Well another week has come and gone. We are really excited as we see the hand of the Lord working in the lives of those we are teaching. We have a baptism this Saturday...on Mitchell's Birthday. We are so excited to see this family all come together in the gospel! I love them so much!!!
So not only has another week come and gone, but another transfer has also come and gone. Next Tuesday and Wednesday are transfers. We're not really sure what will happen. I feel like I will end up staying here at least another transfer, and Sister Lao thinks she will leave. I definitely don't want her to. I will miss her a lot, but I know that the Lord always places us where we are needed the most.
So this has definitely been a sad week, because of the news of the two Texas missionaries who were killed. It makes you really think about life. I know for me it has really put into perspective that, even though we are on the Lord's errand, we are not immune from tragedy. I do believe that God allows bad things to happen to good people. Every tragedy is paired with a lesson that can be learned, and an opportunity for growth if we allow it to. It motivates me to live life to its fullest and never allow room for regret or "what ifs..." I guess with that said, I want each of you to know how much I love you. I'm thankful for the continuous support that I receive from family and friends. I don't know how I could do it without you! I also want each of you to know, that I know, with all my heart that this church is true. I'm so thankful for the Book of Mormon. It has pulled me out of some of my darkest times. There truly is a spirit that comes from reading it. I will forever be grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. I know that even when I'm going through some of my hardest times, that I'm never really alone. I know that he is always there, walking right beside me. I'm thankful for modern day prophets, that lead and guide us today. I'm thankful for their love and their prayers in our behalf. I know that when we listen to the prophet we will be protected from Satan and the many evils of the world. I'm so thankful for my family and the knowledge that we can be together forever. It's such a comfort to me to know that this is not all there is, that there is more to life the just right now, and that I can spend eternities with those that really matter most to me. I just love the gospel and everything that comes with it.
Well with all of that said, I wanted to let you know that this will also be my last mission blog that I post. We have been asked by our mission president to discontinue any use of blogs, including that of family members writing things for us. I've loved writing for a blog and am sad that I can not continue. But like Nephi, I know that every commandment is given for a reason, even if we don't understand. And even if I don't understand it's purpose, I am determined to be obedient! Thank you all for talking time to read my letters and experiences. I've loved getting letters from those of you who have read it. If you ever want to hear any more mission stories feel free to write me, and I will definitely write back!!! Thanks for all of your love!!!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Nov 10, 2011
October 27, 2011
Another week has come and gone. It's been good, but now it's really cold! It started raining last night, and there are rumors that it is going to snow soon too. I'm freezing! I can't wait till summer comes back and it's back to the 100s!!! I hate the cold so much! Ha Ha Oh well, that's life for you.
This week we found an awesome family. They all live in this little trailer. There is two different families living there. Each has 4 kids. Plus the grandma stays there occasionally as well as one of the nephews. So in total there are 13 people living there. They have been through so much in their lives, but they are just great. The kids are so excited to learn about the gospel and have been carrying their new Book of Mormons around everywhere since we gave it to them. It makes me really appreciate what I have in life. They really don't have very much, but the have each other and they realize that that's all they really need.
Oh and we also have been teaching the Davis family for a while. They are so funny! We get to see them once a week. The mom and younger sister are members, but the 16 year old isn't. I absolutely love this family! They are awesome!!
Well other then that things are going awesome! I'm super excited for Halloween! I will let you know if we get to do anything fun. We might have to go home early cause of mission rules, but I'm sure we'll make it an adventure either way.
Well I hope you all have a safe week. I love you all tons!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
This week we found an awesome family. They all live in this little trailer. There is two different families living there. Each has 4 kids. Plus the grandma stays there occasionally as well as one of the nephews. So in total there are 13 people living there. They have been through so much in their lives, but they are just great. The kids are so excited to learn about the gospel and have been carrying their new Book of Mormons around everywhere since we gave it to them. It makes me really appreciate what I have in life. They really don't have very much, but the have each other and they realize that that's all they really need.
Oh and we also have been teaching the Davis family for a while. They are so funny! We get to see them once a week. The mom and younger sister are members, but the 16 year old isn't. I absolutely love this family! They are awesome!!
Well other then that things are going awesome! I'm super excited for Halloween! I will let you know if we get to do anything fun. We might have to go home early cause of mission rules, but I'm sure we'll make it an adventure either way.
Well I hope you all have a safe week. I love you all tons!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
October 20, 2011 Letter
Hey family and friends!
Well this has been another good week. We worked really hard last week and were able to teach a lot of lessons. On Sunday we got a call from our zone leaders telling us that we were leading our zone. That was pretty exciting. It definitely made us want to keep teaching and doing well. Although this week we weren't able to teach as many people. I'm not sure what the difference is, but we will just keep working!
This last Tuesday we had a huge storm. They haven't had a storm like that since the 1930's. If you have ever seen "The Mummy." There is a huge sand storm thing, with the mummys' face in it. Well that's what we had on Tuesday-minus the face part. It is called a Hauboob (p.s. i know i spelled that wrong, but that's what it sounds like.) It was a nice hot day, clear skies...then bamb! The sky went completely dark. Our car was even rocking back and forth. Sirens were going crazy. It even broke some pretty big trees in half. The winds ended up getting to 70 mph in some places. It was pretty intense. So now we have really cold weather. It's been an average of 50 or 60 degrees.
