Monday, November 21, 2016
79 - 79 is an odd number to end with. Last day!
Last day.... Feels strange, but I'm doing alright. I got to see almost everyone and get most of everyone's pictures of who I wanted, so I'm happy. Usually I don't get that luxury, but since I didn't meet many people in one transfer, it made it easier. I am satisfied how my mission has been.
We worked on trying to find. My companion at least did while on exchanges for my departure trip to the temple.
During the week we tried to teach, we were blessed with lots of less actives that we taught, again with unexpected ways of blessings. Lots of them I will miss so much! Some we visited even got close to crying because they would miss me visiting them every week. You know you impacted a person's life when that happens. I know I did my job right this transfer despite discouragements. God just needed me to help the less actives in this area more than any other work, and of course the Baker family with their spiritual journey.
Miracle of the week: My departure temple trip.
Unfortunately, we were the last van to leave, so we got stuck in traffic behind 3 accidents (no worries, it was way far ahead of us). We joked that we could get on bikes and bike to the temple faster then driving. Mostly true for half the trip.... Sadly, we missed the session and ended up walking the halls and enjoying the new paintings of Christ they had recently hung up all around the temple, and we got to see the baptismal font. Dead silent since youth and patrons don't go at that time due to school and work. I felt the spirit so strongly just observing the area. I had been through temples during open houses, but never have I been there in a similar way while dedicated. Such a difference, you can feel the spirit and sanctity of the work that is done there so strongly. I have a big place in my heart for the baptismal font, so that was special. We then did other work which was nice then waited in the celestial room while the session was going on. Very special unusual trip, so it was worth it. Blessings come in unexpected ways.
In the end I never got to teach them another lesson due to some surprise business trips, but I got to see most of their family at church each of those weeks! But I know the next sisters will do a good job, and Sister Dimmick is still here and YSA again! We lost 18 missionaries this transfer including me going home, so they have to combine area's again.
Things came and I am still loving it! Mission accomplished!
Monday, November 14, 2016
78 - Just do your best before the end, come what may, and love it!
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week we have been Busy going around the heights area to find members (mostly people who moved out or do not contacts... at least they were nice to us) and getting lost in the dark. I saw my first coyote, they run fast... Thankfully they only appear at night usually, so we are just fine in our car, driving from place to place. We also saw LOTS of squirrels and a rabbit crossing the road. I have yet to see deer...but I think I am just fine not seeing that in my path. No animals harmed by us while driving, that would be a sad day. We have discovered "the great and spacious building" near the top of our area while getting lost one time. We also found many trail heads as well, and we just stopped and knocked doors in those areas since we figured no one has ever contacted them, and someone has to share the gospel with them or cheer them up, or do service for them. They gave us looks that confirmed our theory that no one ever visits them. At least they also were nice and some even took a picture of Christ.
Not many lessons sadly. Everyone is on vacation, business trip, or just not home this week... or sick. At least there is a new week to try new things, though.
Sister Dimmick's birthday was this week, and we celebrated with the fun balloons and party hats her parents sent her, and I surprised her with a cake made from whipped cream and Nutella as filler and frosting and some European waffle like cookies for the "cake". Then I stuck a candle on and sang her a song. Shortest party ever since we only get 1 hour for meals, but fun. We also played the popcorn popping song and bounced the balloons around during dinner for fun in true Singles Ward style... She loves that movie, so it was a funny inside joke. Then there was a ward relief society party making wooden Christmas tree decorations that we did with our investigators. They loved it! We did too.
Other than having way too much fun during dinner and lunch together baking and cooking food, we have done more knocking and contacting formers than before. At least we were able to set up future appointments for this upcoming week, that is always good. Not much else, but we talked to everyone, and that's what matters. We have noticed that everyone in our area has used their agency to the fullest extent this week, so that aside, we have done well despite our best efforts. A little discouraging, but that is OK.
I was asked to share a spiritual experience from my mission for the mission history files, so I thought I would share:
If there is one thing that helped me the most, it is realizing our purpose as a missionary. We aren't the ones that convert, and we aren't the ones that bring them to baptism. We are, however, the ones that testify of the Gospel and bring The Spirit into their homes so that he then can testify of the truths we share and help them towards God on a personal level. We are merely the vessels that God asks to bring the Gospel to others, open our mouths, and testify of Christ and how to return to our loving Heavenly Father.
