So Yesterday was officially my 9 month mark! Crazy right?!?! It's weird to think that I'm about half way done. Time just goes by too quickly. I took some pretty sweet pictures to celebrate my 9 months out. I send one with this email so hopefully you enjoy it! :) This has been a busy week because of transfers. I'm staying here in Lubbock with my companion. But we got five new sisters in. Two of them were coming from the Salt Lake City, Temple Square mission. One of them was from Brazil and the other from Bolivia. We had the privilege of taking them out with us for the day. I seriously learned so much from these two in just the few hours that I was able to spend with them. Their testimonies were So strong. They really made me want to be a better missionary.
This next transfer is going to be a great one. We are really excited for the work to take off here even more.
Conference was great!!! We got to watch all of the sessions including the Relief Society Session. I look forward to hearing conference each year. I know that it is such a blessing to be able to have a living prophet today who can lead and guide us in the things that we need to know. Many people here don't see a need for a living prophet...not because we don't need one, but because they think the Bible is all we will ever have for guidance. But something that I have come to love, is the knowledge that our Heavenly Father loves us each so much. Yes; the Bible can help us and teach us timeless truths, but the world is changing and we need that constant guidance for the things that are coming in our times today. God has always called prophets in the past and it wouldn't make sense for him to stop now that the world is going out of control. I'm so thankful that we can hear the words of our prophet Thomas S. Monson, and then go to our Heavenly Father in prayer to know if he really does lead and guide this church. Each of us needs to have our own testimonies of prophets today. When we do have our own testimonies we will see that life becomes easier. We want to obey the commandments, not out of obligation, but because we know the blessings that come from following our leaders. I'm SO thankful for the fullness of the gospel in my life and the joy and the peace it brings me.
One other thing that I saw this week that I loved was a video found on "youth.lds.org." If you scroll down the home page, on the right hand side you will see a tab for "videos." Click on it and then scroll down till you see the video of some football players. The title of the video is, "Sanctify yourselves." It was a very touching story about a boy who was struck by lightning while playing football. While is coaches tried to save his life, the assistant coach held this boys head in his hands. The assistant coach had just turned 18 and had been ordained to the office of an Elder. At that moment he remembered that he had been called and set apart as one holding the priesthood, or the power of God on earth. As they continued to work on the young boy, the assistant coach gave him a blessing...It saved his life. It made me think of my three brothers. It made me think, that if one of my brothers had been hit by lightning, that there would be someone, who was worthy, who could give them one of those blessings. We never know when "lightning can strike." and in that moment we must be prepared to do whatever we can to "save a life." It inspired me to make sure I am spiritually prepared. You never know what life can throw at you and if you have not prepared, when that time of need comes, you will not be ready. I hope that each of you can take five minutes of your time to watch this video! It was great! And then do whatever it is you need to, to prepare yourself for the things that life has in store for you.
Well I love you all so much, I hope all is going well!!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Oct 10, 2011
September 29, 2011
So another week has already come and gone. This is the last week of the transfer and it's weird how fast time goes by. Sister Lao and I are pretty confident that we are going to be staying here in the Canyon West ward. (that's what they told us would happen, so that's why we're pretty confident.)
It was another slower week. But We have faith that things will really start to pick up here!! One exciting thing did happen! We were able to set a date with a man named Joseph! He is going to get baptized two days after their wedding on November 13. Him and his almost wife Erica are so awesome! They are such examples of faith and have really caught on the the importance of the gospel in their lives. Their testimonies touch me every time we teach them.
Today we got to go to the Fair. We went with a family from the ward. It was fun. Being in Texas there was lots of fried foods and everything was BIGGER!!! I mean what else could you expect!! I seriously love carnivals! They are the best. I can't wait to go when I get home!!! Today we are also going to play football with the elders. I'm super excited for that. I LOVE the picture of Hope throwing the football. What a stud! She is pretty awesome. I am sad that I can't see the boys play as well. You all better do it again next year so I can come and watch all of your games!
So weather here in Texas is bipolar!!!! It will be cold in the mornings, but then super hot in the afternoon. We'll have really nice days in the 70s. Then it will be freezing and then today it's back to 100. Ha Ha It can't seem to make up it's mind. I haven't heard about any fires going on, but who knows, we don't really get to hear much of the news. One thing that I do know though is that there is no rain! We will get showered on every once in a while. But it only lasts a few minutes. I think a few weeks ago was the most rain we had seen all year.
