What shall we give to the boy in the manger/ MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Well, this email came today as many of you will guess I cried through the whole thing, It would be hard to move this close to Christmas but she will be fine. I made a couple of comments that area in [brackets]. Merry Christmas Everybody! and thank you so much for your support and love and prayers. Dawn

 

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

    I know it's Christmas and you all are super busy, but this email is going to be so nuts. SO KEEP READING. 

    First off, Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

    So Tuesday morning, Sister Perry transferred out (miss my friend!) and Sister Oakes came!! 

    I can't tell you how much I just love Sister Oakes!

She and I are complete opposites. She is 5' tall, so yes I am 9" taller than her. People ask her if she is 14 years old and then realize she acts much older (she's 19) whereas people think I'm 21 but after getting to know me ask if I'm 14... She hung out with the rebels in high school and my high school friend's group was called the Nerd Herd... She speaks in a whisper sometimes and I'm pretty sure you can hear me speak all the way in WV....She goes off of feelings and I have to logically plan out every detail...I think people are idiots if they don't choose the right choice and she is understanding...etc. etc. etc.

BUT. We instantly connected. She is just genuine and made me feel like a million bucks.

We have so much daily time in our area because I was no longer a sister training leader, no extra language study, no extra companionship study...I have been in the area since July, so we pretty much have a daily system. We laugh all the time... We have deep conversations all the time...Our area is booming...

    I was driving on Thursday night thinking "Why in the world am I so comfortable? This is the least stressed I have ever been on my mission and  I didn't even know I was stressed before. Why is God letting me be so happy? This is going to be the easiest transfer ever?"

Then what happens?  

PRESIDENT CALLS. As soon as I saw it, I flipped. 

"Hi Sister Atkinson."

 Hi President..."

 "THere are some changes going on in the mission and they are going to effect you.."

 "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

    So here's the deal there is a sister training leader going home for medical reasons (my daughter mission wise? Sister Oldham? LOVE HER. Her hips that literally crunch when she walks have gotten a lot worse and she has to go home to get surgery :( :( ) , so Sister Morgan (a sister traning leader) is taking SIster Oldham's spot. I am being called to be a sister training leader again and am now Sister Rackleff's companion!! (Sister Rackleff was my roommate in the MTC! I love her so much!!!!) We are in a Santa Monica family ward. Another sister is going home for medical issues as well, so SIster Oakes also left our area to go take that sister's spot. Our area is technically closed for two weeks. 

"President... we have baptisms in those two weeks. And other investigators. What would you like us to do?"

"Sister Atkinson you have great organizational skills (I think Mom would say otherwise), so I'm sure you'll figure it out." WHAT! 

    SIster Oakes will be back in this Young Single Adult area in 2 weeks with a new companion (there are new sisters coming in early in 2 weeks, so he'll rearrange more people). So basically he is whitewashing my beloved area with two new people. And I honestly think it is one of the best but one of the hardest areas in the mission. It's just a bit overwhelming.

    Anyways, so he told us this and we hung up. And I lost it. Duh. I have never asked for a Priesthood blessing on my mission and I have actually never had a blessing of comfort before (I don't think) unless it was for medical things or annual Dad blessings. SO I was surprised when I almost immediately looked at Sister Oakes and the words came out "We need blessings. Now." 

    We got them from our district leader. It was so powerful. This 19 yr old kids put their hands on our heads and gave us completely different blessings. They don't really know us or our personalities but our blessings were very unique for our personalities. I know without a doubt in my mind that that blessing was given by the restored Priesthood authority of God and it was from my Heavenly Father. Here are some sporadic highlights from my blessing (it might be too personal for the blog, you can decide Mom ), [Mom decided to include this on the blog] "Trust your Heavenly Father. This is His work. This are His children. He'll take care of them. You have proved to Him multiple times before that He can rely on you. He needs you right now. Lose yourself in focusing and helping others. The Lord wants to refine you. Let your light shine. Have faith in your Savior."