I remember a time before my mission that helped me realize this concept. An acquaintance of mine once entered into a costume contest with a character little known to many. On stage, she had 45 seconds to sway the audience that her character was worth something. Unlike many others who said many words, or did dances, songs, or skits; she came on quietly and silently. Not a word was spoken, but what was said to the heart spoke stronger and truer then what anyone had said that day. Everyone was fixed on everything she did, and their were few dry eyes in the audience after she left the stage. she won the hearts of all present and the judges.
That day I learned well timed silence draws people's attention better than fancy words or songs, because The Spirit doesn't compete with noise.
We, too, bring a message to the "stage" of others, often little known to them if at all; and we have very little time to share it with them to show it matters everything to us and to them. The Holy Ghost is the most quiet payer on the stage, and if we let him in, he will touch the hearts of those we meet and some will be fixed on every part of the message we share. Giving everyone we meet the opportunity to feel The Spirit, often times for the first time ever in their life; will give them more than any words we could ever tell. God knows each of us and loves us dearly, and will use us to bring the things they need most into their life, if we let him in, too.
Just trying to do my best before the end, come what may, and love it!
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week we have been Busy going around the heights area to find members (mostly people who moved out or do not contacts... at least they were nice to us) and getting lost in the dark. I saw my first coyote, they run fast... Thankfully they only appear at night usually, so we are just fine in our car, driving from place to place. We also saw LOTS of squirrels and a rabbit crossing the road. I have yet to see deer...but I think I am just fine not seeing that in my path. No animals harmed by us while driving, that would be a sad day. We have discovered "the great and spacious building" near the top of our area while getting lost one time. We also found many trail heads as well, and we just stopped and knocked doors in those areas since we figured no one has ever contacted them, and someone has to share the gospel with them or cheer them up, or do service for them. They gave us looks that confirmed our theory that no one ever visits them. At least they also were nice and some even took a picture of Christ.
Not many lessons sadly. Everyone is on vacation, business trip, or just not home this week... or sick. At least there is a new week to try new things, though.
Sister Dimmick's birthday was this week, and we celebrated with the fun balloons and party hats her parents sent her, and I surprised her with a cake made from whipped cream and Nutella as filler and frosting and some European waffle like cookies for the "cake". Then I stuck a candle on and sang her a song. Shortest party ever since we only get 1 hour for meals, but fun. We also played the popcorn popping song and bounced the balloons around during dinner for fun in true Singles Ward style... She loves that movie, so it was a funny inside joke. Then there was a ward relief society party making wooden Christmas tree decorations that we did with our investigators. They loved it! We did too.
Other than having way too much fun during dinner and lunch together baking and cooking food, we have done more knocking and contacting formers than before. At least we were able to set up future appointments for this upcoming week, that is always good. Not much else, but we talked to everyone, and that's what matters. We have noticed that everyone in our area has used their agency to the fullest extent this week, so that aside, we have done well despite our best efforts. A little discouraging, but that is OK.
I was asked to share a spiritual experience from my mission for the mission history files, so I thought I would share:
If there is one thing that helped me the most, it is realizing our purpose as a missionary. We aren't the ones that convert, and we aren't the ones that bring them to baptism. We are, however, the ones that testify of the Gospel and bring The Spirit into their homes so that he then can testify of the truths we share and help them towards God on a personal level. We are merely the vessels that God asks to bring the Gospel to others, open our mouths, and testify of Christ and how to return to our loving Heavenly Father.
I remember a time before my mission that helped me realize this concept. An acquaintance of mine once entered into a costume contest with a character little known to many. On stage, she had 45 seconds to sway the audience that her character was worth something. Unlike many others who said many words, or did dances, songs, or skits; she came on quietly and silently. Not a word was spoken, but what was said to the heart spoke stronger and truer then what anyone had said that day. Everyone was fixed on everything she did, and their were few dry eyes in the audience after she left the stage. she won the hearts of all present and the judges.
That day I learned well timed silence draws people's attention better than fancy words or songs, because The Spirit doesn't compete with noise.
We, too, bring a message to the "stage" of others, often little known to them if at all; and we have very little time to share it with them to show it matters everything to us and to them. The Holy Ghost is the most quiet payer on the stage, and if we let him in, he will touch the hearts of those we meet and some will be fixed on every part of the message we share. Giving everyone we meet the opportunity to feel The Spirit, often times for the first time ever in their life; will give them more than any words we could ever tell. God knows each of us and loves us dearly, and will use us to bring the things they need most into their life, if we let him in, too.
Just trying to do my best before the end, come what may, and love it!
Monday, November 7, 2016
77 - The blizzard of '77 (is all they talk about in upstate NY)
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Lots of last minute things I have had to do that is keeping me swamped on P-days... Like car inspection, apartment inspection... three this transfer alone... Good for the apartment at least.
