Happy Father's Day

June 21, 2015

At our 1 year mark.

Sister Petersen and Sister Royal

Hi Family and Friends,

Thanks for your testimony of Jesus Christ! I have been studying a lot about him this week and it’s been so great! The only hard part is that the more you study about Jesus Christ and his atonement, the more you actually realize how much you just can’t comprehend! Please continue to send me your testimony of Christ.

 Email      amy.royal@myldsmail.net

 

send a letter

 

Sister Amy Royal

5th Fl, LDS Church Bldg, Tokyo Street 6

Bayanzurkh District, 1st Khoroo

Ulaanbaatar

13381

Mongolia

Here is Mongolia, they don’t celebrate Fathers Day. That’s probably because there aren’t that many great father figures here. And it just makes me realize even more how lucky I am to have a poppa like mine!

Look at you have people over on Fathers Day! haha I remember how much I used to dislike when you would invite people over for holidays and stuff. And just now am I realizing that that is the biggest missionary work anyone can do, just caring for people. If there is one thing I am SURE I will do after my mission is visiting people in their homes. Caring for those who are lonely or needy. And VISITING TEACHING!!!! So, thank you for being such a good example :)

PS, We did a split this week with the STL's from the city and I got mail!!!!! haha I got a letter from Brother and Sister Rogers. Will you tell them how much I appreciated it? Thanks :) BIG THANKS to... Patriarch and Sister Rogers

I love you all :) 

Have a good week!!!

Love, Sister Royal 

Pictures

There was no hot water for our baptism.. so we were trying to warm it up with some boiled water. haha. PS, we meet in an old apartment building here, so there is no font. So People get baptized in this pool. haha 

 We had to hike forever to visit this Less active family. We were literally in the middle of nowhere. 

 We were walking around and started playing what are the odds... She asked me what are the odds that I would go ask this kid if I could ride his little kid bike. I obviously picked the biggest odds possible- 1 out of 40. And guess what... We both guessed 12!!! hahaha.... that was embarrassing... 

We got a balloon for kids day.. and then felt kinda dumb so we gave them to some actual kids. haha 

 

  Mongolian countryside baby! 

How Have you Come to Know Christ?

Hey Everyone! 

 

So, incase you were wondering, no, I haven’t gotten my new companion yet. As far as I know, her visa has come through, but they are just waiting for the right time to send her over. I suspect that within the next few weeks she will come. Until then, I am still in the little town of Baganuur with Sister Petersen. It’s been a little hard here being in a limbo stage. I wasn’t really sure how long I was going to stay here. Originally, it was only supposed to be a few days. Its been three weeks now and all I have with me is a little duffle bag of clothes... haha. Good thing Sister Petersen loves me and is letting me borrow her things! But, because I had viewed this as such a temporary thing, I don’t think I was really giving my all to the work. But, this last week I made a goal to live each day like I was going to stay here for the rest of my mission and it has made a world of a difference. This week we have seen so many miracles and we have seen the Lord’s hand in the work! 

 

So, this week during my studies, I have been focusing on the attributes of Christ. I have realized that in order to become more Christ like, we need to first get to know him. Who was he? What did he do? What is important to him? How much does he love each one of us? As I’ve been on mission, I’ve grown to know who he is. I’ve felt Him by my side and seen His hands in the work. But, in my quest to become more Christ like, I want to learn more about your opinions. So, I have something to ask of all of you. How have you come to know Christ? How have you seen him in your life? Can you remember the first time you knew he was there? Do you know how much He REALLY loves you? I’ve been asking people here in Mongolia and I have heard truly miraculous things. And now I want your opinion! So let me know :) Send me an email. Or even better, A LETTER! haha. (Mom, can you but my email and mailing address in here?) I promise you that as we recognize the relationship that we have with our Savior, we will grow even closer to him. And your testimonies will grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day :) 

 

I love you all! Have a great week and I look forward to hearing from you :) 

 

Love, 

Sister Royal 

How have you come to know Christ? Send me a letter and let me know

 

amy.royal@myldsmail.net

 

or

 

Sister Amy Royal

5th Fl, LDS Church Bldg, Tokyo Street 6

Bayanzurkh District, 1st Khoroo

Ulaanbaatar

13381

Mongolia

 

ps

Hi mommy :) So, if you haven’t heard already, I got my release date! December 17th! What a great Christmas present! haha. I just want to thank you for all your help and support mom. I love you :) 

Pictures:

1) My One year mark. We celebrated with Peanut M&Ms

 2) Sister Peterson and I friends in the MTC together and now we are mission companions

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June is Here. It's still cold!

