Merry Christmas! - December 23, 2013

Dearest Family and Friends,

 

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! We have had such an amazing week, filled with Christmas miracles! We've been so blessed to have had so much time specifically devoted our specific edification as missionaries, in addition to the amazing daily opportunities that we have in our edification as we go out and teach. We were able to get a little more than half the mission together at our Christmas conference in Lubbock this past week, and it was filled with lots of fun, reuniting and of course a focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and what the Christmas season really is all about. Additionally, we had a mission-wide conference call on Saturday, and President Augustin re-enforced how special an opportunity it is for us to be missionaries during this time, when the rest of the world is more inclined to be thinking about Christ and His meaning in their lives.

 

Throughout the week I've been able to spend bits of time here and there reflecting on the Spirit of the season and the sacrifices that have been made for me being able to be out here as a missionary. Many people- members of the ward here, and our investigators ask us if it's hard to be here and away from our families. I feel that the sacrifice we make as missionaries is almost nothing compared to the sacrifice that is made by our families. Many of the missionaries serving now are much younger than I am, and I know that our absence during the holidays is so difficult for any parent, especially ones who've not had much time without their children at home... but I do know that Heavenly Father blesses His missionaries and their families. I know that as we celebrate the birth of our Savior we can truly find peace on the earth and good will toward our fellow man, just as the angel proclaimed to the shepherds on the evening of Christ's birth. That peace that we are able to feel comes as the Spirit testifies of the true meaning of this holiday season; Heavenly Father's gift to us, of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

 

President Augustin reminded us how special it is to be in the Lord's service as a full-time missionary at this time of the year. We are able to give our gift--our testimonies at a time when others' thoughts are really more focused on the Savior already.

 

I know with all of my heart that this is the most wonderful, glorious time of the year indeed, because we have a great opportunity to remember the Savior, that even the world has kept sacred, and centered on the family. Throwing all of the commercialism of the holidays aside, we truly get to celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know with all of my heart that He is the Savior of the World: The way the truth and the life. He is my personal Savior. In His example I have found the way back to my Heavenly Father. In His teachings I have found truth. And from His great and eternal sacrifice I have discovered what it truly means to live life. In this world where it feels like everything can go wrong, He makes it right. Simply put, his love is why I am here today living on this earth, and more specifically it is why I am here serving a mission.

I've mentioned 2 Tim 1:6-10 many times, and I know that my testimony of the gospel is centered in Jesus Christ. He is my rock, and my redeemer, and I know that without Him I would be nothing. I knew before that I had a testimony of this church- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as His restored church here on the earth again today. But I did not fully understand-nor do I ever think I will fully understand the depth of Jesus Christ in my testimony. I've been able to gain a better understanding of how central He is to everything as I've been able to have opportunities to teach about His gospel, and I know with every ounce of who I am, and I can say with all energy of my heart and soul, that He is my foundation. His love is infinite, and His mercy is free to all that desire to learn of Him, and follow the path that He trod for us.

Just as He freely gave His life for us, to glorify His Father in Heaven, I've learned that we need to give ourselves in our entirety to Him, and allow His grace to not only save us, but change us. I've been changed, I think anyone who has known me for a while can see that. But I know that it is ONLY through Him, that I can have hope to continue to change, and it is only through Him that I can receive the strength I need to truly see myself in my entirety and imperfection and not be overcome with hopelessness. His strength allows me to view others with hope and love, so see and cherish their goodness, and help them to cherish it as well.

His grace is sufficient, His love is without end, and His example is perfect. I feel a great measure of joy and humility at this time thinking about the birth of my Savior, and His love for me. I'm grateful for the infinite blessing He is in my life, and the blessing I have to share my testimony of Him as His servant during this time in my life.

I'm grateful that I have this opportunity to share the good news that just as there were prophets of old to prepare the world for His first coming, that there are prophets again on the earth today to prepare the world for His second coming. That even though the fullness of the truth that He brought to the earth was lost for a time, that it has been restored to the earth again, and Jesus Christ stands at the head of His church once again, and guides us through a living prophet today.

We have so much cause to rejoice, and there truly is so much joy to be found in Him. In His sacred name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

I love you all, and I hope you have an amazing Christmas as you remember the Savior! Don't forget to love one another, and remember His example as you do.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Love Always,

Sister Lagrosa

 

p.s. sorry for the brevity, I lost the e-mail right at the end when I typed it before!

 

Pictures:

1- Sister Johnson, Knowling, Me, Hoover, and Vailea! (part of the posterity of Sister Johnson's training :P)

2- Me and my awesome companion Sister Plante!

3- We opened a couple presents early! New scriptures and a picture of Christ to remember what Christmas is all about!

"You Can't Out-give God." - December 16, 2013

Howdy family and friends!

 

I was thinking about the 12 days of Christmas, and I wanted to think about my mission-thus far in numbers, and I only got to 8-- buuuut, it's really fun, so I wanted to share! :D

 

1st- companionship in the field (just me and Sister Plante!)

also, only 1 year left! My time is running short!

2nd- new area opened!

3rd- STL (sister trainer leader) companion

4th- Area!

5th- Transfer

6th- month in the field!

7th- companion in the field

8th- companion since the MTC

 

...maybe one day I'll make a song :P

 

Also, fun fact of the week: Salsa Valentina (Mexican Hot Sauce) is like my new favorite thing to put on everything! And believe it or not, Sister Plante and I both love cottage cheese and salsa (which is even better with Valentina on it :P).

 

And Sister Plante and I spray painted a Christmas tree onto the box our dresser came in! Cute right? :D

 

So this past week was epically awesome! I've kind of felt like I'm in an episode of the district because of just how much we are going ALL the time! While mission life isn't perfect, there's just always so much work to do! Last night I fell asleep around 10 before I could even change as I was trying to read a talk! ...lucky for my skirt, Sister Plante kindly woke me up when she asked if I wanted the light off haha.

 

But we've been seeing miracles every day here! Especially as we have been out riding our bikes! It was way cold and rainy on Thursday, but we went out, and our ward members really do LOVE seeing us riding around and getting to work!