I went from about to have full-on panic attack to the most peaceful and calm feeling. I KNOW it was the Spirit. I didn't just calm myself down. I didn't use psychology on myself. It was my Heavenly Father reaching out in love to me. Since then, I have been so calm. So peaceful. About everything! I kind of beat myself up a little bit for doubting in those 20 minutes between the phone call and the district leader's apartment that everything would work out. God has shown me so many times before that if I just trust Him, it will work out. This whole emergency transfer makes absolutely no sense, especially for my YSA area. But it has been unreal how it has worked out. Every detail is for the best for everyone involved (our members, our investigators, us, etc.) 

    So Sister Oakes has the phone for our area and has permission to be communicating with everyone from a distance. Joyce is set for her baptism next Sunday!! But we'll have to push Chris' back because he is struggling a little bit. I gave Sister Oakes literally 10 pages of notes about the area, and she is going to be SO good. She is exactly what that area needs right now. I left a little bit of my heart in that area. I thought about how much of a different person I am from when I arrived in July there. SO different. I'm so grateful. It ripped my heart out to say bye to Pascual, my branch, Ernest, Joyce, Chris, Adriana..Everyone. But they'll be in my life forever. They really will. And I'll go back for baptisms! Especially since we are planning Joyce's baptism miles and miles away from her, hahaha.
    ONE MORE NUTS NUTS NUTS MIRACLE. 

Who here remembers Megan? If someone asked me if there was one person I was meant to meet on my mission, I honestly would say Megan. I taught her Feb-March with Sister Barney and SIster Oldham for a few weeks. She was GOLDEN. Beverly Hills attorney? Cried and told us it was true? Was COMPLETELY solid for baptism and then she literally disappeared? I called her every week for weeks with no response. She wouldn't respond to our members, even Nicole who had become one of her dearest friends. It was the hardest heart break of my mission. 

    So we all came up to the temple/mission office last night to do our mass transfer. I needed to go to the bathroom so I asked Sister Oakes if we could run into the temple's visitor's center for a few minutes. Please note, I should not have been there. I rarely went there while I served in the area I have been in the HPYSA. Okay okay okay, I walked in and I see our member Nicole from my first area. She screams and points at me. Then who do I see peer around behind her? MEGAN. I screamed (whoops), ran, hugged that girl so tight, and cried. #noshame WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! Then who comes around the corner? SISTER BARNEY!!!! [Sister Barney completed her mission and was released in October and has been at her home in Utah] She is back in town visiting her mission people with her family!!!!!!!! WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. None of us should have been there at the same time. It was nuts! It was Megan's first time at the visitor's center since our last lesson there in March. Nicole hadn't thought about her in a while, but really felt prompted to text her and invite her to a Christmas concert at the visitor's center (despite the fact that mMgan hadn't responded to Nicole's texts in months). Megan has been praying a lot recently. She said she was particularly praying hard one day for direction when she got the text from Nicole. She thought, "Why not?!" Then we were all there. She even saw Sister Oldham for a second while there. I can't tell you how happy I was. We were all crying. I can't tell you how much of a miracle and gift that was to me. I really do think it was Heavenly Father's miracle and Christmas present for me. Well lets be serious, there are so many miracles going on. I am so blessed. I am emailing Megan today for details on the past 9 months of her life and asking her when is she getting baptized #thatsarealthing, so I'll keep you posted. God just loves me.

    SIster Rackleff!!!!!!!!! AH! So fun! we will celebrate Christmas, New Years, our one year mark [from entering the Mission Training Center], her birthday, and our one year mark in LA together all in the next transfer. She said this area is awesome! And I believe it! It is one of the smallest in the mission. We are in the Santa Monica ward. She said it is mostly young families. I'm in culture shock a little bit (our apt is the celestial kingdom compared to my last apartment). We cover the Santa Monica pier and promenade!!!!!!!!!!! #dream And the beach. I am very happy and God has given me so much strength. [As a missionary she is not allowed to enjoy the beach, however]

    I have received so much love here, from the Branch, and from home for this Christmas. I'm in shock a little that I will get to skype my family on Christmas! Sorry in advance if I'm awkward, nuts, cry, or in shock. 

Know how much I just love each of you and am grateful to be spending Christmas sharing the best gift of all!