Then on Wednesday we had a combined Zone Conference with Elder David S. Baxter of the 1st quorum of the 70. It was a really good conference. There were about 50,000 things that I realized that I need to improve on, but it was really good. You think that, that is how we grow the most--When we realize what we could be doing better, the it gives motivation and the vision of what we really can do to improve. Needless to say it was great.
So I guess that's about it for now. I will keep you updated if anything else cool happens. Oh and I would like to make an official shout out to the Lao family. Thank you for letting Sister Lao come be my companion. She's awesome! She really is such a hard worker and a great missionary. She would also like me to let you know that she would love a journal and some information on her grandma. Well hope everything is going well in California. Happy Birthday Sister Lao, Sister Lao's twin, and Audrey! Hope it was a good one!
I hope that all of you know how much I love you! Thank you so much for your love and support! I couldn't have asked for better families or friends. My prayers are always with you!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Well this has been another good week. We worked really hard last week and were able to teach a lot of lessons. On Sunday we got a call from our zone leaders telling us that we were leading our zone. That was pretty exciting. It definitely made us want to keep teaching and doing well. Although this week we weren't able to teach as many people. I'm not sure what the difference is, but we will just keep working!
This last Tuesday we had a huge storm. They haven't had a storm like that since the 1930's. If you have ever seen "The Mummy." There is a huge sand storm thing, with the mummys' face in it. Well that's what we had on Tuesday-minus the face part. It is called a Hauboob (p.s. i know i spelled that wrong, but that's what it sounds like.) It was a nice hot day, clear skies...then bamb! The sky went completely dark. Our car was even rocking back and forth. Sirens were going crazy. It even broke some pretty big trees in half. The winds ended up getting to 70 mph in some places. It was pretty intense. So now we have really cold weather. It's been an average of 50 or 60 degrees.
Then on Wednesday we had a combined Zone Conference with Elder David S. Baxter of the 1st quorum of the 70. It was a really good conference. There were about 50,000 things that I realized that I need to improve on, but it was really good. You think that, that is how we grow the most--When we realize what we could be doing better, the it gives motivation and the vision of what we really can do to improve. Needless to say it was great.
So I guess that's about it for now. I will keep you updated if anything else cool happens. Oh and I would like to make an official shout out to the Lao family. Thank you for letting Sister Lao come be my companion. She's awesome! She really is such a hard worker and a great missionary. She would also like me to let you know that she would love a journal and some information on her grandma. Well hope everything is going well in California. Happy Birthday Sister Lao, Sister Lao's twin, and Audrey! Hope it was a good one!
I hope that all of you know how much I love you! Thank you so much for your love and support! I couldn't have asked for better families or friends. My prayers are always with you!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
September 15, 2011 Letter
Well another week has come and gone. Today has been great!!! It started at five in the morning when Sister Lao and I both got to go to the temple! This has been temple week for both Mitchell and myself! The temple is seriously the most awesome place ever! We got to go with Sister Augustin (the mission presidents wife). It was a really great experience!
It's also raining this week!! It started yesterday and has been going nonstop ever since! I love the rain. Last night there was lots of thunder and lightning. I hope it continues for a while. Only problem is that I don't have any rain boots. I will have to get some today. Otherwise my feet will be soaking. Hopefully i can find some for cheep. Also I might have to invest in a rain jacket. I guess well just have to wait and see how bad it gets. I know that last year it flooded a few times because of the rain.
This week we were also able to set a date with Matt and Abby Reyes. They have been taught for a while and we were able to set a date with Abby for the 24th of September and one with Matt for October 8th. We are pretty excited to see them coming closer to Christ. They are an awesome family! The ward loves them too! They really have tried to take them under their wing, and just love them!! We have a few other investigators that are coming close to baptism, so we will I will keep you updated on all of that.
Hopefully everything is going well back home! I miss all of you and love you lots.
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
It's also raining this week!! It started yesterday and has been going nonstop ever since! I love the rain. Last night there was lots of thunder and lightning. I hope it continues for a while. Only problem is that I don't have any rain boots. I will have to get some today. Otherwise my feet will be soaking. Hopefully i can find some for cheep. Also I might have to invest in a rain jacket. I guess well just have to wait and see how bad it gets. I know that last year it flooded a few times because of the rain.
This week we were also able to set a date with Matt and Abby Reyes. They have been taught for a while and we were able to set a date with Abby for the 24th of September and one with Matt for October 8th. We are pretty excited to see them coming closer to Christ. They are an awesome family! The ward loves them too! They really have tried to take them under their wing, and just love them!! We have a few other investigators that are coming close to baptism, so we will I will keep you updated on all of that.
Hopefully everything is going well back home! I miss all of you and love you lots.
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
November 10, 2011
Well another week has come and gone. We are really excited as we see the hand of the Lord working in the lives of those we are teaching. We have a baptism this Saturday...on Mitchell's Birthday. We are so excited to see this family all come together in the gospel! I love them so much!!!
So not only has another week come and gone, but another transfer has also come and gone. Next Tuesday and Wednesday are transfers. We're not really sure what will happen. I feel like I will end up staying here at least another transfer, and Sister Lao thinks she will leave. I definitely don't want her to. I will miss her a lot, but I know that the Lord always places us where we are needed the most.
