire is to just help others to be able to see that same joy that I've experienced. 

There is a sentence in one of the pamphlets we teach from that says because of the gospel, "you can experience joy even in times of trail, and you can face life's challenges with a spirit of peace." That's what this gospel has given me. Because life is still hard, and each and every one of us still faces so many challenges and trials, but through God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are able to find happiness and experience joy even in the darkest of times.

I love the Gospel. I know that it is true, and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to share it with others. I love serving a mission, even though it stinks sometimes (mostly because you are learning and growing everyday), it is the biggest blessing. This past week I just realized how much my family really does mean to me. I love you guys, and I'm sorry for not always being the best. 

Anyways, God is real. He loves you. Trust him, and let him work through you. 

I miss and love you all.

Love always,

Sister Robertson

I burnt my hand and all we had was a banana in the freezer

Week 11/12: "Cold hands, warm heart."

HI LOVLIES ❤

So an amazing thing happened two weeks ago. I meant to send this out last week....but I ran out of time. 

Sister Wright and I have been teaching this super cute fijian couple, Michael and Sima, and their little boy named Shyan. So they are SO sweet, and love taking the lessons, mostly because they just love learning and because they enjoy our company. Well, because of that, we've been struggling to get them to keep commitments and to progress because they are really casual about the entire situation. So last Friday, we brought our Bishop to the lesson with us. Bishop Prasad is also Fijian, and he was previously Hindu. MIcheal and Sima have been having a lot of problems financially and with family, and really, if I know nothing else, it is that God sent us to them. Because at then end of the day, the Gospel Of Jesus Christ is really what helps us to have the strength and the understanding to endure through this life. 

Anyways, so we get there and Bishop Prasad speaks to them in Hindi the entire time. We had no idea what they were saying, but the spirit we felt was undeniable. Although I didn't understand what he was saying, because of the Holy Ghost, I knew that what he was saying was true. It was a super amazing opportunity that really strengthened my testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel and the blessings that it brings. Because even though we don't always understand everything (even when it is spoken to us in English), we can know what is good and what is true as long as we are willing to ask God sincerely. Heavenly Father will always answer us by the power of the Holy Ghost. It's a promise, in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. All it takes is a willing heart. 

Also, we were out knocking doors the other night, and of course my hands were freezing because its winter time, and it's raining. So the sweetest thing ever happened! We knocked on a door and were talking to this super sweet old man. When we shook his hand and introduced ourselves he was a little startled. Then he said, "You have cold hands, but a warm heart." IT WAS SO CUTE. What a blessing, especially after walking around in the cold all day. And then the next door we happened to knock was an even greater blessing. We met the sweetest old man, Edward. Once again, the comment was made that my hands were cold ( if I had a dime for every time someone has told me that these past couple of weeks I'd be able to fund my entire mission). But then he insisted that I take a pair of his gloves- he doesn't have any grandchildren around to give them too. IT WAS SO CUTE! And now I have a super sweet pair of black leather gloves. 

I only have a couple of pictures this week... Sister Wright had most of them on her Camera, but her camera broke last week.... so we're hoping we didn't loose all of them. Pray for us. 

We've been going out Christmas Caroling to Less-actives in the ward (Yes, we realize it's November, but Thanksgiving already happened here, so really, it's never to early to celebrate Christmas.)

Also because there is literally 32821374912791 different cultures here, Sister Wright and I have been asking people that we meet how to say different phrases in their native language. So here's a couple, excuse me on the spelling.

Yak she mash- How are you? (Polish)

Haben Guten Tag- Have a good day. (German)

Sat Shri Acal- Hello/ God is one. (Punjabi)

Don't ask, because I don't know.

 I'm calling this one Silly Sisters! Perhaps they were practicing and getting ready for Christmas Caroling. :)

Week 10: God is so good!

 It's Raining a lot!

So first off I would just like to give a shout out to my drama babies back home, CONGRATS!!! The play and costumes just get better and better every year man. YA'LL ARE AMAZING! Wish I could've been there to see it, but all i hear is good things, so I know ya'll are out there kicking some butt. BOB WHO? BOB JONES! Anyways, you are all beautiful people and I love you. I hope you are taking care of Momma Davis, and Craft for me? And especially, Mrs. Shari Kingsford.