All my love, SIster Atkinson :)

Sorry I don't have as much email time as usual so I don't get to include all the hialrious things that also happened this week in South Central. Oh I'm giognto miss da ghetto. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay, close by me forever and love me I pray.

Been busy. Here is last week's. Today's should follow later.

December 16, 2013

Hello Hello Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I cannot believe it, but we got our transfer call last night and I am staying here in the branch! This will be my 5th transfer here, so I will be here until at least February! (I came in early July). I am no longer a sister training leader, and at first I felt like God broke up with me a little bit, but it'll be super good! My new companion is Sister Oakes! She's the one whose midget bike I used on exchanges a few weeks ago, hahaha. She is superrrr sweet! This is her 4th transfer out. She spent the last 3 transfers in Lawndale (older middle class white area) with Sister Lyman (she's my sister mission wise, because we both had the same trainer. love her.) She's from maryland, so party on for the east coast! 

    Sadly, my Hermana Perry is leaving! she is going to be taking Sister Oakes spot and she and Sis. Lyman will be sister training leaders (so luckily, they'll get a car). I will miss my West Virginia girl a lot. She's just family, you know? I have been seriously so lucky with companions on my mission.

How do I feel about staying? I am completely shocked. I and everyone else thought I was leaving, but the branch is my home so I am so happy. Especially to be spending Christmas here! I've asked myself a lot "what more does Heavenly Father want me to do here?" I am especially grateful to be staying with our investigators though. They're doing great! Thanks for the prayers!

I also can't believe I will be spending over year of my mission in young single adult wards! I guess I'm just too immature for family wards, haha. I love my ysa's!

I am freakingggggggggggggggg out a bit though, because Sister Oakes doesn't speak Spanish. Obviously, neither do I. While we teach in English and our congregation is in English and everything, our area is SO hispanic. I would say 70% of our contacting is in Spanish. And when we go to less actives' homes, we talk to their only-Spanish-speaking parents usually to get the information. I guess I should've taken advantage of having 3 Spanish-assigned companions more. But Sister Perry is leaving me with some note cards of the things I need to say. Obviously, I will just read them off the paper to people. #it'sarealthing God will consecrate :) 

    This week was full of holiday spirit! We had our Branch Christmas party! (I love this place). Sister Cuevas got us a little Christmas tree for our apartment! Plus Mom's AWESOME package and Christmas tree came! And Sister Perry's mom sent us Christmas music galore. And Pascual (our neighbor) decorated our door! Plus he and hermana brought us pan (bread) and Mexican hot chocolate. Oh I tried elote this week from a man selling it out of his buggy (grocery cart) in a trash bag. It smelled awful, but was surprisingly super good. 

    Ugh, why I am so careless sometimes? I locked the keys in the house again, and other missionaries had to drive us all the way up to the mission office. Again. #ultimatefail Sister Cuevas calls me her tontita or little idiot. #win.

    We volunteered this morning for a community toy drive and sorted toys, so that was fun!

    We had some...interesting...comments during street contacting in South Central and Bell Gardens on Saturday. We both did our hair that day (when was the last time I curled my hair?), and I swear we got more whistles and comments than I've ever had in one day. My personal favorite was this man who biked past us, "oooooooooooooo you two are beautiful! I would marry you..tomorrow!" Obviously I responded with a "see ya tomorrow then!" 

    Saturday was a rough day for contacting. No one was really interested. We were walking home when we realized we had 10 more minutes. We were debating if we should contact for 10 more minutes despite the fact that we weren't having success or go to our next appointment early. We decided we better keep going #don'twasteaminuteoftheLord'stime. We only ran in to two people. The first one was drunk and selling things out of his buggy. Naturally. The second? A young single adult named Salvador! He was waiting for the bus to go to work. We talked to him for a few minutes and invited him to church teh next morning. Miracle? HE CAME. That like never happens in this area (people have serious commitment issues here). He came a few minutes early, so we gave him a church tour and taught a quick restoration. He loved it! He stayed for all 3 hours and the branch just took him right in. He left elder's quorum (the third hour where the men and women meet separately) with a Book of Mormon in hand and talking to our guys' about going on missions. What?! So cool. Miracles! 

