Week 47: Don't let your boat rock.

Twinning

Salam,

That is hello in Farsi.

This week was filled with miracles. I wish I had enough time to share them all, but I'll try to give some of the highlights (:

1) Emily, the less active we have been working with, IS COMING TO CHURCH JULY 31st. She is just amazing. She  is a living testimony of the principle of progression. We each fall short sometimes, actually several times in this life, but through Jesus Christ there is always a way back! Her testimony is so solid, and she is repenting and improving everyday. Two weeks ago after our visit she texted us asking for a Book of Mormon, as hers was in storage, and when we came this past Monday she had been reading it every single night. And you could just see how happy she was. That light of Christ inside her is just glowing again, and she truly is beginning to heal from her past decisions, as well as the heartbreak and loss of her father that she has been dealing with. 

2) Brianna is at her moms for the next two weeks (boo), but we are still meeting with Mark. They are coming to church next Sunday for the first time, we are so excited! Mark also texted us the sweetest thing which I'll attach in another e-mail!

3) We also just started teaching this sweet girl named, Ava, she is 16 and literally adorable. She hasn't grown up with too much religious background so she is very open and believes the things we teach her. Her grandmother has been her only spiritual influence in her life, but through that, she has been able to learn and hear experiences of how God is there and loves us and will answer our prayers and so she fully trusts that she can build that relationship too and is excited to keep learning and do that. 

Really though, we have just been able to find and meet so many wonderful people.

This past week we had District Meeting, which is a meeting with a couple of other sets of missionaries serving in surrounding areas. Each week we have the opportunity to continue to learn how to be better disciples of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the Spirit, that is truly able to teach us, all things. 

This past week's District meeting was wonderful. We've been talking a lot about Diligence recently. In Preach My Gospel under Diligence it says,

Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord's work. 

At a previous conference we had a couple of months ago, when talking about being more diligent missionaries we stopped to discuss really what each of those words meant individually. One sister said, when thinking about the words steady and consistent, that she felt like that meant not allowing your boat to be rocked. That even when the storms of life make our road kind of shaky and rocky, not to let that effect our boats ability to stay a float. 

That really stuck out to me and is something I have continued to ponder these past couple of weeks. And I've learned and realized that it's truly our faith that allows our boat to be secure, despite the winds. 

In Matthew 14, the experience of Peter walking on water is described. 

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Peter, as soon as he took his eyes off of the Savior, and focused on the boisterous winds and tempest sea, began to sink. Likewise, we too sink, as we take our eyes off of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and allow all the things that are going wrong, or all the things that seem hard or scary or unfair, or whatever it may be, distract us. We loose faith, and our individual boats begin to rock. 

Each of us can be diligent in every aspect of our lives. As we keep our sights fixed on the hope and light that our Savior offers, we, like Peter, have the faith to walk through the storms of this life. We too, can consistently work hard, and do all that is required of us, despite any circumstance of tidal wave that may appear. 

I am so grateful for this gospel, and especially for my Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom I put my full trust and faith. I am so grateful to know that because of Him, each of us truly can "be of good cheer", no matter what phase of life we are in. He loves us. He will always carry us home. 

Love always,

Sister Robertson 

Also, here are some quotes from Brianna last week!

1) "I almost have Joseph Smith's vision thing memorized because I have just read it so many times!!" 

2) (After teaching them about eternal families) *Turns around to her dad* "I get another life with you!!!!"

3) (After teaching the plan of Salvation) "Before I knew about this thing, I was scared to die.. But now I'm not scared anymore!! It actually seems kind of fun!" 

4) (A text we received from Mark) "Brianna just said that the two of you are her new BFF's"

5) "I like you guys more than I like chocolate."

6) Us: Can we come back on Thursday? Mark: Yeah, that should be good! Us: Let us know if anything changes! Brianna: Dad. Don't let anything change. 

AHHHH WE JUST LOVE HER WITH OUR WHOLE ENTIRE SOULS. 

​
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 Black berries are growing everywhere on the streets, yum

Como Lake

Week 46: The Plan of Happiness

Fam Jam,

This week was wonderful. I am so grateful to be able to stay here in Coquitlam and to be able to serve along side Sister Seiter. I love her.  We may not be teaching a lot right now, and have been former-ed several times this past week (that's when an investigator decides they don't want to meet anymore), but we've been able to see a lot of progress throughout our time here, and God continues to bless us.

As for Mark and Brianna, they are doing so good! THEY ARE A M A Z I N G. Monday night we followed up on their prayers and reading. Brianna said that she feels happy after she prays, and that she has been practicing. Which is amazing on its own, but to top it off, she had been at her mom's house the previous week, so that means she was remembering to pray all on her own. WOWZA. We asked Mark the same thing, and he said that he is starting to feel more open, and he feels different after he prays. (: I know God is listening to them, and that He loves his children.