No time whatsoever to do anything so I wonder if they do this on purpose for departing missionaries. Keep them busy with mandatory trainings with my plan and testimonies and departing thoughts. Busy work....
Besides that, we didn't get to teach the baker family due to illness in the family, but we saw half at church which was good. They are pushing their baptism date latter so I most likely won't be here for that sadly, but life moves on without me. I'm happy for them since they will all get baptized together as one big happy family! So cool!
We had to go get our tires checked at the mission office so we have been all over the place this week. Lost of meetings, lots of canceled appointments as well. We have been having fun despite that and had lots of time walking to contact people. I have discovered however whenever we drive I see TONS of opportunists to contact people, the moment we walk... They all disappear. Irony!
Miracle of the week: since I forgot last week.... I have three this week
1. We finally got to see sister Dunn, her parents died recently unfortunately and she told us that she felt impressed that we would come so she got up early and nicely dressed and was waiting for us to come sometime that day. I also felt impressed and since we were unable to call her first I decided to push on and see her anyways. her phone number changed so we wouldn't be able to get a hold of her anyways, so she was so happy to talk with us and be uplifted with our message!
2. A member from Pickering called us who is moving into our ward, and he wanted to have the missionary lessons to help him receive the higher priesthood, receive his patriarchal blessing, and go through the temple for himself for the first time as well. he must have been told to contact us since we usually help with this with some lessons to prepare them and he had been less active before as well. We were fasting yesterday to find a solid person to teach and god blessed us with him. It is a rare day that someone seeks us out so diligently so I was so grateful to be able to now work with him towards those blessings in his life.
3. We finally met another less active going into activity. He hit rock bottom awhile back and is slowly recovering. He recognized that he needed to go back to church and figure out who he really is. I guess you would call that a mid life crisis at 50.... He was once a CEO of some companies, then lost it all after tragic identity theft. He said though that it made him think about his life and he is now experiencing a lot of new things, like shopping, cooking, and cleaning and other daily chores.
he also asked us, if your parents could be anything they could be at around 50, what would they be? I know that there are many things I want to do with my life... I know that I can only do so many of them, so this is an opportunity for change for him. I guess you would call that a blessing to restart and experience another vocation and life all together.
It is interesting how God takes our busy lives and while we can lose everything, it opened up a better path that will give us blessings even better then we could ever imagine, it's just hard when you start on that path. May not look like much now other than a field of ashes from smoldering and burnt dreams once there. If their is one thing I have learned, God makes his finest creations from the purest thing on earth, Ashes. The refiner's fire is hard to endure, but it makes us stronger then ever! This member just had to go through it all at once. Sometimes it makes me happy I go through it slowly instead of all at once. But as usual, God NEVER gives us more than we can handle, so he must be a very strong person!
And life moves on and on. Hopefully this week with pick up a bit!
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Lots of last minute things I have had to do that is keeping me swamped on P-days... Like car inspection, apartment inspection... three this transfer alone... Good for the apartment at least.
No time whatsoever to do anything so I wonder if they do this on purpose for departing missionaries. Keep them busy with mandatory trainings with my plan and testimonies and departing thoughts. Busy work....
Besides that, we didn't get to teach the baker family due to illness in the family, but we saw half at church which was good. They are pushing their baptism date latter so I most likely won't be here for that sadly, but life moves on without me. I'm happy for them since they will all get baptized together as one big happy family! So cool!
We had to go get our tires checked at the mission office so we have been all over the place this week. Lost of meetings, lots of canceled appointments as well. We have been having fun despite that and had lots of time walking to contact people. I have discovered however whenever we drive I see TONS of opportunists to contact people, the moment we walk... They all disappear. Irony!
Miracle of the week: since I forgot last week.... I have three this week
1. We finally got to see sister Dunn, her parents died recently unfortunately and she told us that she felt impressed that we would come so she got up early and nicely dressed and was waiting for us to come sometime that day. I also felt impressed and since we were unable to call her first I decided to push on and see her anyways. her phone number changed so we wouldn't be able to get a hold of her anyways, so she was so happy to talk with us and be uplifted with our message!
2. A member from Pickering called us who is moving into our ward, and he wanted to have the missionary lessons to help him receive the higher priesthood, receive his patriarchal blessing, and go through the temple for himself for the first time as well. he must have been told to contact us since we usually help with this with some lessons to prepare them and he had been less active before as well. We were fasting yesterday to find a solid person to teach and god blessed us with him. It is a rare day that someone seeks us out so diligently so I was so grateful to be able to now work with him towards those blessings in his life.