 

Also, we were really blessed to have the opportunity to find a kid, Javier. Who recently came upon some bad luck, but he has SO much hope, and desire to know his Savior better as he's piecing his life back together, it's so inspiring! We talked with him about Job, and how our trials aren't meant to keep us from the Lord but to bring us closer to Him, and how nothing can separate us from His love. We met up with him at the library the next day and talked more about how we can help him spiritually, and he really wants to come closer to Christ. When we were telling him about the Book of Mormon, and talking with him about baptism, he really quickly understood, that the promise we make at baptism goes 2 ways, and that Heavenly Father really does help us more after we have entered into that covenant with Him.

 

Another miracle we saw this week was in the good 'ol town of Lovington! There is a kid there, J, who hasn't yet been baptized, but he is already sharing the gospel with his family and friends! He asked us to bring him copies of the Book of Mormon so he could give them to his teachers for Christmas, since it is another testament of our Savior Jesus Christ! We could just see his hunger to learn more spiritually, and just grow, and help other know their Savior better as well! It was so amazing!

 

I wish I could go on and on, but my time is far spent! I love you all, and I hope you can remember, especially during this time of the year to show love to all those around you. I know traveling from place to place is crazy, but I also know that as we look at our fellow travelers as Heavenly Father would, we can have more peace amongst the stress.

 

1 John 4:7-9

 

I love you all!

Love Sister Lagrosa! :)

 

Pictures:

1- Pumpkin Shakes!

2- District Christmas Card Picture! :P

 

 

1- Salsa Valentina!

2- Mission Gormet! Beans and papas in a green pepper! :)

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! - December 9, 2013

Howdy Howdy Family and Friends!

 

It has been such a crazy week here in the TLM! It was 83 degrees in Monahans on Monday, and by Friday in Hobbs, it was a chill 19 outside!

 

Sister Plante thinks I'm funny, so she writes down things I say sometimes, and my favorite of her favorite quotes of the week was when we were knocking Friday night, trying to find someone's home and I said "I thought I was called to the Texas Lubbock Mission, not the Arctic Tundra Mission!" It was soooo burrrrrrrr outside!

 

But yeah, it was so crazy with my traveling! I went from Monahans to Lubbock on Tuesday, taught with the sisters in the YSA (Young Single Adults) Ward up there, and turned around and went back South to Hobbs on Wednesday with Sister Plante to open up a brand new area!

 

When we got here, we didn't know anything from where we were going to be living, to our phone number- really nothing. But we got a car (which we later found out used to belong to the Elders we share the ward with! ...poor Elders, have to walk/bike ALL the time now!) and a phone and keys and followed the zone leaders to our new home! Really, it's brand new- we were soooo surprised, we have tile on our kitchen floor, and a GARAGE! --garages are almost non-existent around these parts, namely because since everything is growing so fast with the oil business, most people are living in trailers. But, our phone didn't work, and we had to set up all our furniture (which wasn't much but it had to be put together). So by 5 o'clock, we had it all barely set up, and our front room was a mess of boxes, and suitcases.

 

We finally got a working phone, ran to Wal-Mart to grab some food and toilet paper for a couple days, and by 6 we were able to meet with our Elders (Johnson and Hogan), and were given some direction where to get started! We met the Bishop, and were introduced to 2 part-member families whose children we will be teaching, and we got to work trying to meet up with a few of the investigators who had been taught the past few weeks.

 

We met this amazing family- the Seamen's on Wednesday, and they invited us to dinner on Thursday night! It was so crazy, how warm the welcome has been from the ward, and how excited about missionary work they are! :D

 

We really hit the ground running-- or biking I guess, because Friday was bike day (because of some freezing rain on Thursday), and we went between 15-20 miles in the freezing cold! It was worth it though! A lot of members who saw us pointed out that we were "tough" on Sunday when they talked to us, so they know we're here to work hard!

 

It is weird to be in a big ward again, because Bishop asked us to introduce ourselves and bear our testimony on Sunday in front of everyone, and it felt as big as the ward in Virginia! It definitely feels like home here--the Christmas season is probably helping with that! :)

 

We've been working so hard the past few days, I've actually been able to sleep almost all the way through the night! haha, you know it's a good day when you're out by the time your head hits the pillow. We still aren't completely unpacked, but it will come. :) I'm excited to be here in Hobbs with Sister Plante and we are both looking forward to the amazing Christmas season that's coming up!

 

I'm just feeling very blessed to be a missionary here, and I'm so excited for how much there really is to do to serve the Lord, especially at this time of the year when we are able to set aside even more time to remember the gift He has given us of His son! I felt this incredible peace last night as we watched the Christmas devotional, and the Spirit really testified to me again, just how impoartant it is to remember the Spirit of Christ during Christmas, and remember this is a time to truly serve our brothers and sisters no matter where we are.

 

I love the Lord, and I love His gospel! I'm so glad to be here and have the opportunity to be set apart so I can testify with boldness to everyone I meet that Jesus is my Savior, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church once again on the earth. :) Like it was said last night  during the devotional, His life-His gift to us-neither  began in Bethlehem, nor ended on Calvary, but His gift to us is eternal, and His hand is always stretched forth!

 

All my love,

Sister Heather Ann Lagrosa

 

Pictures:

1- bundling up for bike day!

2- winter wonderland!

3- Sunday mornings = the BEST!

 

 

1- Me and Sister Johnson (my mom!) Reunited!

2- Me and Sister Martinez (Abuelita!)

3- Me and Sister Smith = LOVE THIS GIRL!

4- BEST SIGN EVEERRR!!!

5- Pump jack!

6- crazy fog here in Hobbs!

 

 

Ch. 5: Back to the Land of Enchantmen​t! - December 2, 2013

Howdy Howdy family and friends!

 

So, transfer calls came in Saturday night, and it looks like I'm headed back to the Land of Enchantment! :D

 

I'm going to the big city of Hobbes, New Mexico! I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father knows I need to change time zones at least once every 3 months, because I think a pattern is forming! :P

 

I'm excited to be serving with Sister Plante! We were together in the MTC, and Sister Augustin said "You two are going to tear it up down there!" Also, she's a new Sister Training Leader (STL), so we'll be traveling to do exchanges!