So this week I've been so blessed. First off, I've never been a really good scripture reader, ever. And so that was one of my biggest fears in going on a mission is that I'm supposed to teach people about the Book of Mormon, when I've barely read any of it myself. So anyways, I made a goal to read the Book of Mormon for 30 minutes every morning. I tried it several times, and I still just felt like I was getting nothing out of it. So then, in efforts to be more effective, I would study Preach My Gospel (which is like the missionary bible. It has everything we teach in it.), but of course, i was still feeling super inadequate when it comes to scripture reading. So I'd try again for a couple of days, and then the cycle would continue. After talking with Sister Kendall Kingsford (even though she is already home) she said that it was similar for her too. That she read it for months and felt like she was getting nothing out of it. But she kept going, and one day it just clicked. Heavenly Father blessed her because she was faithful and because she kept trying and just kept enduring. So I decided this last week to do exactly that. To stop wasting time worrying about if I was getting anything out of it or not and just to read every morning and night. I still don't understand some of the things I have been reading, but when I was thinking about it yesterday I just realized that I have been WAY happier every day since I started reading it. What a tender mercy. And even though I still don't know everything, I know that as I keep reading, that Heavenly Father will bless me and as long as I'm faithful and press forward, that I will be blessed and that He will be able to use me as a tool in His hands to help bring others unto Christ. 

It's still hard, and I still often feel very inadequate, but my testimony of Heavenly Father using "the weak and the simple" to bring forth his Gospel grows stronger every day. 

I love what Elder Dale G. Renlund said in this past October General Conference when he was called to be an apostle. He shared an experience in which he was called to be the Bishop of a ward many years before and what his brothers response was. His brother said:

"You need to know that the Lord hasn't called you because of anything you have done.... the Lord has called you for what He needs to do through you, and that will only happen if you do it His way."

Man oh man, does that ring true to me every day. Heavenly Father created us each with such a unique purpose. Our job here on Earth, is to discover that purpose and to let Heavenly Father use us to bring forth his gospel and to help those around us. Of course, that is much easier said than done. But here's to trying a little bit harder this week to be a little bit better.

The best miracle from this week:

Shelby. She is the biggest blessing in this world. What a great example she is to her family. She is so strong and has been progressing like crazy. She has been worried about baptism because her family loves and supports her of course, but still isn't really living the gospel. And the gospel is a hard path to walk alone. Anyways, Sister Wright and I taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was so strong and the two members we brought bore such powerful testimony and experiences. It was incredible, and it helped me realize not only how important the Spirit it in teaching, but in having members at lessons is too. It just helped Shelby realize really that she doesn't have to walk this path alone. That even though her family isn't really progressing with her, right now at least, that she has Jesus Christ. And because Jesus Christ had to walk that path alone, we never will. 

God is so good, we just have to let him in.

I love you all so so much and i hope things are going well in Alabama. I sure do miss the South.

Love always, 

Sister Robertson 

I've been out for 2 months last week. Crazy, how fast time flies!

We got some new Sister Missionaries in our Ward! :)

Week 9: I love being a missionary

To all my favorite people ❤

Sorry I haven't written in the past two weeks. But I just want everyone to know how much I love them, and how much your Heavenly Father loves you. I've been feeling that a lot lately. Things are good, and hard. But I'm learning a lot everyday. We got Transfer news last week, and me and Sister Wright are staying in Surrey. Yay! This area has blessed us with so so many people. 

Something I've been learning these past weeks and am still learning is just how much Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us. SO much. No matter what. There is nothing we can do, that Heavenly Father won't still welcome us home with open arms for. Just remember the story of the Prodigal son. The really cool thing is that we can know Heavenly Father loves us because he sent his son, Jesus Christ to die and atone for all of our sins, for all the pains and sorrows that we have and will ever experience. And the best part about it is that his atonement covers e v e r y t h i n g. For myself anyways, sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough for Heavenly Fathers forgiveness. Like I'm not putting forth my best effort, and so why do I deserve His help, or His grace. 

Satan is so so sneaky. He wants us to feel and think those things because then He's won. Because when we think those things, we allow ourselves to feel unworthy, and to not accept the help from Heavenly Father that we so desperately need. Which in turn, creates a distance between us and Heavenly Father. Through this we are not allowing ourselves to apply the atonement, and to have the peace in knowing that we are not perfect, and that that is okay, and also the strength to still keep trying.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS

We do not have to reach a certain amount of works before He forgives us. 

He will a l w a y s forgive us, IF we let Him. 

I love you guys, and I know that Heavenly Father is real and that he loves us. I have felt him testify of that love to me of myself, and of other people. In fact, it is one of the greatest blessings we get to experience on our missions- feeling Heavenly Fathers love for his children. Really, truly feeling is all the way through.  

I haven't had the opportunity to really share some of my experiences in teaching yet, mostly by my own fault. Since we have been white-washing we didn't come into an area with already solid investigators, so we really have just been out finding people to teach. Through that process we have been blessed to find SO many people, although not many of them have been solid and stayed. Which is why I haven't written about them. But I figure it doesn't really matter. Because Heavenly Father is the only one who truly knows their intentions and what they are going through right now. And as missionaries, we stumble upon people at different times of their lives. And sometimes we are really just meant to be the planters- to be the missionaries who plant that first seed of faith in the Gospel. Although, these last two weeks, Sister Wright and I have also been blessed to have some people in which we get to nurture that seed of faith. 

