Andrea's Baptism!

It's a great time to be serving in Cambridge. :)

First of all, all I can say is...one of the highlights of my mission took place this week. :)

After being introduced to the church by her friend, thirty-three years of signs and "coincidental" events followed suit for Andrea, reminding her of what she knew deep in her heart is true. After all these years, she found the courage within herself to refer herself to Sister Jones and I. She was ready for change, ready for her whole devotion to the Lord's will for her, with innumerable blessings following suit.

Andrea's Baptism!  (me, Andrea, Sister Jones)

After all the lessons, immediate changes, and much anticipation, Andrea's baptism date finally arrived! It was an absolutely remarkable day. Honestly, I don't know how to better describe the day other than there was pure joy felt all around. We could all feel her excitement, with nerves and all, as she couldn't stop beaming. As I observed her while I gave the baptism talk from the pulpit, I couldn't help but feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as I felt their immense love for her. When Andrea entered the waters of baptism, her fears departed, as she was at ease. Good cousin Elder Calvert was still able to attend to baptize her, even though he's now one of the Assistants for President Packard. Before the ordinance, he quietly whispered the instructions to her, giving her assurance. The ordinance was completed the first try, following Andrea's "Thumbs up" :) She continued to shine the rest of the day. Her joy was contagious. She is on her way to receive continued blessings, feeling the joy that comes through living Jesus Christ's gospel. Andrea's story and example has changed my life forever. I am grateful to have been a part in this exciting time of her life. :)

Elders McJanet and Calvert after Andrea's baptism

Elder and Sister Moore, Andrea, Sister Jones, and Sister Roy

We were going to meet with Tina tonight to continue on with the lessons, but unfortunately she had to reschedule. She is still so excited to meet and emphasized how she wants to see us later this week. We are in the process of figuring out a time to meet with her, most likely with the member who came with us last time, so that a member can be present to help her feel more welcomed in. We also had the sweet opportunity to have a brief lesson with Kyle (his wife is STILL pregnant!!!) Kyle bore witness of how much happier he is with the gospel in his life--how he is changed and turned from his wrong doings in the past. He just wishes everybody could feel how he does now that he has more direction and meaning in his life. His peers are surprised with how he has changed and never going back to his past mistakes. He now understands how much his Redeemer has done for him, enabling him to be forgiven and to become new. We are seeking ways to help support his family at this time of change with the baby coming soon--hopefully very soon--so we haven't been able to meet with him much lately but he is doing well. 

We and the Moore's were also able to meet with Al once again at the physical rehab clinic. We are hoping he doesn't have to stay much longer since he hasn't been treated fairly by the nurses and his health is improving. We kept our visit short as we caught up. We asked him if he prayed about being baptized, which he unfortunately did not as he wants to be more stable first. While praying about him that morning, we prayed about what we needed to do for him. Our answer came to be that we needed to show him how much he was cared for and to sing "I know that My Redeemer Lives" to him. I am truly grateful for the powerful spirit that can come through music, as it can uplift and heal spiritual and emotional wounds. 

Each day as a servant of the Lord, I'm continually learning of the great importance to rely on Him and His will. There is great power that comes as we seek His help through the thoughts poured from our heart and the questions, ambitions, and hopes that we yearn for while on our knees. As we turn our will to His, He uplifts, strengthens, and enables us to do what we cannot do on our own. Often times we move forward in faith, unsure of where He is guiding us. Yet as we look back, we can see how He was carrying us all along. He is always there. 

"Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine...For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world; for it is I that hath created them; and it is I that granteth unto him that believeth unto the end a place at my right hand. For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand." Mosiah 26: 18, 23-24)

Hope you all have a great week!

-Sister Roy

Final Transfer! (Almost)

Hey Everyone!

Tomorrow are transfers. I'm staying in Cambridge, but is this already going to be the last one?...

Anyways...

Happy Birthday Mom! I know I already wished you Happy Birthday but here is another shout out for you.

Here are a few things I learned & was reminded this week:

- How to break open a lobster with its shell on. First, you wrap in in a paper towel. Next, you flick/hammer it with a spoon. Crack, then snap the shell off. Done.

-The weather here is very bizarre--warm some days, freezing the next, then repeat.

-How playing games with kids (thank goodness to Elder Moore for some ideas) to help them organize works miracles.

-How when you rely solely on faith in Jesus Christ, it frees you from doubt or worry.

