Short & Sweet

Good morning!

Jonesboro is great! My companion is great! We are finding new investigators, visiting formers, less-actives and still trying to find our way around!! 

Wednesday we had no set appointments from 1-5. It was 104 degrees plus humidity! It was definitely going to be a harder day as a missionary.. BUT we decided to COUNT OUR MANY BLESSINGS. I don't remember how long we did this for, but we were able to go back and forth and it made us really realize how blessed we are!!!

This week I have been focusing a lot on understanding the atonement even deeper. One key phase I loved is that the atonement "removes the effects of sin from repentant sinners." Jesus Christ was the only one capable of performing such an act. He was the only perfect person to ever walk this earth. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right. As I studied this in my morning studies I really focused on the aspect of how the atonement cleanses us and allows us to be freed from that guilt and shame that comes from sinning. Later that day, I felt the power of the atonement in a different way. I got news from the missionaries still serving in Russellville that one of the members had passed away. He was in his 30's and had 3 young kids. I was strengthen through the enabling power of the atonement. Not only does the atonement alleviate the pain, sorrow and shame we feel after we repent, but the Savior also heals our broken hearts, comforts us, dries our tears ,and strengthens us. I can feel Him with me, daily! I love my Savior and I'm so grateful for Heavenly Father's perfect plan!

I love you all. Ya'll are the best!

Hermana Warner

JONESBORO!!

What a week. I said my goodbyes to everyone in Russellville Monday and Tuesday. Surprisingly it wasn't hard to say bye to them. I know I will see them very soon. Wednesday I was transferred to JONESBORO. It is like two times the size as Russellville. About 70,000 people. It's a small adjustment going back to the big city, but so far I love it! 

My companion is HERMANA MITCHELL!! We are opening this area up for Spanish sisters. There was a set of English sisters here but they took them out and put us in. I love Sister Mitchell. She is from St. George, Utah, loves to run and tells me everyday how much she loved working at Hokulia and how she loves Curtis. 

The past few days have been going through the area book, and trying to find people to teach. Friday night we were planning and decided to look through the area book. As we were praying Sister Mitchell thought of the name Susan. After the prayer we opened the area book to a random page and the name was Susan Bishop. We immediately knew we needed to visit her. There was no phone number or address. They last visited her in 2011. Somehow we needed to find her. We tried finding a phone book, or calling the previous missionaries to see if they knew her, but they had never heard of her. We decided to look through the phone and her number was in there. We immediately called her... it was 9:45 at night, and she answered. We set up an appointment the next day. We went there Saturday night.. she lives about 25 miles out of Jonesboro. It was amazing. She lives by herself, and has health problems. She was bit by a brown recluse spider 4 years ago and is still having problems from it. We don't know exactly what will come out of this experience, she does have a baptism date for September, but we do know that God knows each one of his children individually. He loves us all. It was such a neat experience to feel that love he has for her as we sat and talked with her. 

Other than that neat experience, we have been relying on the Lord every single minute and we know this is exactly where we both need to be! 

We went to the ward yesterday. It is in English and then they translate for the few Hispanics that come. I already love it here. It helps that I have a great companion that is obedient and loves to work. We are seeing lots of miracles and are learning and growing! 

I love you all! 

Love,

Hermana Warner

saying bye to the Smiths!!

My baby Sister Peterson and my new companion Sister Mitchell

Sister Sorto  gave me  this dress! She is so nice! 

We'll the time has come. Transfer week

Well the time has come. I got a transfer call this morning and will be leaving Russellville Wednesday morning! I couldn't have had a better week to finish off my stay here! 

Arissandra was baptized on Saturday and confirmed yesterday! We had a great lesson with her last week right before her baptism. She passed her interview but brought up the doubt that she wanted to be baptized after she got home from Mexico at the end of August because her grandmother is super catholic and she wanted to enjoy her time with her. We were able to go to her house, kneel down, and she gave the sweetest prayer asking if she should still be baptized before she went. We waited for a few minutes after she said the prayer. She then said, she still wanted to be baptized!!! She has no support from her family but she now has the whole church family!! 