3. We finally met another less active going into activity. He hit rock bottom awhile back and is slowly recovering. He recognized that he needed to go back to church and figure out who he really is. I guess you would call that a mid life crisis at 50.... He was once a CEO of some companies, then lost it all after tragic identity theft. He said though that it made him think about his life and he is now experiencing a lot of new things, like shopping, cooking, and cleaning and other daily chores.
he also asked us, if your parents could be anything they could be at around 50, what would they be? I know that there are many things I want to do with my life... I know that I can only do so many of them, so this is an opportunity for change for him. I guess you would call that a blessing to restart and experience another vocation and life all together.
It is interesting how God takes our busy lives and while we can lose everything, it opened up a better path that will give us blessings even better then we could ever imagine, it's just hard when you start on that path. May not look like much now other than a field of ashes from smoldering and burnt dreams once there. If their is one thing I have learned, God makes his finest creations from the purest thing on earth, Ashes. The refiner's fire is hard to endure, but it makes us stronger then ever! This member just had to go through it all at once. Sometimes it makes me happy I go through it slowly instead of all at once. But as usual, God NEVER gives us more than we can handle, so he must be a very strong person!
And life moves on and on. Hopefully this week with pick up a bit!
Monday, October 31, 2016
76 - All Hallows Een
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week has been interesting... Our car needed long term fixing, so we walked for three days entirely. That was an adventure. I am SO thankful for a working car now! We were only able to walk to two lessons per day due to the distance required to walk. I haven't been that sore in forever. Other than that adventure making a dent in our work, we did get to see the Baker family and helped them strengthen their understanding of the restoration, Joseph Smith, and The Book of Mormon and its role in conversion and The Bible.
We visited the members in the heights, lots of tired mom's making costumes for the Trunk or treat. We also were able to meet Brother Rosas, and Ihave never seen so many varieties of fruits in my life, including some I never knew existed! So beautiful there, he let us tour his garden making up of plumeria, multiple varieties of oranges, tangerines, tangelos, limes, lemons, (I forgot the name but a fruit like a lemon lime looking fruit, tastes like a bland orange, with a slight sweet lemon, and a grapefruit aftertaste) purple/red dragon fruit, sugar cane, white and red pomegranate varieties, two varieties of persimmons, pecan and other nut trees, lots of pepper varieties, sweet potato, papaya, avocado, and other usual garden plants. SO PRETTY, it looked like a sightseeing garden more than a fruit garden how he set it up! He even used used old concrete from the sidewalks to make retaining walls, such a great idea and so pretty... Who would have thought! He even has chickens of all colors and said they love pomegranates that got spoiled by rain (the fruit rots when wet... who would have thought). That was an adventure. He LOVES giving extra food to neighbors and missionaries so we came back with more fruit than I knew what to do with other than share.
We also saw Brother Jensen who has an American Eskimo dog named Sissy. Sadly, she has heart defects that were unknown for years and only 1 usable eye now, so he was worried about her going down hill. His girlfriend also passed away a few months ago, so we focused on being positive despite loss and trials. Also on reading scriptures to help him and prayer. Hopefully that will help him. It is hard to see people going through loss like that in his age of life. Everyone around him is moving on to the other side more and more these days.
Lots of slow progress here, but that is OK. We did go to the Trunk or treat though because the bakers where there. Trunk or Treat's are almost a necessary here in California due to "scary clowns" going around lately. The bakers loved it since it was safe and reliving childhood for their kids to enjoy. LOTS of cars this year! As for Halloween this year for me...apartment cleaning. Almost as scary as what you see outside trick or treating.... Glad our apartment isn't since we deep cleaned it already. That means inventory of books and things, and additional study! Hooray!
Picture of Baker family at trunk or treat... I wore another Little India outfit with a skirt I had! Sister Dimmick was also in ethnic clothing from South America...another missionary hand me down. Our costumes were sister missionaries from around the world... So creative huh?
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week has been interesting... Our car needed long term fixing, so we walked for three days entirely. That was an adventure. I am SO thankful for a working car now! We were only able to walk to two lessons per day due to the distance required to walk. I haven't been that sore in forever. Other than that adventure making a dent in our work, we did get to see the Baker family and helped them strengthen their understanding of the restoration, Joseph Smith, and The Book of Mormon and its role in conversion and The Bible.