 

It's definately going to be SO WEIRD 1- being in a companionship with just one other missionary (because I've been in a trio for the last 6 months!) and 2- being back in the city again, but I'm sure I'll be adjusted by Friday, and hopefully, have a less stressful Wal-mart experience next Monday :P

 

So many changes have happened this past week! Today I'm celebrating 6 years of sobriety! And this past Wednesday we celebrated my birthday by having an AWESOME day of missionary work (more on that later), and then we had a day off for Thanksgiving, and we decided to run our own 5K at the track by the high school down the street. :) Also... funny news-- I found my first grey hair! ... no joke, it was the day before I turned 22. Part of me was thinking "OH MY GOSH!! I"M TOO YOUNG!" ... but more of me thought: "Sweeeet, one step closer to my silver dreadlocks I'm going to have one day!" :P (don't worry... it's a ways off ;)

 

This week really was so great- even though it was a little weird because we were inside a lot, but when we were able to get out and work, it was amazing! :D

 

On my birthday we had some GREAT lessons with investigators and members. We sat down with a grandmother- Betsy, and shared the Plan of Salvation with her, and talked to her about the hope that comes from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Her faith is so strong, and I was humbled by some of the experiences she was able to share with us. :) We were also able to share with her more about the hope that comes from the addiction recovery program- after she shared with us some of the trials that a few of her children are facing. As we were leaving she mentioned how she wanted to introduce her to her son, after gently pulling me into an embrace she explained it's because she really wants him to marry a nice Christian girl! But, hopefully Sisters Hymas and Rose will be able to continue teaching their family, even without any promises of marriage. :P

 

We saw miracles this weekend when literally 3 hours of appointments feel through in about 15 minutes, and we didn't know what to do! Thankfully, prayer and promptings of the Spirit are more helpful than pen and paper, and we were led to Yolanda's house. It was really the perfect time to see her, because she was feeling vey depressed- feeling that her trials were a punishment from Heavenly Father. Thankfully we were able to talk with her, even though it didn't seem to make that much of a difference. But we prayed with her, and were able to commit her to pray for herself and ask her Father in Heaven if He loved her. She said she would, and we made an appointment to return on Sunday. When we got back, she was so different! Still, she was feeling a lot of pain, but somehow she found her trust in God again. We read with her "Broken Things to Mend", and talked about how sometimes we are compelled to humility so we can learn how to rely on our Savior more. It was amazing, and the Spirit was so strong-- especially when she gave the closing prayer at the end of the lesson.

 

It really was just such a good week, full of teaching, and miracles. I was able to bear my testimony in church yesterday- because it was fast and testimony Sunday. I really felt so humbled standing up there in front of the wonderful people I've been serving the past 6 weeks, and I was just so grateful for the opportunity I have out here to be a missionary, set apart from the world, and help other build their faith in Jesus Christ. It's amazing to me how Heavenly Father builds those who are in His service, and I loved looking out to the congregation and just seeing their lights shining so bright. I love that we all have the light of Christ inside of us, and as we come to know Him better, and do as He did and glorify our Father in Heaven, that light will continue to shine brighter and brighter.

 

I love this work! I love that Heavenly Father allows His perfect work to go forward through imperfect people like myself, like anyone else here on this earth. I know that He builds us line upon line, and that by small and simple things great things come to pass. I'm humbled to know that everything I am, and everything I have is a blessing from my perfect Father in Heaven. He's given me trials to grow, strengths to be grateful for, and opportunities to learn. I know that this is His true church, and He loves us so much that we are lead by a prophet of God today on the earth. President Thomas S. Monson, who testifies of Jesus Christ, just as the prophets of old did. We are so blessed to be able to know our Savior Jesus Christ, and to be strengthened by Him!

 

I'm most grateful for the ability to love. In the Bible it says that God is love. And I know that it is a blessing to be able to feel the joy and peace that comes from loving the imperfect people around us. I love my family, and I'm so thankful to have them in my life!

I hope you all have a great week, and next week you'll hear from me in Hobbes! :D

 

All my love,

Sister Heather Ann Lagrosa

 

Pictures:

1- BIRTHDAY CAKE! :D (made by sister Rose!)

2- We made a pumpkin pie! --> and re-learned to not put cool whip on a hot pie :P

3- Awkward District Picture :P

 

 

 

 

 

1- Playing Dominos on Transfer Call Night

2- Basically Me and Sister Hymas' relationship in a Picture :P

3- Sister Rose, the missionary, the LEGEND

4- SUNSET!

5- Birthday picture next to the Monhans sign at the tracks! :D 

 

 

"An Attitude of Grattitude​!" - November 25, 2013

Howdy Howdy Family and Friends!

 

First things first: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! (it's early, yes, buuuuut I hope it's a good one tomorrow, and everyone else that reads this, totally feel free to blow up her phone and/or facebook with birthday wishes! :D)

 

Also this you should watch this video:

http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/monson-gratitude

 

It's excerpts from a great talk that President Monson gave on Gratitude, and it's totally perfect for not only the season, but just helping us all come closer to Christ and our Heavenly Father by recognizing our blessings. :)

 

Wow, it was a crazy week here in Monahans and the TLM!

1- It's been getting cold here at night which reminds me a lot of walking home from class when I was at BYU!

2- The weather has been so CRAZY! It was really warm when the Sisters from Midland came to do exchanges with us (I got a little tan, becasue I was out knocking and walking alot!) -- it was over 80 degrees on Wednesday, and then by Friday night it was down to 30!

3- Almost the entire mission was grounded yesterday because of the weather! It was weird being inside all day, and not being able to make it to church (because the roads were REALLY icey), but it's good to know that everyone is safe, and that we were able to get out today! :D

     - also I was able to hone my baking skills again since we had time and I made some yummy bread! :D

4- Also, I got an awesome birthday package in the mail just in time for the cold weather! I bundled up with a really classy sweater from my mom and dad, and enjoyed some peanut butter from my aunt :) (I think I've now consumed more peanut butter on my mission than I have through my whole life previous to being set apart! :P) It was really awesome, and I laughed when I saw the hot cheetos becasue Sister Rose said "Hey you can lose 30 lbs with the hot cheeto diet!" (from the lady we met last week! :P)

 

Some new fun facts about Texas:
1- DRIVE THROUGH CONVENIENCE STORES! There's one down the street from our apartments that advertises "Beer, bread, milk and cigarettes!" ... it's a good thought :P

2- People are still surprised to see missionaries not on bikes! Last monday night we were walking into the dollar store, and I stopped to give a woman a card, and she was like:

"wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! .... something is wrong here!"