We are also teaching 3 boys ages 17, 15, 13. Their mom is a recent convert. They have never been to a church before and last week we went over there and the 15 year old boy prayed for the first time! It was such a sweet moment. The mom just sat there and cried, with tears of happiness. 

Wednesday there was a crazy storm. We were in the rest home and right as we were about to leave, the sky outside was completely black. It looked like it was midnight. We quickly ran to our car and it was pouring rain and windy. We went inside the apartment and waited out the storm. :) It was just a crazy thunderstorm! 

Saturday after the baptism we had a branch activity. We acted out the trek to Utah. We walked around to about 13 different stations that all represented a different place along the trek. My companion and I acted out Brigham Young proclaiming, "This is the right place".  After the activity we had hot dogs, played volleyball and danced! Sister Goudie also played the piano a little bit and some of the members sang songs. They then told me to come over and pull up a chair. They sang "God be with you till we meet again." Priceless. They had no idea I was going to get transferred. OH and I can't forget the moment when we were told that we couldn't wear make-up or do our hair for the trek activity and one elder goes, "Well that won't be much different."  Then we went to dinner at the Eastman's. Brother Eastman had a feeling I would be getting transferred and he has been promising me for a while that he would make us ribs- so he did it on Saturday! They were the best ribs I've ever had. They fell right off the bone. He smoked them in his smoker and it took 7 hours!! 

Sunday everyone was telling me they had feelings I was leaving. Literally some didn't even know transfers was this week. Someone told me, "You just feel like our daughter, you're part of our family." Then Sister Goudie and Samantha Smith sang a duet in the English sacrament!! They wanted to do it before I left! AHH.... With all of these people telling me they felt I was leaving-it made the transfer call this morning so much easier. I will cherish all the moments I have had here in Russellville! I have had the best 8 months of my life!

Well, that's about it, GOOD LUCK to RYAN leaving Wednesday for his mission!!

Have a blessed week!

Hermana Warner

Hit my 8 month mark!

First off, yesterday I hit my 8 month mark here in Russellville. I think my church records have been permanently moved to this ward.... (I hope saying this doesn't curse me because next week is transfers. Noooo...)

It has been a fantastic week. The weather has been absolutely perfect, which made working that much greater! 

Last Monday we had a lesson with Arissandra. We didn't have a car and we needed a ride so we asked an English member to come with us. (long story short, because she is single and doesn't do FHE in the summer) Obviously, she doesn't speak Spanish but that didn't matter. We were able to translate a few things for her, as she felt impressed to say them.She was able to share such a personal experience that brought the spirit to the lesson. I was again reminded that even though we may not be able to speak the language very well, or at all, the spirit is a universal language and can speak to all. 

We also had another lesson with this young 17 year old that wants to be a pastor/preacher. The previous times we have met, have been quiet, um... the lessons. Crazy. This time he wanted to meet with us again, we were advised to take the elders so he couldn't intimidate us. We decided to take a member who is pretty knowledgeable in the gospel. It was perfect. Not because she could sit there and prove him wrong, that is not Christ-like (which she told him that), but she was able to control the situation and we were able to teach by the spirit! There were still things we didn't agree on, but having that member there to keep things 'calm' was so needed! I'm so grateful for members! More importantly, I'm so grateful for the spirit, and the pure testimony I can share everyday that touches peoples hearts more than anything else! He will find this truth, it might just take time!  

This week my companion and I were working a lot on teaching by the spirit, recognizing the spirit, and obeying the promptings of the spirit. This is the Lord's work we do, and we must do it in His way. Focusing on this has made such a difference. It has helped us to have more powerful lessons, even if they are just for 2 minutes outside in parking lots. It has helped us be in the right place at the right time, and we are seeing the work move forward. I LOVE being a missionary. I know I probably say this every single week. It is so true. 