-When you share the Book of Mormon through conviction and heartfelt testimony for it, people will feel of its truth, as it could increase their desire to read it.

We had some miracles happen this week. One of the greatest miracles was when we were able to get into a less-active's home named Nayanka that us and the leaders have tried to for months. Last weekend, Nayanka's brother and his wife came into town, so they set up a dinner for us at their house! Their family is from Guinea Bissau, close by Cape Verde. We had quite the fun ethnic experience, which I have MISSED! (We were exposed to a lot of cultures back in Waltham as well as with Yuri's family back in Plymouth.) When we arrived on Tuesday night, there were kids running around everywhere, the apartment was filled with the enticing smell of Cape Verdian cooking, and Portuguese Creole was being spoken off and on. Once Nayanka and her brother arrived with their friend Wayne, we all joined in for a carefree dinner. Paper plates were put out and a prayer was offered. Afterwards, we were free to scoop out as much food as we wanted from two HUGE pots that took up the whole stove--one full of a creamy sauce with chicken, sausage, kale, yuca, veggies...the other with corn on the cob and an assortment of seafood--clams, large shrimp and lobsters with their shells still on...it was a feast (but don't worry, I didn't have too much!) Here at the table, I learned how to break a lobster open, as there was some hammering action going on with metal spoons. After dinner, we settled in the living room for the lesson Sister Jones and I prepared on Elder Ballard's talk "Stay in the Boat and Hold On!" We all joined in discussion and the spirit was powerful, as it allowed Sister Jones and I to boldly testify of the truths Elder Ballard brought up. After all of this, we have a return appointment with them tomorrow and are hoping to help them feel comfortable coming back to church.

Since Sister Jones and I have been working as hard as we can to have a stronger Zion built between us and that we are trying to improve in ways we serve and work, miracles have been coming up. For instance, on Wednesday night as we were heading to a member visit, we had an incredible conversation with a lady named Tina on the bus. It ended up being a long conversation as she had so many questions she asked us. She was so engaged, and we ended up going waaay past our stop so we got her contact info. From that point we kept in contact, answering questions she had. She, in one day, already began reading the Book of Mormon we gave to her, as she felt the spirit when we bore witness of the truth it holds. She also noticed how many of the principles we had were the same Christian principles she believed. We set up a time to go to her home for last night with a member, where we solidified how what we would teach would answer her many questions. It did take some directions as her questions led to us covering a little bit about temples, tithing, families...pretty much the whole shabang as we desperately tried to keep it on topic, but all in all we taught the Restoration! While we taught, every now and then, she couldn't help but quietly say "Wow," in awe. She agreed to pray to know if it is all true. We are keeping her in our prayers and hope for the best! 

Andrea's baptism this Sunday is also coming up quickly! We had another Doctrine and Covenants scripture study with her when she got off of work. It's been incredible to see Andrea change. She now holds herself up with confidence, as she knows who she is as a daughter of God. She sprints with faith, not looking back. I greatly needed to be reminded of her example that night, as a few nerves were kicking in about changes that may come up in just over a month. She has led the example to "Come to the edge, allow Him to push, and fly." She relies on her faith in the Savior as she is committed to keep going; she is never going back to her old ways in which she has improved. This decision she has made to change her life and ways in a whim, as she turns them to the Lord, shows her confidence and reliance in Him. It allows me to see how many blessings can be poured by continuing in faith and reliance in our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Even when we feel uncertain what will happen, they are guiding and directing our path as we continue on according to their will.

The rest of this week was good, as we helped clean Evie's apartment for her baby that is due this week. We helped her daughter Odessa put her toys away, helped Evie rid old items, swept, mopped, and much more...it was a lot and Sister Jones and I were sure exhausted by the end but we were glad to help Evie prepare when she can't do much at this point! We also visited Al, who is going to pray if being baptized is right for him at this time. We had an awesome correlation with not only Julio and our Ward Missionaries, but also with our Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidents and our Ward clerk. It was a great meeting as it focused on the individuals we are working with. 

I hope you are all doing well. Continue to seek the Lord's help and guidance in every aspect in your lives, as that is what I'm trying to remind myself to do that as well. When we were studying D&C 6 with Andrea, which I discovered has to be one of my favorite sections, I loved just about every verse, but here were a couple that I would like to share...

D&C6: 20 “Behold, thou art ______, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

 21 “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not."

Our Savior is our light as we can look unto Him with faith and hope, relying on his saving and merciful grace.”