So this has definitely been a sad week, because of the news of the two Texas missionaries who were killed. It makes you really think about life. I know for me it has really put into perspective that, even though we are on the Lord's errand, we are not immune from tragedy. I do believe that God allows bad things to happen to good people. Every tragedy is paired with a lesson that can be learned, and an opportunity for growth if we allow it to. It motivates me to live life to its fullest and never allow room for regret or "what ifs..." I guess with that said, I want each of you to know how much I love you. I'm thankful for the continuous support that I receive from family and friends. I don't know how I could do it without you! I also want each of you to know, that I know, with all my heart that this church is true. I'm so thankful for the Book of Mormon. It has pulled me out of some of my darkest times. There truly is a spirit that comes from reading it. I will forever be grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. I know that even when I'm going through some of my hardest times, that I'm never really alone. I know that he is always there, walking right beside me. I'm thankful for modern day prophets, that lead and guide us today. I'm thankful for their love and their prayers in our behalf. I know that when we listen to the prophet we will be protected from Satan and the many evils of the world. I'm so thankful for my family and the knowledge that we can be together forever. It's such a comfort to me to know that this is not all there is, that there is more to life the just right now, and that I can spend eternities with those that really matter most to me. I just love the gospel and everything that comes with it.
Well with all of that said, I wanted to let you know that this will also be my last mission blog that I post. We have been asked by our mission president to discontinue any use of blogs, including that of family members writing things for us. I've loved writing for a blog and am sad that I can not continue. But like Nephi, I know that every commandment is given for a reason, even if we don't understand. And even if I don't understand it's purpose, I am determined to be obedient! Thank you all for talking time to read my letters and experiences. I've loved getting letters from those of you who have read it. If you ever want to hear any more mission stories feel free to write me, and I will definitely write back!!! Thanks for all of your love!!!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
So not only has another week come and gone, but another transfer has also come and gone. Next Tuesday and Wednesday are transfers. We're not really sure what will happen. I feel like I will end up staying here at least another transfer, and Sister Lao thinks she will leave. I definitely don't want her to. I will miss her a lot, but I know that the Lord always places us where we are needed the most.
So this has definitely been a sad week, because of the news of the two Texas missionaries who were killed. It makes you really think about life. I know for me it has really put into perspective that, even though we are on the Lord's errand, we are not immune from tragedy. I do believe that God allows bad things to happen to good people. Every tragedy is paired with a lesson that can be learned, and an opportunity for growth if we allow it to. It motivates me to live life to its fullest and never allow room for regret or "what ifs..." I guess with that said, I want each of you to know how much I love you. I'm thankful for the continuous support that I receive from family and friends. I don't know how I could do it without you! I also want each of you to know, that I know, with all my heart that this church is true. I'm so thankful for the Book of Mormon. It has pulled me out of some of my darkest times. There truly is a spirit that comes from reading it. I will forever be grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. I know that even when I'm going through some of my hardest times, that I'm never really alone. I know that he is always there, walking right beside me. I'm thankful for modern day prophets, that lead and guide us today. I'm thankful for their love and their prayers in our behalf. I know that when we listen to the prophet we will be protected from Satan and the many evils of the world. I'm so thankful for my family and the knowledge that we can be together forever. It's such a comfort to me to know that this is not all there is, that there is more to life the just right now, and that I can spend eternities with those that really matter most to me. I just love the gospel and everything that comes with it.
Well with all of that said, I wanted to let you know that this will also be my last mission blog that I post. We have been asked by our mission president to discontinue any use of blogs, including that of family members writing things for us. I've loved writing for a blog and am sad that I can not continue. But like Nephi, I know that every commandment is given for a reason, even if we don't understand. And even if I don't understand it's purpose, I am determined to be obedient! Thank you all for talking time to read my letters and experiences. I've loved getting letters from those of you who have read it. If you ever want to hear any more mission stories feel free to write me, and I will definitely write back!!! Thanks for all of your love!!!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Oct 17, 2011
Texas Snow!
October 13, 2011 Letter
October is already half way over! How crazy is that? Well this week has been good. We've been able to teach a lot of lessons this week. I know that the Lord is blessing us with people to teach. This week we have been focusing on studying the "The Gospel of Christ-The Missionary Purpose." It really makes me so thankful to have the gospel in our lives. We have such a blessing to be able to take this gospel to people around the world. I think we forget that sometimes.
Next week we are having Zone Conference and we are going to be visited by Elder David S. Baxter of the 1st quorum of the 70. I'm pretty excited for it. I will take good notes and let you all know how it goes next week.
Okay so this week we had a fun thing happen. Our stake held a "Share Fair." The Share Fair was a two day event. On Friday people from three different wards brought all the things that they didn't want any more. Kinda like garage/yard sale stuff. But there was everything from furniture, to kitchen, to crafts, to clothes. Pretty much everything you could think of. We organized it on Friday and there was seriously so much stuff!!! Almost every room in the building including the gym was packed with stuff. Then on Saturday they opened the doors, and members and their friends came in and took what they needed. Everything was FREE!! So needless to say it was packed! Then around four we put a sign outside for the public saying that everything was free! We had a good turn out and a lot of the stuff was taken, but we had a ton of leftovers too. The Salvation Army brought a huge moving truck and we filled it full with all the leftovers. It was quite the project, but I know that it really helped a lot of the families out. Sister Lao and I worked at it the last shift on Saturday, so we went through the left overs and found some pretty sweet stuff!!! Sister Lao got this awesome Christmas dress that has a vest attached to it! Ha Ha And I was able to get this pretty sweet Mexican looking vest thing! I love it! I can't wait to come home from my mission and wear it all the time! :) I will have to send pictures of all of our awesome finds next week.