June 1, 2015

Hi Family :)

I did have a really great birthday! People made my birthday very special :) Did you get my birthday video? So, this week has been kind of a whirlwind. I’ve been moved around from companion to companion and area to area. My trainee had some visa problems, so she had to be delayed for a few weeks or maybe days... no one really knows. But until then, I found myself back in Baganuur with Sister Petersen. It’s been lots of fun!

Sorry, I don’t have a lot of time to write you! But I hope you enjoyed the pictures :) I love you so much family! Have a good day :)

Love,

Sister Royal

What a cool letter I just got! Mom, Mongolia is the best! I can’t believe I only have 6 more months here... how am I going to leave this place??

On Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 6:23 AM, Abby Bates ‪wrote:

Hi Sis. Royal!

Yes, it's ok to be confused. You don't actually know an Abby  (well, maybe you do! But I'm a different Abby  ;) ). I met you and your companion briefly with the BYU wind symphony a couple weeks ago while we were touring Asia. Once back in America, I was on "Prepared to Serve" for the Ulaanbaatar Mongolia mission, and I came across your blog! I recognized you from the ward we had the fireside in, and decided to send you a quick hello!

Truth is - I am amazed by the missionaries in Mongolia! I honestly don't know how you do any of it: live in the cold, eat the food, and learn the language.... Let's just say, I had the experience of my life going to the members homes that Sunday, and it made me have great respect for the missionaries serving there. As I prepare for my mission in Michigan, I am certain I will think of you all often, and remember that halfway across the world are missionaries in Mongolia who are having a colder winter than I am, and yet being just as dedicated to the work. A particular memory that many band members shared from our fireside in Mongolia actually included you! It was as we sang "Go Ye Now in Peace", many band members (including myself) noticed, and were touched as you mouthed the words to the piece, and tears were brought to your eyes. What a wonderful experience for us all to share! Thank you for your service and humility to share your feelings of the Savior's atonement with us in that little way.

After touring a week in Mongolia, we spent a week in South Korea and a week in Japan. On the bus ride home from the SLC airport to BYU, we were all talking, and unanimously decided that Mongolia was our favorite of the countries we visited. The members were so gracious, humble, loving, and giving. We were all brought to tears when we climbed the 600+ stairs to look over the city of Ulaanbaatar on our last day, and the LDS choir from Mongolia surprised us by meeting up there to sing "High On the Mountain Top" and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". You missionaries are teaching, seriously, some of the best members of the Church in the world. I'm convinced. :)

Thank you for your service. Thank your companion too (who I talked to briefly, and definitely can't remember her name....) Please, tell the members that the BYU wind symphony miss and love them. You are so blessed to be serving in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia!! :)

Thanks again,

Abby

Hey Abby,

Thank you so much for the letter! It was such a special surprise! I am So happy that you guys all enjoyed your trip to Mongolia! We really enjoyed having you here! You are so right; Mongolia is such a special place. I am totally convinced that I am being helped and blessed by the people here more that I could ever help them. I remember talking to you just for a little after the fireside! I wish you all the best of luck with your mission. Let me just tell you, missions are really hard. But they are also the most special, happiest, blessed times of our lives. So take it all in :)

Thank you again for the email. Tell everyone I say Hi and thanks for the beautiful music you provided us in Mongolia :)

Love,

Sister Royal

1) My birthday breakfast made By my temporary companion, Sister Bolor.

2) My yummy birthday pizza :)

3) Our little district :) 

4) So, our plans changed a little bit... haha mine and Sister Petersen’s trainees have some visa problems and haven’t come yet... so her and I are back together and back in Baganuur for what could be 1 week or 6 weeks... we are kind of in limbo right now. 

Anyways, those horses were right out of window when we woke up. I love the countryside :)

 

5) More birthday festivities.

Although sister Petersen and I didn’t get to be together for my birthday, we were together for our year mark. That was fun :) We get a bag of peanut M&Ms to celebrate 

Thanks For the Birthday Wishes

Sister Royal and Sister Petersen

May 25, 2015

Dears Family and Friends.