With love,

Sister Roy

Exchanges, Double Temple Trips, Meet the Mormons, Kyle's Baptism & more

It's been a great week!

It started out on our Preparation Day when Sister Jones and I decided to hit up Target to get a few essentials. As many are well aware...when you go to Target...just getting the essentials you planned on hardly ever happens. First we saw the Birthday cards as we entered the store, so we went over there and ended up curling in laughter from reading some of them. Then, we decided to look and see what they have for Halloween since we decided to dress up for our District Meeting on Halloween. Sure enough, we came across Batman (with yellow capes attached) and animal onesies. We had to decide, so we decided to get different but similar costumes. Goodness...the little things that we find fun. :) That honestly had to be one of the most fun Preparation Days! 

On Tuesday, Sister Jones and I went on exchanges with our Sister Training Leaders. I headed over to Belmont with Sister Fernando, who is from New York/Sri Lanka. Do you remember Susan who I was telling about, who I saw at the most recent Transfer meeting, as she was the one Sister Patterson and I met a while back at CVS in Waltham? She lives in Belmont and has been taking the lessons since I left Weston 1st ward. Sister Fernando and I had a lesson with her on Tuesday, where we taught about baptism and Eternal Marriage. We set a baptism date with her for November 15th! She is so excited! A little less than an hour after the lesson she told us she and her boyfriend set the date to get married before then on the 28th of this month (when I met her she wasn't planning on it until next summer in 2015.) It was so neat to see how one person we reached out to a while back, just through a compliment and then a series of follow-ups at the local CVS has come this far.

Sister Jones and I had the opportunity to attend the temple twice--on Wednesday after our "Return and Report" meeting for all trainers and the missionaries they are training, as well as yesterday since it was a Monday holiday. I'll tell you, my testimony and love for the temple grew. On Wednesday, I hadn't been since Patriots Day back in April, so it was the first time in about 7 months. I took many matters to the Lord for that temple session that day. He opened my understanding to what I was feeling lately, and His giving grace stepped in immediately. While waiting in the chapel, I was given the understanding of something I need to improve on. When I prayed right then for the help, I immediately felt strengthened, even as if I were physically pulled up, feeling lifted. I don't believe I would have had that same experience had I not attended the temple, as I was in a place of security to allow me to receive marvelous revelations and understanding. The temple truly is a place of revelation, peace, comfort, direction, and literal transformation. I was reminded of my love for the Lord's sacred home of refuge that day. 

Later in the week, our Zone (which I don't believe I have told you is nicknamed "the Dirty South" here since we're Cambridge South) and the Cambridge North Zone met together at our Stake Center for a private screening of "Meet the Mormons." I'll have to say, it was good at first but it ended up being very moving and powerful! It's amazing to hear it made the number in the Box Office! Have you all seen it yet? (Mom, I was wondering what you thought of the Missionary Mom's part of the movie because of myself, Josh, and soon Brandon being on missions?)

Last but not least...Kyle was baptized!!! Yes, the miracle happened where Cambridge 1st ward had its first baptism in about 1 1/2 to 2 years!!! It required a lot of planning, fingers crossed, and prayers beforehand. Miraculously, seriously miraculously, it all came together. The room was packed. A few of Evie (Kyle's wife)'s family, Kyle's brother, Andrea who we are team teaching, Susan from Belmont, and members from our ward were a few who attended. It was a tiring day with a lot of running around the church as Sister Jones, Julio, and I set up. Evie's sister gave a great compliment--that never before in this ward had she seen that much support from the ward involved in a baptism. We planned and created the picture we wanted for this baptism and it happened. Kyle was beaming and on his toes in excitement the whole time as he carried a different light about him. The spirit was felt, as it was a special baptism. Afterwards, we enjoyed what turned out to be the exact amount of desserts and Costco pizza that Julio and another member brought. Just about all of it was gone afterwards. The following day on Sunday, after Kyle was confirmed, Evie, whose baby is due very soon, had left, as we found out she said her water broke. It turned out to be a false alarm, but she is due any day from now. Their family has a lot of big changes happening all at once!

We're still visiting with Andrea as well to do scripture study, and her baptism is set for October 26th. She is still progressing without measure and even wants to call/email you mom and dad. You may soon get a call or email or both from her.

We also taught Justin the Restoration last night with the Moore's, the Boston Elders, and the same member that came last time. It was a little scattered but it all came together and the spirit was powerfully there. He is going to pray to know if it is all true, as he is sincere about it.