We visited the members in the heights, lots of tired mom's making costumes for the Trunk or treat. We also were able to meet Brother Rosas, and Ihave never seen so many varieties of fruits in my life, including some I never knew existed! So beautiful there, he let us tour his garden making up of plumeria, multiple varieties of oranges, tangerines, tangelos, limes, lemons, (I forgot the name but a fruit like a lemon lime looking fruit, tastes like a bland orange, with a slight sweet lemon, and a grapefruit aftertaste) purple/red dragon fruit, sugar cane, white and red pomegranate varieties, two varieties of persimmons, pecan and other nut trees, lots of pepper varieties, sweet potato, papaya, avocado, and other usual garden plants. SO PRETTY, it looked like a sightseeing garden more than a fruit garden how he set it up! He even used used old concrete from the sidewalks to make retaining walls, such a great idea and so pretty... Who would have thought! He even has chickens of all colors and said they love pomegranates that got spoiled by rain (the fruit rots when wet... who would have thought). That was an adventure. He LOVES giving extra food to neighbors and missionaries so we came back with more fruit than I knew what to do with other than share.
We also saw Brother Jensen who has an American Eskimo dog named Sissy. Sadly, she has heart defects that were unknown for years and only 1 usable eye now, so he was worried about her going down hill. His girlfriend also passed away a few months ago, so we focused on being positive despite loss and trials. Also on reading scriptures to help him and prayer. Hopefully that will help him. It is hard to see people going through loss like that in his age of life. Everyone around him is moving on to the other side more and more these days.
Lots of slow progress here, but that is OK. We did go to the Trunk or treat though because the bakers where there. Trunk or Treat's are almost a necessary here in California due to "scary clowns" going around lately. The bakers loved it since it was safe and reliving childhood for their kids to enjoy. LOTS of cars this year! As for Halloween this year for me...apartment cleaning. Almost as scary as what you see outside trick or treating.... Glad our apartment isn't since we deep cleaned it already. That means inventory of books and things, and additional study! Hooray!
Picture of Baker family at trunk or treat... I wore another Little India outfit with a skirt I had! Sister Dimmick was also in ethnic clothing from South America...another missionary hand me down. Our costumes were sister missionaries from around the world... So creative huh?
Monday, October 24, 2016
75 - Kumquats have a sunnier hue
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
While we may not have done much as far as teaching this week, we did have zone conference, Ken's Baptism, Emergency test for the stake, and apartment check.
We also found most of our appointments canceled, but hopefully that will change this week, but we kept busy and met with ward leaders to help target some people we could help out or visit so we could help the ward and other individuals that may need a message of hope or help with service. We were thankfully quite successful with that this week.
Miracle of the week was when we visited with the emergency preparedness specialist in this ward who recently was called, she was discouraged and lost in what to do. She wanted a map of the ward boundaries but despite all her attempts, the streets were off or unnamed making it almost impossible to use. We came to help her with a service by using my previous map fixing abilities I gained in my previous areas and used parts of an atlas book of sorts (not sure the name) and I carefully placed them up even so copies could be made and/or enlarged latter. She then took us out for lunch as a thank you and gave us some copies that were laminated as well when she finished them. God knows when we need help the most and she said that is was better we came when we did rather than the day before and we gave her the help/service and encouragement she needed right when she was at her lowest. We just felt prompted by the spirit to visit her first thing that morning, it goes to show it is better to follow the spirit rather than ignore it and continue on with previous plans to visit her latter.
She also had us have some kumquats, it was Sister Dimmick's first try at them and her reaction was funny, she tried to eat it without the peel and it was a big sour one too so she wasn't a fan. I however enjoyed a few since it had been forever since I last had some. We joked about that for a long while in good humor.
We went in the La Habra Heights (friendly hills) more this week. It is quite an adventure trying to find people up there and going along those roads. it reminds me of a roller coaster, lots of steep ups and downs with interesting sharp turns on occasion. Thankfully we don't pass by many other cars often in the smaller roads, or else I would rarely make those trips. It is real fun though going up there especially those rare sights of the entire valley below all the way to the ocean if the smog isn't thick only a few members live up there, They weren't home so we have to trek up there again some time.
The Baker family was fun to have a lesson with, we did a lesson on the plan of salvation and the father really enjoyed it. He kept asking us questions and loved our responses so we told him to write down any more questions for next time. He even said that it makes sense to him so much more and is starting to understand why it is us missionaries love to go on missions sharing about what we know and love to bless other people who are willing to listen. I hope they get baptized soon, they are such a great family! I also love the members who always let us use their home to teach at and fellowship them since they live outside our boundaries and can't travel to their home. I'm just grateful that the mission president that is over their area was kind enough to let us teach them.
going back to my last area for ken's baptism was a treat yesterday. Almost half the ward was there in support of them and even parts of the YSA were there to welcome him into the YSA should he like to come. He was so excited and even asked to share i\his conversion story and testimony afterwards. He even told us that his father said to him that he was so proud of him, something big in his life considering the previous nonsupport. His father even said he would be willing to support him to go on a mission should he choose. I am so happy for him!