I thought to myself... uh oh...

"Where's your bike!?!"

and then we both lauged, and hopefully we'll see eachother again sometime, she had to go really quick :)

 

But yeah, awesome things are happening! :D

 

We saw so many miracles this week! Since we were on exchanges we were able to do 3x the work for a day (becasue we had some extra missionaries) and we knocked on these apartments that we found accidentally about 3 weeks ago, and we all said simultaneously: "We should knock here!" It was definately inspired because we found some AMAZING people there, and we were able to set up some appointments with 3 families! :D

 

Also, we found miracles with some former investigators this week. We went back to some people that had talked with missionaries here before, and usually they aren't super jazzed to see us again, but we got 4 return appointments with families/couples, so it was really great! :D

 

Grattitude was definately the theme of the week! I'm grateful for the simplicity to be found in the gospel, and how, when we choose to be obedient to God's commandments, we show our grattitude and understanding that His way is going to bring us most happiness, even if we don't immediately see it. :) God is so good, and I know that we need to take every opportunity we have to look for His hand in our lives, especailly when it is so evident around this time of year! :D

 

I am so grateful to be in the Lord's service, and I am so grateful for my family, and their understanding even though I am far away from them right now. I love the Lord, and I know He is blessing each and every one of us, no matter how dark or bright our lives seem, we always need to go to Him, and give Him thanks and praise!

Alma 34:38!

 

All my love,

Sister Heather Ann Lagrosa

 

Pictures:

1- Pumpkin Waffels!

2- Pumpkin Bread! (no yeast=FAST baking!)

3- Homemade whole wheat bread! :D

 

 

 

 

Howdy, Howdy! - November 18, 2013

Hello Family and Friends!

 

I love you all so much, and we had such an exciting week here in the big city of Monahans! ... well, we had some time in Midland (which I STILL love!), because we had a Zone Conference there with all the missionaries in the Midland and Odessa Zones here, and it was WONDERFUL!

 

Some funny stories really quick though!

1- I actually enjoyed steak this week! It's not usually my favorite, but something about how they cook it here in Texas is pretty delicious. :)

2- We knocked on a woman's door this week, and she was eating a bag of hot fries, and she told us that her diet helped her lose 30 pounds! We asked her what her secret was, and she shook her bag and said "Cheetos! I just eat two of these a day, and boom, I'm 30 pounds lighter!" It was pretty great, and she wants us to come back and talk to her more about the gospel, so we're excited!

3- WalMart! Okay, so, I haven't been to WalMart in over a month... and we were allowed to go on our way back from Zone Conference, and OH MY GOODNESS! I never thought I'd feel like I was in a crowd at the store, but shoot dang, I can tell I'm in a small town again, because it was so weird!

4- Dishwasher. So I don't remember the last time I used a dishwasher, because I didn't have one in college, and I've never used one so far on my mission, and I started the dishwasher for the first time in like 4 or 5 years today! ... I think I'm gonna have to stick to hand washing... :P

 

 So now for the good stuff!

 

The main focus of the conference for us was teaching simply, and with clarity. President Augustin testified again and again how the basics are the most important. And the restored truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are simple, we can teach them simply and they can be understood without getting a doctorate in theology. :P

 

It actually went along really well with some things that have stood out to me in personal study this week as I was reading in Preach My Gospel, and the scriptures.

I found a quote:

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."

  

I laughed a little to myself when I read this and thought of my future professional aspirations, but I'm not gonna lie, everything that I've read in a study about positive thinking, the best way to learn, etc. has gospel truths in it!

 

Like thinking positively! I realized this past week, that in the scriptures, whenever a prophet is talking about how great the trials and afflictions are (either their own personal ones, familial ones, or just of their people as a whole), when they say "however" or "nevertheless" and acknowledge the Lord's hand in helping them through their afflictions, things always seem to get better!

 

And that is simply because Heavenly Father loves us so much! He wants to hear from us in prayer, and He wants to give us guidance, not only to make correct choices, but the BEST choices. And He will always answer when we ask, He will always help us grow from our trials, and He will never ever leave us. As we search for His hand, we will find it, and I know that He is filled with joy when we are able to take some time to express our love and appreciation for Him in our lives.

 

It's great being a missionary! And I love the simple precious truths of the gospel!

 

2Nephi 4:26-35 is just one amazing example of how turning to the Lord can bring peace to a troubled soul. :)

 

I love you all!

 

<3 Sister Lagrosa

 

pictures!

4- Chalked the wall at the Million Barrel Museum. :D

"Life is good, even if you wake up in the morning and it slaps you across the face 100 times!" - November 11, 2013

This post title quote is brought to you by Sister Martinez. :)

 

Howdy family and friends!

 

So, this week has been super wonderful! :D No one was sick, we were able to get out and teach a lot of peole and we saw so many miracles!

 

Building off of the humility I talked about last week, and just my constantly increasing testimony of Heavenly Father's perfect timing that has been both a slap and the face and subtle through my whole life, and here as a missionary, it's been amazing to find Heavenly Father's hand in His children's lives this week.

 

We have quite a few solid investigators right now who are amazing, and patiently waiting for some things to pass before they can be baptized, but we are also finding new people to teach. The people here are so friendl (like really friendly), but it's always hard to keep those return apppointments, becasue work schedules are crazy, and... well, let's be honest, things you can see (life and the world) gets in the way of working on the things you can't see all the time (God and faith). But, we've seen miracles this week with all of our investigators, and it's exciting to see them progressing and continuing to build their relationship with their Heavnely Father and come to know the meaning of Christ's Atonment that much deeper in their lives for themselves.

 

Rosindo (a.k.a. Rosey), is an awesome man we met on Tuesday while we were biking around (since we are in a small town, and far away from everything else, we are trying to not use the car as much as we can), and we went and talked with his mom and he came home early from work. We set up a time to come back and talk with them more about the gospel, and see what they had understood from missionaries that had taught them before (a few years ago).