Well that's about all the news I have for this week! I hope you know that I love you all so much!! My prayers are with you! Stay strong and don't forget to rely on the Lord!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Next week we are having Zone Conference and we are going to be visited by Elder David S. Baxter of the 1st quorum of the 70. I'm pretty excited for it. I will take good notes and let you all know how it goes next week.
Okay so this week we had a fun thing happen. Our stake held a "Share Fair." The Share Fair was a two day event. On Friday people from three different wards brought all the things that they didn't want any more. Kinda like garage/yard sale stuff. But there was everything from furniture, to kitchen, to crafts, to clothes. Pretty much everything you could think of. We organized it on Friday and there was seriously so much stuff!!! Almost every room in the building including the gym was packed with stuff. Then on Saturday they opened the doors, and members and their friends came in and took what they needed. Everything was FREE!! So needless to say it was packed! Then around four we put a sign outside for the public saying that everything was free! We had a good turn out and a lot of the stuff was taken, but we had a ton of leftovers too. The Salvation Army brought a huge moving truck and we filled it full with all the leftovers. It was quite the project, but I know that it really helped a lot of the families out. Sister Lao and I worked at it the last shift on Saturday, so we went through the left overs and found some pretty sweet stuff!!! Sister Lao got this awesome Christmas dress that has a vest attached to it! Ha Ha And I was able to get this pretty sweet Mexican looking vest thing! I love it! I can't wait to come home from my mission and wear it all the time! :) I will have to send pictures of all of our awesome finds next week.
Well that's about all the news I have for this week! I hope you know that I love you all so much!! My prayers are with you! Stay strong and don't forget to rely on the Lord!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Oct 10, 2011
October 6, 2011 Letter
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
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
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
Aug 11, 2011
August 11, 2011
Sounds like things have been pretty crazy back at the Tracy home this last week. I'm really glad to hear that Kimball is okay! I Know God is watching out for our family! Let me know if he has any side complications! I'm pretty worried about him, and I'll definitely be keeping him in my prayers.
Well this week was a long one! But still good. We were able to set a baptismal date with the Madut family for August 27th. I'm pretty excited for them. They all came to church on Sunday too, and they brought a friend, Naugeet, with them. Naugeet told us that she wanted to be taught as well and that when her mom makes in to America in about a month she wants to be taught as well. I love this family! The ward here has done a great job fellow shipping them and making them feel welcome. They have had to pick them up for church and mutual and stuff like that, but they are more then willing to do that! I'm thankful for the ward support here.
I got the French and Haitian Book of Mormons that you sent me! Thank you so much! I have been trying to read at least a page everyday. I can read it pretty well and can spell things. But speaking is a whole different story. Just a few days ago we were trying to get a hold of the Jean Family. (the Haitian family) We called them and no one answered, their voicemail was all in french. and I'm pretty sure I went into shock mode. Where everything I had practiced went out the door. I left a pretty broken French message on the machine. HA Ha I don't even know if she will understand. This week with all the foreign languages has really given me a taste of what Mitchell has been going through in Brazil. Learning a new language is so hard, but it gets easier when God is on your side.
This week I also saw a clip of "Soul Surfer." Not on purpose of coarse, it just kind of happened, but it looked like a really good movie! Have you guys seen in? I saw the part where her arm gets bitten off, and it was supper intense! I can't even imagine my arm being there one second and then literally two seconds later it being gone! How crazy would that be!?!
So dad asked about why members helping with missionary work is so important. Member-missionary work is SO IMPORTANT! In the mission we know that nothing happens in missionary work until we have someone to teach. Members are the key to finding people to teach. Missionaries can knock on doors everyday, all day, but to find the people that are truly prepared, we need the members. When a member helps with missionary work the investigator already has a friend in the church. Someone they can turn to who is normal and that they trust. Members have a different look at life then missionaries sometimes do and so we need members to be with us so that they can more fully relate to investigators. Missionaries come and go, but the ward stays the same. The convert or investigator needs that stability so that when we leave they aren't left alone in this new world. Cause it is a new world, with a new way of living, and even a new language. If they don't have fellowship in the ward, their chances of becoming inactive are increased ten-fold! Member missionary work doesn't just involve teaching people or sharing the gospel all the time. IT really starts with being a good example and being kind to everyone. Let everyone know what your standards are, but don't be judgemental or proud. Be humble and love all those you meet. It's things like that that really help people to see that the gospel is something that they want and need in their lives.
Also dad asked about playing the piano. I don't really have to play a whole lot. Every once in a while we will if no one shows up at church. Which has happened a few times. but for the most part I'm off the hook.
Well I guess that's about it for today! I hope everything is going well back home! I love you all so very much! Make sure you all keep praying and reading your scriptures! You're the best ever!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Well this week was a long one! But still good. We were able to set a baptismal date with the Madut family for August 27th. I'm pretty excited for them. They all came to church on Sunday too, and they brought a friend, Naugeet, with them. Naugeet told us that she wanted to be taught as well and that when her mom makes in to America in about a month she wants to be taught as well. I love this family! The ward here has done a great job fellow shipping them and making them feel welcome. They have had to pick them up for church and mutual and stuff like that, but they are more then willing to do that! I'm thankful for the ward support here.
