I Love Plymouth!!!

Hey all!!

To start off, I am loving Plymouth! Last Sunday we had a snowstorm, so we only had Sacrament Meeting, which means that yesterday was my first official Sunday here. I'm still getting used to how there's not as many people, but again we are only 5 people--not priesthood holders--5 people away from becoming a ward! Some families are moving away soon so we are all trying to act on everything quickly! March will be, as I like to call it, "March Missionary Madness" month. It will begin with the Branch joining in for a fast this Sunday to hasten the work of Salvation here, and then there will be workshops, classes, and events revolved around how to pick up the work and spread the gospel here in the Plymouth branch.

Sister Nielson and I seem to have a lot in common, except that she loves the spiciest foods which can make my face turn purple, and she doesn't like ice cream, which I have an addiction for. However, we both have a passion for Chipotle. Just sayin'. Other than that, I am continually learning from her example. She has a strong testimony and desire to give her all. I look up to how much she loves each person here and strives to meet their spiritual needs. We also began doing "appreciations" every night here as well, which brings us closer together. However, here's the thing... we both feel she may be leaving during an upcoming transfer; it's crazy--I feel the Lord is quickening my memory with who the members are here and what their needs are and how to help. Who knows what will happen and all I can do is try my best to take it one step at a time.

Well, speaking of our companionship, Sister Nielson and I came closer as a "Zion companionship" this week. I was getting over my cold and then she started to have a tidious cough with sputum. (I'm good now, so don't worry) but before I knew it, I started to not feel so great myself. After our lesson with one of our investigators about prophets (it went very well), we hurried over to East Coast Grill to meet up for dinner with our Branch President. Holy Smokes, talk about some of the best seafood I've ever had! I've never had lobster mac and cheese before then, but it was divine.

Ha, aside from that tangent, I began to feel more weak to the point where every step required much effort. After dinner we hurried to another lesson, but by that point I couldn't tell if I was fighting a fever or why it was harder to breathe.

So, the next day, we mostly slept--I don't remember ever being that exhausted or dizzy in a while. Over the next couple of days, I slowly started to feel better. Sister Nielson was very understanding and helped out as much as she could. On Saturday, I woke up feeling much better--I even pulled out an Insanity workout and was willing to stop it if it became overwhelming, but I felt fine! It was still very difficult (ha--that's Insanity for ya :) ), but I was able to complete the 40 minute workout. I couldn't help but feel immensely grateful. Since then my lungs haven't felt so tight and I've had much more energy. (Sister Nielson is also feeling much better.)

I hope this story doesn't seem too dramatic, but the reason why I'm sharing it is because over the mission I've discovered how as I may fight a nasty bug every now and then, I can feel the physical power of prayers being sent. Honestly, even Sister Patterson noticed how there seemed to be a physical force around us as a protection against further harm for my health, as there were a lot of sickness going around. Along with my incredible family's prayers, which play one of the largest reasons for this, I don't know who exactly is sending them, but one thing is for sure--the Lord is hearing and answering them. I'm not telling this to plead for prayers--not at all. But the reason I'm telling this is because I am immensely grateful for all of your thoughtfulness and extended love.

Here are a couple more CF-related tender mercies:

-I found out our Branch Mission Leader is a respiratory therapist. Coincidence? Not at all!

-There's a family we ate dinner with last night, and as soon as Sister Nielson said we had to leave to get back for treatment, their 16 year old son asked what it was, so I began to describe how I put on a vest that inflates to shake up gunk in my lungs. He piped up "Do you have Cystic Fibrosis?" It turns out their family has some friends with CF and they go to the walk every year for them.

The work is going well here and our investigators are doing well. We have a busy week ahead with Zone Conference, more lessons, more of helping people move, service opportunities, another CF appointment at Boston Children's (another mini lesson with Brandon?? :) ) and possibly a temple trip with some recent converts. Although we still had some great lessons last week, I'm looking forward to being able to do more this week.

I know the Lord is watching out for each of you. Always know how much he loves you and listens to and will answer your prayers.

Here is one of my all time fav scriptures that stands out right now:

 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my own strength I am weak; therefore, I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land , for which we will praise his name forever." -Alma 26:12

Love love love you!!

-Sister Roy

First Week in Plymouth!

Plymouth Rock (year 1620 inscribed on it)

Hello hello from Plymouth!!  How are you all doing??

