It's been a great week!!

Remember the lady Teri that I mentioned in my last letter? This past Sat/Sun she was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. May 3rd of last year was also the same day that Davida Martinez was baptized, the Lords timing ain't no joke guys.

Originally Teri was praying about a latter date to be baptized, then her move to California had to be moved up to this coming Wednesday. This all came about on Friday not leaving much time at all for Teri to be baptized when she originally planned. Teri calls our WML and says that she wants to be baptized...tomorrow. So we call our mission president and explain the situation. He didn't feel right about it..mainly because he didn't know her like how we know her. He suggested that he give her a call and feel things out and then he would let us know. When our president called back he informed us that he had given Teri an interview over the phone while getting to know her. He felt that she had a great understanding of the promise she was making and that she was ready.

A baptismal interview over the phone?! I hadn't ever heard of that, but I wasn't going to object to it lol

Once we had the go from the mission president we were on it! Making the program, calling people to talk and say the prayer, people to be witnesses, people to bring cookies..this baptism was happening tomorrow! But really, the whole day things just fell into place..even things that kind of went wrong...like when we didn't start filling the font early enough and had to start filling a cooler and dumping it in...even during that I was smiling lol ( It seems that I have had to do that quite a few times since I have been out, all in the name of the Lords work. lol)

Especially when I saw Teri all dressed up, the sun couldn't out shine her that day. You could tell that she was on top of the world, and was so ready for this. The baptismal service went great..Davida gave the talk on baptism, I couldn't wrap my head around it while I was sitting there. A little more then a year ago she found the elders and sent herself in as a referral and then sisters showed up on her doorstep. Now she was in front of me, bearing her testimony about how the day she was baptized was the best day of her life.

Remember Sam? He has since turned in his mission papers Tuesday of last week so we should be hearing in a little bit where he will be serving. Like I said, the Lords timing is no joke. Sam is 25 and just barely missed the cut off for guys to be able to go on a mission. It was no coincidence when his brother told us we should go visit his family, no coincidence that Sam was so quick to accept out invitation to go to church, no coincidence that he received the priesthood and his patriarchal blessing so quickly..Heavenly Father has big plans.

A great week can't accurately describe my feelings, the Lord has been to good to me.

In the beginning I said that I was going to serve because I wanted to give back to the Lord, because he has given me so much. Boy was that stupid, now I'm in debt! lol 

Each day I see why I am serving, starting with the fact that it was a promise I made. Not necessarily to be a full time missionary, but I promised to spread the gospel. We all made that promise, I have a strong belief in the Lords timing (if you couldn't tell), we are all put in a place at a certain time for a reason. There is a sphere of influence that we wield, we can make it for good or bad...or just sit there like a couch potato. I don't want to be a potato! Their full of starch!

I love you all, I love the Lord.

Sister Efnor

Loving this work!!

This weeeekkkkkkkkkkk.....

Well, I'm still in Park city..and I'm still a missionary..not to much as changed lol

Other then the fact that we are teaching some AWESOME people!

Around this same time last year Sister Nelson and I were teaching Davida and her grandson Ronnie. Living with them was Davida's long time friend Terri. She would sit in on a few lessons here and there, she even came to church. I guess after i left she even taught a gospel principles class on the atonement. Then she moved to California..

Well, around the same time that I got transferred back to PC..Terri moved back from California.

We swung by there house and during our visit Terri just blurts out "I think I want to be baptized. I feel really good about it." Uhhhhh exqueaze me?! Immediately she started laughing because of the look of pure "WHAT THE?!" on my face lol 

Since that visit we have been actively teaching her, and Davida took her down to Temple Square to go see Meet the Mormon and the Joseph Smith movie. She has been absolutely amazing and such a testament to me that it wont be as deep unless they are ready. 

I was writing to my cousin Sammy who is in Korea right now and we were just talking about the difference in spreading the good word in our different missions. He talked about how its been pretty rough to find people to teach, but he is working hard that is for sure. 