So when we went back to his house we learned a lot about the short 35 years he's lived thus far, and how he's been prepared through these years to hear the peace and the comfort that come from the message we have to share. I was humbled, as I have been many times, by the strength that he showed as he explained some of the trials and experiences that have brought him to the point where he is at in his life now. We were planning on teaching him the message of the Restoration of Christ's church (which is usually what we share first), but instead we taught the Plan of Salvation, or the Plan of Happiness-- Heavenly Father's plan for us to return to live with Him again. He's lost many loved ones over the years, and as we and the member that was with us shared scriptures, experiences, and testimony, the Spirit was so strong in the room, and that stillness and peace that only comes from Heaven was there with us.

 

I am so grateful to know that the Holy Ghost testifies of all truth. I know that all of the 80,000 missionaries would be wasting their time teaching if the Spirit wasn't there to testify of the truthfulness of our message. I was so happy when we were able to explain to Rosey that our purpose was not to convince him of anything, but to invite him to ask God for his own personal witness of the truth of our message, that immediately he said: "I will." and smiled through some tears. It was humbling for me to feel just a portion of Heavenly Father's love for Rosey, because when he said that he would I knew, and I was able to testify to Rosey, that I knew that Heavenly Father would answer his prayers, if he only asked with sincerity to act on the answer he recieved.

 

I think I've said this a couple times before, but it almost seems unfair to me that we get to learn so much as missionaires from the people that we are teaching... It's probably because the Spirit is the real teacher, but still, I count it as a blessing every day.

 

Unfortunately Rosey wasn't able to make it to church becasue of his work schedule, but we had a new investigator, Leon, come to church yesterday! He stayed all three hours, and he actually found out that he is related to Sister Martinez (who was also able to make it to church for the first time in awhile this past Sunday, and taught Relief Society, where I got that awesome quote from). Leon's little brother actually was given a copy of the Book of Mormon from another 11-year old boy in the ward, and that's how we met him. He's about 20, but he's wanting to listen, and is interested in getting to know God better. We're excited to be teaching him, and almost everyone in our congregation went and introduced themselves to him! It was truly amazing, he only wanted to stay for the first hour, but he ended up enjoying all three. :)

 

I wish I could tell you all everything, but time's running out!

I do want to share a scripture from Proverbs I read this week that really sunk into my heart:

Proverbs 4:18 "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

 

One of our other investigators Esai described his life right now as "clearing branches on the path of Esai."

 

This scripture remineded me of him saying, that, and how we are all kindof on this dark path right now as we are far away from our Heavenly home. I thought about how, time and time again peole have described the hope and peace that come from the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ not only as the light at the end of the tunnel, but the flashlight we carry with us while we are walking. And I realized something about the trials we face, or the branches we have to clear or the mountains we are compelled to climb.

 

We really need that shining light in our lives so we can see. We're all walking the path back to Heavenly Father whether we are aware of it or not, and we all have branches, rocks, and mountains in our journey. Having that light in our lives from the Spirit, from growing our faith helps us to overcome those obstacles with more confidence and strenght, we can look forward and plan, we can look back and remember better what we learned, and we can have joy and hope through whatever ails us in the present.

 

I know with all of my heart that Heavenly Father wants to help us with our trials, if we but ask Him to. With enough faith that He will listen and provide us with what we need to clear those braches. I know one way he has provided is through the examples of other, of which I am eternally grateful, and there are countless examples in my life.

 

I love you all so much! But know that God loves you more. :D

 

~Sister Lagrosa

 

p.s.

more fun facts about the mission:

1- Sister Rose thinks I look like a carebear! And my new nickname from her is L-G

2- I LOVE being able to see the stars so bright again! And the H2S gas from the oil fields reminds me of the pungent-ness of Dexter a little bit :P

3- It gets dark now around 6:30 (because of the time change), so it makes evenings a little more interesting when our plans fall through/people cancel. We have to carry around flashlights to help us see! :P

4- My comps are trying to bring the hashtag (#) thing back... so I have to do this:

#lovebeingamissionary!

 

pictures!

1- sometimes we eat cake and play dominos!

2- Me in between my SUPER TALL companions

3- an AWESOME sign we see every day :P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Happiest Halloween! - November 4, 2013

Howdy Family and Friends!

 

So this week was exceptionally eventful, and uneventful at the same time haha.

We had some amazing experiences this week both in Monahans and mission wide!

 

I think the highlight of the week is that we were able to attend the temple on Halloween! It was so incredible, and was a great reminder to me about why I'm out here on a mission. The Spirit there, was beyond description, and the simple hope that comes from the gospel was reaffirmed to me once again. It is so great to know that the temple truly is the Lord's house here on earth, and the peace that we feel in there as we learn and grow closer to our Heavenly Father is something that cannot be duplicated by any earthly means.

 

This week, Sister Rose and I were a little sick, so sadly we weren't able to get out and work as much as we had wanted to, but, we were able to take some extra time for studies as we took turns sleeping. Something that really has stood out to me - from being sick, some letters I recieved, studies, visiting the people we were able to, and going to the temple this week- is humility.

 

I think I've mentioned a few times how amazed I am by the people that we meet out here as missionaries. As I'm taking this short time to serve the Lord, I've realized that I'm being stretched and growing more I think than I am aiding others to grow sometimes. On Sunday a woman went up to bear her testimony about how she has always found comfort in the Lord, and she said that "we are all only here for a short time and then we get to go home." She was talking about this short time we have here on earth, and the joy we will be able to feel as we return home to our Heavenly Father, but it made me think about how short of a time missionary service is.

 

These song lyrics were brought to my rememberance: "I'm old enough to know that time doesn' t move slow enough, but I'm yound enough to know that I can't ever be too old enough to trust you."

 

This week has really just reminded me of how much trust we need to have in Heavenly Father. In His plan, His timing, and the Atonement of His Son.

 

In the Book of Ether in the Book of Mormon, Chapter 3, The Brother of Jared (the spiritual leader of these people at the time) is praying to God for guidance and direction in the next steps that he is to take to help out his family. In verse 5 he states:

 

"...we know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understnding of men."