Ken's baptism! Each time I get to see someone I taught make the choice to be baptized makes me so happy and proud of each and every one. It makes it hard to leave for home in a month, but I know they will all be just fine as long as they continue to face their life towards the savior Jesus Christ and in faith. It was interesting to see Sister Painchaud running over to give me a hug and said "my companion!" she must have missed me after all. Funny how life turns out, I'm just glad we are better off now!
All is well that ends well!
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
While we may not have done much as far as teaching this week, we did have zone conference, Ken's Baptism, Emergency test for the stake, and apartment check.
We also found most of our appointments canceled, but hopefully that will change this week, but we kept busy and met with ward leaders to help target some people we could help out or visit so we could help the ward and other individuals that may need a message of hope or help with service. We were thankfully quite successful with that this week.
Miracle of the week was when we visited with the emergency preparedness specialist in this ward who recently was called, she was discouraged and lost in what to do. She wanted a map of the ward boundaries but despite all her attempts, the streets were off or unnamed making it almost impossible to use. We came to help her with a service by using my previous map fixing abilities I gained in my previous areas and used parts of an atlas book of sorts (not sure the name) and I carefully placed them up even so copies could be made and/or enlarged latter. She then took us out for lunch as a thank you and gave us some copies that were laminated as well when she finished them. God knows when we need help the most and she said that is was better we came when we did rather than the day before and we gave her the help/service and encouragement she needed right when she was at her lowest. We just felt prompted by the spirit to visit her first thing that morning, it goes to show it is better to follow the spirit rather than ignore it and continue on with previous plans to visit her latter.
She also had us have some kumquats, it was Sister Dimmick's first try at them and her reaction was funny, she tried to eat it without the peel and it was a big sour one too so she wasn't a fan. I however enjoyed a few since it had been forever since I last had some. We joked about that for a long while in good humor.
We went in the La Habra Heights (friendly hills) more this week. It is quite an adventure trying to find people up there and going along those roads. it reminds me of a roller coaster, lots of steep ups and downs with interesting sharp turns on occasion. Thankfully we don't pass by many other cars often in the smaller roads, or else I would rarely make those trips. It is real fun though going up there especially those rare sights of the entire valley below all the way to the ocean if the smog isn't thick only a few members live up there, They weren't home so we have to trek up there again some time.
The Baker family was fun to have a lesson with, we did a lesson on the plan of salvation and the father really enjoyed it. He kept asking us questions and loved our responses so we told him to write down any more questions for next time. He even said that it makes sense to him so much more and is starting to understand why it is us missionaries love to go on missions sharing about what we know and love to bless other people who are willing to listen. I hope they get baptized soon, they are such a great family! I also love the members who always let us use their home to teach at and fellowship them since they live outside our boundaries and can't travel to their home. I'm just grateful that the mission president that is over their area was kind enough to let us teach them.
going back to my last area for ken's baptism was a treat yesterday. Almost half the ward was there in support of them and even parts of the YSA were there to welcome him into the YSA should he like to come. He was so excited and even asked to share i\his conversion story and testimony afterwards. He even told us that his father said to him that he was so proud of him, something big in his life considering the previous nonsupport. His father even said he would be willing to support him to go on a mission should he choose. I am so happy for him!
Ken's baptism! Each time I get to see someone I taught make the choice to be baptized makes me so happy and proud of each and every one. It makes it hard to leave for home in a month, but I know they will all be just fine as long as they continue to face their life towards the savior Jesus Christ and in faith. It was interesting to see Sister Painchaud running over to give me a hug and said "my companion!" she must have missed me after all. Funny how life turns out, I'm just glad we are better off now!
All is well that ends well!
Monday, October 17, 2016
74 - New companion and refrigerator!
