May 18, 2015
Hey everyone!
So this week has been pretty great,
except for the fact that I’m still freezing over here in the land of the Blue
skies. haha. I keep thinking that it must be getting warm soon, so I’m starting
to wear less of my winter clothes. But, unfortunately, me telling myself that
it’s summer time doesn’t make anything more warmer here.... But, people keep
telling me that its going to get hot soon, so I guess I just have to have faith
that one day, I’ll be able to take off these tights. I’ve been wearing tights
for the last 8 months of my life. I want to take them off!!! haha. Anyways, Let
me tell you about a few highlights of my week:
Last fast Sunday we fasted for a really
good week of missionary work. It definitely was! We met our goal of number of
visits: 4 with investigators and 9 with less-actives and new members.
1) This week, we met with one of our
inactive members named Y. She is an older lady who has a store that takes up
most of her days, including Sundays. Every time we meet with her, she always
gives us a little treat from her store to say thank you. I always am excited to
see what kind of surprise I will get. But, this time, she was feeling
especially kind. We had just taught her a great lesson about sacrificing for
the things that you love. We even got her to pay her tithing for the first time
in years. And, as we were about to leave, she told us that she loved us, and
wanted to sacrifice a little for us. So, she walked around the store, pulling
out the most random things and giving it to us. We didn’t even have enough time
to decline. haha. By the end of our visit, I ended up with a bright purple down
jacket, a blaring pink chiffon skirt, and a pair of men’s shoes that were still
just a little too tight.... haha. Although I may not add those things to my
current wardrobe... I was so grateful to the gesture. She is such a wonderful
lady :)
2) This week was also full of really
wonderful teaching opportunities! We have been fasting and praying for more
success in the work, and it really worked! Each lesson we taught this week was
filled with inspired messages and learning. Last Saturday, we decided to meet
with a less active family that we haven’t met with for a while. As we walked in
the house, we could feel the tension in the room. They had just finished
getting in a big fight. And as the mother prayed, she prayed that they may be
able to work out the problems that they are having and that they will be
happier as a family. We were going to teach a lesson about missionary work, but
as she prayed, I prayed too that I would be able to teach according to their
needs. As she closed the prayer, a scripture came to my mind and I knew we
needed to talk about humility. But, before I could tap my companion to let her
know the change, Sister Overson started talking. But as I listened, I realized
that she was introducing the very same thought I had in mind: being humble.
Then, we both turned to the exact same scripture that came to my mind. It was
such a wonderful experience and a testimony builder that the spirit truly does
speak to us if we listen.
I know that God loves all his children.
I can feel it as I teach them. I can feel it as I meet with them. I love you
all! Have a great week!
Love, Sister Royal
1). So here is a picture of our baptism
on Friday! They turned off the heat for the summer so the church building was
really cold and the baptismal water was even colder! But she was really excited
and really adorable. She is the niece of one of the best people ever,
Chimetbaatar. The man who baptized her!
2). Sisters in Mongolia :) I mean,
look at that view!
3). We decided to go hiking again this
morning and do our studies on a mountain top. But, first we had to take some
funny pictures :) the following pictures are all taken at a place called Zaisan
and its a memorial for the help that the Russians gave to the Mongolians during
some war... haha sorry I cant be more specific... everything is all written in
Mongolian so that all I could understand from it. Just google it ;) Comps who
play together, stay together :) haha
4). My special gift from one of our
visits with Y. a member who owns a store... haha.
5) Cutest puppy ever. We have a family of dogs that live across the street. Every morning we look out our 7 story window and watch them play in their little field with a bunch of grass, trash, and 1 little ger. A mom, dad, and 5 puppies . we were amazed that all the puppies survived the winter! And they all play with each other all the time, the big ones included.
6.) I got my little package from the Mountain Point Seminary. Thank you! Mongolians love love love Reese's Peanut-butter Cups. I usually give them away. Except maybe one for me. :)
7.)
Probably my best friend in mongolia. Does she look familiar?
We would go on splits all the time with her in my last area.
She came to our baptism on friday and we had to take a "bff photoshoot" haha
8). My Companion Sister Overson teaches English at a Mongolian Kindergarten class. This last week professional photographers came to take pictures and I got to be in them. Look at this darling children taking a pose.
9). We got to Skype with Amy on Mother's Day. What a treat. We spent about 45 minutes talking. We learned so many things. She is have a good time and really enjoying her mission. She has the language and the customs down. Here is a video from that Skype where she speaks to us in Mongolian. Sorry it is sideways. Mom goofed up filming.