So here are some of the amazing people we have been able to work with.

1) Shelby and Kara- they are actually the assistants investigators, but we have been tag teaming it since they are out of town so much for our Mission President. Also, Shelby is a teenager and it is easier for her to have a connection with us as sisters. Either way, we love sharing them with the Elders ❤ Kara is the momma (her husband isn't super interested yet, but he is WAY supportive). Kara came from a really rough background and has struggled with alcohol and drugs most of her life. Despite her and Skip's (her husband) addictions, they are incredible people and incredible parents. They truly love their kids, but also understand the balance between being your kids best friend, and being their parent. Shelby is 16 and she is SO GOOD. She is the example for her family for sure. She really loves learning about the gospel, but she really is so willing to try it out for herself. Last week she felt for the first time that she got an answer to her prayer. Now she is praying about baptism, WHICH IS INCREDIBLE, and I know that that answer will come soon. She loves this gospel. And she truly recognizes the blessings that it brings, when you let it. Kara knows that it is true to, she is just struggling with really committing to trust God. But she'll come around too ;)

2) Kori and Sean- Kori is a Recent Convert and her husband Sean is investigating. They have also had super rough pasts, but are working to overcome addictions. They have a little one on the way In December. I CANT WAIT. Kori and Sean have been struggling ALOT lately with keeping commitments, and have fallen into some of their really bad habits. We just got them two weeks ago and it is incredible to see the changes that they are beginning to make again. It's slow, but it is so good. This couple are two of the people that I have felt Heavenly Fathers love for SO strongly. And as I've been learning to be more patient with myself and to utilize the atonement, I have been able to share in those feelings with them. Heavenly Father really does put people into your life so that you can bless one another. Kori and Sean came to church this week finally and it was so good (: We are so proud of them!

3) Teresa- I love this woman. We found her knocking I think a month ago and have been doing service, and helping her move once a week. She is the cutest, and just loves sewing and doing every crafty knick-knack thing you could think of. She hasn't been really too interested in the church, or really even in God or that matter, she just really loves the company (little does she realize it's because of the spirit we bring). Each time we have come over we always pray with her and she allows us to share a spiritual message. We've taught her about Heavenly Father and about His love for her, but she isn't so convinced. The funny thing, is I know she's felt the spirit. She just keeps denying it because she doesn't want to trust God quite yet. She too comes from a very rough background, abusive family, etc. This last week we had to do a hard thing. We didn't want to, so we were kind of putting it off. We had to tell her that we couldn't come over anymore. That although we really do love her, and I mean I LOVE HER, but that we are missionaries. And if she isn't interested in learning about the Gospel and in taking steps of faith to know for herself if it is true or not, that we can't keep coming over every week. Of course, we would still stop in and say Hi when we are in the area, but we can't keep coming over anymore. But the amazing this is that before we told her, as were getting up to leave she was the one to say, "Alright, now who is saying the prayer today?" And then we kind of starting walking out and still hadn't told her we couldn't come over anymore, and she was like "Wait, we didn't set up a time for you to come back." So then we told her the bad news, and she thought about it and said to call her later and she'd think about it. The point of this whole story is progress. SHE WANTED US TO SAY A PRAYER. WHAT A MIRACLE. I know she'll come along one of these days. 

Anyways, that is all for now. Hopefully I'll be able to send some pictures this week. 

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Week 6: "I want my Turkey back"

So it was Thanksgiving yesterday.... LOL. (Canadian Thanksgiving) No really it was Way good, and the members spoiled us. We had 3 Thanksgiving meals (Sat, Sun, and Mon.) 

But me and Sister Wright decided to embrace the American culture on Thanksgiving because well Murica'. So here we are dressed in Red, White, and blue (:

 

{ Sister Wright and I. This is my Companion. She is fro Pasan, Utah. She rocks. Somehow she had never had ice cream from an Ice Cream truck ever before in her life (not even in the states), so while we were tracting one day we saw one and jumped at the opportunity. We also didn't have enough Canadian coins to pay for it, so he gave us one for free :') Tender mercies of The Lord man. }

HEY CHICKENS HOW IS EVERYONE. 

Lets think, what happened this week.  

So, a lot of the members all call me Sister Alabama, which I actually love. Nothing is better than the South, and barely anyone here has been to the states, let alone the South. They are all, however, very disappointed that I don't have an accent. So there's that.