It makes me soooo happy that you guys watched that food show. Welcome to my life. It’s funny because it all just seems normal now. But when I really think about it, yeah, it’s pretty gross. The biggest difference is just that they don’t waste anything! So, I’ve probably eaten every part of an animal by now. And yeah, the milk products here.... blahhhhh. haha so. darn. gross. I was so happy to see that everyone in my family has a little more insight on the beautiful/unique culture of Mongolia! Its just soooo hard to explain it over email! hahaha. And it was also fun to take a step out of my everyday Mongolian life to remember how all of this would look from my pre-missionary life. You’re right! When I really think about it, Mongolian food is really... interesting! hahaha. I guess it’s just been so long that I’ve gotten used to it or I’ve just been really blessed ;) probably the latter. (Watch Bizarre Foods, Mongolia on Netfix or the History Channel. Make sure you have a strong stomach.)

So, I assume you’ve heard the news.... I’m becoming a mission mom!!! My trainee should get into the country next week and then we are headed to Darkhan! I’m so excited to see all my friends there! And it will be great because I will be able to actually communicate with them this time! haha. I am pretty excited but also pretty nervous! haha. It’s going to be hard training in the countryside. But it’s all pretty poetic huh? Now, almost a year later, I’m going back to my birthplace :) But until my comp gets here, I’ve been hanging out with sister Petersen in Baganuur (another small countryside town where she will be serving) It’s a white wash there, so we've spent the weekend getting to know the people and the area. Also, Baganuur is approved for biking! So, for my first time as a missionary I got to ride around on a bike! And let me tell you, it was a really surreal thing to be riding through huge grass fields field with roaming horses. It was an experience I will never forget! I am reminded each day how lucky I am to be here. I know everyone might say this, but my mission is probably the best one out there! Anyways, we made our way back to the city today and we will hang out here until Thursday!

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes! I’m headed out now to a yummy American place to celebrate :) I’m going to get a burger and a chocolate shake!

I am so overwhelmed by love for all of you! And even though we are far away, I feel so close to you all!!!! Have a good week :)

I love you :)

Love,

Sister Royal

Will it ever get Warmer???

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.

Packages and M&Ms

April 26, 2015

Dear Family and Friends.

 I GOT THE PACKAGE!!!!!! Can you believe it? I can’t. The APs called me on Friday night and told me that I got a huge package and I just burst into tears. haha I thought it was a joke because you guys just said you sent it. But, sure enough it was! It took only 10 days to get here... can you believe it?? PS, I love all the clothes in it. M comp. and I had a little fashion show on Saturday night and on Sunday, I changed twice half way through the day because I had too many cute things to wear! haha.I forgot how much  I love clothes. I’ve gotten so lazy on my mission. I usually wear the same thing or a variation of the same thing everyday. I’ve been wearing little Mittinator shirt to bed every night and am wearing it right now actually! haha. I feel kinda close to you in a way :) Thank you so much for all the wonderful things you gave me. I am so blessed. I’ve already started giving out all my chocolates and Jesus pictures. Everyone loves them :)

I am so so so happy that you got to hang out with Dani. That girl is one of my best friends. Did you end up taking her out to lunch?? I hope so. And if you did, did you pretend like she was me for a little bit?? I hope so :)

So this week I have seen soooo many blessings. Did you get a picture texted to you this week???? We have an American family in our ward, the Hills. They are here on a 2-year contract for work and they are wonderful. They invited us to come to their house for dinner and I felt so blessed. They are so willing to help us. They asked us if we needed anything and I just knew it wasn’t just an empty question, I knew they really meant it. Then, at dinner, they gave us a HUGE bag of peanut M&Ms. They were all a little surprised when I was brought to tears (let be honest, who cries over m&ms... haha.) But little did they know, for the past week, I had been planning and saving to buy myself that same bag of m&ms in the near future. I was really craving them, but our missionary budget just doesn’t allow stuff like that. So, each day, I would write it in my planner and each night, I would cross it out, knowing it wasn’t a very smart decision. So, yeah. I cried over peanut m&ms. But it wasn’t just candy at that point. It was a true blessing. A little tender mercy sent through some truly wonderful people. Mom, if you ever get the chance, please find and be friends with Laurie Hill in Mongolia. She is wonderful.

Also, this week, I got a package! Mom, i was so happy. Thank you so much for all the wonderful things you gave me. I am so blessed to have you as a mom :) ive already started giving out all my chocolates and Jesus pictures. Everyone loves them :)

I am so happy and blessed to be here in Mongolia and to be part of my wonderful family. I love you! Have a good week :)

Love,  Sister Amy Royalth

Greetings from Sister Royal

April 19, 2015

Hello Family and Friends,

My year mark is in a month.... A MONTH! Time goes by so quick and so slow all at the same time. I feel like I just got here to Mongolia but it also feels like I’ve been away from you guys for at least 13 years. haha.