Sister Jones and I are still working hard. We set goals with Julio to work on our Finding Pool Google doc with one of our ward missionaries, looking for opportunities to serve the members and auxiliary leaders, and to get to know all of the members here to create stronger relationships and trust. We had an incredible ward council meeting on Sunday, as we only have it once a month. It was completely focused on individuals, including how to help Kyle and his family progress with members' help, how to help Al work towards his desire to be baptized, and more. Everything seems to be in the works but it's all working out.

In closing, I would like to bring up my love once again for the Lord's home. Find time to attend the temple, as it is a place to draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have come to appreciate attending even more as it's not something we can do whenever we would like here.  I've also come to understand that as you put the Lord first in everything that you do, as you give everything you can to him as He gives us everything He can offer, then the commotions of life come together with greater ease and life becomes more enjoyable. 

Always remember how much I love you and pray for you.

With love,
Sister Roy

General Conference Weekend

It's a great time to be here in Cambridge! The fall, which you may know is my favorite season, is starting to pick up as the leaves are showing more. The work has been slow at times (I'm not gonna lie--we had many appointments fall through this last week!)...but such is the norm for this great work. Overall, it’s been a very rewarding week. :)

On Monday and Tuesday, Sister Jones and I hit a double whammy for Birthdays, as we turned 22 and 20. There was no coincidence there that our Birthdays are right next to each other! On Monday, Sister Jones and I met up with the Belmont and University Sisters in Boston to hit up Newbury Street, which is a very long street where there are many (more of upscale) shops. We did some browsing and ate cupcakes at a Sweets shop. Oh! And they had a flute player on the street play Happy Birthday for me. Yes it was a little embarrassing but he was really good at it and once we all talked to him we found out he had friends who served LDS Missions. On Tuesday, we met with the Zone for lunch as we went to a burger restaurant at Harvard Square. Elder Welker took on their restaurant's challenge to eat 3 of their hot dogs in an hour. It looked pretty gross to be honest--a hot dog inside of a hamburger smothered in cheese, potatoes, and more. Unfortunately he lost! Our Zone Leaders, Elders Butters and Kerr, gave Sister Jones and I Birthday cards. When we opened them up, I saw mine had a picture inside of Elder Kerr pouring chocolate syrup into Elder Butter's mouth while he was laying down on the floor. Sister Jones' had a picture of the aftermath--the chocolate syrup all over Elder Butters' face! We about died. It was too funny!!  :)

Later that day we had appointments fall through, including Kyle's which was dropped a half hour beforehand since he had a severe infection in his hand, most likely from washing dishes at work, so he had to hurry to the hospital (crazy things happen whenever someone has a baptism date!) We were going to have a member named Brother Malone in our ward (fun fact, he has been Santa Claus for every Christmas party here for the past 40 years or so.) We ended up meeting with just him (regarding the chaperone rule the Moore's were close by in the church building). It ended up being perfect, as we could tell he was lonely and needed to be praised for all that he does. Brother Malone is sure one consecrated individual as he does all he can to build the Kingdom here and serve the Lord, despite his physical limitations. Every Sunday, he comes in, either with a cane or crutches to hold himself up. As he haunches over, he greets every person with a warm smile, looking them in the eyes as you see years of hardship shown, yet great conviction, devotion, and love for the Lord. Although he is hard of hearing, he is unafraid to let others know of his firm and unshaken faith and testimony, as he is a convert. During our visit on Tuesday, we listened to him share stories of his life and spoke about getting on board to help him with his family history. I felt impressed to share the verses in 3 Nephi 17, where Jesus tells the Nephites how much joy He has for them and their faith, which made Him weep. When we expressed to Brother Malone that this is how the Savior feels about him, he too began to weep. It was a sweet moment. We knew his loving Heavenly Father allowed the one-on-one visit with him to take place to remind him he is loved, rejoiced over, and not alone. He ended up giving Sister Jones and I small Birthday gifts, as well as a Christmas gift for myself for Christmas since I won't be here then. It was so sweet of him. 