I got the French and Haitian Book of Mormons that you sent me! Thank you so much! I have been trying to read at least a page everyday. I can read it pretty well and can spell things. But speaking is a whole different story. Just a few days ago we were trying to get a hold of the Jean Family. (the Haitian family) We called them and no one answered, their voicemail was all in french. and I'm pretty sure I went into shock mode. Where everything I had practiced went out the door. I left a pretty broken French message on the machine. HA Ha I don't even know if she will understand. This week with all the foreign languages has really given me a taste of what Mitchell has been going through in Brazil. Learning a new language is so hard, but it gets easier when God is on your side.
This week I also saw a clip of "Soul Surfer." Not on purpose of coarse, it just kind of happened, but it looked like a really good movie! Have you guys seen in? I saw the part where her arm gets bitten off, and it was supper intense! I can't even imagine my arm being there one second and then literally two seconds later it being gone! How crazy would that be!?!
So dad asked about why members helping with missionary work is so important. Member-missionary work is SO IMPORTANT! In the mission we know that nothing happens in missionary work until we have someone to teach. Members are the key to finding people to teach. Missionaries can knock on doors everyday, all day, but to find the people that are truly prepared, we need the members. When a member helps with missionary work the investigator already has a friend in the church. Someone they can turn to who is normal and that they trust. Members have a different look at life then missionaries sometimes do and so we need members to be with us so that they can more fully relate to investigators. Missionaries come and go, but the ward stays the same. The convert or investigator needs that stability so that when we leave they aren't left alone in this new world. Cause it is a new world, with a new way of living, and even a new language. If they don't have fellowship in the ward, their chances of becoming inactive are increased ten-fold! Member missionary work doesn't just involve teaching people or sharing the gospel all the time. IT really starts with being a good example and being kind to everyone. Let everyone know what your standards are, but don't be judgemental or proud. Be humble and love all those you meet. It's things like that that really help people to see that the gospel is something that they want and need in their lives.
Also dad asked about playing the piano. I don't really have to play a whole lot. Every once in a while we will if no one shows up at church. Which has happened a few times. but for the most part I'm off the hook.
Well I guess that's about it for today! I hope everything is going well back home! I love you all so very much! Make sure you all keep praying and reading your scriptures! You're the best ever!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Aug 4, 2011
August 4, 2011 Letter
Okay this week has been a pretty awesome one. We have been really busy and trying to find new investigators. On Sunday sister Hamaker and I sat down and talked about things that we could do to be more obedient. We decided that we could just be better on every aspect! So Monday we just started to do the very best we possibly could. That day we got two new investigators! They are from Sudan! They are a pretty big family, and the twins, who are 14 were baptized a few months ago. Well when we went to visit them, the mom started to go off like crazy speaking in her home language. The son who is 18 came up to translate and said that she really wanted to be baptized. The son said that he would also like to be baptized! They also have a house full of ten other people, who we are going to meet with on Saturday! I can not even wait!! The are such an awesome family! The language barrier may be hard, but I know that we can do it!
Then on Tuesday we had our interviews with President Augustin. It went really well, and it was really nice to be able to get to know him better. Then we went out to work. Where we were able to find three new investigators. They were formers and when we met them the dad was like, "Yes! We need this in our lives right now!" so we are going back to see them tomorrow.
We also had a Haitian family move in. We were told that the dad is a member but the rest of the family is not. Their previous bishop said that the family wants to be baptized but that no one can communicate with them! They speak French. So The mission president told me to go to the library and pick up a french dictionary. They gave me a french Book of Mormon and we are going to try and teach them. I took three and a half years of French and never in a million years thought that I would be able to use it on a mission to Lubbock, Texas. But it turns out that God knows where we need to be. I can't speak it fluently, but I can understand enough to get by. I can read from the book of Mormon, and I know that if it's the Lord's will we will be able to teach this family to help them come closer to Christ! The Lord really does work in mysterious ways.
Then on Wednesday we had Zone Conference! It was AMAZING!! It was so spiritual and it really made me want to be better!! One of my favorite things that I heard yesterday was from Sister Augustin. She said, "Obediencee brings blessings, strict obedience brings miracles." That quote just really hit me. We really have two choices, one we can do what's right and just scratch by or we can give our whole heart and more! I know that I want to give my whole heart and more, and that by doing so we really will see the miracles that the Lord has promised us! We also talked a lot about the Resurrection. A lot of times in the church and especially in missionary work we talk about the Atonement all the time, but that's usually where we stop. But really it's the Resurrection that makes it all possible. We did a few sessions where we would practice teaching with the other missionaries. And in one circumstance we were supposed to be teaching a recent convert, and talk about how the Resurrection and atonement had helped them get to that point. The spirit was so unreal! It was just pure spirit! We were all crying. The power of the Atonement in peoples lives, not only our own, but those of the people that we teach and love, is so incredible. I am forever indebted to my Savior for his loving sacrifice. I would be so lost with out him. I couldn't be where I am today if it had not been for the Atonement and the reality of Jesus Christ's resurrection! My deepest hope is that all of you will take some time this week and really think about what the atonement has done for you in your lives. Of how it's brought you where you are today, or how it's going to help you become what you want to be! This gospel really is so perfect and is perfect for each one of us. We just have to have the faith to take that step and follow Christ's example.
I hope everything is going well for all of you and can't wait to hear back! Things are going great here. I love and miss you all so much!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Then on Tuesday we had our interviews with President Augustin. It went really well, and it was really nice to be able to get to know him better. Then we went out to work. Where we were able to find three new investigators. They were formers and when we met them the dad was like, "Yes! We need this in our lives right now!" so we are going back to see them tomorrow.