First of all, no it feels just like home to be called Amy :) I would feel weird if you called me anything else. Second, I do dream in Mongolian! My comps tell me I sometimes teach them lessons in Mongolian in my sleep. haha. But, mostly my dreams end up being in Monglish (mostly Mongolian with English words here and there) haha. And I can’t tell you how excited I am for this weeks weather!!!!! I think I might be able to take of my coat for the first time in like 7 months! yay!

You made CHICKEN WELLINGTONS?!?!?!?! I think that might need to be the first thing that you make for me when I get home! Or yummy pasta. Or a chicken burger! haha. I guess anything will sound good if it doesn’t have fatty meat in it. I never thought I’d say this but a steak sounds like the least appealing thing right now. lol. And, I will definitely take you up on your offer to go KFC. It is so good mom. Like a million times better than American KFC. haha.

It made me really happy to hear about Kevin’s talk. I actually loved reading it. Its so weird to me that Kevin is becoming such a fine young man. I hope he really means what he says about me being an example for him. That’s not the only reason why I went on a mission. But, I am aware of that and I try hard to make him understand the importance of missions. To be honest, missions really suck sometimes. haha. You go to some foreign country, you’re far from home, you have to live with people you may not like and you are never so aware of your insecurities and weaknesses. BUT, there is this other side of missions that are really hard to explain on paper. It is this feeling you get that even though it’s hard it is worth it. I’ve had some of the funniest/happiest times of my life while on my mission. And not only that, but I know and can feel that the things I’m learning and the blessings I’m receiving will continue to bless me the rest of my life. So, it is worth it. It is worth going through really hard times. It is worth being exhausted every morning and every night and all in between. It is worth it. So, I hope I can convey that to people through my words and my example. A mission is so worth it.

I was ready an article in this months Liahona about weaknesses. The point of the article was that weaknesses are not sins. The difference between weakness and sin is that while one takes you further from God, the other (weakness) actually brings you closer to God. Sometimes though, we rationalize our sins as weaknesses and assume our weaknesses to be sins. The trick is to identify your weaknesses and use the help of the Lord and His atonement to become strong. We all have weaknesses and sometimes our problems can be a combination of sins and weaknesses but the important thing is recognizing it and then growing closer to the Lord by making your weaknesses stronger instead of walking farther away from the Lord by sinning.

This week was a pretty great week! This Friday, Our investigator, Nom was baptized! She’s had some pretty hard times since I’ve been meeting with her. My first week in my new area, she was ready for baptism when her father died suddenly. She of course was devastated and had some really concerns and doubts about the gospel. But we didn’t give up on her and most importantly; she didn’t give up on her testimony. And although its been a long road since then, I’ve never seen her so happy as she did when she came out of the waters of baptism. I guess what I learned from this is that its ok to have doubts sometimes. It is ok to be a seeker of truth. It is ok to want to know things for yourself. But the important thing is to go to the right sources. Just like we can’t see the beauties or comprehend the vastness of space by just using binoculars, we cant receive real truth from magazines or opinions of others. The Lord, and asking him through sincere prayer, becomes our "Hubble telescope". Through seeking truth by going to the Lord, our eyes can be opened to the vast beauties of the eternities and we are able to see things through His eyes. So keep asking. Keep wondering. And as you do so with real intent and a sincere heart, the Lord with answer your prayers.

Well, even though it was a week later than all of you, I finally got to watch conference! yay! Conference is always special. But conference on a mission in Mongolia is even more special! Haha. Ok, so, there are a million other things that I want to write about right now, but there is no time! Lets just all agree that conference is wonderful and we can all benefit from listening to those talks again :) I am so grateful to be a missionary in Mongolia! I’m so grateful for a living prophet and apostles who speak the Lords words. I grateful for each of you! I love you and, family,

I love you! I’m so happy to be here and I’m so happy for the warmth that has found its way to Mongolia :) Have a good week. Oh, and don’t remember that I'll get to see you in just a few weeks :) God bless Mothers Day ;) hahahah a

Love, Sister Royal

Pictures:

1) Our investigator who is getting baptized this week! It was her birthday so we treated her to yummy KFC. Seriously, the best restaurant in Mongolia... hahaha weird huh?

  2) Just riding on the busses AKA my life. haha. I love those busses though :)

3) We went with our investigator family to get water from the nearest water pump.  Those who live in a ger have no indoor plumbing. They make mundane things fun :)

 

4) The MTC six back together again at a zone conference.