Well I love you all and miss you even more! If you need anything on my end just let me know! Love you all lots!
Sister Tracy
It was another slower week. But We have faith that things will really start to pick up here!! One exciting thing did happen! We were able to set a date with a man named Joseph! He is going to get baptized two days after their wedding on November 13. Him and his almost wife Erica are so awesome! They are such examples of faith and have really caught on the the importance of the gospel in their lives. Their testimonies touch me every time we teach them.
Today we got to go to the Fair. We went with a family from the ward. It was fun. Being in Texas there was lots of fried foods and everything was BIGGER!!! I mean what else could you expect!! I seriously love carnivals! They are the best. I can't wait to go when I get home!!! Today we are also going to play football with the elders. I'm super excited for that. I LOVE the picture of Hope throwing the football. What a stud! She is pretty awesome. I am sad that I can't see the boys play as well. You all better do it again next year so I can come and watch all of your games!
So weather here in Texas is bipolar!!!! It will be cold in the mornings, but then super hot in the afternoon. We'll have really nice days in the 70s. Then it will be freezing and then today it's back to 100. Ha Ha It can't seem to make up it's mind. I haven't heard about any fires going on, but who knows, we don't really get to hear much of the news. One thing that I do know though is that there is no rain! We will get showered on every once in a while. But it only lasts a few minutes. I think a few weeks ago was the most rain we had seen all year.
Well I love you all and miss you even more! If you need anything on my end just let me know! Love you all lots!
Sister Tracy
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
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
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
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
Aug 25, 2011
August 25, 2011 Letter
Okay so this week has been super crazy! I guess I'll jump forward a bit and start by telling you that I am no longer in Amarillo, Texas. I am now serving in the Canyon West Ward, in Lubbock, Texas! Also...I'm a trainer! The call definitely came as a shock to me. Ha ha I wasn't expecting it, but I'm excited for this new adventure. My companions name is Sister Lao. She is Phillippino and is from California. She's 23, and is already a rock star missionary. I think that we are going to have a lot of success this next transfer. So another huge change that they are making here is in the training program. The church just released a whole new program for training. It is now a requirement for new missionaries to be with their trainers for 12 weeks. They've also added an additional hour of companion study, and everything is laid out on what we are supposed to learn and teach them. The idea is that we are training them so that at the end of the 12 weeks they would be prepared to train someone else. We are the first ones to test it out. So we are kind of the Guinea pigs. We'll see how it goes. I'm sure it will be great. I'll definitely keep you all updated.
My new address is:
5402 66th St. #404
Lubbock, TX 79424
Okay so Now I guess I'll go back to my last week in Amarillo. Sarah Salinas got baptized on Sunday! It was honestly one of the most spiritual baptisms I've ever seen. The spirit was so strong and we had awesome support from the ward. We had a few investigators who came as well! Amarillo 2nd is just on fire right now! Mary, Dominic, and James are all getting baptized this next Sunday as well! I am SO sad that I am going to miss it, but I am so happy for them all the same! Sister Hamaker promised to take pictures of it so when I get copies I will let you all know for sure.
My last day in Amarillo was a crazy exciting one as well! We finally got to meet that family from Haiti! They are so awesome!! I couldn't understand everything, because they were speaking Haitian. But I could understand bits and pieces cause part of the language is French. I gave them both of the Haitian Book of Mormons' that dad gave me and they absolutely loved it! We set a date with them for September 11. I am sad that I'm going to miss that one too. But really I just love seeing people make commitments to be baptized! You can just see the faith in their eyes! I love the gospel!
I wish that I had more to tell you about my new area, but as of right now I've only been here one day. The ward seems super supportive and nice! They are just on fire about missionary work! We are excited to get to work and find those that have been prepared by our Heavenly Father to hear about the gospel!
Well I hope you all know how much I love you! Thank you so much for all of your support and your prayers! I know that God is watching out for us here in the Texas Lubbock Mission! My prayers are with all of you constantly. I hope everything is going well and hopefully I'll get to talk to you all soon!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
My new address is:
5402 66th St. #404
Lubbock, TX 79424
Okay so Now I guess I'll go back to my last week in Amarillo. Sarah Salinas got baptized on Sunday! It was honestly one of the most spiritual baptisms I've ever seen. The spirit was so strong and we had awesome support from the ward. We had a few investigators who came as well! Amarillo 2nd is just on fire right now! Mary, Dominic, and James are all getting baptized this next Sunday as well! I am SO sad that I am going to miss it, but I am so happy for them all the same! Sister Hamaker promised to take pictures of it so when I get copies I will let you all know for sure.