On Wednesday, every appointment, even our back ups, were changed, delayed or dropped. And it rained all day. So yes, it was a little frustrating at first but then we decided just to laugh about how it all fell through. However, our day concluded with a visit with our new investigator Justin--who really lives in Boston so he'll be passed over to the missionaries there soon (which happens a lot around here--it's all for Zion though.) We met with him and Brother Thimmig from our ward over at the mall food court nearby. Even though it was at the food court, the spirit was still so strong there when we taught. We mainly just answered his questions and taught more on the Book of Mormon and how the church functions on a living prophet, all as the Lord instructed us earlier that day that we needed to just focus on those topics with him. Justin is open, in-tune to the spirit and excited to learn more.

On Friday we had our lunch appointment with Andrea right by her work office. She gets so excited telling her story each time--it's fun to see. :) She seriously is incredible. We keep in touch with her. She texted us during Conference, expressing her great excitement and gratitude to listen to the talks given. As she said in one of her texts to us, she "is filled with such an incredible love for the gospel!" It's amazing!

At the conclusion of the week, I loved General Conference (surprise surprise, right? ;) ).Many of the messages seemed to pattern on the topics of building our foundation on Christ by continually building our faith in Him, staying true to the gospel, what it means to truly sustain our living prophet Thomas S. Monson, strengthening home and family, relying on personal revelation and most importantly, relying on the Atonement in every aspect, including by making the weekly Sacrament ritual sacred, holy, personal, and a time of renewal. When they announced they would have a speaker at a time speak in their native language, but then we heard English, I thought we were all instantly given the gift of tongues as we could understand them. Jk...but that would have been sweet! We watched Conference in the chapel with many of the missionaries in our Zone, so it was different from watching it in a few homes as we did in my past areas, but it was all good. A couple of my most favorite talks were Elder Wong's and Elder Bednar's, which I'm sure every missionary watching them wanted to join in unison of cheers at their remark, exclaiming "YES!!! THIS IS WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO GET ACROSS!!!" If you don't remember them or need a refresher, please look them up! I would say much more about them but you'll understand what I mean if you do. There were also a few other talks, including President Packer's, Elder Klebingat's, Elder Scott's, and Elder Godoy's that answered personal questions and gave direction that the Lord needed to get across to me. Every part of Conference was incredible. Lately I've been seeking what the Lord wants me to understand more fully of the Savior's Atonement. In return, He most definitely revealed more insights on how the Atonement can fulfill and enlighten every aspect of life. 

The remainder of this week will be great. We'll be having exchanges with our Sister Training Leaders, having a meeting for all trainers and trainee's, will be watching "Meet the Mormons" as a Zone. Then, on Saturday, Kyle will be baptized...the first baptism here in the Cambridge 1st ward in about 2 years! We're working together with our Ward Mission Leader, Julio, to get everything in order for it by working closely with the auxiliary leaders to have the entire ward as part of the program. Sister Jones and I are learning so much from him! We're also It's great to be a part of all this.

"Devoted disciples of Jesus Christ always have been, and always will be valiant missionaries."-Elder Bednar

"Walking where Jesus walked is less important than walking as Jesus walked."--President Monson

With love,

-Sister Roy

22!

I don't know about you...but I'm feelin' 22! 

Or am I?...Well, it's pretty weird to think that I'm now 22 but at least I can honestly say the 21st year couldn't have been spent in a better way than being out here.

This week has had more ups and downs, but overall, it's been wonderful. :)

The Lynnfield Elders and us after Andrea's lesson (Elder Cousin Calvert is next to me)

The greatest miracle--in fact one of the greatest out here on the mission--was meeting our media referral Andrea, who I told a little bit about last week. She lives out near Lynnfield but works full-time in Cambridge, just down the street from the church. The Lynnfield Elders, which includes my somehow-cousin Elder Calvert, and Sister Bishop came so we could pass her off to them.

Andrea

 Andrea consistently said, "When I'll be a Mormon" and "When I'm converted." She wants so desperately to be a member as she knows it's all true. She has such an inspiring story that she told us about. She was raised Jewish (very traditional Jewish). Yet, she was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by her close friend. She had family conflicts because her learning about the church made them feel she was putting them and their traditions off. From that point, she convinced herself she couldn't be a part of the church. However, over a period of 33 years, more signs led her to the church. For instance, Andrea has funded for a young girl in an orphanage in Uganda (and she wants to adopt her.) When she most recently went to Uganda to visit this girl in 2012, she walked out of the orphanage and turned the corner. There, right in front of her, was the LDS church building. She felt she belonged there as she longed to be there, as this left a powerful impact on her. In July of this year, Andrea fulfilled her dream of traveling to Las Vegas to see the Osmond's perform. She saved up and flew there since she loves them so much. Andrea was notified she was "randomly selected" to go to the meet and greet, where she had stunning pictures taken with them. Then Donny referred her to his website answering deep everyday questions through the gospel. When Andrea read over the website, she once again received the confirmation that what she was reading was true. Two months later--about a week ago--she did what she wanted to do for 33 years. She went on mormon.org, requesting a Book of Mormon and a visit from the missionaries.