    We got to go to the temple this week (we get to go once ever 3 months). It was super special as always. I walked in to the last and my favorite room and just had this huge wave of relief and love come over me. For whatever reason I thought to myself, "I made it! I did it! I'm here! I'm home."

    Then the impression came "You're doing great daughter, but you're not done yet. You've progressed so much and you've done so much, but I've got a lot more planned for you in the next 6 months." (I went to the temple on my 6 months left mark). It was super comforting and motivating. Since I won't have language study, STL responsibilities, or a second hour of companionship study from training, I will have more time in this area than I have ever had in any area. So I guess that's a sign that God wants us to work, work, work and I could not be more excited to see the miracles in this area. Especially with Joyce and Chris' baptisms coming up in the next few weeks! "Press forward Saints with steadfast faith in Christ." 

Thanks so much for the love, support, and prayers. I love you all so much! 

Make it a great week! 

Love,

Sister Atkinson :)

Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings.

Got this one out the same day! I am headed to Nashville tomorrow for Micah's graduation! So wanted to post this before I left. Dawn

 

Why helloooooooooooooooooo my dearest friends and family!

    Thanks SO much for the prayers! Keep praying for Chris, Art, Joyce and for our mission to have 89 baptisms in the month of December (white and wet [from baptism by immersion] Christmas ;))
    Chris is going through some things, but he knows what he needs to do.
    Art is having a hard time feeling and recognizing the Spirit. And he takes EVERYTHING very literally, so it has been an adventure teaching him.
    Joyce!!! Our investigator Joyce that you all have been praying for? She is a Christmas miracle that just plopped into my life. She knows the church is true and is getting baptized December 29th. She is 18 and the cutest little Filipino girl ever. A few weeks ago before we started meeting, she was asked to draw her faith and beliefs in her art class. She knew some about the church, but was just really confused as to what she wanted to do. She said she said a prayer and started drawing. What came out was this beautiful mural thing. Her past is her questioning which path to go down, her present was a Bible, Book of Mormon, and studying type things, and for her future she drew a sun and the salt lake temple. Basically, that's when she knew she needed to take the lessons. Her lessons are always so spiritual. Who is this girl???
    We took her to the visitor's center yesterday to watch the Christmas Devotional broadcast from Salt Lake and then we walked around the temple and looked at all the Christmas lights. I can't lie, when the orchestra played Joy to the World and they zoomed in on the trumpets I totes teared up. So that was a good reminder that, that still is what I want to do with my life, haha. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. Can't lie, Christmas lights are a bit distracting for us. Tthe other day we were driving on the way to an appointment and we saw the most decorated house I have ever seen. So we pulled over and got a picture. #coudln'thelpit
    Uhm remember how we just got our car back from the shop? Yeah... we came back from a 20 minute door contact and our side mirror on my side was knocked off and broken. HIT AND RUN. Iit was a hugeeeeeeee street, so I don't know how they managed that one. Our mirror is now taped back on with painter's tape, but everything is distorted and I usually can only see the ground.
    We went on two exchanges this week. I stayed here for both of them. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the two sisters...
    "I never thought a place like this existed in America." (the sister from Fiji about our little Mexico)
    "Oh yeah, this is straight up is like the movies." (about south central LA)
    "Sometimes I wish I could see how missionaries act in their normal element back home. But I think you would be the exact same." Yaking that as a compliment. Don't worry everyone, I'm as nuts as ever.
    Okay, this email is going to have to be much shorter, because Sister Matheson and I have been distracted for the past 15 minutes of our computer time, because of this hilarious woman named Tricia that came and sat by us. Sister Matheson started coughing and Tricia started talking about how she needs to take this specific medicine from the 99 cent store. and then she told us her life story including her jobs, her children, how her friend was legitimately crazy for having 6 kids (she doesn't know how many siblings Sister Matheson and I have), we have seen like 45 pictures of her kids, and she came over and grabbed my collar bone to teach me where to grab anyone that ever attacks me (she said she broke a 250lb man's nose at the staples center and that she is a black belt). Oh merciful, BEST EMAIL TIME EVER. Obvi, we're getting her info to teach her. Now she's crying and giving us details about her children's trials. Oh and her abusive marriage. And her dad's dementia and cancer. And physical therapy. And her son's modeling. Ahhhh 9 minutes left.
    We got a referral from some sisters that work in Santa Fe Springs of a guy that said he was a young single adult and would be interested in learning more. We called him and left a message. His, ahem, wife called us back later and chewed us for her husband flirting with missionaries and how they go to a couples congregation. #singleswardproblems ahhh, Sister Perry fell to her bed and cried (it had been a long day). I think I was a bad companion, because I just sat there and laughed hysterically. It was hilarious.
    It's interesting, this week I realized something. We've had a lot of rejection (people saying they read the Book of Mormon and it's not true, less actives who have been offended, seeing cards we've handed out ripped up on the ground, investigators having trials, etc.) On my mission I think I have had an abnormal amount of investigators get so close to baptism and then fall away. I told Sister Perry it was my curse, and I had to apologize, hahaha. But this week I reflected on all of those experiences and I can't help but smile. I am so grateful for all of those experiences. I have learned a lot. I have had a lot of disappointments, but recently I have been much less disappointed. Here's an excerpt from my journal:
    "Sometimes I think Satan lets me think "you don't have success because you don't have enough faith." Yyes success in the sense of numbers and such is a gift, but it is not a measurement necessarily of our effort. Sure there are times when I know I could have been more effective or faithful, but for the most part, I can confidently say I have tried and given my all to the Savior and to this work. I recognize that my all is nothing compared to the Lord's all, so I'll do everything I can (and of course try to improve and try harder each day), and just trust that He's proud, He's grateful, and He'll take care of the rest." I've just had a much deeper sense of joy and happiness."
    Aah, 56 seconds left! Dang it! Love you all! Make it a great week! Sorry this was all over the place! (gotta love Tricia!)