Then, right before we started teaching the POS, Brianna also said, "I almost have that Joseph Smith thing memorized I've been reading it so much." She was talking about the 1st vision. It's amazing how the spirit works. No matter who you are- age, education, race, etc.- all of us can receive a witness from the spirit. Brianna has truly proven that's true. As we continue to teach her she opens up more and more and has the best, most sincere questions, and is so easy to trust and believe. It's no wonder Jesus Christ taught us so many times in the scriptures to be like children. She has taught me so much, and has reminded me of my gratitude for Heavenly Father's Perfect Plan of Happiness. A plan in which each of us has the opportunity to come to earth, gain a body, gain experiences, and to grow to become more like our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

This plan isn't simply individual, "all human beings- male and female -are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. " I know that the Plan of Salvation is God's plan for us and our families. He has created it to enable us to grow and to experience joy, to reach our potentials, and his greatest desire is for us to be able to return home, to live with him again some day. That is our divine destiny. 

As we were teaching, Brianna's face lit up and she turned to her dad and said, "I get another life with you."

How grateful I am for this knowledge. That because of Jesus Christ, no matter what happens in this life, everything will work out for our best good, and that one day, we will all be able to live with our families again. 

Jesus Christ is the son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I love Him and am forever grateful to be serving as His hands in the Canada, Vancouver mission. 

I love you all, and am praying for you! I hope everyone is enjoying their summers and is not getting to roasted in the sun! 

Love always,

Sister Robertson 

First, I'll just go ahead and apologize for still not having a picture with Mark and Brianna. We did actually take one, Mark just still hasn't sent it to us yet.... so stay tuned. But Pictures for this week is as follows:

There is this super great park called Rocky Point Park that is alongside a lake and is just to die for. We had lunch at Pajo's, which is apparently a really big thing here and where everything you eat is in a cone through the table so it was fun. 

Sunday with Helen (:

Week 45: Being a missionary is one of the greatest callings in the world

This past week has been wonderful. Being a missionary is one of the greatest callings in the world. We have just met so many wonderful people this past week and I know that God is very aware of his children. 

We got transfer calls on Saturday and Sister Seiter and I will be staying! We are so excited to continue working with our wonderful friends!

Mark and Brianna are absolutely wonderful, and I just want to be with them forever. Brianna has been at her mom's this past week so we just met with Mark on his own. He didn't grow up with much of a religious background at all, and as we have continued to meet with him and his daughter he has just realized how much he maybe does want this. He said it's a lot easier just being atheist and not believing at all, or being christian and believing, because if you are just somewhere in the middle then your left lost, not knowing anything. I had never really thought about it that way. I am continually grateful for the knowledge that I have of my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ. 

This past week we had a Zone Meeting that was absolutely amazing. I am just so grateful to be serving along side our Savior, and to be entrusted to do some of His work. I know that he has truly set the example, and as we learn to follow his example that we will be able to experience pure joy. 

I love you all and will send you more updates next week, and hopefully some more pictures with some of my favorite people! 

Dinner with Sister Richardson (:

Happy 4th!

It was Helen's birthday this past week so we went out to celebrate! Her and Sister Macindoe are like our mommas here in Coquitlam. They came to the church 2 years ago and are now preparing to go to the temple. They come out with us to lessons throughout the week and just teach us so much! I love them. 

I didn't have enough time to send these pictures last week, but we may or may not have had some electrical difficulties and had to move some things around. 

Week 44: Happy 4th of July

Hey Fam Jam,

10 months

Happy Canada Day!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY. We tried to celebrate a little bit of Canada Day, but it just wasn't the same. 

Also, the Canada Mail strike continues so that is weird. 

Things are wonderful here in Coquitlam, I can't believe at the end of this week this transfer will be over. I just love it here. Last week I mentioned the cutest family that we have been working with- Mark and Brianna. Mark and Brianna are Canadian, but they don't have much of a religious background so we've started with the basics, God and prayer. My favorite. 

They are doing so good! Mark (the father) had to step out of one of ours lessons last week where we taught them to pray and so when we came the next visit Brianna said, "I taught my dad how to pray," and then continued to explain what she said to us. It was just the best and Mark and Brianna each said a prayer that lesson. We finished teaching the restoration this past week and asked what they have been thinking/ feeling about everything we've taught so far. Sweet little Brianna said, "I think I believe." And then shared a personal experience with us. My heart just melted, she is A M A Z I N G. When we asked Mark about it, he said that he it's all really still new to him, since he didn't grow up with any religious background, but it's all good and he does want to keep learning. Sister Seiter and I think he wants it especially for his daughter, but we know that as he keeps commitments and continues to learn and grow and have spiritual experiences of his own that he will know that God is really there for the both of them. They couldn't come to church this past week because Brianna was at her mom's on Sunday, but they said they'd come this weekend (: 

We are also teaching Dan (Mark's cousin), who is a little more difficult. He is a R E A L L Y big thinker and is in his head a lot analyzing things so we are very bold with him and he understands that we are here to teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ because we know it is true and has blessed our lives, and will bless his life as well. He also doesn't have much of a religious background, but is oddly educated about random parts of the bible so that is always interesting. We know the power of the Book of Mormon and have been really working with him to read it so that he can have that connection with God again and so that he can find the truth. He said a prayer for the first time this week in our lesson, and hopefully between him, Mark, and Brianna, they will all be able to encourage and support each other in making these new changes.