There have definitely been times when I felt really down because of what my numbers looked like. Not fully understanding at that point what success really was. This is what I wrote to Sammy in regards to how many people we are teaching right now...

"Even though we only have one, the one is progressing, and in a great way. She fasted about being baptized, on her own! This lady has really helped me see that it can make such a huge difference when their ready, and some just aren't ready. I knew this girl when I served in this area around the same time last year, her friend Davida got baptized but it just wasn't her time. Now, almost a year later..she is ready, we don't have to convince or coax her.  I wouldn't trade having w/s up the wazoo with people who don't want to change, for this one child of God that honestly wants to make these promises with her Heavenly Father."

It's not about numbers, even though I fully believe that setting goals helps you get somewhere. However, at the same time it is about people, our brothers and sisters.

(now ill get off my soap box)

Anyone remember the guy Sam that I always talked about while i was in YSA? Well, I just got this letter from him..

"I'm getting ready to turn mission papers i just have to finish my dental work." HECK YESSS! That is what I am talking about. From getting to be there while Sam made the choices to bring himself closer to his Heavenly Father he has taught me that, you can never predict. By that I mean, you can never predict what effect that you will have. Whether its just planting the seed, picking the flower, or maybe your just the one that dug the hole lol Getting to be a small part of this has given me such a strong testimony of the fact that even though I am just one, I can still make a difference. I cant even imagine all the people that Sam is going to touch, especially with the experiences that he has had.

I feel so blessed to be apart of these moments, they are something I'll hold dear for as long as I live that is for sure.

Sister Efnor

TRANSFERRED! and as always… Loving it!

PROPHECY FULFILLED! I'm back in Park City, right back to the Kimball ward. How sweet is that?! I am right back where I started, and what a blessing it has been. People that I knew and taught at this same time last year have changed so much. Some just got baptized, some are going to go do baptisms, some are going to be going through the temple. 

The effect that the gospel can have in someones life goes far beyond what we can ever hope for.

When I was moved out of here last year around this same time I was sad, but kinda happy about it. Sitting at the Family Tree for a good portion of my day wasn't my idea of missionary work. But, I am happy to report that I am more then excited to be here right now.

They have made a new schedule where there is always two sets of sisters at the Tree, one downstairs and one on the computers doing online proselyting. I have loved being a visitors center Sister, but so blessed to have had the opportunity to do a lot of proselyting!  Best of both worlds.  The only time I had the chance to do online proselyting was when I was in the MTC. At first it feels really weird, but over time its just like any other proselyting. There are people in need, or that have questions, and there is a place where they can go.

Of course there are always those few who just get on to mess with some missionaries, whatever. (It dont bother me bruh.)

There are, however, some really great things that have come out of online chatting! Another set of sisters have been actively teaching someone from Florida and they just got baptized this past Saturday, how cool is that?! I had the chance to do my first online prayer.  After I thought about it..it was really cool seeing my prayer written out. The guy that we were helping really appreciated it.

This week didn't prove to be very fruitful, Wednesday morning I walked out of the shower to my companion up-chucking in the sink. This seems to be a trend with my companions..lol I felt bad for the poor girl, it lasted about two days- then we were finally able to go out. I've come to the conclusion that its because I am filled with the spirit, they cant handle that kind of holiness so they just barf out their feelings. lol (JK)  This next week should be great though, we made some really good plans and I am really excited about giving this area a good kick in the rear.

This morning I was reading a talk from the Priesthood session of General Conference, something that really stood out to me was how the mightiest being has asked us to call Him Father. What a sacred and holy calling fathers have, to have that same name of Father. I just wanted to give a shout out to dads, especially my dad. Thank you for teaching, leading, and loving me. Not just for loving me, but for loving my mom.

I know that I have been called back for a purpose, 18 months to serve. Eternity to reflect. No regrets.

Sister Efnor

Last Letter from Wyoming…

Its true, when the area gets going then you get..transferred. 

