Bringin' in the New Year! - January 6th, 2014

A big hello from chilly New Mexico!!

 

It's a nice solid 20 degrees outside today! I was thinking how that's about a 90 degree difference from when I got here 6 months ago! I hope everyone's new year came in well! Ours sure did! We had a really great week, and the new year brought in a little bit of change lol.

 

We had exchanges this week, so my fearless STL companion went off with Sister Hall (the other STL over here), and left me and Sister Muaina to work in Hobbs! It was a little strange not being around her for a couple days, but it was really fun, and, as always, we met some AMAZING people on bike day! :D

 

Sister Plante and I were reunited on Friday evening, and we had some amazing lessons we were able to teach. It's been such a blessing to be welcomed into people's homes with smiles, where we could sit down and have a really spiritual gospel discussion, and people have questions for us! It really is the best to be able to have answers to questions like: Where did we come from? Why are we here? and Where are we going after we die? I've really found, it reaffirmed to me again, that even if we do have some differing ideas about some points on religion with others, as long as we are both searching for truth and not fault (both us as missionaries, and the kind people that desire to speak with us), then we are able to have the best, and most uplifting conversations as we talk about the gospel.

 

Saturday morning-bright and early at 9 am-brought us great joy, as we attended the baptism of Emily and Evie! :) It was SO great to see Emily make it into the water, and back out again without any fear! She also humbled our fearless district leader- Elder Webb- after her interview when he suggested a closing prayer, she said "yeah, we should probably kneel for this one." :)

 

It's so true, kneeling prayers are the best ones! That's something I've actually been working on lately-- I found a very insightful message from my old self in the margins of my scriptures a bit earlier, which said "as you become casual in your scripture study, you become casual in your relationship with your Heavenly Father."

I humbled myself reading those words, and recognized that I really do need to continue to pray with intention. We pray a lot as missionaries, and just like in other relationships, when you get used to someone, sometimes you take them for granted. That's something I know I can't do with my prayers to Heavenly Father, because He knows the best path I need to be on, and He wants to guide me! So I've got to continue to not be casual in my relationship with Him as I pray, and as I search the words of the prophets, which testify of my Savior, in the scriptures.

 

It's good to know I'm starting 2014 off right! And right where I need to be! :) (It's so hard to believe that this time next year I'm going to not be a missionary anymore! I feel like time's running out so fast!)

 

I love you all, and I hope that you are starting off the new year well!

 

All my love,

Sister Lagrosa

 

 

pictures:

1- Emily and Evie's baptism!

2- Me and Sister Plante in front of the Hobbs,NM sign! :)

 

 

 

Sister Lagrosa: Compelled to Humility - December 30, 2013

Hi Family and Friends!

 

So, this past week was amazing, As you may have discerned from the title of this e-mail, I am a missionary with a subtitle! haha

 

On Christmas Eve, we had to finish our proselyting by 6pm, and we were going to meet up with our Elders at the church, but they were late. Luckily though, we found some members, the Murrays, there who were substituting for the missionaries who run the Addiction Recovery Program in our building on Tuesday evenings. No one showed up, but it was a good opportunity for Sister Plante and I to sit down with the Murrays and we talked about how the steps really help us to come closer to Christ, and receive help for the trials that we all face. Over and over again in the scriptures, and also in the steps, it talks about humbling yourself before God, and our trials compel us to humility. As we were talking about this, I said something like:

"I really have been compelled to humility time and time again. That's me, 'Sister Lagrosa: Compelled to Humility!"

and Brother Murray says:

"Oh boy! We have a missionary with a subtitle here!"

haha, but it's true, we do need to be humble to receive help... and more often than not I feel we are compelled by our trials.

 

Later on that evening we opened our Christmas presents, because we were going to have an early morning calling our families! There was definitely a theme -- socks and lotion! haha, we are really grateful for our warm feet, and our bathroom cabinet which now looks kind of like the toiletries section in Walgreens lol. It is truly a blessing to be a missionary on Christmas!
Early Christmas morning, I sang a hymn with my makeshift guitar (racquetball racket) to Sister Plante, and we went to the Huddlestons to Facetime. The whole drive over we were talking about how weird it'd be to talk to and SEE our families, but when the time came, it was just kind of normal... except for seeing my nametag in the little box that shows what you look like lol. :P But it was wonderful, and I loved talking with everyone! :D

 

This really was quite the week with Christmas, and everything going on with the holiday season. We were really blessed to have some solid lessons with people, and we were able to see miracles every day. I feel like a brand new missionary sometimes, because my heart is just so filled with joy before, during, and especially after some lessons where the Spirit is testifying of truth with so much power!

