Week 62: Kick when you don't want to Kick and Stroke when you don't want to Stroke

HEY CHICKENS

Where do I even start? This past week has been absolutely crazy.

First, this morning I woke up with the worst stomach bug of your life :-) I was so close to surviving my entire mission without getting sick, dang it.

Second, we got transfer news! Sister Hubert is heading down to Abbotsford to be an STL, and I am going to be an STL here in Prince George with Sister Tripp (who was just serving as an STL down in Surrey with my baby Sister Seiter!)

Third, ELDER HOLLAND CAME TO OUR MISSION AND YES HE IS EXACTLY LIKE ALL THE VIDEOS, same pulpit pounding and everything. 

It was absolutely amazing, and so crazy to be with the entire mission.... SO GOOD to see so many old companions ;-)

Elder Holland talked about a lot of different things, but his love for the people  in this world is astounding. He is a true disciple of Christ, and one whom truly understood and lives Christs instruction to, "Feed His sheep."

What struck me the most is how much the gospel, and his mission has meant to him. Not only did he keep saying it over and over, "My mission means everything to me." But you can feel it and see it in his face. His Savior, Jesus Christ literally means the world to him, and it's that single factor that has led him and continues to lead him to every other blessing in his life that he now currently has. 

I know that everything that I have, and everything that I am truly stems from the gospel of Jesus Christ, and from a decision to come on a mission. 

Elder Holland discussed different aspects of missionary work and the adversity that accompanies it. He said that, "often missionaries on occasion ask, Why is this so hard?

You will have occasion to ask those questions. I have thought about this a great deal. I offer this as my personal feeling. I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience.Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary.

Now, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not talking about anything anywhere near what Christ experienced. That would be presumptuous and sacrilegious. But I believe that missionaries and investigators, to come to the truth, to come to salvation, to know something of this price that has been paid, will have to pay a token of that same price.

For that reason I don’t believe missionary work has ever been easy, nor that conversion is, nor that retention is, nor that continued faithfulness is. I believe it is supposed to require some effort, something from the depths of our soul.

If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, “Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass,” 16 then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us. If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way."

I know that this not only applies to missionary work, but like Elder Holland said, to all those who strive to be continually faithful in the church. This life is so hard, but it's that refining process that allows us to blossom into the people that God needs and we want to be. 

When a Olympic swimmer was asked the secret to his success he said, "Kick when you don't want to kick, and stroke when you don't want to stroke." 

I know that that is something each of us can do in this life and we strive to follow our Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ every day. When things get hard, because they will, keep kicking and keep stroking- never give up. 

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH and am so grateful for the privilege that I have to serve a mission, and to be able to learn all of these things now. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us enough to hurt us sometimes so that we are able to be pushed and to become the people we were meant to be. I know He lives and loves each one of you, and that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the only way to find true peace and joy in this life. 

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Pictures for this week:

1/2) By the way I past my 14 months...  and apparently carving pineapples is a thing? Lets just say it was a lot tastier.

Week 61: MI CASA ❤😊

MI CASA  

One of my best friends recently sent out an explanation describing the things we do as members of The Church of Jesus Christ, and why we do them, and it was a perfect reminder to me, as many who receive these weekly e-mails are not members either, that I should do the same. 

As missionaries we talk about baptism a lot and baptizing those that we teach. Please know that our church is not interested in gaining membership just for the sake of numbers, rather, as Latter Day Saints we strongly believe we are each children of God, and as such, God desires all of us to return to live with him again. The first step in that process is following the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized. As missionaries we have the sacred opportunity to be representatives of our savior, Jesus Christ and to teach and prepare people to make that promise to God. I love the gospel, as many members do, and desire for others to experience the sure joy and peace that I have felt as I have followed the example of Jesus Christ and become a member of his restored gospel. Please know, that if someone offers to share the gospel with you, it is solely for that same reason. Because they love and cherish you, and they want to share what has helped them and made them happy in this life. 

I sure love each of you, and am always grateful for your love, letters, and support, and for the many things you are each doing in your life to love and serve others, and to love and serve God. He loves you, I promise you that. 