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
My new Companion is Sister Dimmick, and we have been having lots of fun together. This week for the most part has been very slow, but eventful. I moved to the Santa Gertrudes Ward in Whittier stake, and most of my area is in the La Habra Heights and just below. Sadly, whoever decided the boundary lines neglected to put into account the fact that in order to visit certain places, you can only get there by leaving the mission boundaries.... So we are two of the few missionaries who have permission to leave the mission to use a few streets to get there. That was interesting. We also found many small 2 lane roads that we both agreed were too small for 2 cars to pass by at the same time at some points, so we definitely said a prayer before heading out in the heights to find a few members to visit who were neglected in the past due to said reasons and mileage restrictions making it difficult to venture out there for. They really need to give us more miles for those winding roads to travel, but I doubt they will. It was an adventure though! We also got a good view of the entire mission and beyond from some points. Especially since it was the clearest day I could remember in the longest time for here. Normally you can see the smog about 50 feet away, but it was nice and clear that day. I will never complain about Utah smog ever again. California smog is 100 times worse, even for Utah winters!
No luck in the back woods, but we did find out some gated communities over here that we noted on the map for future missionaries so they don't plan to make a 10 minute drive thinking they could get to another section of the area and find out it is gated and have to go ALL the way around for another half hour or more. We did that trip for them....
Miracle of the week:
We also had an adventure as we found out our ancient fridge decided to leak water from the freezer and ruin everything so we had to buy new food and swap out the fridge for a better one. Turns out the housing missionary just had to close an apartment in Whittier and had to figure out a way to take the fridge down to storage so it worked out perfectly for us! Sadly it was an old elder's apartment and it was filled with mold..... needless to say we spent some good time sanitizing it and the deepest cleaning of a fridge ever in my life to get it safe enough to use. Another adventure in itself. Our car coincidentally needed to be fixed so that took up our day that also opened up when all our appointments canceled. That trend followed the rest of the week, so we only taught 1 lesson to our investigator Sherri the entire week and another with Abigail.
Sherri had just listened to a Christian radio station, and we came and taught about the same subject. She marveled how we seemed to know exactly what she needed to hear and prayed for. She is going through a tough time, so our visit helped her a lot and gave her hope. We also helped her find ways to write down her prayer and things in it so she would read it to help her build her confidence in saying her own prayers instead of reading some one else's. After all, the best prayers come from the heart of the person saying it.
Other than that, I found out that Ken from my last area is getting baptized on October 23rd so that is exciting. I just hope we can save the miles enough to make the trip down. Of course I get sent to the furthest away zone possible.... irony.
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
My new Companion is Sister Dimmick, and we have been having lots of fun together. This week for the most part has been very slow, but eventful. I moved to the Santa Gertrudes Ward in Whittier stake, and most of my area is in the La Habra Heights and just below. Sadly, whoever decided the boundary lines neglected to put into account the fact that in order to visit certain places, you can only get there by leaving the mission boundaries.... So we are two of the few missionaries who have permission to leave the mission to use a few streets to get there. That was interesting. We also found many small 2 lane roads that we both agreed were too small for 2 cars to pass by at the same time at some points, so we definitely said a prayer before heading out in the heights to find a few members to visit who were neglected in the past due to said reasons and mileage restrictions making it difficult to venture out there for. They really need to give us more miles for those winding roads to travel, but I doubt they will. It was an adventure though! We also got a good view of the entire mission and beyond from some points. Especially since it was the clearest day I could remember in the longest time for here. Normally you can see the smog about 50 feet away, but it was nice and clear that day. I will never complain about Utah smog ever again. California smog is 100 times worse, even for Utah winters!
No luck in the back woods, but we did find out some gated communities over here that we noted on the map for future missionaries so they don't plan to make a 10 minute drive thinking they could get to another section of the area and find out it is gated and have to go ALL the way around for another half hour or more. We did that trip for them....
Miracle of the week:
We also had an adventure as we found out our ancient fridge decided to leak water from the freezer and ruin everything so we had to buy new food and swap out the fridge for a better one. Turns out the housing missionary just had to close an apartment in Whittier and had to figure out a way to take the fridge down to storage so it worked out perfectly for us! Sadly it was an old elder's apartment and it was filled with mold..... needless to say we spent some good time sanitizing it and the deepest cleaning of a fridge ever in my life to get it safe enough to use. Another adventure in itself. Our car coincidentally needed to be fixed so that took up our day that also opened up when all our appointments canceled. That trend followed the rest of the week, so we only taught 1 lesson to our investigator Sherri the entire week and another with Abigail.
Sherri had just listened to a Christian radio station, and we came and taught about the same subject. She marveled how we seemed to know exactly what she needed to hear and prayed for. She is going through a tough time, so our visit helped her a lot and gave her hope. We also helped her find ways to write down her prayer and things in it so she would read it to help her build her confidence in saying her own prayers instead of reading some one else's. After all, the best prayers come from the heart of the person saying it.