So here are a few things I've observed (so far) about this area:

--It has much more of a small-town feeling than the Weston 1st ward area. It's very different from Waltham! The streets are wider and there's not as many pedestrians, cars honking, and intersections everywhere. There's also far less cultural diversity and most people here seem to be laid back and love to talk.

-It gets very windy here, which make sense since I heard we are five minutes from the coast!

-More people here have heavier "Bastin" accents, which took me by surprise because it's a little further from Boston.

-Most of the tourist locations aren't open until Spring, but I look forward to seeing what's out here once it opens up. :)

My new companion is Sister Nielson, and she is incredible! She is from San Diego, California, and went to school at BYU Idaho. She was a pole-vaulter in high school. I know that in no time I'll probably find myself using her most-used phrase "awkotaco." She is a very hard worker, and also knows when to have fun. 

My new companion Sister Nielson

She has been very understanding of Cystic Fibrosis and the adjustments that are made for it, which is a great relief. :) She has a solid testimony that I am continually learning from, and we are both looking forward to continue working hard in this area.

The branch here also seems wonderful! It's very different from Weston and I'm still adjusting as I greatly miss those in my past area, but I am looking forward to working here. :) Want to know where we meet for church? Yep, we meet at what used to be a Shop and Stop grocery store! 

Before: Shop and Stop.  Now: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Where our Branch meets for Church

Dad, as you pointed out with Branches, they do seem very close. There are all types of personalities and backgrounds, but they seem to have a love for this gospel. I've heard that, and am starting to see, how the work in this area is picking up quickly. Instead of the usual conflict of not having enough priesthood holders to become a ward, they only need 6 more people to join! I don't know how long it will take but I look forward to hearing when it will become a ward!

Hmm I'm trying to think about what happened this week...

It turns out that every Saturday here, the Sister Missionaries join with Habitat for Humanity to build/revamp homes for those in need. So, on Saturday, I was given a hammer and nails and went to work. 

Before I knew it, I was corrected continually on how to correctly use a hammer through proper technique--not something I ever put much thought into before! We nailed floorboards and walls together in an unfinished basement. I look forward to getting to know the whole crew better and it will be neat to learn more how to build a home! Again, it's not something I ever thought I'd do!

To be honest, adjusting here has been a little rough, with culture shock and some starting-off experiences that weren't terrible but not the greatest either. However, during one of my first nights here, the Lord was able to show how he's in control, and is able to fill in the gaps that I cannot fill, as He shows His tender mercies. 

On Friday we taught the family of a man who was baptized a while back, but seems to very much want to come to church again. He came in contact with the church as he asked missionaries to give his mom a blessing in the hospital as she was in a state of passing away soon. After the priesthood blessing, she recovered to be well-enough again. Since then, he's expressed interest in coming. I was actually nervous before the lesson, as we planned to teach him more about the youth program (young women's for his girls), but I knew we had to somehow fit in the Restoration. Once the lesson began, words flowed out as I wasn't sure what I was saying, but I could feel the spirit filling their home. Sister Nielson also bore her strong testimony and personal experiences that brought the spirit as well. I hope that we can continue teaching this awesome family. 

I'm still adjusting to the different culture here, but I know that the Lord has His plan for Plymouth. I so grateful to be part of it and to help serve His children here. 

Well I better go but thanks so much for all that you are and for all that you do. I cannot thank you enough for your strength and support. :)

LOVE YOU!!!!

-Sister Roy

P.S. My cold is slowly going away. Thankfully it hasn't targeted my lungs as much as colds sometimes do

Feeling loved on Valentines Day 

Swapping companions -- from Plymouth to Weston, from Weston to Plymouth

Last time seeing the only Wendy's in Waltham, which happened to be at the end of Bacon Street

I'm Going To...!!!

Transfer T-Texts Coming In!!!

Hey everyone!!

Here's the news...I'm being transferred to Plymouth, Massachusetts! In fact, in only a few hours because our transfer meeting was re-scheduled from tomorrow to tonight because of another snow storm coming through. I'll tell as much as I can about this week in the short time I have.

Some things I've heard about Plymouth: there's some history that took place there ;) a plantation where they have actors who dress up as Pilgrims and Indians, and a little rock that someone may have claimed was Plymouth Rock haha, and that it's a beautiful area right by the coast. It will be neat though to live where the Pilgrims landed and to see all that's there. As far as I can remember, I've never been part of a branch so that will be neat as well. Also, is it also true that we have ancestors from that area?

