Sep 22, 2011

September 22, 2011 Letter

This week was so crazy busy and so many crazy miracles happened!

Okay the first and foremost miracle is that both Matt and Abby are baptized!  Yes, like officially baptized!!!  They were both baptized on Sunday the 18!  Super unexpected, but we were so happy about it!  Last Friday we went over with our ward mission leader to start planning their baptism..find out who was going to talk, baptized them, etc...  We started the lesson by talking about the importance of prayer and staying strong especially these next few weeks because Satan will be working extra hard on them.  As we told them this they both just looked at us and said, "let's do it tomorrow!"  We were so excited and happy for them!  I know that the Lord has really been working on them this last week and was preparing them and helping them realize how they needed the gospel in their lives!  So we had to get everything together quickly, and on Sunday they were baptized.  There was a great turn out from the ward and they had a lot of support!  We are so excited for them!  They will be confirmed this Sunday and I'm sure that will be great as well!!

Let's see...Something else that I've come to discover this week is just the importance of communication!   With out communication, whether it be between missionaries, leaders, the ward, investigators, or even with our Heavenly Father, nothing can really happen until we can learn to communicate with each other.  Communication is key.  Without it nothing can ever really be accomplished.  It's definitely something that I need to work on, but I know that as I do missionary work will become easier, and my life will become better.

The rest of the week has been kind of slow.  But I know that there are a lot of people here in Lubbock who are being prepared to receive the gospel.  It's just a matter of finding them. 

Well that's about it for the missionary work aspect of it!  Um...So I am pretty sad to hear about my Cougars!   Sounds like I'm not missing a whole lot.  I think this is maybe a good year to miss all their games.  Hopefully when I come back they will have all stepped it up!  Being in Texas during football season has been rough!  All I want to do is just watch football!  Ha Ha

Well I miss you all a lot!  I'm glad to hear that things are going well back home!  If you need anything Just let me know!   Any questions just ask!   Well I love you all a lot! 

Love Always,

Sister Tracy

Sep 12, 2011

September 8, 2011 Letter

Well I hit my eight month mark the other day!  It's crazy how fast time goes by!  I will be home before any of you even know it.  This week has been good.  I have officially decided that the weather here is bipolar.  Last weekend it was an average of 103.  Then the next day it was 62.  Then the day after that it was in the 80s.  It just can't make up it's mind.  There is a saying here, "that if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes, it will change."  It's totally true.  The weather has evened out for the most part staying around the 80s.  It's been really great to ride our bikes and walk around, cause it's not too hot. 

The work here is going great.  Sister Lao is a great companion and we are always laughing about something.   We have just been teaching a few people, and trying to get a few new investigators.  We tried to set a baptismal date with a younger man last night, but he said he wasn't ready.  We will just keep teaching him.  I know that it will happen eventually on his own time and on the the Lord's time.

This week I have been thinking a lot about helping those around us.  Elder Quentin L. Cook gave a talk called, "Hope ya Know, we had a Hard Time."  In it he talks about the trials that life will through at us.  How many times the approach that we have in our prayers is that of, "hope ya know, I'm having a hard time."  He talks about how the atonement can heal all of our trials.  How our lives can be fully healed when we put all of our trust in the Lord.  Knowing that he is going to carry us through.   Elder Cook also talks about our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  Last year for his birthday he was asked what would be the ultimate birthday gift.  His answer was, "Do something nice, for someone that is having a hard time."  Our prophet is such a great example of serving those around us.  As we help those that are also having a hard time we start to forget our own challenges in life.  We can feel the peace and joy that comes through serving others.  I definitely know that when we serve those around us that we will start to recognize the blessings in our own lives.  Our burdens will become light.

I hope you all know how much I love you!   I miss you all so much and am thankful for your constant support and love.  I pray for you all the time.  I hope that life is awesome! 

Love Always,

Sister Tracy

Sep 1, 2011

September 1, 2011 Letter

Well This has been another long week here in Lubbock, Texas.  The weather is super hot!  I think the average is around 110.  It's rained a few times but nothing too crazy. We met a lot of the ward members this week and a lot more of the investigators here.  Everyone is really nice and friendly.  I don't really have a ton to write about today, but just know that things are going great!

One thing that I have really learned in the last few months is that God sends us exactly where he needs us.  There are times when you realize that it is more then just a coincidence that you meet some of the people that you do.  We each have different life experiences and because of that we can relate to people in different ways.  In turn those different experiences strengthen our testimonies and we can touch someone else's heart. 

Missionary life is great!  I still can't believe how fast time is flying by.  It's already September and i will be home in 11 months.  Time is just cruising!  I hope that all of you are doing well and that everything is going awesome!!!   I pray for you everyday.  I love the letters that I get from family and friends.  They always help lift my spirits!  You are all great!

Love Always,

Sister Tracy