Love, Sister Atkinson

Count your many blessings, name them one by one :)

Sorry this is so late - way too many things to do right now! She should write again today as it is after 2 am Monday already!

 

HI EVERYONE!
Whew what a week!

Thanksgiving was just so good! Last Monday for family home evening, the branch got together for a Thanksgiving dinner. We wrote thankful notes to Heavenly Father, put them on balloons, and sent them on up. precious, I know. I just love these people.

Thursday itself was quite festive. Our car was in the shop, so we had the elders' car (obvi, we put them on bikes). Their football was in the trunk, so for the last 10 minutes of our exercise time we threw the ol' football around in our classy alley. We then had pumpkin waffles for breakfast. #thankyoueggo Thursday is our weekly planning day, so we stayed in for a few hours to do our usual planning. We then had a delicious dinner at the Cuevas home. Brother Cuevas is the first counselor in the branch presidency. Both of their kids are on missions, so we got to be their kids for dinner. I just love them. Pray for Sister Cuevas. And my mom. It's not exactly easy to be so far away from your kids with only a weekly email as a connection. (We went over to Sister Cuevas for our lunch break this week and she taught us how to make ceviche. I told her my future children are grateful.) Anywho, we then made a ton of hand turkeys and went and taped them on less active members' doors. We decided we could start the Christmas season immediately after dinner, so obviously we put Santa hats on and I belted Joy to the World at the top of my lungs in the car. It didn't last long though. Sister Perry shut down my belting pretty hard, haha. People really get into Christmas lights here which is super fun. I never really thought of palm trees with Christmas lights. Seems like an oxymoron with me. Tis the season to be jolly! Oh our Thanksgiving night ended with Pascual (my Mexican father and ice cream truck neighbor)'s daughters bringing lots of leftovers to us. Our fridge is still full. Speaking of, Pascual talked to us for a little this morning about all the changes he has seen in his 17-yr old daughter (the one meeting with the Spanish elders) in the past few weeks. The gospel just changes people! It is so real and you can tell it in every aspect of their lives (Art even had a glow that we all commented about in our last lesson :) he's read everyday this week and turned in lots of job applications ) His daughter wants to get baptized in 2 weeks, but Pascual wants her to wait until she's 18 (not for another year), so pray for that situation for us. (Her name is Mina). Thanks for all the prayers! If you could pray for us, the branch, Chris, Art, and Joyce this week, that'd be much appreciated :)