I wish I could express in words how thankful I am for all the experiences in the Weston First ward. It's been incredible to see how much this area has is flourishing as the work is picking up. I'm going to miss this area and everyone here and thinking about it wrenches my heart strings, but I'm looking forward to all of the experiences that will take place in Plymouth and to continue bringing others to the knowledge of the gospel that Jesus Christ established on the earth in its complete fullness.

The highlight from this week was Tyler and Emma's baptism on Saturday. It turned out so well, and it truly was a privilege and honor to teach them during most of my time in this area--from starting to finishing the lessons. During the program, Emma was grinning from ear to ear and Tyler carried a light in his eyes. The peaceful, joyful feeling filled the Relief Society room as it was packed with guests, including Jose who sat next to us, as he remembered his baptism.  

Emma and Tyler's Baptism

 

De-ja Vu for Jose

Sister Patterson and I gave talks on baptism and the Holy Ghost, and the man who baptized their mom years back baptized them as well. The following day (my last Sunday in the ward), we were able to listen to Tyler and Emma's confirmation as we couldn't help but feel grateful for how the Lord guided each step for this moment to take place.

It's been an honor to serve here and to experience all that has taken place and meet each individual here. All of these opportunities and the people here--Sister Gledhill and Sister Patterson, the ward members, investigators, and those coming closer to our loving Heavenly Father have changed my life; it most definitely wouldn't be the same without them.

As a fun note, here are more quotes from the past couple of transfers:

-Sister Patterson's most used phrase "Oh golly!"
-Hearing Sister Patterson across the exercise room at the YMCA exclaim to the person next to her to start a conversation: "This is so much fun!!!"

-At President Interviews, in between interviews during our district's laughing fit from being in a meeting for so long...:

Elder Bordeau (a Haitian missionary) to Elder Bloomfield: "You're turning red like a tomato!"

Elder Bloomfield: "You're turning black...like a burnt krispy!"

-Elder Bordeau's famous phrase "Sir!"

-Sister Little--one of the Employment missionaries: "In the pre-mortal life, girls were taught the eye-roll!"

Sister Patterson: "It's crazy how we are barely able to manage one ward and God is able to manage more worlds. I wonder if each planet is like a ward to Him?"

And then there was Suzanne's voice mail (the lady we visited when the two Seventh-Evangelical missionaries were visiting her as well), as it began with: "Elder Roy! I miss you my dear!"

Here's to more lessons taught and learned, more life-changing experiences, more friendships, more laughs...a little bit more of everything in Plymouth. :)

I'm sorry if this sounds rushed but it's been a great week! I'm fighting off a pretty ugly cold right now as well, so hopefully it will go away soon. Other than that everything's going well.

Love you all so much!

-Sister Roy


Hey here's my new address in Plymouth:

Sister Rachel Roy

207 Samoset St #A6

Plymouth, MA 02360

People can still send mail to the mission office as well but this is my direct one in Plymouth.

Talk to you more on Monday! (Even though it's a holiday---we'll email at the church
 

7 Months and Still Going--the Best is Yet to Be

Our store. Done and done.

Heyohhh,

Well we weren't able to tour anywhere else today, but more opportunities will come later.

T-texts are coming on Saturday! Can you believe it? I'll find out if I'm being transferred this time, and I feel that I will be. Weston 1st Ward has been awesome and it will be hard to leave when it comes, but I'm looking forward to what else is out there. It's been incredible to experience and see the rate of progression in this area. Part of our ward mission plan is to have a new ward created in 5 years--that's through less actives coming back, more people joining, and more. I can definitely see it happening if this continues. :)

Sister Patterson and I are still working our tail ends off. I cannot believe how this ward area is flourishing! We've heard members say things like "The missionaries in this area are the most active, hardest working missionaries we've ever seen. If they could get me, out of all people to come out with them, then you should come with them." The Lord is opening a lot of opportunities up and none of this would be possible without Him. It still becomes difficult but it's rewarding. I'm not overdoing myself--still putting my health first and foremost with exercise, getting proper nutrition, full treatments, and more. Although it requires a lot of discipline, I'm truly grateful for having good health.