Other moments from the week:

-We went and visited this member in a rest home and she started telling us she has given up and she wants to die. She told us who she has chosen to do her funeral stuff. So sad. I hate to see people in so much pain and for them to have no hope. 

-Played soccer and basketball with the Spanish branch. SO FUN. It just so happens that almost every week my companion and I are late, because we were at other lessons, and we are always the first  to leave, because we turn into pumpkins after a certain hour... but... every time as soon as I walk in, the members yell for me to be on their team. Then they yell non-stop the rest of the time.. "Warner, Warner, Warner" for me to pass the ball, for them to give it to me, for me to defend, to shoot, or simply because they think it's entertaining. It's gets very competitive sometimes! 

-We went to some very good restaurants with members this week. We got fed more this week, than any week before, including when we got fed 3 times for Thanksgiving. Listen up... We went to Colton's BBQ (It's like Texas Rode House), Dixie's Cafe, Pizza Hut (who knew they had sit-down), and Las Palmas. PLUS.. amazing homemade food by the members. I had Chocolate gravy which is a southern specialty. They put them on their biscuits. So good. Plus, tamales, and papusas. AH! The members show us their love by feeding us. We had 9 people want to feed us dinner in the past 2 days. We were able to make it to 6 of them. Yes. I have had 6 dinners in the past 2 days. 

-Funny moment: You know you are missionary when you ask, "Ma'am, Can I have another referral?" instead of "Ma'am can I have another refill?" (for a drink) Yep, just a little awkward.  

well, I think that's about it! I love you all. I have the greatest family and friends in the world!! 

Hermana Warner

That sign: we didn't read it until we knocked on their door. ooops. They weren't there though so we got a picture of it! 

One year mark!!

In 2 days I will reach my one year mark. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. In just 6 short months I will be coming home and this dream that I am in will all be over. 

All growing up I remember singing, "I hope they call me on a mission" Every time I hear that song sung now by little children I get emotional. I am living that dream. 

The last year has been the greatest life changing experience of my life. I have learned and experienced so many things I hope to never forget.

I have learned to have hope. I have learned to put my trust in the lord. Even though I may not know what lies ahead of me, what my future holds, I can hold fast to my Heavenly Father who knows all. 

I have learned the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. It doesn't matter if we like to cook, if we are good at sports, if we have the nicest, newest car, or if we got a 34 on the ACT. The Lord loves each one of us the same. We are all equally important to him. Therefore, I am not better than you, and you are not better thanmeI. The car we drive, or how good we are at sports doesn't give us lasting happiness. What if your car gets totaled or if you are put into a boot because you hurt you let playing tennis? Are you of no worth? Can you still have confidence? Of course. As we understand our relationship with our Father in Heaven; that we are all his children and that we are each important in the eyes of God- then our view of life changes. I know it does. It's changed mine.

I have learned the importance of daily scripture study, how to receive personal revelation, the power of prayers, and so many other things. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity to serve a mission!!

 

 Life really is this good. 

Hermana Warner

pictures:

matching shoes

when it rains... it pours. Everyone keeps telling us it has never been this mild(weather wise) in Arkansas. It apparently has never rained this much in the middle of July either! I am enjoying it as much as I can, because the heat, plus humidity is killer. We have been pretty lucky!!

Melinda was baptized!!

 

  