The Spirit led as that night as we continued to get to know her and do some "How to begin teaching." We observed how lonely she feels in her life and how she wants peace and joy through the gospel. She's mind-blowingly incredible! Seriously the missionary dream! On Saturday, the Elders taught her the first lesson with a lady from their ward who converted from being Jewish. They set her baptism date for October 26th! The Moore's, us, and her will be going to lunch with her this week, and then we'll be studying the Book of Mormon when she gets off of work on a weekly basis. Sister Bishop already agreed to come to her baptism. Seriously, it's all incredible! (As a side note for family, I feel that Grandpa Moody has a part in putting this all together, especially since Elder Calvert and I are related through him.)

A few other things that happened this week:

Sister Moore preparing the meal

-On Tuesday, the Moore's had us and the University Sisters over for dinner to eat Brazilian food since Sister Cruz just came out on the mission from Brazil. As a side note, I have discovered that Brazilian food must be some of the most divine in this world. It was by far one of the best meals I've had out on the mission. We sure love the Moore's and they have been like second parents for us.

-On Friday, our ward had a talent show that we had been preparing for a while. There was an assortment of talents shown, all from displays to food brought as talent to primary kids getting up to beat box, do tae quan do, families getting up and singing...it was a lot of fun! I made a last-minute decision if there were a few minutes left at the end to get up and sing the good ol' Africa song from memory. It turned out there were a few minutes, so I got up in dedication for all of my classmates for the world draw in 9th grade at Albion. Ha, oh goodness... :)

-Yes mom, I fully agree with what you said about the Women's Broadcast. I am grateful for the re-affirming witness of what it means to be a beloved Daughter of God, that no matter what we do or who we are, that knowledge always remains as part of our identity. I especially loved the musical medley of "I know my Savior loves me" and "I know that my Redeemer lives" and may have even teared up since the spirit was so strong. :) I won't even go on about how excited I am for General Conference next weekend. 

-Yesterday on Sunday, we had the sweet opportunity to have the Packard family host our church meetings. It began with a lunch before Sacrament meeting with them, our ward mission leader, and the Bishopric that the Bishop's wife provided. In Sacrament Meeting, the Packard kids spoke in the most absolute simplicity on the topics prayer, what it means to be dependent on the Lord, and the importance of scripture study. Sister Packard spoke on  how being consecrated in our busy lives is crucial as it enriches and makes living easier. President Packard spoke on personal revelation. For 2nd hour, Sister Packard met with the Youth while we had ward council with President Packard. We all spoke mainly about the Chinese group since it's technically part of this ward, as some great new changes and additions were made. He also spoke on further needs for our ward, as he clarified how and why we have the term "Low-lying fruit" and what the Ward council really needs to be focused on--individuals' needs and how to fulfill them, including for our monthly goals and finding pool individuals so we're all on the same page. The 3rd hour was a combines Q&A session with President and Sister Packard. Seriously, it was all exactly what was needed for the ward at this time.

With the University Sisters after the fireside with Pres Clayton Christensen

-Later on Sunday, we attended a fireside that the Chinese group put together that hosted President Clayton Christensen, as the topic was on religion. He used some of the same principles from his book Power of Everyday Missionaries, as it focused on the importance of asking questions to the Lord and receiving answers in return, and how the Restoration restored this after people quit asking God questions. The spirit felt was so sweet, especially as he shared the story of his friend Brian who passed away last week, as he converted to the church as he brought his questions to the Lord. He wasn't able to attend his funeral yesterday because they knew they had to be at the fireside. As he was in tears telling us what he would tell Brian at that time, we were all in tears. There is a great amount of humility that comes from him. He is one example of how much you can truly rely on the Lord and the Savior in every aspect, in every moment of your life as you do everything because you truly love them. Many of us in the chapel were moved to tears, observing while he was crying how much love for the Lord emulates from him.