We are still teaching the young family that lives close to us more. The mom has been less active for 10 years but expressed a large interest to come back. Her husband Joe is not a member, and they have two darling girls. They are so sweet and the spirit was strong during the last lesson I went to (the lesson afterwards, Sister Patterson and I were on exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders so she was at that lesson.) Something really neat happened that morning. During my personal studies to prepare for their lesson on the Book of Mormon and Holy Ghost, a good subtle feeling came that it was time to extend a baptismal date for him. I prayed about it, and confirmed in my prayers to make sure that the answer I received was right. During companionship studies, I told Sister Patterson the impression I had, but that I wouldn't share the date I received as the answer--not until she prayed about it and receive her answer as well, then we would tell each other. Once she prayed about which date would be best, we exchanged answers--both were in fact March 22nd. We are hoping to move it sooner if he can get more Sundays off of work, but it was a neat experience and showed how the Lord has His plan and how we can receive the answers we need through prayer.

The lesson that night flowed so smoothly, and the peaceful feeling seemed to make the world stand still while in their home. There came a point when we asked them if they read the assignment/answered the reading guide questions we provided, and they didn't, but that they were reading the Book of Mormon. Joe already started in 1st Nephi, and tears came into his eyes as he tried to explain how he felt as he began to read--warm, tingly, peaceful--which he never felt with any other book, as he knew right then that it was true. We shared Moroni's promise and broke it down into the increments of action. This sweet family silently soaked in every word with anticipation. We taught more about the Holy Ghost and how it can be our constant companion, but only through baptism by the proper authority. At this point, we asked Joe if he wanted to work towards baptism. He responded 'yes' and we could see how tears welled up in his eyes as there was a light there. His wife was bewildered with what was happening as Sister Patterson and I began to share our experience that morning and receiving the same answer for his baptismal date. He said he would love to. :) The spirit was powerful, and we concluded in testimony, warning how Satan would try to stop and discourage them, as we promised blessings for this sweet, beloved family. Each of us were overwhelmed, holding back tears, as there are no words that serve justice for the pure joy felt that night. It was honestly one of the best, smoothest-flowing, most powerful lessons I've been able to be a part of during my time here so far.

We also finally taught Chloe, the girl out in the town where Pam, Jose, and the two kids being baptized are from. She has been seeking for the truth and gained interest in the gospel through her friend in our ward. The first time we tried to teach her there was a large blizzard so we couldn't make it out there, and the next time we set up, the members' home where we were going to hold the lesson had thier entire basement flooded. However, the workers fixed it in a jiffy so it all worked out. :)  It sounds like the family got permission from her guardian for us to teach her, but we are going to check in with her asap to be courteous and make sure. The first lesson went very well, and another member from this family brought his friend as well, who is the same age as Chloe. Again, we're not sure exactly how far it will progress since we want to check with their guardians before we teach them again, but we could see how they wanted to learn more. We'll keep praying for them and hope for the best. After the lesson, we all had what must have been one of the best laughing fits--I honestly hadn't laughed that much in a while! I even found myself sore the following morning. :)

Those were a couple of the most powerful experiences this week. We are also busy making preparations for the baptism this Saturday, which are coming along well.

Also, I cannot believe that Josh leaves this Wednesday!

In church yesterday, the lesson in Relief Society was based off of Elder Holland's talk "the Best is Yet to Be," in which he talks more about how we can learn from the story of Lot's wife--to not look back, but look ahead as faith points to the future. There's been some things I've been discussing and seeking answers for from the Lord--decisions to make, what to leave behind, and what to know to look for. Here's the link for the full talk https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/01/the-best-is-yet-to-be?lang=eng, but one part he said that stood out was, "The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives." as well as a little poem he included:

Grow old along with me!

The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made:

Our times are in his hand

Who saith, “A whole I planned,

Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!

The lesson on this talk was a tender mercy, as it was exactly what I needed to hear and think about. I'm still praying and wondering about what to do about some things, and even wondering what wherever I may go to (if I'm transferred) will entail, but I love the message on how faith is always pointed to the future, no matter what it may be.

I love you all very much and have a great week.

-Sister Roy

After the lesson with the Pinsons

Sister Patterson's Cartoon Drawing of Me

A Day out In Concord

Hey everyone,

Sister Patterson and mine's adventure in Concord was great!  Louisa May Alcott's home was darling. Although it's been so long since I've seen Little Women, it was still a treat to take a tour (they didn't let us take pictures though.) Certain parts were renovated, but there were still original pieces decorating and adding that extra special touch including May's artwork, the desk by the window where Louisa wrote both parts of Little Women, Mr. Alcott's study room and more. Overall, it was a neat tour. :)

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard home

After Louisa May Alcott's home, we met up with the Elders again to check out the Concord museum. 