 

I stopped and thought about that for a solid 5 minutes when I came to that scripture. I thought about how I, Sister Lagrosa, could overlook the great power God shows in my life. I thought about how often I say "There's a miracle!" or "My God is a great God!" and I thought about how sometimes I do overlook the small details that Heavenly Father so clearly takes care of for me every day.

 

I thought about a talk given in general conference, where one of the apostles of the Lord promised that, as we are obedient to God's commandments we can be able to look through spiritual eyes, and have a better understanding of the Lord's hand in our lives.

 

As we have meet with some of our investigators this week, I've been amazed at their great faith, and hope in the Lord. The humble steps they have taken in their lives to get to where they are now, and their confidence in the steps they will be taking in the future as they are preparing to make those importnat covenants with their loving Heavenly Father.

 

I think we can all use a little more humility, and I know that He knows just what trials we need to be humbled in our lives. I'm grateful for the support of family and friends as I'm out here in the TLM! I know that I have grown in strides because of the seemingly small examples that I've had in my life, and I am grateful, that as I grow, even a little, in the understanding of my Father in Heaven, that I can see the greatness in those seemingly small instnaces.

 

I love you!

~Sister Lagrosa

 

p.s. I'll have to send pictures next week!

Eatin' Elk - October 28, 2013

Howdy Family and Friends!

Transfer week is ALWAYS eventful! And the start of Chapter 4 was a good one!

When we got to Monahans, we went to work, and when we got home for dinner, we had Elk meat in our refridgerator! So, we've been eating some elk, and it's amazing.

 

But even more amazing has been meeting the wonderful people of Monahans! Our ward members are so amazing! I guess, members are always really nice to the Sister Missionaries, but it still never ceases to be wonderful! :D

 

Both Sister Rose and I were able to have an opportunity to stand up and bear our testimonies in sacrament meeting to introduce ourselves to the ward, and it was really great. On top of that, we were also able to teach our Gospel Principles class, as a companionship, during Sunday School, and it was all about prayer!

 

I just love how it's really just a deeper understanding of the simple things that really build our testimonies. There were many experiences shared during that short hour that testified of miracles, and Heavenly Father's perfect timing (while not necessarily our preferred timing), in our lives. One testimony that was particularly strong came from a woman who's returning to the church, and her family was recently baptized this year. They've been falling on some difficult times, and she testified of how much strength and Spirit come from prayer. She also testified about how when things just get a little too rough for her during the day, she alwaysjust turns to the scriptures, and she can find her comfort.

 

This week has been very humbling for me. I love how much joy there is in the simple things, and how great it is that Heavenly Father really uses imperfect people to move His work along. I am more and more amazed at His grace and love every day I'm out here, and I feel really grateful to be even a small part of His work.

 

All my love,

Sister Heather Ann Lagrosa!

:D

  

Pictures:

1- My dream boots, I might purchase for my birthday? :D

2- Sister Hymas with our new best friend (an adorable puppy!) we met in Grand Falls!

3- Me and Sister Rose just brushin' our teeth, so we can smile big.

 

Chapter 4: Miracles in Monnahans! - October 21, 2013

Hi Family and Friends!

So exciting news, transfer calls came in and I'm packin' up and going to Monnahans! ... It's actually going to be really hard leaving this area, but I know the Lord's vision is broader than mine, and I really do love that town! I feel really blessed that I was able to work there for a day this transfer, and I'm really excited to continue to see the people that I was able to meet there!

I'll be there for at least 6 weeks, and my new companions will be Sister Hymas and Sister Rose! Both of them are awesome, and REALLY tall (especially compared to me) so we're gonna be a funny bunch spreading the gospel! 

The best quotes of this week are:
"How has Jesus changed your life today?" (which was going to be the title of this e-mail if transfers weren't happening.) But Alena, a woman we've not been able to really set up return appointments with said that to us, and it was just the most amazing beginning to talking about how having Christ at the center of your home can bring more peace and joy as a family.

"Where my book at!?!" This was said by JJ! He's a maintenance man we met who asked us for a copy of the Book of Mormon, but then he was sick and we hadn't seen him for a long time! So we were carrying around his book for like 3 weeks, and then we had to give it to someone else, becasue we were out, but we saw him the other day, and we (well, I guess Sister Turner, and the new sisters) are going to start teaching him this week! :D

This week was really great! I was a little sick this week, the weather is definitely getting cooler, and windy-er, but it's still a great time to be a missionary, and I've gotten well just in time for transfers! Miracles that have come to us this week have happened as we've taken members out teaching with us! It's so powerful to hear the amazing people from our congregation come out and testify! It's more meaningful in a way I feel, them not being a missionary, because all we do all day long is share the gospel, and they are "normal" lol, we're kinda weird as missionaries haha.

I'm sorry it's so short this week! But stay tuned for more miracles from Monnahans! :D

All my love,

Sister Lagrosa

Pictures:

1- We went to W's childhood home!

2- Our Goofy District :D

3- Us missionaries and our AMAZING Relief Society Presidency! :D

"Be Thou Humble"/"Adventure Is Out There!" - October 14, 2013

Howdy Family and Friends!
 

It was quite the week here in the TLM for this missionary! We bought boots on Monday, and were a little disappointed when it was really warm this week, but then yesterday it POUREDDD! I guess that's how winter goes here, it's a little cold, VERY windy, and the rain comes down!

 

Sadly though, there aren't many/ANY street gutters for the rain water to wash away in, so some of the roads become rivers! I was driving yesterday, and it kind of felt like we should've been canoeing instead!

 

So, yes, besides the crazy weather, this week was full of miracles! One of the sisters (Sister Fife) over in the 1st ward, (we are in 3rd ward here), had an appendectomy on Wednesday! It was truly a miracle that she made it that long, because she just thought she had the flu on Monday. Sister Turner is the Sister Training Leader for our little area of the mission, so we were in Monnahans on exchanges with the Sisters there when we found out Sister Fife was in the hospital! We drove back on almost no gas, but we were able to see her and have one of her companions stay with us for the night while she was in the hospital with her other companion.