This past week has been a miracle for so many reasons. God has certainly blessed me more then I deserve, and I am so grateful for the strength of my Savior Jesus Christ in enabling me to become more than I am. 

The greatest miracle of this week is our dear friend, Joseph. 

A couple of weeks ago we were calling through a bunch of phone numbers previous missionaries had left behind and just happened to call Joseph. He is originally from India and grew up his entire life going to Mass. He loves his Savior, Jesus Christ. Well this past week we were able to teach him about the restoration, the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith. He loved it. Two days later we taught him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and talked to him about taking that step to be baptized by proper authority. He was thrilled, and will be baptized at the end of November. He shared so many experiences in his life of times when he has chosen to follow God and times when he has chosen not to. He is a living witness that if we, "keep the commandments of the Lord, we will prosper in the land." Alma 48:25

So right after our lesson, the Elders in our ward had a baptism for their friend, Austin, and Joseph was able to stay for it. The spirit was so strong and Joseph knew that this is exactly what he wanted to do. Coming to church the next morning, only confirmed that feeling for him.

The following are many quotes from him throughout that night and following morning.

"I think I'd go swimming in there right now."

"I'm so excited for mine!"

"Why didn't you guys find me sooner?"

I am so grateful to be able to be serving alongside my Savior. I know He lives, and loves each of you. It is never to late to get up and try again. I know that He will bless you as you do, and that each of us can experience the joy and blessings that come as we follow Him and keep His commandments.

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Love always,

Sister Robertson 

ps. This weekend we get to see Elder Holland, no big deal. Stay tuned for the biggest spiritual highlight of your life next week!

Pictures (: (: (:

1-3 )We are in charge of the Young Single Adult group up here in Prince George... which often is basically non-existent between work schedules. But we were able to mix the YSA kids and young adult couples in our ward and pull together a Halloween Activity this past week!

4) Our sweet 82 year old friend, Trudy Rae. She is a member but can't come to church b/c health.

5) Up in the North all the areas between missionaries are so far apart that for our weekly district Meetings, many of us have to use skype or call in. Welcome to our District Meeting (:

6) The Nechako Sisters and us <3

7) Our m i r a c l e, JOSEPH

8) The Gratton girls, they were baptized in August and we are going through the lessons with them again (:

9) Scenery :'-)

Week 60: Get your feet wet

Happy Halloween to everyone down South,

Just before I forget, I finally got my new address up here in Prince George. 

599 Freeman Street #103

Prince George, British Columbia

V2M 2R3

Canada

Or if it is easier, there is always the address for the mission office in Richmond.

8440 Williams Road

Richmond, British Columbia 

V7A 1G6

Canada

This past week has been C R A Z Y. We did two exchanges with our sweet sisters. THEY ARE AMAZING, and also live just a little far away.. :'-) So we spent quite some time in the car. Prince George is amazing and it has been so great to get to know all of the members up here. 

Brandi, for an update on her, is doing really well. We haven't been able to see her much this past week with us being out of town, and our schedules just not syncing. Her baptismal date will be pushed back with her current living situation, but we know that God will provide a way for her, especially with her sincere desire to follow Him.

Recently, in the mission we have been focusing a lot on faith, and not only that, but enduring faith. There isn't enough time to truly explain the change that has happened as a result of these trainings, or the deeper understanding and conviction that I have gained of faith, but with the 10 short minutes I have left, I would love to share a couple of my thoughts. 

Something that I've really come to understand recently about faith is that it isn't a product of miracles, rather strong faith begins with a desire to believe, we only need a particle of faith- just enough to get started- and then as we act according to the faith that we have and are obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ that faith grows. "Faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one's faith." In a recent talk given by President Uchtdorf at the General women's session of General Conference, President Uchtdorf discussed the topic of Faith and what is can and can not do. He said many wonderful things, but one thing that stuck out to me was that he said, 

"Until then, we walk by whatever faith we have, seeking always to increase our faith. Sometimes this is not an easy quest. Those who are impatient, uncommitted, or careless may find faith to be elusive. Those who are easily discouraged or distracted may hardly experience it. Faith comes to the humble, the diligent, the enduring."