Although we had to brisk through it since it was about to close, we saw some cool sights as the museum takes you through Concord's history. They even had one of the two lanterns Paul Revere signaled from the belfry when "the British were coming." There was Ralph Waldo Emerson's study, more about the Transcendentalists who tried to reform society through literature, tea china, guns, furniture, and more.

We didn't have much time to see anything else, but we are planning on touring around some more next Monday.

 

Paul Revere's lantern

Ralph Waldo Emerson's study

President Packard also left another scripture from inspiration that had me reading it a few times to get the full essence of it. Alma 13:27 was a verse I never before paid much attention to. When President Packard handed over his scriptures for me to read outloud, "I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance." I first thought, Oh no! What's president asking me to repent of?! Am I giving him pain because of it? Haha! :)

But as we studied the verse, he had me take a different look at 'anxiety' since we often associate that in a medical perspective, so I decided to look at it as 'great desire.' As President went deeper, he emphasized the phrase even unto pain. At this point, I understood what he meant. I recounted my experience to him a few weeks back--when I felt literal pain--physical pain--to bring souls unto Christ. Yet, during that very difficult and trying day, I learned I could feel a sense of what Alma described here. I could somewhat relate to Alma through that experience, and I could  relate to his great desire. At this point, I became more grateful for hardships, how I could personally relate to the scriptures, and for my mission president's wise counsel.

Well, what I thought was a 10 minute interview turned into a 45 minute one! It was all good though and I left feeling more encouraged and uplifted.

Sister Patterson and I began teaching another family closeby to us--the mom hasn't been to church in a long time and a strong desire to come back, and her husband is very open and interested. And oh my darlingity, I should also mention their kids are adorable. We are also scheduled to begin teaching another young girl from the same town Pam, Jose, and the two kids being baptized are from. I'm not kidding--it's a town where everyone knows each other and everything about each other and what's going on in their lives. Haha we must be one by one teaching all the youth in that town. Who's knows what's in store there!

Anne Marie

 I've also been thinking of a so-strange-it-ends-up-being-funny story to tell from the mission--well, I now have one to tell! We were at a lesson for Anne Marie, and just as we reached the climax part of the lesson, somehow it went completely off topic. Since Anne Marie loves yoga, she began talking more about how yoga has helped her. Before we knew it, she got on the ground and began doing yoga! She even had me sit next to her and sit up straight with legs criss-crossed. I quickly stood up and Sister Patterson and I were frantically thinking of ways to pop in a "ninja question" to bring it back on topic. At the end of the lesson, Sister Patterson straight up said she never was able to finish what she had to say since she was cut off. The lesson ended up concluding well and beautifully, but I'll have to say, I've never been present in the lesson where it was paused to do yoga. Haha Anne Marie is awesome. :)


Well there's not much else that happened this week. Sister Patterson and I are still doing our best and making the most of what may be the last couple of weeks in this area (but who knows.)

With love,

-Sister Roy

President Packard's Letter to the Missionaries

This is President Packard's most recent letter to the mission...


Dear Elders and Sisters,


In Jacob’s first sermon recorded in the Book of Mormon, he announced that he had been “consecrated by my brother Nephi, unto whom ye look as a king or a protector, and on whom ye depend for safety…” (2 Nephi 6:2). When Nephi died, Jacob again described Nephi as a protector, stating that the people “loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defense, and having labored in all his days for their welfare.” (Jacob 1:10). Nephi as the great protector – it sounds right, doesn’t it?

Like Nephi, we are the protectors of the people we serve. The people we serve are young in the gospel, and they are vulnerable on all fronts. The adversary knows that fledgling faith will grow, so he focuses particular attention on those who are either new to the Gospel or are recently returning. Those with young faith will face many challenges including outside pressure from family and friends, anti-Mormon literature, personal insecurities about whether they can keep their covenants, and destructive habits that are difficult to break. You are their protectors, figuratively wielding the Sword of Laban in their defense!

Because you see yourselves as their protectors, you will make sure that they are not left to fight the adversary alone. Of course, you will share you testimony and you will teach them the Gospel, but your people are the most vulnerable when you are not with them. Thus, you will make sure you have frequent contact, you will warn them that negative family pressure and anti-Mormon literature will most likely come their way, and you will help them learn how to deal with these challenges ahead of time. You will help them find productive ways to serve in the Church, you will help them prepare to do temple work for their own family members, you will prepare the ward members to give them a wonderful experience at church, and you will help them have daily experiences with the Book of Mormon. Finally, you will advocate for them with the ward leaders and will make sure that your people have support and friendship from other members of the Church.