 

It actually worked out really well to have 2 sets of trio Sister Missionaries here, because we're switching off staying with Sister Fife while she is recovering for the next week. It's humbling to know and experience that God is a God of miracles, and that He really is looking out for all of His children.

 

This really was a theme I saw this week. Heavenly Father's timing is PERFECT! ... and it takes a LOT of faith to trust it sometimes. When we were in Monnahans on splits with the Sisters there, it was amazing to witness the beautifully orchestrated timing that was SO apparent as there were 6 missionaries working in that town for the day.

 

When we returned to Midland, well, clearly Sister Fife was a miracle, but there was also beauty to be found in the timing we had as we were able to meet with our investigators we've been working hard to contact.

 

We taught Chris this week about the Plan of Salvation! Well, the first part of it. We spent a long time talking with him about why we are here on Earth and why there are so many hardships that good-and bad- people have to face. It was amazing the Spirit that was there as we testified to Chris about the joy that truly does come from this gospel. As we come to understand that relationship we have with our Heavenly Father and start walking that path back towards Him, we are able to get through EVERYTHING. We are meeting with Chris again tonight, and we are hopeful and excited to share with him more about where we go after this life, and the comfort that truly does come from the scriptures, as he continues to study them and pray to know if what we are teaching is true, that he will find that peace he is searching for in his life.

 

One other miracle that came to us this week was Anetta! We met her when we were walking around an apartment complex and she prayed with us. We saw her and read from the Book of Mormon with her on Friday, and Sister Tooley and I went back yesterday (while Sister Turner was with Sister Fife), and she didn't read the chapter we had left with her before because she had given her copy of the Book of Mormon to her daughter to read!

As we read from 3 Nephi 11 with her, we had the most amazing discussion about baptism, Christ's Sacrifice for us, and I was just in awe at the humility and truth that Anetta radiated. When we talked about baptism and how Christ walked 40 miles to be baptized by John the Baptist, who held the proper priesthood authority to baptize, she expressed how she knows that baptism by full immersion is how it should be done. This isn't always the case down here, with many different churches. I asked her if that was something that she desired -- to be baptized in the same way as Christ, and with the proper authority from God. She said yes, and I was able to testify to her that this is the great message we have to share. That the proper authority from God is again on the Earth today! We shared with her Moroni's promise in the back of the scriptures (10:3-5) and I promised her that as she reads and prays to know the truth, she'll get her answer that this book is true. And as she comes to know it is true, she will be able to strengthen her relationship with Christ so much more, and that we can help her to work towards baptism.

 

Being a missionary is quite the adventure, and I'm so grateful for those humbling moments that help me to remember my God that much better.

 

I love you!

 

~Sister Lagrosa

 

Pictures:

1- Me and Sister Fife at the Hospital

2- Me and Sister Tooley trudging through the rain while Sister Turner was with Sister Fife

3- Our street, which is actually a river.

4- I may have a peanut butter problem. I've eaten like 3 of those jars since I've been a missionary!

"I Always Wanted To Read That Book!" - October 7, 2013

Hello family and friends!!

 

The seasons are changing here in West Texas! Surprise! It gets cold! Also, I think my wardrobe is improving as a missionary, aside from the fact that I'm in a skirt every day, I bought a cute scarf today! Yep. I said cute, I know you're proud mom ;) Also, this week I've had more actual Mexicans think I was Mexican than I've ever had in my life! It was flattering, and I'm kinda bummed winter is going to start soon, and all my brown from knockin' is going to turn white again (which I guess works, so my 1/2 Filipino shows half the year and my 1/2 white side shows the other half :P) 

 

I guess the most amazing thing about this week, was general conference! I had some of the things I feel like I've known or learned before just sink deeper into my heart. Of all of the amazing talks, I really really enjoyed Elder Maynes' talk about facing challenges in our lives--some for a short time, and some for our life-time. Followed by Elder Scott's talk about weaknesses verses "open rebellion against God". It sunk into my heart how the trials that we are blessed to grow from in our lives are kind of like the friends that we are blessed to have in our lives: some are here for a day, a month, a year, or a lifetime, but all are there for a reason. Coupled with Elder Scott's counsel about how our loving Heavenly Father truly does know our hearts, and our weaknesses and imperfections. He doesn't hold us accountable for anything that we have not yet learned, and  He knows the difference between us struggling though trying to be obedient, versus completely disregarding His laws.

 

It reminded me of Proverbs 16:3 --> if we can consecrate our works to the Lord, He will establish our thoughts. As we try our hardest to follow Him, knowing that all we are experiencing in our lives-good AND bad- we allow ourselves to be changed and molded by Him. How great is that message!?! I just love that we are able in our time to not only study the great counsel and words from ancient prophets in the scriptures, but we have a living prophet and apostles today who are able to give us specific guidance for our time, in how we can find happiness in this life and the next. 

 

I also love that we don't have to take anyone's word at face value for it's truthfulness. We get to ask our Heavenly Father to know if it's true, study the talks that were given and receive a witness for ourselves from the Holy Ghost. As Rickey said about President Monson when he talked about his late wife: "What a powerful speaker for a white man!" You can feel the power, because he spoke with truth and with love.

 

And of course they talked a lot about missionary work! I'm excited for the work to continue to move forward, and have everyone hear more about the gospel, and hopefully want to learn more about it too! As a missionary, them talking about missionaries was just really exciting, and I realized more than ever how I need to let this experience that I'm having now change me forever. I know that the things I need to do to be happy aren't great, they are small. Small steps like personal scripture study and prayer every day, achievable goals to look forward to, and going to church every week to renew the promises I've made to God. Which also reminds me of this amazing scripture I rediscovered this week in Romans 15:4 (about reading the scriptures) - "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." The patience part is the difficult part, but hope comes from God's word! :D

 

I love the gospel and I love the simplicity of it in this world that is so complex. I love that God's requirement of us is so simple, yet we are able to grow infinitely, and all that is required of us to start is faith. Faith that He is there, faith that He loves us, and faith that He will lead us in the direction that will bring eternal happiness. :D

 

I love you!