As I was reading Alma 32 in the Book of Mormon the other day and pondering about the analogy of the seed to our testimony, I realized truly how much work and effort we have to put in on our part to obtain faith, to help our seed turn into a tree. If we "nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it begginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life." Alma 32: 41

I know that that is true, that the fruit that comes from our trees, although they took a lot of work to grow, is more desirable than anything else, and will bless each of us immensely.

God loves and I do to, I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/fourth-floor-last-door?lang=eng

Pictures:

1) Sister Hubert 

2) Sister Cosman :-) :-) :-)..... we didn't realize the camera was so zoomed in....

3) Exchanges with the Quesnel Sisters, Sister Graver (:

4/5) Sister Faleono

6) Our favorite recent convert, Michaela 

Week 59: just pics

I will have a better e-mail next week.

Ps. Elder Holland is coming to our mission in two weeks :'-)

Pictures:

1) Sweet sweet Chelsea Gale. LOVE HER. She is best friends with Bran, and is the one who introduced her to the gospel. She is truly so good. 

2) Zone Meeting in Prince George 

Week 58: SNOW

HAPPY CANADIAN THANKSGIVING.

I can't even believe it's that time of the year again. Time is literally flashing before my eyes. 

I just wanted to start out by saying, God is just so good. This past week has been just wonderful, even from the very beginning.

Transfer day was Tuesday and because I lived in Richmond (which is central to our mission and where the mission office is located), we got to have so many other sisters stay with us for different parts of the day while they waited for their new companions to arrive. First thing in the morning, Sister Seiter dropped off her baby (my grand baby) Sister Crane, and then Sister Seiter headed to Surrey. Sister Crane got to stay with us until her new companion, Sister Ricks (who was my companion in Surrey) came and got her. So then I got to say goodbye to all of my favorite Sisters. IT WAS WONDERFUL! How grateful am I not only today, but everyday, for the people that God has blessed me with who have made a permanent imprint on my life. He certainly knows what and who we need. And Sister Hubert is no exception. 

Eventually I headed up North, and yes it has already started snowing up here in Prince George.

Pray for me lol. 

Besides the cold, Prince George is just wonderful, and the people here are a m a z i n g. I've been told that PG (Prince George) is the promised land, and man is that ever true. I don't think I've ever taught so many people in my life. They are each so wonderful, with such unique backgrounds, but so many have the honest desire to improve the quality of their life, to refocus their priorities, and to build their relationship with God. 

I know it's really just Canadian Thanksgiving, but my heart is full with gratitude for the Savior and his impact on my life. How grateful I am for this selfish, once in a life time opportunity I have to serve for 18 months and be His hands here in the Canada, Vancouver Mission. There truly is no greater call. I love Him. And I know that it is because of Him and through living His teachings that we all "may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness." Mosiah 2:41. 

"Our ability and capacity to experience joy and happiness has nothing to do with our circumstances, but everything to do with our focus." And I know that as we focus on our Savior, and follow him, that our joy will be full, always. And that's a promise. 

I sure love you guys! 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Pictures for this week:

1) Elder and Sister Wilson, the best Senior Couple of your life. Their son is also currently serving in the Birmingham, Alabama mission, so we have a special place in each others hearts. 

2) Sweet Sister Gartside (: You'd never guess who is staying in Richmond and who is going to PG

3/4) SISTER RICKS

5) We love the sisters <3 Sister Cozzman and Sister Webster 

6) Sister Hubie a.k.a Sister Hubert (:

Week 57: I will be abitious for Christ

Ni hao wo de jia ting,

Basically that means, hello my family in Chinese. Don't get too impressed, I haven't learned to become fluent and I just had one of the Chinese-speaking missionaries type that up for me. My Chinese is poor at best. Essentially, I've learned how to say hello, and Jesus Christ. That's all I need right?

Any ways, Transfer calls were this past weekend. I am being moved up North to Prince George... 

just in time for the winter ;) My new companion is Sister Hubert, we served together in Surrey, she is wonderful and has been out 1 transfer longer than me!

In other news, my sweet baby, Sister Seiter is going to be an STL in Surrey! I am so so happy for her!