I was reading over a few letters from friends in the past. Dana Bucco (shout out to D-Money)'s words of advice to "Find joy in the work not necessarily joy in the success." This couldn't be more true. A mission is needless to say hard work. It's brought such great joy to give everything I have to the Lord and to more fully understand (well, strive to understand) the Savior's infinite Atonement. I am honored to still work with the Lord as His disciple, as I will always be. I have been purchased and saved by the Savior's giving grace, by His sacrifice. There is never a way to fully repay all that He ever did and continues to do, as I fall short again and again with shortcomings, but at least I can do my best.

I love you all and thank you for the Birthday greetings and love. :)

-Sister Roy

Achieving Zion

Sister Roy and new trainee Sister Jones

Hi Everyone,

One thing is for sure, it's been quite the week. At the beginning, many of our plans got changed around and a few appointments fell through. It’s also been quite the experience navigating through the crazy streets around here, since they curve around and some go on forever. Haha so maybe we got lost to a couple of appointments. :) We sure did a lot of walking! #theproblemsofnothavingasmartphone. Sister Jones has been a quick learner though so we're helping each other out. She sure has the Greenie fire and is one of the hardest workers I've ever met! It's been awesome to work with her and we're finding ways to laugh about the small things.

Here was something interesting that happened. On Tuesday when we came home, we stopped abruptly when we opened our door. Our furniture was turned upside down, knickknacks scattered, sheets of our beds--our apartment was torn apart. We were so nervous that it got broken into. It turned out that somehow the bug exterminators broke in when our apartment was locked, and did a follow up visit without notifying us. They just won't stop bugging us.

This week we met with Al once again at the rehab hospital he's been at to get better. His quote of the week: I asked him,"How do you feel?" His response: "With my hands..." Of course. That's Al for ya. He still wants to come closer to the Savior, and we are currently working on trying to bring church to him this upcoming Sunday, since we don't want to stop him from progressing when he wants to so bad. Fingers crossed and prayers sent that this will all work out!

Kyle and his family

Also...Kyle now has a baptism date! We were trying to extend one for a while and figure out what worked best for him, so it took some time. Nevertheless, he came bouncing in to the lesson we had with him this week, saying that he decided on October 11! He has progressed so much; as he has been a great example to me of how the Atonement can truly purify our hearts, change our desires, thoughts, actions, and course of life.

Also, do you remember Mark Dilaura? He was baptized last night over at the Arlington Ward, since that's where he lives. It was a special, sweet program and Mark was touched by all the support. In fact, all the missionaries who taught him attended and were part of the program. Oh, on a less important but interesting note...here was the fun part...a mouse scurried across the floor during one of the talks. As Sister Berkey from our ward played the piano, she was wincing the whole time as it decided to hang out by her. All the Elders seemed to get a good kick out of it as they observed it in the corner of the room. After the program the Elder who Elder Lefthand is training picked up the mouse and ran through the huddled crowd with it in his hands, making everyone depart like the Red Sea before he let it go outside. I'll tell you it was quite the show

Mark's Baptism

On Thursday, we had what I hate and dread to say may be the last Zone Conference I'll be attending here. It was wonderful, as it all focused on our mission focuses on working towards Zion-- how to achieve it wherever we are at with who we are with and how to work at it with our mission's 5 priorities (1. progressing investigators, 2. auxiliary leaders, 3.  members, 4. service, and 5. personal contacting.) President Packard also spoke on how we can devote our lives to the Lord. As we work towards exaltation, we can become new through His Atonement and the covenants we make. Each of us can be a "complete, holistic offering to God" as we give up our own will and put in everything we can as we live our normal lives to live as our Savior would desire us to.  Something he said that stood out to me was "I don't want consecrated missionaries. I want consecrated disciples of Jesus Christ who happen to be serving a mission." 

Another sweet moment this week was when we received a media referral for someone who actually lives outside of our area, but works full-time in Cambridge. Often times media referrals don't seem to lead to much as they are often referred by other people, but she seemed sincere with her desire to meet with us. When we called her, we had a conversation I'll never forget. She said it took her 33 years to take the courage to refer herself to the missionaries. Back when she was 21, she had a close Mormon friend who taught her a little bit more about the church and was a great example to her. This lady, Andrea, wanted to join, but her family was Jewish and refused for her to do so. As the years passed, the church remained in her mind. She had more deep questions that came as she matured during the years. At this point, she decided to contact us. She was telling how she is ready to be converted. She is so excited to change her life and to follow what she has known to be true.