Anyways, this past week I've been struggling a lot. I mean I was happy, I guess, but it was more just like contentment. And I felt the spirit, just not as much as I wanted to, or really needed to (because afterall the Spirit is the real teacher here). Some days I felt very overwhelmed with all the things I needed to be doing. I felt and feel very inadequate in a lot of ways, and just like there isn't enough time in the world to be able to master as many skills as I need to. Which is funny, because on a mission I have more time than anyone else to be so immersed in the Gospel and in Jesus Christ. Anyways, this past month, our Zone has been focusing on the atonement and in strengthening our faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement. Just really having the faith to know that we will find families to teach and baptize. 

Well, two nights ago, Sister Wright and I were doing our Comp Inventory and our nightly planning and we just both felt so blah. Like we want to be so on fire and to really get this area going, but we just didn't know how. We felt the impression that we really should just stop planning and take time to pray to our Heavenly Father. So we did just that. Essentially, I cried myself to sleep. The next morning, however I woke up with slightly more clarity. I just felt like what I needed to work on was Humility. So i studied that section in our PMG and in the scriptures during personal studies that morning, and I just came to the realization that that's what was holding me back. I guess I've just been so worried about feeling disappointed in myself and my inadequacies, or disappointed when lessons fall through, or when I don't follow a prompting of the spirit, that I put up a wall almost. Let me see if I can explain this more clearly. 

I know that Heavenly Father can do anything, and that He can make miracles happen. But I started telling myself that Heavenly Father could do anything that He wanted to. And in doing so, stopped really having faith that if it was something that I wanted, that Heavenly Father would make that happen. I was reading in 1 Nephi 15: 7-11 and it just hit me. In those verses it talks about how Lamen and Lemuel don't get answers from Heavenly Father. So their Brother Nephi says, Well did you ask him? And they say well, no we haven't, but he still hasn't told us anything. And the nephi says,

 "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?- If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, BELIEVING that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you. 

My heart is not quite as hard as Lamen and Lemuels. I am always asking my Heavenly Father for more understanding. But I just realized that I was asking almost the wrong way. I was forgetting, that if it was a righteous desire of my heart that Heavenly Father would make it happen, because sometimes, even if it is a righteous desire Heavenly Father doesn't give it to us, because he has something even better in store. But often times, when we don't get what we want we get upset and hurt. So to avoid all of that, I guess I stopped really exercising that faith that when I asked Heavenly Father to make things happen that he would. I just kept saying like well, if He wants me to find a family to baptize then He will. But Heavenly Father wants to give us the desires of our hearts. So if I want to baptize a family, then I need to just have the faith that He will provide a way. And if it doesn't happen the way I think it will, than that's okay because he has something better planned for me, and I can rely on the atonement of jesus Christ to overcome those feelings of disappointment and upsetness, until I am okay in knowing that Heavenly Father had a different plan for me.

Idk, if any of that made any sense to any of you. But that is what I really learned this week. In the process of avoiding feeling upset, I wasn't allowing myself to really rely on the Savior and on his atonement to lift me up, and I was trusting that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to give me the righteous desires of my heart. Which is why I started feeling nothing. Like just content. Like I wasn't sad, but I wasn't really happy or passionate either. Because like it says in the BOM, we can't know ture happiness without experiencing pain or sorrow. And because I had tried to block myself from feeling upset (rather than relying on the atonement to help me overcome that) I wasn't experiencing true joy, and I also wasn't allowing myself to rely on the Lord. So not only was I just trying not to feel upset, but in the process I was pushing Heavenly Father away because I wasn't humbling myself enough to trust him, or to let him work through me. 

I still don't know how much sense that makes to anyone. I'm running out of time, and I feel like I've been rambling but I guess at the end of the day I just want everyone to know how much their Heavenly Father loves them. SO SO MUCH! And to remind everyone to rely on Jesus Christ and his atonement to lift you up when you've fallen. Because He died for you. 

I'm out of time so next week I'll explain the whole "i want my Turkey back" thing, but just know I am doing great and I love my mission.

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Every P-day, Sister Wright and I have a goal to try/do something new. Especially Canadian related. So here is my 1st Wonder bar. Canadians love them.

 Last week I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with my STL. This is Sister Ritchie. She is from California, and now Utah. She is basically me, re-incarnated, but also improved. She's been out for 14 months I think now.

Sister Ritchie's grandparents served a mission in Jerusalem, and while they were there they bought this hand-carved Liahona. LIKE WOW. I had to get a picture with it, since afterall, I am Nephi's mother. 

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Week 5: A Powerful Testimony

Oct 5, 2015

Sorry, still no pictures...

 Where do I even begin.... man a day in the mission is like a life time. 