We've also had ATON of miracles with going out finding people this week. God literally has just put us in the perfect place at the perfect time. I had the opportunity to teach a young man how to pray at the bus stop the other day, and after talking to so many people about prayer and about God this past week I've just really been pondering my own relationship with God and really the purpose and power of prayer. 

I love prayer. And I know that it is the way that we connect to God. He doesn't care about how long it is, or how eloquently we speak. His greatest desire is to hear from us, and all he asks is that we be sincere. I'm all out of time for today, but I know that God loves us, and wants to hear from us.

I love you all!

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Duean and Elizabeth. She is from Thailand and has been investigating the church for 2 years. Due to complications with her husband, she can't be baptized, but boy does she love her Savior Jesus Christ. 

Sister Macindoe is literally the best. She is currently preparing to go to the Temple! 

We Tried!

Sister Hall From Coquitlam sent me these last two pics

Our sisters with a new Persian speaking convert.  Found this selfie on my phone after they had used it all morning with the Google translate.

From dinner last week!

We love having sister Robertson in our ward!  She is a breath of fresh air!

The Hall family

Week 43: Oh Canada

Our favorite Asian bakery we get after e-mailing on P-days!

Dear Family and Friends,

First before I forget apparently there is a weird mail strike going to be happening in Canada on July 1st and we have no idea how long that will last.... so if you plan on sending anything, we have been instructed to send things through FedEx or UPS or to the Point Roberts Address. 

PO Box 149

Point Roberts, WA 98281-0149 

Sorry for that inconvenience... this should be interesting. 

Sariah sent this cute onsie to her nephew, so in honor of
 Canadian Independence Day on 1 July  I thought I'd share this adorable  pic!

This past week we had Zone Conference and it was absolutely amazing. I just love President and Sister Burt and am eternally grateful that not only did God send me to British Columbia, but to them. President Burt shared an insane personal experience during his training of a time when, as the Young men's leader in the church at the time, he and some of the other leaders took the young men to some cave in which long story short, there was a flash flood and they were literally fighting for their lives, and for the lives of these 15 youth boys. The experience was just crazy, but was tied to the life that each of us lives. How we each go through challenges and trials and we feel completely in the dark, and sometimes something happens and we really think, we aren't going to make it, I can't do it. Well the only way back up out of the Cave was a small hole (the one they had shimmied down through) that was entirely filled with water. But they knew they had to make it. Their guide there with them (the spelunker is what they are called) had less faith, but after being instructed by president Burt and some of  the other leaders, and knowing just as well that that hole was the only way out, made his way through the tunnel. President Burt continued to relate this to several different things in our lives and on our missions but the question that was asked was: 

Are we willing to fight for our lives?

Each of us is fighting a different fight during our lives. We are faced with adversity each and every day and Satan is trying to win.

Are we really willing to keep our eyes focused on the Savior, and do everything we can to trust him and to fight for our lives?

I can't even explain the way that I felt as he told this story, but I know that God loves each of us and his "work and his glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." he wants us to be able to return to live with him someday. His plan is perfect. he knew we would face challenges and that we truly would have to fight for our lives, but he provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, to illuminate the way before us. His life and his teachings are truly the guide to peace in this life and joy in the eternities. I know that this life can be so hard, and we can be so overwhelmed and torn down by the things of the world, but as we keep our focus centered on Jesus Christ, as we pray, and read our scriptures, and go to church,and o all those things that He has asked us to do, we are built with the spiritual strength and armor that we need to fight against the temptations and challenges of the adversary.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Also, we just started teaching the cutest single dad and his daughter, Brianna. I will send an update next week and hopefully a picture too ;)

love always,

Sister Robertson

Service for Sister Howitt (:

Persian candy...

Week 42: Heyyo

Heyyo,

So fun fact, it is almost July and it rained pretty much everyday this last week and I wore 2 pairs of tights for about 77% of the week so that's fun. Lol really I love it, but I had totally forgotten that summer was even a thing until Sister Seiter pointed out that it is June now and in both our home towns its over 100 Degrees. Looks like I have been in Canada for too long ;)

Anyways, things are great! Sorry I haven't had loads of time to write these past couple of weeks but I did just want to send something out as tribute to all the dad's, and especially my dad for Father's Day. 