Other than that, I found out that Ken from my last area is getting baptized on October 23rd so that is exciting. I just hope we can save the miles enough to make the trip down. Of course I get sent to the furthest away zone possible.... irony.
Monday, October 3, 2016
73 - Exchanging miracles
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week is bringing changes. I will go on an extended exchange with Sister Kwon in the Harper Park ward next door to ours. Sister Painchaud and I were having a hard time with each other, so to give each other time to refresh from the tough transfer we have had, president has negotiated with us since we are so close to the end of the transfer. I hope that Sister Painchaud is helped by this. After exchanges with the STL's last week, she perked up, but it didn't last long, so I made the call so that both of us can hopefully have a good week. We also have a general authority visiting our mission this week, so that has added stress because we need to have everything perfect in our apartment and area book.
We had a great opportunity to go to Bishop Terry's with Leicy and Ken there. They even made us a family tradition breakfast just before it started, that was fun. Ever since their son went off to his mission in England, they said it was just too quiet, so it was nice to have us there. This was the first time I have gone to a member's house for conference, so I was thrilled. It was also nice to talk afterwards and discuss things we liked, had questions on, or clarified. Super fun! Ken loved it, especially Priesthood meeting from the day earlier with the ward mission leader. It is so nice when members from the ward on their own invite people we teach to come to events or activities. That is always the best.
We had to return Stella's plate which gave us an opportunity to talk with her since we haven't heard from her for awhile. We helped her with some questions and concerns she had about Joseph Smith, and hopefully I can find what she needs to hear. It is a hard question to answer, but with The Spirit's guidance, anything is possible when you add God's help in the equation. I am so glad we got to see her and she is doing alright. Just wished she got to see General Conference since that really would have helped her. Satan is really working hard to keep people from truth and joy around these parts these days.
Miracle of the week, while on exchanges we decided our goal was to find a new investigator to teach, and Sister Watson and I did just that. We went by a former who had recently decided at her rock bottom to stop doing drugs and have God more in her life. She said that us coming by was just another sign by God that he loved her and was aware of her. She was happy to hear we are Christian, unlike she first had thought when elders first taught her a while back and wanted the sisters to teach her more of the message. Goes to show miracles do happen, especially on exchanges.
This General Conference was so good, I definitely want to listen to it again since I couldn't write down everything i wanted to in my notebook. I also found as I go along my mission, the more and more I write things for myself and more so the people I am teaching or working in the ward with. Funny how that works.
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week is bringing changes. I will go on an extended exchange with Sister Kwon in the Harper Park ward next door to ours. Sister Painchaud and I were having a hard time with each other, so to give each other time to refresh from the tough transfer we have had, president has negotiated with us since we are so close to the end of the transfer. I hope that Sister Painchaud is helped by this. After exchanges with the STL's last week, she perked up, but it didn't last long, so I made the call so that both of us can hopefully have a good week. We also have a general authority visiting our mission this week, so that has added stress because we need to have everything perfect in our apartment and area book.
We had a great opportunity to go to Bishop Terry's with Leicy and Ken there. They even made us a family tradition breakfast just before it started, that was fun. Ever since their son went off to his mission in England, they said it was just too quiet, so it was nice to have us there. This was the first time I have gone to a member's house for conference, so I was thrilled. It was also nice to talk afterwards and discuss things we liked, had questions on, or clarified. Super fun! Ken loved it, especially Priesthood meeting from the day earlier with the ward mission leader. It is so nice when members from the ward on their own invite people we teach to come to events or activities. That is always the best.
We had to return Stella's plate which gave us an opportunity to talk with her since we haven't heard from her for awhile. We helped her with some questions and concerns she had about Joseph Smith, and hopefully I can find what she needs to hear. It is a hard question to answer, but with The Spirit's guidance, anything is possible when you add God's help in the equation. I am so glad we got to see her and she is doing alright. Just wished she got to see General Conference since that really would have helped her. Satan is really working hard to keep people from truth and joy around these parts these days.
Miracle of the week, while on exchanges we decided our goal was to find a new investigator to teach, and Sister Watson and I did just that. We went by a former who had recently decided at her rock bottom to stop doing drugs and have God more in her life. She said that us coming by was just another sign by God that he loved her and was aware of her. She was happy to hear we are Christian, unlike she first had thought when elders first taught her a while back and wanted the sisters to teach her more of the message. Goes to show miracles do happen, especially on exchanges.
This General Conference was so good, I definitely want to listen to it again since I couldn't write down everything i wanted to in my notebook. I also found as I go along my mission, the more and more I write things for myself and more so the people I am teaching or working in the ward with. Funny how that works.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)