Well some more fun facts about Canada:

1. Literally every house here has 1 or 2 basement suites, so there is like 5 families living in 1 house essentially. 

2. You have to pay for your grocery bags and to use a shopping cart

Yay.

Anyways, I've learned a lot this week. I'm sure you're all tired of hearing me say that, but I hope that I'll be able to say that every week for the rest of my mission. 

This last week I had the opportunity to go on exchanges (you switch companions for one day). So I got to go to the Surrey- central mission with Sister Ritchie (she is one of our STLS- Sister Training Leaders) and Sister Wright (my Companion) stayed here in Surrey- north with Sister Tingston (our other STL). Man does Heavenly Father know me like crazy. It was exactly what I needed. 

I don't have a lot of time to e-mail today (which reminds me, P-day is on Tuesday next week because Canada's "Thanksgiving" is on Monday next week) but I just wanted to bear my testimony. I just realized while watching General conference how amazing our leaders are. This conference taught me A LOT. One of the general authorities spoke about Elder L Tom. Perry and how strong his conviction of the gospel was. That he knew just how important it is, that he testify of Jesus Christ until his dying breath. I want to be like that. I want to be able to testify of my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, until my last dying breath. Because he is so good. 

So my testimony is this:

I know that my Savior lives. I know that he died on the cross to know me. To experience every sin, pain, and sorrow that any man has ever felt. I know that it is through Him, that we are able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. I love this gospel. I am so so blessed to be able to learn and live it every single day.Because that is what it takes. I am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ, and for the strengthening power that it provides. It is through him, that weak and simple things are made great. Thank goodness for that sweet promise, because without it, I would never measure up. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ. And no matter how hard this life, and this mission get, I choose to stay in the vineyard, because He stayed in the garden. Life is hard brothers and sisters, but Heavenly Father will never, and I mean never give you a trial unless he prepares you a way to get through it. So have the faith to endure. Have the faith to know that He is God, and we are not. His plans are far better than any we have created for ourselves. So trust in him, because he will always deliver you. "We do not have to be perfect, but we do have to get good at being better."- Kim B. Clark How thankful I am for modern revelation, and for the guidance that our Prophets and Apostles provide. I know they have been called of God. I know sincere prayer is the cure for everything. Heavenly Father loves us so so much. His hand is always outstretched and ready to receive, it is just up to us to reach out and take it. I love you all so so much. And I pray that you will each rely on the Savior in both the troubled storms and peaceful waves in this life. I love you, and I know that He loves you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Sariah Robertson

Week 4: God Rocks!

Hey everybody! 

So I'm just going to apologize ahead of time, I can never remember what I've already written last week...mission brain. So sorry if I keep saying the same things over and over. Especially when it comes to things I've learned this week. Because honestly, I've been learning a lot of the same things over and over. I've realized that life is not a checklist. As soon as you think you've perfected some skill and can move on, you realize that you still have to put in the effort to maintain those skills. It's like when they keep talking about the same thing over and over at General Conference, and you're like man I've already heard that, I've got that down. Lol no. Clearly, there is still something more to learn there, because every strength we have, can still be strengthened even more. Which reminds me, General Conference is this upcoming weekend, and everyone should try to watch at least one session (for those who don't know what I'm talking about, ask a mormon. If I'm the only mormon you know... well awk...look it up on lds.org) The point is, it's awesome, and it's open to everyone in the public. You can actually watch it online at lds.org, or on T.V if you have the BYU channel. 

Before General Conference every year we have a General Woman's Broadcast the weekend before. Lucky for me, our Stake had a huge activity at the church regarding it so me and my companion had the opportunity to watch it. I am so thankful for modern day revelation, and for leaders who have chosen to rise to their potentials. For those who missed this broadcast, you missed out. Hopefully it is online somewhere and you can still watch it. Sister Wixom spoke a lot about our divinity. Heavenly Father loves us so so much. He has created us with so much divine potential. He wants more than anything for us to find lasting happiness. 

I've always known these things. But I think often times it has been easier for me to recognize the goodness and divinity in others rather than in myself. I think a lot of us do that. In the broadcast on Saturday Sister Wixcom said, " Because you are His child, you not only need him, but he needs you." I need my Heavenly Father, so much. Every single day. Like for real, there is no way I could do this mission without him, or really life at all for that matter. But the thing that really hit me is that he needs us too. Heavenly Father took the time to create each and everyone one of us. We all have a purpose, though seemingly unclear, there is a plan for each of us. I don't just believe it, I know it. Heavenly Father has so much to offer us, so much for us to become, if only we'll let him. I challenge you, let Heavenly Father mold you. Rely on the Savior and his atonement to have the strength to go through challenges and face trials, and you'll be even stronger for them. Strive to reach that potential, because He needs you. He needs you on His side, and He loves you. I think it's easy to forget how much we mean to our Heavenly Father sometimes. But I know that he loves us. 