I know that each of us grows up in a variety of different circumstances. Some of us may have had a father, others who didn't, others who may had had a father biologically but he was never really more than that. But I'm grateful that no matter what our circumstance may be, that we have our Heavenly Father who loves and knows us perfectly. 

In my own life, I have been blessed to have a father who has striven to support me throughout the many phases of life. And I am especially grateful for not only meeting my physical and emotional needs, but for my spiritual needs as well. I am so grateful to my daddy for doing his best to teach me the ways of my Heavenly Father. For teaching me about sacrifice, about love, about laughter, about priorities, about self-less service. Many attributes in which our Heavenly Father posses. And yes, Heavenly Father has a sense of humor too. I am truly grateful to him, and for all the other male influences in my life who have striven to be righteous and faithful priesthood holders and who do what they can to reach out and care for God's children. 

Thank you daddy, for taking your responsibility and calling of being my earthy father seriously. 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-002-earthly-father-heavenly-father?lang=eng

I pray that for those who may have not been blessed in the same circumstances will know more than anything that they are truly a child of God. I know that He loves and knows us, and that He will do anything that He can to bring us back to Him. 

"For he looketh down upon the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of their heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning." Alma 18:32

Our Heavenly Father knows us perfectly, and we each have the opportunity to choose to be who He needs us to be, so that we can be that better Earthy Father or Mother to those who are in need. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

Love always,

Sister Robertson 

I Love her!

This is Maliheh <3 She is from Iran and pretty much only speaks Farcy. She was baptized 1 month ago. 

Week 41: Dear home ❤

This past week has just been incredible. God is so good it's actually ridiculous. I feel so close to Him and to my Savior Jesus Christ. Things are always challenging, but they are always worth it. 

​Erin is a recent convert here in Port Moody. She is the greatest!

Sister Seiter just continues to amaze me, she is such a little rock star. And it's been cool to be with her and to reflect on where i was at in the beginning of my mission and my how things have changed. I am SO grateful for progression. 

This week I just wanted to share a quick video that many of you have probably seen. It came out last year in April, but it is absolutely one of my favorites. 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-1420-because-of-him?lang=eng

I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us enough to sacrifice his only begotten son. so that through him, we truly can endure and overcome every trial and challenge that we face in this life. I know that it is o n l y because of Him and His sacrifice, that we are able to find joy, that we are able to be cleansed from sin, that we can find victory over death, that we can be healed from any heartache, sorrow, or pain. I know He lives and He loves us. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to see first hand how the atonement of Jesus Christ is working in others lives.

This morning I received an e-mail from Van and Thang. They are my sweet Vietnamese couple that I found and worked with in Surrey. I wanted to share a piece of their e-mail with you. 

Hi Sister Robertson,

How are you doing in Canada? How about your missionary works? Please remind us the name of the city you are in now?

We left Canada to return to Vietnam 2 weeks ago. At this moment we are staying in Thang's hometown named Son Tay that is 40 km from the center of Hanoi to the West and we are going to stay here for several months. Thang is still reading one page of the book of Mormon a day and I am also reading the Gospel Principles book.

We miss you very much. We hope we could see you again very soon and we also hope one day you can come to Vietnam to visit us. We will be very happy to welcome you in Vietnam.

We pray Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ bless you.

Bests,

Thang & Van

In church on Sunday one of the Elders in my ward gave a talk. In part of that talk he shared a story. For lack of time, I am going to summarize the story. The story starts out with two best friends in the pre-mortal existence waiting for their "call to earth". One receives his call to the United States in which he will have the opportunity to grow up in a family who knows and loves the gospel. His call letter includes several other opportunities he will have and be blessed with in result of living in an economically better off country. Him and his best friend rejoice. Minutes later, his best friend receives his "call to earth". He is told that he will face a lot of adversity throughout his life, due to poverty. He will not be born into the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be born in Costa Rica. Him and his friend mourn together. And the one promises the other that he will find him. 

We each have that same opportunity. There are people in this world who need us. They need what we have. They need a friend and they need Jesus Christ. I pray that each of us with look for opportunities to serve among our circles of influence. To be lifters and lovers of the Savior. 

Love always,

Sister Robertson

Happy to be in Port Moody :)

Its my 9 month-mark.
(I guess since Sariah left when her oldest sister was newly pregnant, and while she has been out on her mission, she has taught and met so many many pregnant and new mommy's - this silly pic is appropriate ;) That pillow is a little lumpy... she's been out for 9 months now, only 9 more to go!  Silly Sister Robertson)

Sister Chandler. We had exchanges with our STL's this past week. SO grateful for her!