We also had a Haitian family move in. We were told that the dad is a member but the rest of the family is not. Their previous bishop said that the family wants to be baptized but that no one can communicate with them! They speak French. So The mission president told me to go to the library and pick up a french dictionary. They gave me a french Book of Mormon and we are going to try and teach them. I took three and a half years of French and never in a million years thought that I would be able to use it on a mission to Lubbock, Texas. But it turns out that God knows where we need to be. I can't speak it fluently, but I can understand enough to get by. I can read from the book of Mormon, and I know that if it's the Lord's will we will be able to teach this family to help them come closer to Christ! The Lord really does work in mysterious ways.
Then on Wednesday we had Zone Conference! It was AMAZING!! It was so spiritual and it really made me want to be better!! One of my favorite things that I heard yesterday was from Sister Augustin. She said, "Obediencee brings blessings, strict obedience brings miracles." That quote just really hit me. We really have two choices, one we can do what's right and just scratch by or we can give our whole heart and more! I know that I want to give my whole heart and more, and that by doing so we really will see the miracles that the Lord has promised us! We also talked a lot about the Resurrection. A lot of times in the church and especially in missionary work we talk about the Atonement all the time, but that's usually where we stop. But really it's the Resurrection that makes it all possible. We did a few sessions where we would practice teaching with the other missionaries. And in one circumstance we were supposed to be teaching a recent convert, and talk about how the Resurrection and atonement had helped them get to that point. The spirit was so unreal! It was just pure spirit! We were all crying. The power of the Atonement in peoples lives, not only our own, but those of the people that we teach and love, is so incredible. I am forever indebted to my Savior for his loving sacrifice. I would be so lost with out him. I couldn't be where I am today if it had not been for the Atonement and the reality of Jesus Christ's resurrection! My deepest hope is that all of you will take some time this week and really think about what the atonement has done for you in your lives. Of how it's brought you where you are today, or how it's going to help you become what you want to be! This gospel really is so perfect and is perfect for each one of us. We just have to have the faith to take that step and follow Christ's example.
I hope everything is going well for all of you and can't wait to hear back! Things are going great here. I love and miss you all so much!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Aug 1, 2011
July 28, 2011 Letter
Okay so here's a crazy thought, I will offically be home in less then a year! How crazy is that! Time just goes by so quick. It stresses me out.
Well this week has been a good one. We have been really busy and have spent a lot of time just trying to go through our area book and see a lot of the former investigators. So far it has been pretty slow. It's good though, cause we have met lots of really cool people and some really crazy people too! This week was a pretty cool one because it actually rained!!! Sister Hamaker and I were out in the middle of no where getto when it started. We were out in what would be the equivalent to "the projects." It was kind of a sketch neighborhood, but we decided to walk around anyway. It started to rain and we got got in it. It was pretty awesome I love the rain. But the best part was that we got a new investigator! We are going to see her tomorrow, so hopefully that all goes well.
Okay and on Saturday LuAnn got baptized!!!! I got to call and talk to her. It was all just really emotional. I'm so happy to see how far she's come. Sister peaver called me afterwards and told me that it was one of the coolest baptisms she's ever seen. I guess when LuAnn came out of the water she just started laughing because she was so happy! It's moments like that that just make the mission worth it.
Well this week I have been thinking a lot about how crazy the world is. We see so many people, with such crazy lives that it just makes you sad. It really makes me realize how important it is to be honest!!! This week I've just seen how dishonestly ruins a lot of lives. To put it straight forward, if you say your going to do something, then you better do it! There are so many disfunctional relationships out here and a lot of them are all because people wouldn't be honest with each other. All relationships would be improved if we could just be honest with each other. And it's not just even straight up lying that I'm talking about. It's the people who are sneaky and just aren't completely honest with their friends and loved ones. Someone ALWAYS gets hurt when someone else isn't honest and straight forward with them. It's just sad to see that stuff like that happens even with people in the church. People you thought that you could trust but really they just don't love you enough to be honest with you. It's sad. I guess you just really have to be careful of who your friends are. It's sad but true. I'm with Mitchell's email, when he said that people forget how short this life really is. We all need to focus on the things that are really Important. It's when we forget about Jesus Christ and those basic principles he taught that our lives start to fall apart.
Well I hope you are all staying strong and having a great summer! Let me know how things are going back home.
Love ya Always.
Sister Tracy
Well this week has been a good one. We have been really busy and have spent a lot of time just trying to go through our area book and see a lot of the former investigators. So far it has been pretty slow. It's good though, cause we have met lots of really cool people and some really crazy people too! This week was a pretty cool one because it actually rained!!! Sister Hamaker and I were out in the middle of no where getto when it started. We were out in what would be the equivalent to "the projects." It was kind of a sketch neighborhood, but we decided to walk around anyway. It started to rain and we got got in it. It was pretty awesome I love the rain. But the best part was that we got a new investigator! We are going to see her tomorrow, so hopefully that all goes well.
Okay and on Saturday LuAnn got baptized!!!! I got to call and talk to her. It was all just really emotional. I'm so happy to see how far she's come. Sister peaver called me afterwards and told me that it was one of the coolest baptisms she's ever seen. I guess when LuAnn came out of the water she just started laughing because she was so happy! It's moments like that that just make the mission worth it.