This whole week as we saw miracles happen all I could think was "its coming" lol.  People to teach were popping up like weeds, and our ward councils were so effective. Its been a great week to end on here in Green River, besides the fact that its just my time..my mom has been praying me out of here lol it was bound to happen.

My prediction? Back to the big PC. But that's just prophecy according to Sister Efnor.

What has Green River taught me?

How to appreciate the small things in life, and be grateful for what I have. The things that don't matter will wither away, but the things that do matter are eternal. Like families.

The Green River stake had a fireside all on missionary work last night. The area seventy, Elder Clark, and our mission president came up to speak about hastening the work, but also specifically to more "seasoned" members about serving senior missions.

They had a couple that just recently returned from Kenya speak on their experience. Stories of having sacrament in a tin roofed tent, the rain beating down so hard that you couldn't hear the speakers. When it would get that loud the members would just stop and sing hymns until it stopped, their stories were so inspiring!

Although serving in a place like Kenya would give stories for people to "Ooo" and "Ahh" about, the husband referred to a scripture that I have read over quite a few times and brought it to a new light.

Doctrine and Covenants 4:1-4

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.                         3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;                                                                                                               4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

No where in that verse does it say "only in Kenya", "but only open your mouth if you have a name tag on", "this only applies to people who have testimonies of steel". It doesn't matter where you are, who you are, this scripture applies to you! 

We all have reservations, fears, excuses, but "When you are on the Lords errand, you are entitled to his help". Like any other aspect of life, we need not go it alone. The area seventy said "It is not if you should serve a mission, but what kind?"

Amen-

Love,

Sister Efnor

This week… Now I'm all caught up!

Thursday afternoon we hitch-hiked our way down to the valley. That night we had the blessing of being able to go to the Jordan River temple, the build up of going to the temple is so exciting! I love getting to visit the Lords house! At dinner on Sunday the lady who fed us described it perfectly "You walk in with the weight of the world, and then..that weight just vanishes.."

Following the next day the mission had zone conference, there were so many great trainings. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many diligent, and spiritual missionaries. 

This scripture says exactly how I feel when I am re-united with people that I have served around and with...

Alma 17:2 " Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God." 

  

Anyways...

This whole month we as a mission have been studying patience, this has been so inspired and exactly what I needed. Go figure.  (Mom insert- there is a whole part to this letter of struggles that she has had to face in Green River that is not included in this letter but just sent to me- I am amazed at how she is at a place that I have at my age, recently come to… The blessings of SERVICE- I think we grow more as the giver than the receiver for sure)

Studying more on this topic has opened me eyes to how influential being a patient person can be, the effects can be immediate or sometimes only seen later on. A certain aspect of patience that really stuck out was, having the ability to overcome discouragement. 

Preach My Gospel says, "When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully."

In a talk given by Val R. Christensen he gives the example of Enoch when he was facing some opposition. The Lords counsel to him was "Lift up your heart, and be glad; and look" Moses 7:44

There are at least three steps to take when striving to overcome discouragement:

1. 1. 
   You can work on changing your attitude toward the problem. Even though you can’t change the circumstances in which you work or live, you can always change your attitude.
2. 2. 
   You can receive help from those who are close to you—your family, friends, and ward members, those who love you the most.
3. 3. 
   You can develop a more powerful and complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I love these steps!

The first, changing your attitude, so much can be achieved if we just flipped the situation around. Or as I put it, just get over it! "  After experiencing the death of parents, crop failure, and sickness, she was encouraged with a spiritual experience that changed her attitude. While attempting to seek divine help, she heard her mother’s voice: “Zina, any sailor can steer on a smooth sea, when rocks appear, sail around them.” A prayer came quickly: “O Father in heaven, help me to be a good sailor, that my heart shall not break on the rocks of grief”.

The second, receiving help from others, for some..this can be quite difficult. What I like about his step is that i feel like it would prepare us for the 3rd step, trust in the Savior.

 Alma 34:3: “And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience.” 