Anyways, for me that was a huge lesson this week. It's easy to compare ourselves to others, and to feel inadequate or like you're not making any real impact. But, Heavenly Father created us for a reason, and he needs us to be the best version of ourselves, to use the strengths and talents we have to bless and love those around us. So just keep putting one foot in front of the other and push forward, because he needs you to. And I promise that as you do that, you will be blessed ten fold. And Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will strengthen you.

White-washing has been a crazy experience, but me and Sister Wright have been blessed with the people that we have found. We are just starting to get investigators, so we'll see how that goes over the next couple of weeks. The people of Surrey are really so so good to us. The cultural difference can be a challenge sometimes, because there are literally so many different religions, but that is to be expected. People are still very respectful to us, and most people listen to our message or at least accept some service. Service is the quickest way to someones heart ;)

As far as sweet Destiny and her family, when we stopped by on Tuesday she wasn't home, but her husband and kiddos were out on the street at the bus stop. So we went over and talked to them instead. It was great to get to actually meet her husband and he was super receptive. After meeting Destiny, she had told her husband about our visit and they started reading the Book of Mormon. More than just the first chapter like we challenged her too. Crazy, huh? THEY ARE SO GOOD. WE ARE SO BLESSED. Anyways, they are already back in Nigeria, but I know that they will look into the church when they get here. So who knows? They come to Canada every year to visit her brother, so maybe next year I'll come to church and see they sitting in the pews. A Sister can dream, right? ;)

Another quick miracle this past week, Sister Wright and I were street contacting and she felt the impression to talk to this old man. We had already passed him (at the time we were talking to somebody else), and he was quite a head of us, but we decided to kind of run to catch up to him.... We had almost caught him, when he turned down some Alley Way, but then this woman walking her dog and baby walked by and stopped us. She was like hey, are ya'll missionaries? I'd love it if you could come over and do a bible study with me and my daughter (her older daughter was at the Grandparents). Do ya'll have a BOM (Book of Mormon)? So we talked to her for a little while, gave her the BOM, and set up an appointment to teach her. Heavenly Father really does prepare people. Unfortunately.... they just got lice, so we'll be waiting that out a little bit. Needless to say, I am very blessed.

There are so many other little miracles but there ins't enough time in the world to write it all, also, who really wants to read it all anyways? I know my e-mails are insanely long as it is. Sorry I talk a lot, but ya'll should all be used to that by now. 

I know I harped on this last week a little bit, but for the members back  home, seriously guys, members who are missionary minded is the best blessing in the world. We actually have 3 sets of missionaries in my ward here in Surrey (which is crazy and so so lucky, not to mention the Assistants are one of those companionships.(The Assistants are the elders who work as assistants to our mission president, and on top of that still have to be a regular missionary...which essentially means that they rock) But that like never happens. Most wards are lucky if they even get 1 set of missionaries. So on Sunday, I gave a talk (I was thrilled of course....just kidding I felt like dying), which had to do somewhat with what I shared earlier in this e-mail, but then Brother Ortalano (one of the members) gave a talk. It was all about being missionary minded, and how the members needed to utilize us as missionaries more. He had all 3 sets of missionaries stand up and was like, "Look at them. This doesn't happen very often. The Lord only calls people when he knows there is a lot of work to be done. So clearly, there are a lot of people in Surrey we need to find." There was a lot more too, he was SO AWESOME. Man am I grateful for him. SO love your missionaries, and give them referrals. When members and missionaries are united together the work is so much more effective. 

Basically, I am so so blessed to be here in Surrey with the ward that I have, the companion that I have, and the district that I have. I'm sure going to try my best to take advantage of it.

I love and miss you all and I hope things are going well for everyone back home. Thank you for all the love and support. I know God lives, and that He loves us.

Love always, Sister Robertson

ps. I'm buying a carder reader thingy today so I promise there will be pictures soon.

Week 3: Canada is so weird/Miracles

First off, when people told me it was culturally diverse up here man oh man were they right. My ward consists of Filipinos, Asians, Canadians, and East Indians.Its crazy. But my ward here is incredible. They are so missionary minded and so excited to have Sister Missionaries. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself. 

First some fun facts about Canada:

1) the spiket on the drinking fountain is on the left side instead of the right. I know that that is totally random and seemingly irrelevant, but they are actually incredibly hard to drink out of. 

2) Everything is in k's here instead of Miles.

3) They put the Canadian flag on everything. Like even the big McDonalds sign has a Canadian Maple Leaf, as if to remind us like Hey you are in Canada, not America.... you know in case we forgot. 