Well this week I have been thinking a lot about how crazy the world is. We see so many people, with such crazy lives that it just makes you sad. It really makes me realize how important it is to be honest!!! This week I've just seen how dishonestly ruins a lot of lives. To put it straight forward, if you say your going to do something, then you better do it! There are so many disfunctional relationships out here and a lot of them are all because people wouldn't be honest with each other. All relationships would be improved if we could just be honest with each other. And it's not just even straight up lying that I'm talking about. It's the people who are sneaky and just aren't completely honest with their friends and loved ones. Someone ALWAYS gets hurt when someone else isn't honest and straight forward with them. It's just sad to see that stuff like that happens even with people in the church. People you thought that you could trust but really they just don't love you enough to be honest with you. It's sad. I guess you just really have to be careful of who your friends are. It's sad but true. I'm with Mitchell's email, when he said that people forget how short this life really is. We all need to focus on the things that are really Important. It's when we forget about Jesus Christ and those basic principles he taught that our lives start to fall apart.
Well I hope you are all staying strong and having a great summer! Let me know how things are going back home.
Love ya Always.
Sister Tracy
Jul 23, 2011
July 21, 2011 Letter
Well this week has been a crazy one, just trying to get to know the area better. We still get lost sometimes, but I'm getting better.
Let's see, things are kind of slow here too. I'm with Mitchell that it is kind of frustrating sometimes. This past Sunday was a whole new experience for me. On our ward roster we have about 700+ members, and at church less then 50 showed up. It was really small. We didn't have any investigators come, which was new for me cause I have never had a Sunday that we didn't have at least one or two people come. I guess that just means more work for us. There is a ton of potential here though. Last week we were able to find 5 new investigators. Two of them are from Persia. They are pretty cool people. They gave us some Persian candy and it was pretty good. I love candy so I was pretty excited! We also have two people who are getting baptized on August 6th. We are both pretty excited about that. Both Sara and Brandon are excited too. They're biggest hold up is that they are having a hard time getting work off on Sundays. We are praying for them a lot so that their baptism goes through.
Even though I'm no longer in Clovis, Clovis has had an awesome week too!! Conner Harris got baptized last night and LuAnn Todd is getting baptized on Saturday! I get to call both of them and congratulate them so I'm supper excited about that! I'm so proud of both of them for making so many changes in their life to follow the Savior! I love both of them lots!!!
Okay so dad asked a lot of questions so I'll try to answer them now:
1. We are staying at an apartment complex. The complex itself is pretty nice, but we have these little bugs all over the kitchen so that's no Bueno. It's pretty small just one bedroom, one bathroom, but it's good in enough for what we need. I really like the neighborhood too. It's pretty central to a lot of the stuff we need.
2. We cover just one ward and one stake. It's the Amarillo stake and I know that there are four wards plus a Spanish "group" in the city of Amarillo itself, but there are many other wards in the outlying cities. We are in the 2nd ward, which is almost all of the Eastern side of Amarillo. I will try to send you a copy of our mission boundaries so you can see where I've served.
3. We don't really get to go to the temple very often here. If you aren't in Lubbock you can go once every six months if you can find a member to drive you. If you are serving in Lubbock you can go once every transfer. So that's really nice. But I haven't been since that last trip. Which was maybe in April?
4. Our truck is a ford Colorado LT. It's not the biggest Texas truck ever, but I like it! It's cool to be able to drive the truck. Even though my companion and I have been out the same amount of time, I'm the only one assigned to drive it. Just cause they only put so missionaries on the insurance and so they just assign one person to drive all the time.
5. I still have my bike! We actually use them a lot! We will just load them into the back of the truck park in a certain area and just bike all day there. It really helps us save miles on our car, and on top of that we get to talk to more people that way.
6. Lucky for me I haven't really gotten sick. I got sick my second transfer out in Roswell, but since then I've felt great!
7. Yes it is very hot here!! It is averaging 103. But it's more humid so that makes it even harder. But I love the heat so I can't really complain to much. I like it!
Well I think that's about it. If you guys have more questions just ask!!! I hope you know how much I love all of you! I pray for you all the time and hope things are going great! Can't wait to hear back from all of you!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Let's see, things are kind of slow here too. I'm with Mitchell that it is kind of frustrating sometimes. This past Sunday was a whole new experience for me. On our ward roster we have about 700+ members, and at church less then 50 showed up. It was really small. We didn't have any investigators come, which was new for me cause I have never had a Sunday that we didn't have at least one or two people come. I guess that just means more work for us. There is a ton of potential here though. Last week we were able to find 5 new investigators. Two of them are from Persia. They are pretty cool people. They gave us some Persian candy and it was pretty good. I love candy so I was pretty excited! We also have two people who are getting baptized on August 6th. We are both pretty excited about that. Both Sara and Brandon are excited too. They're biggest hold up is that they are having a hard time getting work off on Sundays. We are praying for them a lot so that their baptism goes through.
Even though I'm no longer in Clovis, Clovis has had an awesome week too!! Conner Harris got baptized last night and LuAnn Todd is getting baptized on Saturday! I get to call both of them and congratulate them so I'm supper excited about that! I'm so proud of both of them for making so many changes in their life to follow the Savior! I love both of them lots!!!
Okay so dad asked a lot of questions so I'll try to answer them now:
1. We are staying at an apartment complex. The complex itself is pretty nice, but we have these little bugs all over the kitchen so that's no Bueno. It's pretty small just one bedroom, one bathroom, but it's good in enough for what we need. I really like the neighborhood too. It's pretty central to a lot of the stuff we need.