The message is simple: problems faced are going to take a long time to solve. If we place a little more patience in the process and a greater amount of faith in the Lord, our challenges will find their way toward successful conclusions.

I am so grateful for the experiences that I have had in this past month that have helped me exercise patience.  I know that the Lord is aware of us, our fears, past, present, financial issues, passing of loved ones and so on.  In the Doctrine and Covenants we read this: “If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful” (D&C 136:29)

Love,

Sister Efnor

I just remembered a whole blog post by Sister Efnor that I missed because I was out being a cowgirl!! It's like Christmas!

Friday night I had a dream..

My companion and I were at Home Depot, and there was a man there. He had a teaching record in our area book and previous missionaries had said to not go near him because he was a stalker...something like that. Anyways, at some point the guy was trying to rip my name tag off of my shirt. To which my reply was "I may represent Jesus, but that doesn't mean I wont beat the crud out of you!".  The end.  (What, Why?? lol)

The beginning of this week was rough, my companion came down with some icky stomach flu. 

But she recovered by the end so we were able to go get some work done. 

This past Sunday there were two recent converts that were able to bless and pass the sacrament in two different wards.  It was great looking at their wives and kids and seeing their beaming faces as they watched their dad/husband administer to the ward.

It was a great opportunity for me to reflect on the progression that I've seen in my own life these past months I have been serving.  Probably the best kind of growing pains I've ever experienced lol

“Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

“And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God” Mosiah 27:25-26.

Elder Bednar said "..the conversion described in these verses is mighty, not minor—a spiritual rebirth and fundamental change of what we feel and desire, what we think and do, and what we are. Indeed, the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature.." 

I thinking about how it is so easy to have the schedule I have, and study the way I do, because I only have one purpose right now. I want to start making plans that will help me in continuing on the path I have started on.  Elder Bednar goes on to say "..And after we come out of the waters of baptism, our souls need to be continuously immersed in and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior’s gospel. Sporadic and shallow dipping in the doctrine of Christ and partial participation in His restored Church cannot produce the spiritual transformation that enables us to walk in a newness of life. Rather, fidelity to covenants, constancy of commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God are required if we are to receive the blessings of eternity."

I just got news that an aunty and uncle of mine are going through the temple for the first time in the coming week.  The gospel changes people!  We stretch, grow, fall, get back up, turn to the Lord always...then all at once we look back to see an old box on a shelf, full of the things that we thought we were.  Now refined, we see who our Heavenly Father always knew we could be.

Love,  Sister Efnor

When I opened my emails today, I received some pretty heart crushing news.  As I sat and pondered about the family being effected… What they must be feeling,  and the gap that is ever present in their lives now.  Immediately I was brought to my knees in prayer.  Thinking about what I should say- the words, "I know that only You can relieve the pain this family is feeling", came to my mind.

This is so true. The memories can never be replaced.  However, the knowledge that I have gained for myself, that we will be reunited with our loved ones that have departed from this earth, brings me such comfort and joy.

In a lesson we were having with an investigator, the member we had brought shared a very personal experience. At a very young age, one of her sons had passed away. As she told us about the sorrow she felt at the time, the smile on her face never once faded.  She bore testimony that although this was a huge trial in her life, she knew that she would once again be reunited with her son.  The reassurance that she knew where her son was, brought her an even greater happiness.

That night after the lesson my companion and I were talking about the strength of this woman.  We cannot imagine the pain that follows losing one of your own children.  It really was the gospel that helped her through.  The difference it made in her life was that instead of pulling away, she turned towards the Savior in her time of distress. 

“The family is one of God’s greatest fortresses against the evils of our day. Help keep your family strong and close and worthy of our Father in Heaven’s blessings. As you do, you will receive faith and strength which will bless your lives forever.” 

I know that the family is ordained of God and that they are eternal.  Though we may face challenges on all ends of the spectrum, be it a loss of a loved one, a child/sibling gone way ward, diseases, depression, whatever it may be… All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Click here.

Rest in love Mercedes.

Love,

Sister Efnor