4) They still celebrate the 4th of July and thanksgiving... they just call it something different. And they make sure to celebrate it before we do in America. The days here are July 1st, and October 12th or something like that. 

But still, Canada is way cool. It's freezing, and rains every second. But other than that it's great.

My Mission president and his wife are just incredible!!!! They remind me a lot of Bishop and Sister Peel back home (: So thankful for them. President Burt is just incredible, and I know that without him I wouldn't be able to do this mission. He is just so so awesome. Man oh man, mission presidents are definitely called of God. My new Companion is Sister Wright (momma her dad is from Idaho so we really could be related). She is from Utah ( as most missionaries here seem to be). SHE IS AWESOME. So so loving and has helped me adjust a lot to this new mission life. Don't get me wrong, the MTC was great, but nothing like this.

We are assigned to Surrey, Canada (3rd Ward). We live in our Bishops basement (everyone has a basement apartment here). The ward is AMAZING. We are white-washing the area. Which basically means that we start from scratch. Generally you go to an area that your companion has just been in, that way you know the area, the members, and already have some good progressing investigators. But President has done a lot of white-washing this last transfer to get things going in Canada so a lot of my group is in the same boat. Our ward hasn't had any sisters there in a while, so they are so so good to us. And glad to have some sister back. They really are so great, and until now I have never realized just how important it is for members to be missionary minded and to support and love and feed their missionaries. So challenge for all of you back home:

Take care of your sweet missionaries serving in your ward. They need it. promise. And give them a lot of referrals. Brothers and Sisters, its our responsibility as both missionaries and members to bring other unto Christ. We are his hands here on earth, and if we really love him, we will feed his sheep. There is a great talk by Elder Holland on that. 

This week i have learned a lot about humility. i wouldn't say that I'm generally a prideful person, not in the sense that I think that I'm better than anybody, but sometimes I have a lot of trouble trusting Heavenly Father and admitting myself to his will. And that's prideful. "He is the Gardner here, and he knows what he intends us to be." So just let go, and let him. Let him mold you into the person he needs you to be, and then allow him to work through you to bring others unto Christ.

This week was hard, just adjusting to the new life style, but I am so blessed. Blessed to be in the mission. Blessed with an amazing companion. Blessed to have the strengthening and enabling power of the atonement, and to be forgiven of my imperfections. Blessed to have such a supportive and loving ward. When things get hard, whether in life, or for those on/going on a mission, just find one reason to keep going. One thing to be grateful for, and i promise you'll be able to get through it. I love you all so so so much, and wish you the very best.

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Somehow in the mad dash to send out e-mails I forgot to share our sweet miracle. 

Yesterday, while knocking doors, we met Destiny. Not only did she listen to us on the doorstep but she invited us in. (She's the first to let us in). Me and Sister Wright taught her and her four kids about the restoration of the gospel, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families. It was amazing. We bore our testimonies of the Book of Mormon, and she accepted one, committed to read the first chapter, and scheduled an appointment with us for this Tuesday. Her and her family are amazing, and her desire to grow even closer to Christ is a blessing. We love her. Unfortunately, her family is actually from Nigeria, and they are leaving next week to go back home. But we promised to set her up with some of the missionaries over there.

Aside from Destiny, we have had the opportunity to teach some recent converts and less-active families. They are all incredible too. the spirit is amazing, and I can't wait to continue to share the gospel with others.

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Week 2: Everyday is Sunday, and Tuesdays are Christmas

Hey everyone!!!

First off, thank you thank you thank you for all the e-mails and support. You honestly have no idea what it means. (I know missionaries always say that, but I never truly understood the depth of what they meant until actually becoming a missionary.) I hope things are going well for everyone back home and I love and miss you all.

I love my district

Sista Sistas <3 And then Sister Menlove (our Branch Presidents wife) 

Us in a nutshell. Sister Richins, Sister Jarvies, Me, Sister Cornia

Zone Sisters ( My new little babies)

This is my actual district, the Elders were not amused with how many pictures we wanted to take.

Now they want pictures! :)

Found me some Stacy Johnson (: Yay for college friends!

My eyes are closed but I still love Sister Richins (:

I never know where to even start in these e-mails. I have learned SO much, and honestly the days just mix together. There is a saying here in the MTC that the days are long and the weeks go by fast. I can testify to ya'll that that's true. 

As far as my Subject goes, my district and I decided that basically every day feels like a Sunday because we study so much and focus on the gospel and learn how to help and teach and serve others, but P-days are our one days where we don't follow an exact schedule and we get to kind of just chill and go with the flow. And we get to talk to our family and friends (: Which really is the BEST gift I could ever ask for. So P-days (or our Tuesdays) are like Christmas.