Melinda was baptized last week! AH!! We went over there on Monday night and she said, "Did I tell you why I decided to be baptized?" Ah.. nope... "While  I was in the hospital I had a dream and Christ came to me and said, Follow your people. Be baptized." She said it wasn't urgent, like "im not going to die or anything" but he told me to do it as soon as posible. She had been praying about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon for a while and she finally recieved her answer. The spirit was so strong as she told us that. I have never seen her so happy. She is on cloud 9. All of her worries just seem to be so small. She is so incredibly happy and thanks me all the time for never giving up on her. Beleive me. There were times I wanted to. There were times I thought I was wasting my time, but there was always something deep down inside of me that felt bad for her. A 64 year old lady that has absolutely NO FAMILY, has no contact with her 4 kids, has had abusive relationships, has fibromyalgia, COPD, and smokes while on oxygen. I couldn't handle having her be alone. I would have sister training leaders come and we would have an appointment with her so we would go and we would leave with them saying, Don't go back. She is not ready. She doesn't understand prophets. The elect will listen more than they talk. BlaBlaBla. I eventually learned to not take leaders there after that happened 2 times. (once with me and once with sister durfee)  I learned that the Lord knew I wouldn't give up on her and I have no doubt why I have been here this long. It was for her. As soon as she was confirmed, I kinda felt a feeling of ... You have done your job here.  I also learned to have patience and rely on the lord's timing of things. I can't force anyone to be baptized. They have to have the desire for themselves, and once they have that, the Lord's timing is perfect. Yeah, melinda was not ready 6 months ago, but the lord knows us all individually and knew she needed some company. In fact, we were the only ones that visited her in the hospital. We were the ones that gave her food while she overdosed one day. We were the ones that NEVER, EVER GAVE UP. It wasn't me though. I wasn't my companion. It was the Lord allowing us to be instruments in his hands!   She does have an aid that comes and takes care of her for 3 hours in the morning. The morning of her baptism, Melinda was getting ready for her interview and her aid goes, "Why are you getting baptized? Just be catholic." Melinda said, "I tried that and obviously it didn't work." She didn't let her aid stop her one bit. The next morning after she was baptized her aid was kind of mad that she was baptized... (is what melinda said) and so Meinda let her leave early. Other than that, everyone has been so supportive of her (ward members and people she tells!!) She completely feels like she has an extended family. That's what this gospel is all about! I love it!     My other recent convert Diana came to church last week and we went out and talked during sacrament meeting becuase she has been having suicidal thoughts. I talked with the branch president to see if we could maybe get people over there daily visiting her becuase she is on house arrest, (she runs away from her parents) and is just in her house all day every day without a phone. (they took that away. AND... presidente said "she only listens to you, so I don't know what we can do." AH!!! What are they going to do when I leave? Well, Tuesday morning she was taken by ambulance to the little rock primary hospital becuase she tried killing herself. She drank bleach and took extra pills. She is out of the hospital now and is in a clinic for 1 to 2 weeks and then will go to a long term clinic!! Her dad said he will put me and Sister goudie on the list so we can go and visit her. Poor girl.   Other news, you know you have been in an area long when 2 different people get up to bear their testimonies and they say they are moving and I'm sitting in the back holding back tears and thinking to myself, "They are leaving me." I feel like I am apart of this ward!! (and branch!!)   Other than that.. things are great!! the 4th of July was awesome! The fireworks were nothing compared to stadium of fire.. I didn't realize how much music adds to fireworks. However, they were still good.   The work is still great. We go on exchanges tomorrow. We are both staying in our area, and so both of the sister training leaders are coming to our area.   xoxo Ash

Where to start...

Where to start.... this week was crazy. There are things that I never want to happen again, and yet there are other things that happened that are a missionaries dream!!!

First the things I never want to experience again. We had 2 lessons this week where we taught for maybe 5 minutes and then the whole rest of the hour we were bombarded with questions and them telling us what we believe. It was nuts... Okay so the first lesson we sat down and he told us he had a few questions.... um 5 pages worth... like, "Have you fully repented of your sins?" "How come Brigham Young's doctrine of Adam is deemed no longer doctrine? Doesn't that mean Brigham Young was a false prophet?" "Are the answers you have shared today what your church believes or more just your personal standards?" OK I HOPE THIS IS MAKING SENSE... This is very hard for me to relive this. It was miserable. "Now before you go I want to share 2 more scriptures with you. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 & 13-14. (he read them out of his bible and it was even more bold than the King James Version) Then he goes, "I love these people and I can't stand for them to not be saved. I want you to know I will stand before God with clean blood that I told you what was true." AHHHHH.... I simply just testified back to what we knew to be true and asked if we could have a closing prayer. We said we can still be friends. We can just agree to disagree. Good luck with everything... yadda yadda yadda. The next days lesson wasn't as bad. We met this lady in Goodwill, but when we went to meet with her she had to leave so we talked to her cousin and her cousins-wife. This family goes to the Luz del Mundo church. They believe very similar to what we believe with a few exceptions- one being they baptized in the name of Jesus Christ only. We baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. He tried to explain to us why we are wrong, and how Matt 28:19 is a mystery to all, and how come none of the apostles baptized others by all 3.... yadda yadda  yadda... skip forward to his next argument 10 minutes later and he was telling us we really need to research and investigate our church and how can we say the Book of Mormon supports the bible if the Book of Mormon says we need to be baptized in the name of all 3. He did agree however to read from the Book of Mormon but if he read anything that was contradictory to the Bible he would be calling us and be expecting an answer. We agreed!! 