My last day in Amarillo was a crazy exciting one as well! We finally got to meet that family from Haiti! They are so awesome!! I couldn't understand everything, because they were speaking Haitian. But I could understand bits and pieces cause part of the language is French. I gave them both of the Haitian Book of Mormons' that dad gave me and they absolutely loved it! We set a date with them for September 11. I am sad that I'm going to miss that one too. But really I just love seeing people make commitments to be baptized! You can just see the faith in their eyes! I love the gospel!
I wish that I had more to tell you about my new area, but as of right now I've only been here one day. The ward seems super supportive and nice! They are just on fire about missionary work! We are excited to get to work and find those that have been prepared by our Heavenly Father to hear about the gospel!
Well I hope you all know how much I love you! Thank you so much for all of your support and your prayers! I know that God is watching out for us here in the Texas Lubbock Mission! My prayers are with all of you constantly. I hope everything is going well and hopefully I'll get to talk to you all soon!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Aug 18, 2011
August 18, 2011 Letter
Oh man so today was super crazy!!! For Pday we went to Palo Duro Canyon. It is the second largest one in the country. We biked it...and let me just say that it was INTENSE!!! This was not your typical little bike drive. We literally were biking down-straight down a mountain!! I don't know why we thought we could do it, but it was pretty rough. Last transfer the elders went and one of them got a pretty bad concussion. Ha Ha Yeah, so we were smart and wanted to do it again. I flew off twice and ripped up my legs again, but hey, "If you don't bif it, it wasn't a good ride." :) I ended up having to walk most of it because my companion got sick and had heat stroke. I think it would be fun to do it again, but to make sure everyone had enough water and make sure they were physically fit. I also broke my bike. Not too bad, I can still ride it, but the pedals are all sorts of messed up. It should be an easy fix, but still sad.
This week has been a pretty awesome one! We have a baptism coming up this Sunday for Sara Salinas! We are super excited for her and have just been trying to get everything ready for that. There is a lot that goes into planning a baptism and this is my first one as senior companion, having to plan all of it, so it's been stressful, but good!
We also have three baptisms next week with Mary, Dominic, and James Madut. The ward has been so great at helping us with them. They don't have a car, but yet the members have picked them up every Sunday and also for other activities through out the week. We haven't been able to see Naugeet, but the rest of the family is doing awesome.
So we haven't been able to teach the french families yet, but we have talked on the phone a bit. My French is soooo broken! It's been really hard, but I feel so luck to be able to have had this opportunity to use French in Texas!
This is also the last week of the transfer so we have been busy making sure everything is organized and that all our info is written down in the Area Book. We aren't sure what is going to happen but just FYI I could be somewhere else next week. I personally think that I will stay. I think both of us will stay here, but you really just never know!
Life here in the mission is so great! We have been staying busy and just loving life. I love all of the letters that I get from everyone! You really just don't know what it's like to get mail from home! We LOVE it! Well I hope all of you know how much I love you! You are all so amazing and I'm so thankful that I have such supportive and loving friends and family. You are all in my prayers. Hopefully everything is going well back home. I love you all a ton!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
This week has been a pretty awesome one! We have a baptism coming up this Sunday for Sara Salinas! We are super excited for her and have just been trying to get everything ready for that. There is a lot that goes into planning a baptism and this is my first one as senior companion, having to plan all of it, so it's been stressful, but good!
We also have three baptisms next week with Mary, Dominic, and James Madut. The ward has been so great at helping us with them. They don't have a car, but yet the members have picked them up every Sunday and also for other activities through out the week. We haven't been able to see Naugeet, but the rest of the family is doing awesome.
So we haven't been able to teach the french families yet, but we have talked on the phone a bit. My French is soooo broken! It's been really hard, but I feel so luck to be able to have had this opportunity to use French in Texas!
This is also the last week of the transfer so we have been busy making sure everything is organized and that all our info is written down in the Area Book. We aren't sure what is going to happen but just FYI I could be somewhere else next week. I personally think that I will stay. I think both of us will stay here, but you really just never know!
Life here in the mission is so great! We have been staying busy and just loving life. I love all of the letters that I get from everyone! You really just don't know what it's like to get mail from home! We LOVE it! Well I hope all of you know how much I love you! You are all so amazing and I'm so thankful that I have such supportive and loving friends and family. You are all in my prayers. Hopefully everything is going well back home. I love you all a ton!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
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