So I've learned a lot already so far, I didn't even know it was possible to grow this much in such a  short amount of time. Yall would be shocked. There isn't really time for anxiety or discomfort in the MTC, things are going too fast, and as missionaries we have a responsibility to fulfill our callings. But I want to talk about some things that I've learned. (For all my babies going into the MTC in the next couple of weeks, this section will have some stuff just for you.)

1) BE BRAVE. I have a hard time with that, I always have. Especially in the MTC when it comes to teaching investigators, and even each other (we do a lot of role playing for practice), you really just have to be brave. I like to follow plans and I have always struggled with relying on the spirit, but the thing is, in missionary work that's all you've got. Because you aren't the teacher here, the spirit is. So you just have to 1, trust that Heavenly Father will help you understand the needs of your investigators and that he'll put words into your mouth when you do not know what to say. That's when being brave comes in. You have to trust that Heavenly Father will give you the answers you need, because he always always will, and then you have to be brave and open your mouth and pray that something comes out. It's been a challenge. I like knowing what I am going to say before I say it, but that's not really how the Holy Ghost works.

2) The first person you convert should be YOURSELF. It's crazy how much you come to know your Savior as you help your investigators, companions, etc. come unto Christ. And that's a good thing. In fact, it's essential. Because you definitely can't help bring others unto Christ if you aren't there yourself. You can't help convert anyone farther than you have been converted yourself. So pray like crazy. I mean every minute of every day. Pour out your hear t to your Heavenly Father, he is begging you to know him. Study your scriptures, because every single time you do, you receive different revelation. And just love this gospel. It is so so so sweet, and I wouldn't be anywhere today without it.

3) You are ALWAYS enough. I'm not going to lie. The MTC has been challenging, as it should be. After all, there isn't much comfort in growth. It involves a lot of stretching. But just know that it is okay. It is okay that things are hard. Whether you are in the MTC or not, life is just hard. It's okay that you can't do it all on our own. In fact, that's normal. We are called to be the best we can be, and then Heavenly Father makes up that difference. So stop worrying about it. You are enough. As long as you are being obedient, and trying your best every single day to be a little bit better, He will ALWAYS make up the difference. 

4) When things do get hard, SERVE. Nothing brings more happiness than truly loving those around you and finding ways to serve them. Kendall taught me that, and my teachers at the MTC have testified of the same thing, and now I'm telling you, whether you are a missionary or not service truly is the cure for everything. 

Alright mission babies, these ones are more for yall:

1) LOVE YOUR DISTRICT.... and also your zone. They are your family here, so love them for all that they are worth. the first day is always a little awkward, and you may not bond at first, but I promise it will come. Sit with each other at every meal, it really helps get friendships going. Actually study together, it's amazing what you can learn from another. Heavenly Father does not do random (s/o to King Abner). Heavenly Father put those Elders and Sisters in your life for a reason, so learn from one another, grow together, but also remember to have a little fun. This is the plan of happiness after all, Heavenly Father wants you to have some fun. So don't feel like you have to throw that all away just because you are a missionary. He NEEDS your personalities. But he needs the best version of yourself, so let yourself grow. 

2) Don't drink the orange juice. 

3) Be passionate about this gospel. Love it, and your investigators will too.

4) Don't be too hard on yourself. The easiest way to feel miserable is to get discouraged after teaching lessons. Our responsibility as missionaries is to help bring others unto Christ. That's it. Ultimately we want them to be baptized and we are still directed to invite them to that commitment. But as long as you are obedient, and doing your best, that's all you can do. Like us, our investigators have free agency too. And they can choose to accept or deny the messages you share with them. The gospel is full of simple truths. You don't need to be a master scriptorian, or the best prayer giver ever. You just need to have faith, and love. Share the gospel with passion, and testify of the blessing it brings. Because those blessings are very real. And if your investigators still deny it, be heartbroken for them. because it is heart braking. So so heart breaking, but Heavenly Father takes care of all of his children. So don't beat yourself up if you don't help convert all of your investigators, as long as you are being obedient you are a successful missionary. 

5) I've talked about obedience a lot. And this is how I'm going to leave it:

Obedience brings blessings, but EXACT obedience brings miracles. I need those miracles. YOU need those miracles, we all need miracles. So be exactly obedient, because I promise it works. 

6) On Sunday night after the fireside, watch "The Character of Christ" by Elder Bednar. You won't regret it.

7) Sing in the choir for devotionals. It is incredible. Even if you can't sing just do it. 

8) THE SPIRIT HERE IS AMAZING. The MTC is hard, and it's an emotional roller coaster for sure, but I have never felt more happiness. 

Love always,

Sister Robertson