 

Yesterday was an example of a crazy-yet-amazing missionary day filled with miracles. Church was fantastic, and our friend Justin was there again (3 weeks in a row!) and he is so lit up with the Spirit, desiring to learn, and he's smiling and talking so much more than when we met him nearly a month ago!

 

We taught Emily (9) and Evie (8) (two sisters who are getting baptized this Saturday!) in a tent at their house after church. It was so amazing to see how far Emily has come since we first met with her, and how well her understanding has increased. She's really articulating what she knows, and she really wants to be baptized because she knows that it's what "her friend, Jesus" wants her to do.

 

We've been driving up to Lovington (about 20 miles N of Hobbs), on Sundays the past few weeks, and we did again yesterday, after 2 hours of what we had planned fell through in 15 minutes, we went looking for some members' whose addresses weren't correct. It was pretty uneventful until we met a man who was just really filled with sadness. I don't know exactly how to explain our conversation, but my heart was heavy as we left his cold, windy doorstep. He'd really made me think about how we let our trials affect us.

The words he'd said so accusingly: "You don't know what I've been through... I feel sorry for you that you can trust people." rang, as I though to myself You don't know what I've been through either... but Christ does. There is hope, there is goodness in the world.

 

I thought again about the Spirit, testifying of all truth, and how it really brings hope into our lives. And I realized again how important it is to search for truth, and search for goodness even though, honestly there is a lot of hate and sadness in the world. There is hope in Christ's gospel, there is hope for the world.

 

We prayed together to try and feel the Spirit again, and we knew where we needed to go to feel the Spirit again.  We went to see Sister Audrey. She's blind, and can't make it to church most weeks, but we always go and read with her when we are in town. We forgot the exact address of her house, but we knew the street, and talked about how we'd know it's her house because it'll be glowing with all the love she has for everyone around her -- which is so true. She speaks with intention -- intention to understand, to comfort, to explain truth, and we were able to uplift each other's spirits as we discussed the miracles of Christmas, the blessings of our families and read from Mosiah.

 

Afterwards I thought to myself: I knew something great would have to happen after the sorrow we'd felt earlier, I'm so glad we went there! As Sister Plante and I traveled to A member's home- our last appointment for the evening. We were thrilled as we walked in, because we were just reflecting upon the craziness it seemed like the day was, and we had been trying to meet with Sister Cozette for 3 weeks now! As we ate dinner, we got to know her and her family a little better, and her coworker, Laurie, who had come to church today joined us. (I thought about how it's every missionary's dream to have a member 1- bring a friend to church, 2- invite us over for dinner AND 3- bring that friend to dinner and have a lesson, then I thought about how that's kind of how I ended up meeting the missionaries. :P)

We had such an amazing lesson as we talked about the restoration of Jesus Christ's one true church on the earth today. Laurie has been looking for direction, and she described how she felt as: "Well, I came in just feeling hungry, and now I feel... different. There was like a weight in my head, and it's been lifted."

 

I love that the Spirit really does affect us all in our own way that we can feel it. We read with her in Galatians, about the fruits of the Spirit, and invited her to read from the Book of Mormon and pray to know for herself if it is true. We were able to promise her that as she did read and pray that she would come to know her Savior better, and she would know that Joseph Smith was truly called to restore the very church Jesus Christ established when He was on the earth Himself. We asked her when she came to know the truth of our message for herself if she would be baptized, she said: "Yeah. I would do that... wow! I didn't even hesitate."

 

It is truly such a blessing to be here. I know that our God is a God of miracles. I'm so blessed to see His hand in my life, and I know that His love for His children is so great that words cannot even begin to describe it. There is hope and love to be found in the world, and there is true, lasting joy and safety to be found in the good-news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to know my Savior, and to know that we are led again today, but Him, through a living prophet. I know I am so blessed to know that our loving Father in Heaven is no author of confusion, and He wants us to find truth as we search for it.

He loves us, and we are never alone!

 

Be safe as we welcome in this new year!

 

All my love,

Sister Lagrosa

 

Pictures:

1- I sang a hymn to Sister Plante Christmas morning :P

2- We opened presents Christmas Eve. :P

3- We had a lesson in a tent yesterday!

 

 

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