Nephi loved his people so much, he said: “For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.” (2 Nephi 33:3). As you protect your investigators and less-actives, they will love you exceedingly just as the people loved Nephi, and you will reciprocate that love just as Nephi loved them.

We pray that the Lord will protect you as you protect his children with fledgling faith.

Love,

President and Sister Packard

Small and Simple Things

Hey :)

Sister Patterson and I are doing very well--still working hard and doing our best, and yes, it is only possible through our Heavenly Father's help. I've seen even more this week how He plays a great influence in every aspect of this great work--in many ways which we cannot even see. We can only do our best to help each person each step of the way, but it all comes down to the Lord helping them. I hope I was able to clarify that last week, but I don't think I did. :/

Church yesterday--wow. Just wow. Sister Patterson and I sat down for Sacrament meeting, and sweet sugar! One by one--there came less actives we've been working hard with for a while to come, as it was their first time in a few years. We saw another investigator, as it was her first time there. Then there was Anne Marie once again. In walked another family we worked with for so long to come back and now seems active--with their daughter as she winked at us. Surely enough, there beside her was her friend who has been wanting to learn more for a while, who we will begin teaching this week. 

As Jose passed the sacrament to us, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with joy. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I had the experience of feeling some pain as the Savior may have felt, but at this time, I received a greater, small taste of how it must be for Him to see others come into His fold. I'm still mesmerized at how our loving Heavenly Father fills in the gaps we cannot fill, as he takes care of each of His sons and daughters--all of us. I was reminded of how we can only see a small portion of His works and miracles that are outside of our limited view. 

Now, for Anne Marie, she's still a rockin' and rollin'. She invited us over to her place again for dinner for the lesson. She makes me feel like I'm in England for a tea party or nice meal--which thrills me since I've never been to England and you know how much I love England. Anywho...we keep telling her she doesn't have to feed us each lesson, but she has been more than happy to offer something in some way. She's very friendly and open, and I'm glad that we can help answer her questions each step of the way. We continued by teaching her the gospel of Jesus Christ, which went very well. She's still progressing and still wants to be baptized--we keep praying for her because of the struggles placed in her path that are preventing her desire from happening sooner than later.

There's many more lessons that took place this week, but I wouldn't want to bore you with everything. :) Sister Patterson and I are trying to work more as a team with the Elders to make sure everyone is covered.

When we don't get much mail, we give mail :)

 Even during these busy times, I'm wanting to try a little better at seeking small and simple things that the Lord would have us do. Someone Sister Patterson and I have become friends with is our mailman Danny, since we've seen how hard he works at his job through all seasons and snowstorms. He has a pure, special spirit and happily greets us when we see him. Before Christmas came, we gave him some of the fudge I made with a note, thanking him for all that he does and how he is making a difference in others' lives. As our friendship has grown in a simple way, he opened up to us a week ago, saying his mom passed recently and his Aunt wasn't doing well--how it's been a hard time for him and all he wanted at the time were prayers for his Aunt.

Danny had been on our minds, and Sister Patterson said it was time to invite him to learn more. She wrote out a beautiful letter. We revised it, then signed it, and stuck it in the mailbox the next morning.

That afternoon, we looked inside the mailbox, and saw a note quickly written on a label. Danny thanked us for the heartwarming letter, and mentioned his Aunt passed away the previous day. 

I don't know if much will come out of it, however, I know that the Lord knew we could help our mailman friend. Sister Patterson was sure in tune to the spirit's prompting to know that he needed that letter right at the time his Aunt passed away. I hope to be able to seek more "small and simple things," whether it be small actions to help out others or small tender mercies from the Lord, as they can enrich our lives, adding more meaning, depth, and joy. 

In Alma 37:6-7 it promises,

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass...And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth the salvation of many souls."

There are many small and simple things we can do and acknowledge each day. I'm still working on it and am constantly learning from Sister Patterson. I know that the Lord's hand is there and fills in the gaps we cannot, as it's not possible without Him.

Well, there's not much more to say right now. We're going to head to Concord today to check out some sights (we may have to finish up more next week), so I will tell more next time. We're planning on visiting the "Little Women" home, a museum with Paul Revere's lantern, the place where the gunshot was "heard around the world", and more. I am greatly looking forward to it. :)

I will write more next week.

With love,

-Sister Roy

After a snowstorm that dumped 1 1/2 feet of snow