2. We cover just one ward and one stake. It's the Amarillo stake and I know that there are four wards plus a Spanish "group" in the city of Amarillo itself, but there are many other wards in the outlying cities. We are in the 2nd ward, which is almost all of the Eastern side of Amarillo. I will try to send you a copy of our mission boundaries so you can see where I've served.
3. We don't really get to go to the temple very often here. If you aren't in Lubbock you can go once every six months if you can find a member to drive you. If you are serving in Lubbock you can go once every transfer. So that's really nice. But I haven't been since that last trip. Which was maybe in April?
4. Our truck is a ford Colorado LT. It's not the biggest Texas truck ever, but I like it! It's cool to be able to drive the truck. Even though my companion and I have been out the same amount of time, I'm the only one assigned to drive it. Just cause they only put so missionaries on the insurance and so they just assign one person to drive all the time.
5. I still have my bike! We actually use them a lot! We will just load them into the back of the truck park in a certain area and just bike all day there. It really helps us save miles on our car, and on top of that we get to talk to more people that way.
6. Lucky for me I haven't really gotten sick. I got sick my second transfer out in Roswell, but since then I've felt great!
7. Yes it is very hot here!! It is averaging 103. But it's more humid so that makes it even harder. But I love the heat so I can't really complain to much. I like it!
Well I think that's about it. If you guys have more questions just ask!!! I hope you know how much I love all of you! I pray for you all the time and hope things are going great! Can't wait to hear back from all of you!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Jul 14, 2011
July 14, 2011 Letter
Okay so crazy changes this week!!! I am no longer in Clovis, New Mexico! I am now in Amarillo, Texas! YAY for Texas!!!! So a lot has happened as you can tell in the last week. It was SO hard to say goodbye to all of the people in Clovis. It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love with people. I think the hardest person to say goodbye to was Dale and LuAnn Todd. LuAnn has a baptismal date for July 23rd. And when I told her that I was leaving she started to cry. So I started to cry, and it was just one big crying mess. I'm going to miss her so much! My heart is so sad to leave, but so happy to see how excited and determined she is to get baptized. There are some amazing things happening in Clovis, New Mexico. Conner Harris is also getting baptized next Wednesday. I get to call him before he gets baptized to wish him luck! There is also a couple, Kody and Tatum who are getting baptized in the next few weeks. Sister Peavler has promised to take lots of pictures for me so as soon as she sends them to me I will mail copies home. I am so thankful for the time that I had to serve in Clovis. I learned so much about myself and things that I want for my future. I learned a lot about families and the importance of them. Clovis will always have a special place in my heart!
Okay so Amarillo! I got the call on Saturday night to tell me where I was going. I was called as senior companion and told who my companion was going to be. Guess who it is...Sister Hamaker!! My MTC companion!!! Crazy right?! Well we were both shocked to be serving with each other again so soon, but I know that it will be awesome! We are white-washing into the Amarillo 2nd ward. White-washing just means that we go in without another missionary who has already been in the area. So we pretty much have to start from scratch trying to figure out the area and getting to know all the members and investigators. It will be good though. I think we have a lot of potential here, so I'm excited for the next few weeks. Also big new, I get to drive now!! And...I got a truck! It's pretty sweet. I mean really though it's Texas. You can't serve in Texas without a truck! Ha Ha Navigation has been rough the last few days, but the Zone Leaders lent us their GPS so that's helped a lot. I might have to eventually invest in my own. I don't know how I will be able to figure out the area without it.
Well that's about all the big news that I have as of right now. I guess just some random things about Amarillo. It's Humid! Really Humid. Ha but it's okay cause in a weird way I really like it! Um, yep that's about all that I know. Ha Ha I've only been here two days so hopefully next week I will know more about this place. Well I hope things are going super great back home! From the sounds of it they are going great. Make sure you send letters to my new address:
2700 W. 16th Ave.. #143
Amarillo, TX 79102
Well I love you all and hope to hear from you soon! Stay safe!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
Okay so Amarillo! I got the call on Saturday night to tell me where I was going. I was called as senior companion and told who my companion was going to be. Guess who it is...Sister Hamaker!! My MTC companion!!! Crazy right?! Well we were both shocked to be serving with each other again so soon, but I know that it will be awesome! We are white-washing into the Amarillo 2nd ward. White-washing just means that we go in without another missionary who has already been in the area. So we pretty much have to start from scratch trying to figure out the area and getting to know all the members and investigators. It will be good though. I think we have a lot of potential here, so I'm excited for the next few weeks. Also big new, I get to drive now!! And...I got a truck! It's pretty sweet. I mean really though it's Texas. You can't serve in Texas without a truck! Ha Ha Navigation has been rough the last few days, but the Zone Leaders lent us their GPS so that's helped a lot. I might have to eventually invest in my own. I don't know how I will be able to figure out the area without it.
Well that's about all the big news that I have as of right now. I guess just some random things about Amarillo. It's Humid! Really Humid. Ha but it's okay cause in a weird way I really like it! Um, yep that's about all that I know. Ha Ha I've only been here two days so hopefully next week I will know more about this place. Well I hope things are going super great back home! From the sounds of it they are going great. Make sure you send letters to my new address:
2700 W. 16th Ave.. #143
Amarillo, TX 79102
Well I love you all and hope to hear from you soon! Stay safe!
Love Always,
Sister Tracy
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