The reason I share this story is because it shows how much impact the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can have on an individual we come in contact with, as it can ring great familiarity through the power of the Holy Ghost. It can be easy to feel discouraged if they turn it down once we've introduced what has changed our lives forever. However, the influence you can bring to them can lay the foundation of what can happen in the Lord's timing. I know this may sound cliché, but Andrea's experience gives evidence to how these miracles do happen. 

So, my request for my upcoming Birthday is for anybody reading this would simply be to pray for an opportunity to open up to introduce the gospel to an individual who has been on your heart, and then continually seek in prayer as to what the Lord would have you do next.

I hope you all have a wonderful week. Remember that your loving Heavenly Father and Savior never fail to notice even the smallest efforts you make to draw yourself and others closer to them.

With love,
Sister Roy

Forces Unite!

Time flies when you're immersed in the Lord's work. Before I knew it, Sister Scott was all packed up and we were driving to Weston for the Trainer's meeting, Forces Unite, then for Transfer Meeting. The meeting for the trainers was wonderful--so many of us from the same bunch that came out at the same time were training for our first time, including my MTC companion Sister Barney as well as Sister Patterson. There were 26 of us trainers, all for the 26 missionaries to come in...huge group! We were then going to have the Forces Unite Meeting, but 2 new missionaries got lost while at Boston Commons for the personal contacting experience. It took time to find them, so the meeting was then going to be after Transfer Meeting! It would have been torture!

So after shoving food down we all packed in the chapel. After opening exercises and getting settled, President Packard announced how there was a mishap in plans for Forces Unite, so they decided to do it RIGHT THEN! We just had to keep the noise and excitement down while in the chapel with no pictures being taken. It was a very sacred experience. President called on one new missionary at a time, having them stand up, telling a little bit about them and then about their trainer. He then announced who would be training them--it being revealed news to both of them. Each companion would run to each other (more of the Elders walked up), embracing in tight hugs or the typical "back pat hug" Elders do. One new missionary was introduced, then after a little bio, President called and said, "Elder, you will by trained by your very own cousin!" It was so cool since they are from Brazil and must have been raised together. 

Now, as a quick background story:

A couple weeks ago while at the T-stop in Somerville, a lady said, "Hello" to us. She was from Utah and just moved in for her job. She began telling about a Sister Jones who would come into the mission as was at that time in the MTC. She was in her home ward and told how she was blonde and darling. Since then, she Sister Jones, especially when I heard I would be training, remained at the back of my mind.

At transfer meeting, more companionships were put together and I was so anxious!! The Sister with very blonde hair somehow stood out. She was one of the last two to be assigned. As President called her to stand, tears welled up in my eyes, especially when he called her name--Sister Jones. He told a little bit about her then about myself.  As my name was called I was already on the edge of the bench. I couldn't help but let out "I knew it!" as I ran up to her and threw our arms around each other. It was a special moment right there at the front of the filled chapel.

My new companion Sister Jones

After Transfer Meeting there were a couple of other neat experiences:

With Susan who we met at CVS

 - A lady pulled me aside, telling me Sister Patterson was looking for me to take pictures. She barely looked familiar. When Sister Patterson found me to take them, she told me it was Susan--a CVS greeter we met back in Waltham who were hopeful to start teaching! She is preparing to be baptized!

- I also heard from an Elder in my past area that a new member with his PhD in something like Genetic Research moved into their ward. His job is solely working on the cure for Cystic Fibrosis...(drumroll)...maybe this is old news to you by now, but it was new news to me...THE MAGIC PILL WAS APPROVED BY THE FDA!!!

Since then, it's been a rough few days for the two of us, especially since Sister Jones has been pretty homesick and we both happened to catch a nasty cold, but I know we're going to go far together. I know I needed this experience to help me remember we were placed together for the Lord's purposes. Sister Jones is darling. She was definitely born a leader and has so much potential as a servant of the Lord. My baby is going to go far!

Yesterday in Sacrament meeting, one of the members of the ward shared a scripture as part of his talk that stood out to me:

 22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

(Mark 8: 22-25)

There are often times where we are blind in our own sight, whether it pertains to seeing a situation clearly, how the Lord views us, or how He truly sees those around us. However, as we turn to the Savior, seeking His help, He requires us to look up. He can open our eyes and hearts to see what marvelous sights and wonders He desires us to see and understand.

I love you all so much. Seriously, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your prayers. They mean the world.

Love, 

Sister Roy

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