This past week's General Conference was absolutely wonderful. If you didn't get an opportunity to catch all 4 sessions, please go do!

Every single speaker spoke so beautifully about our Savior, Jesus Christ. His life, his ministry, his divinity. I know that He is truly the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He loves us so so much, and has given us everything. 

"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." 2 Nephi 26:24

Jesus Christ has given us everything. He atoned for the sins, sorrows, infirmities, afflictions, disappointments, and grief of the world. You name it, and He has felt it. And He did that because He understands. He knows this life is hard, He knows that we experience tragedy, trials, and afflictions. And He loves us.

He wants us so desperately to find joy and to be able to be cleansed from sin, and return to live with our Heavenly Father again. He died, so that you and I, could overcome everything that we experience in mortality. His sacrifice has the power to cleanse us, heal us, and enable us to do things beyond our own capacities. 

The gift of the atonement is available to all, if we choose it. 

Maybe this is sacrilegious, but sometimes when I reflect the atonement of Jesus Christ I think about Harry Potter. Now bare with me for a moment. You know that scene when Harry is talking to the Professor trying to get his memory so that he can know what Voldemort asked him about that day. Personally, I find that scene very powerful. As Harry reminds the professor of his mother, who died to protect him. And says that in that moment, that her death will be completely for nothing if they can't overcome Voldemort. 

Jesus Christ has already paid the price. His sacrifice is infinite and it's reality and power much greater than the movie Harry Potter. But that sacrifice and atonement is pointless, it is all a waste if we choose to not come to him, and allow him to heal us, allow him to lead us home. I know that repentance is the central purpose of our lives. It is a joyful process that allows us to become better and stronger, and allows us to reap all the blessings of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Each of us are the inn-keepers here, and we decide how much room we have for the Savior. 

I just want to leave my witness that He lives and loves us, and it is never to late to turn to him. 

Love always,

Sister Robertson 

Pic's

Sister Roeder, the best member missionary of my whole life and a woman who is a walking testimony of the power of the atonement.

trying to take a picture with our sweet investigator, Maessoun and her son Joseph

Week 56: Faith, trust, and General Conference

FAM JAM,

How is everyone doing down South?

This past weekend we had the opportunity to watch the General Women's Session of Broadcast. Let me just say, IT WAS AMAZING! Richmond is part of the Surrey Stake so we got to watch it at the Surrey Church Building which was my very first area on my mission..... what a tender mercy! I got to see all of my old members, and they recognized me really quickly when they heard me laugh. Unfortunately Sima and Shelby weren't there, so I didn't get to see my two babies, but that's okay! 

Literally every single talk given was like an answer to my prayers, and I was hoping to share some insights from President Uchtdorf's talk, but I accidentally left my journal at home. Sorry guys! I've really been slacking these past few weeks! Of course his written talk isn't up on lds.org yet, so I'll just include an attachment to the video. Essentially I just realized, and was reminded again and again, that we need to have faith and trust in God as we pray for guidance. 

"Faith in Jesus Christ is more than a passive belief in Him. It means believing that He is the Son of God and that He suffered for your sins, afflictions, and infirmities.  It means acting on that belief. Faith in Jesus Christ leads you to love Him, trust Him, and obey His commandments."

I think too often I forget that God knows the bigger picture. He sees things that we can not. But I know that our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ love us. Perfectly. Our faith allows us to trust in their will and love for us, that everything that we experience in this life truly will work out for our best benefit. Faith and trust build us up and allow us to remember God's eternal plan for his children.

"For I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."   Alma 36:3

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/media/session_0_talk_7/5139845053001?lang=eng

LOVE YA'LL HUGE! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Love always,

Sister Robertson 

Pictures for the week:

So apparently Once Upon a Time is filmed here in Richmond BC, right in my area so last P-day we decided to go for a look. Luckily for us, they just happened to be preparing to film last week and so they had already switched all the signs on all the shops from their regular "steveston sign" to say "storybrooke". It was so fun!

1) Obvious.

2) Granny's diner

3) Mr. Golds shop... they clearly weren't done setting everything up lol

4) random street art

5 on)

CANADA