 

~Sister Lagrosa

p.s. The quote is from an amazing woman, Sheila, we met this week, who immediately hugged us and invited us into her home. She said that (the quote in the title) when we gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and explained how it is another testament of Jesus Christ. We have another appointment with her tomorrow, so we'll see where that goes!

also, pictures!

1- We went to the Petroleum Museum on Monday! And found this awesome trash can.

2- There was a fun exhibit with race cars.

3- All the sisters in Midland! (we did learn how pumpjacks work... and a lot more about oil, but sadly I've forgotten a lot of it, good thing y'all have internet to check it out for yourselves :P)

 

 

 

"A Child's Prayer" - September 30, 2013

Howdy Family and Friends!

There are so many amazingly crazy things that happened this week, and not nearly enough minutes an hour to describe them all!

 

I'll start with some fun facts again:

1- We had Zone Conference this week with about 1/2 the mission and there were 11 Sisters that stayed in our apartment Tuesday night before it happened! Elder William R. Walker of the 70 spoke to us, and it was a really amazing experience. Also, we were blessed to hear from his wife, and President and Sister Augustin!

2- When we were knocking one day there were two dogs that followed us all the way down the street... it was interesting to say the least... and I also got to use a little bit of Spanish (it reminded me of my Dexter Days :P)!

3-  We had a referral and met a really amazing woman, Deanna, who was meeting with missionaries near Ft. Worth, and we're meeting with her this week! I think it's so amazing how she can be hundreds of miles away from where she lived before, and now she can be taught the same things that the Sister missionaries were teaching her before!

4- I'm continually amazed at how amazing it is to teach the gospel! There is so much happiness to be found, and the Spirit really edifies my testimony every day!

5- General Conference is this week and it's so exciting that we get to hear from our living prophet today, and our other church leaders! :)

6- We're going to the Petroleum Museum today! So we're going to learn all about the oil that keeps this town running, and FINALLY I'll know how the millions of pumpjacks we see work! 

 

Okay, so that was a fun overview of the week, we had some AMAZING spiritually uplifting activities this week. Between Zone Conference (which was actually a gathering of half of our mission), and the General Relief Society Broadcast (which is part of General Conference, but is a special session directed towards the women of the church), my personal excitement for missionary work has increased SO much, and there is a new missionary spirit in the air for our members too!

 

The only down side to so much personal edification, is that we weren't able to get out and work as much as we wanted to, and needed to. Also the game I was playing of "How much Vitamin C can Sister Lagrosa take?" Well, that's been going well, I've consumed a couple bags of cough drops the past week and a half though... and sadly Sister Turner was down and out on Thursday, so we had to stay in while she slept off some gnarly head cold. But, Sister Tooley and I got to study our scriptures, we wrote Sister Turner's birthday card (because her birthday is this weekend!), planned a family home evening for a less-active family we are meeting with this week, and wrote a poem! Oh, and I changed the air filter in our apartment. Overall it was a good day, and now we're going strong!

 

I can't choose just one highlight this week, but, there was definitely a theme of 1- Prayer and 2- God's love for us! What is really great about the people here is that they love God, and they love Jesus! There are so many truly Christian people who don't mind talking with us about their faith, and who truly look into our eyes as we share that our message will only help them increase it. Hopefully soon, we'll be able to work around some people's schedules so we can sit down and take the time we need to actually share our message with them! 

 

Missionary work is full of ups and downs, we were dropped by Jennifer because work is coming first for now, and our friend Joe I talked about last week sadly got into a little bit of trouble this week. We found out from Alice on Friday that he had been incarcerated, and that our other friend Bogie (an older man who had gone into jail on Wednesday, who we had taught for a little bit, but then were going to plan on contacting when he was out again), passed away because he got really sick inside. When Alice told us the news, we were all crying in her home, but comfort came from knowing that Bogie's in a better place now, and he'll be learning from the missionaries on the other side. Also, it'll be an opportunity for Joe to have some time to think, and maybe he'll be ready for the gospel when he gets out. 

 

For now though, we are trying to continue to meet with Alice, and hopefully sit down and teach her soon. We're also looking forward to getting to know a few more referrals we got this past couple weeks, and work hard to bring the great message of the restored gospel to those who are prepared to hear it.

 

I'm really grateful for the opportunity we have to pray with people. I know Heavenly Father is a loving Father, who knows us perfectly and listens when we take the time to talk to Him. The work we have been doing with some of our less active members has been centered on remembering that Heavenly Father loves them, and that they need to continuously build that realationship. We are meeting with a few families pretty regularly, and one man really is misunderstanding faith right now. He's briliant, and he has a very philosophical mind-complete with questions that can't be answered. When we were sitting down with him and his wife last night, he asked how God could bless the people in the middle-east with so much oil, but here he is in the middle of Midland with nothing. He looked really deflated as he talked about how there is no way that he could ever talk to God, because it would just be a waste of his time, and His time... that if God was really there He'd show him a sign or something.

 

It was amazing to me that I could look this incredibly inteligent man in the eyes and tell him with complete confidence, "I don't know the answer to some of your questions, but I do know that God loves you Brother Oliver, and I know that He wants you to talk to Him. Your Heavenly Father doesn't want you to be in darkness or feel confused, and the peace you are searching for, even if it is just peace of mind, can be found as you take the time to speak to Him. One of your trials of faith may be that you need hard evidence to believe somehthing, but I know with all of my soul that as you pray to know if He is there He will answer you. If you ask Him if He loves you, with sincere intent, Brother Oliver, you'll gain a witness that He does, that you cannot deny."

 

It feels weird sometimes to think that me, a 21-year old kid can promise a really intelligent man such a great blessing, but I know it's true, and I feel the Spirit testify to me of its truth every day I'm out here.

 

I love the message that we have to share about God's love, that we have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness on the earth again today, and that we are led by a prophet called of God. I'm also very excited for General Conference this weekend!

 

I love and miss you all so much! You're always in my prayers.

 

All my love,

Sister Lagrsoa

 

Pictures!:

1- Me and my twin! ...okay not really, but it's Sister Tomson! My older sister! (She was trained by Sister Johnson too!)

2- Me and my two compadres Sisters Turner and Tooley at Zone Conference!

3- Me Changing the Air filter in our house on Thursday. =)

4- Me and the turtle we named King Limoni! :D