We were tested lots this week. I re-read the talk given by Elder Holland last conference- "the cost and blessings of discipleship" to help me remember that ITS ALL WORTH IT. Even though some may tell us we are not Christian, that we are a cult, that there was no Egyptian language so Joseph Smith made up the Book of Mormon, that Adam and Eve were not the first people on earth and we needed to do more research on that,  ITS ALL WORTH IT!  As we all know... after the trails and tribulations... and after the many hours of hard work and faith, then come the miracles, and triumphs!!

Thursday night we decided to go to the hospital because Melinda was not answering her door or our phone calls and we were worried for her. She was checked into the ICU. When we got up there it was about 8:40 pm. Melinda was not in a clear state. She was not there and the doctors told us she had been like that for 2 days now.  She was hallucinating non-stop. The doctors said they had no idea what was going on and that they gave her enough medicine to knock a big-man out and she was still like that. They told us to go in and try talking to her. We went in and started talking with her. She calmed down a little and was answering me, but they were not all the way there answers. As we were leaving the doctors started asking me more questions. It was so hard for me to see Melinda in that kind of a state, however I knew she was being taken care of! They told us to come back tomorrow. Friday we went back around 1 and she was out of the ICU. She was totally coherent and was happy to see us. She had no idea that we came the day before. (Still does't know) She told us that she talked to the doctor the day before and asked if she could be baptized. He said there was no problem in that and so she said she wanted to be baptized. (I can't picture the state she was in on Thursday to ask the doctor if that was okay, but hey, I'm perfectly okay with it!) She said she has been procrastinating and wants to be closer to God. She had forgotten her glasses at her house (she was taken by ambulance to the hospital) and she couldn't read but wanted another Book of Mormon. We gave it to her and set a date for her to be baptized on July 5.The next day we went in there and there was a Hispanic couple in the room. As soon as we walked in Melinda goes, "I told you they would come" She then said, "Iv'e been testifying of this!" She held up her Book of Mormon that we gave her yesterday!! It gets even better!! This couple were former investigators to the Spanish Elders!! The Spanish elders hadn't seen this family in 2 months. The ladies husband was driving in Dardenelle (a connecting city) and the Elders were walking down the street as they see his car drive by. The Elders yelled heyyyyy. He stopped and said that his wife was in the hospital. The elders said they could go and give her a blessing... no less than 30 minutes later after talking to him in Dardenelle the Elders showed up in the hospital room. They came in just 10 minutes after us. NOT A COINCIDENCE. Long story short.... Melinda went through a complete change and is SO excited to be baptized. This couple said they want to come to her baptism on Saturday.(If the wife is out of the hospital) Melinda went home yesterday afternoon! 

I am so grateful to be serving a mission!! Yes, some moments it gets so tiring to prove what I believe, but every time I do, I am reassured how true the gospel is. I would rather have a few unanswered questions.. than live without the priesthood, doctrinal truths, or the sealing power that families can be together forever. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!

Have a great week ya'll. Don't celebrate my favorite holiday too much without me!! 

con amor,

Hermana Warner

had a sleepover downstairs last night!!

this couple... is hilarious. I asked for a picture and she asked me.. your not going to give it to the cops are you?