We went on two exchanges this week. I just love that calling and I love the sisters. I went to the Lawndale area for one of them. When we exchange we just usually use the other sisters' bikes and everything for 24 hrs. Anyways the night before, they texted us and told me to bring my own helmet since the sister whose spot I was taking uses a child size helmet. And we all know an Atkinson head cannot fit in one of those. They failed to mention to bring my own bike as well, since she USES A CHILD-SIZED BIKE. can we all take a moment to think about my 5'9" self on a child bike? Hardest thigh workout of my mission. The whole time I thought dad was going to drive by at any moment and yell out the window "Hey Ali, nice midget bike". It was quite comical. Can't lie. Also, on exchanges I taught my first children! (I've been in young single adult wards my entire mission). The kids were so cute. The family was seriously like the Herdmans from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It was awesome. They were so pure. Alsoooo on exchanges we did service for a hoarder. Like a straight up hoarder. Like the house and back yard should be on the show. It was shocking. The health department was coming this week, so they had to clean up at least their driveway. So we helped for an hour. All I'm going to say is BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS. It was very traumatic. Also, I don't think I will ever collect anything after being there. But it was really nice to see their faces light up while we were there. I just love being a missionary.

A couple of our investigators both struggled with the concept of being completely forgiven for something in their past this week. It was really powerful for me to reflect on the gift of repentance and the atonement.
Joyce is a new golden investigator that just fell in our lap! She is the ex-girlfriend of a recent convert, so the family ward sisters referred her to us. She is so cute and came to church on Sunday and is so elect. I really do think we will have at least 3 baptisms in this area in January. Transfers are the week before Christmas. TUMULTUOUS. I would love to stay to see the progress continue here. And this is my home away from home and I think Christmas would be a little awful in another area. But I've also been here for 6 months and some days feel like God needs me to have a new adventure. Meh, I have 2 weeks, so I'll just stop worrying about that and leave it up to Heavenly Father. He always seems to have everything under control, haha.

Oh we have a new Michael, haha. He just just happened to be a YSA that happens to live in an apartment that a less active on our records used to live at and we just happened to run into him and he happened to accept a return appointment. See things like that just happen all the time and I never know how to convey them all to you. Have miracles ceased? I say unto you Nay. Duh.

We said hi to someone on the street as always and they looked us up and down and said "You all don't look like you're from around here" and straight up laughed for 90 seconds. Can he respect me? I totes look Hispanic.

Oh. Nathaniel. Ugh. This was one randomly one of the most awful moments of my mission. We were in my favorite South Central this week. And we approached these two YSA guys. One stops to talk to us, the other says heck no and walks away. We talk to the one for a good 7 minutes, so his friend decides to wander back down the street. Anyways, his name was Nathaniel. He is a handsome guy and super smart, but not educated. Young 20s. He definitely has been involved in gangs. He said his dad is dead and his mom is gone and he lives on the streets. I have met a lot of people here in LA and a lot who have been through more than I thought imaginable, but Nathaniel was by far the most bitter, lonely, sad, and hateful person I've ever met. But for whatever reason I just loved the kid. I just wanted him SO badly to believe in God. Have hope for something. Wish for something more than $100. I tried to testify with everything I had to him, but he still ripped up the card I gave him and threw it on the ground (obviously, I picked it up and it's in my scrapbook, haha). I just can't convey the experience the way I want to. Sometimes I take a step back and realize I am a missionary. Like getting made fun of or having doors slammed in my face is a real life thing. But there is nothing in the world more rewarding that I've done so far in my life than being a missionary. The gospel is just SO real. I read a talk a couple days after the Nathaniel experience. It's from general conference and it's about "do we realize what we have?" Nathaniel's hard face was in my mind the entire time. Do we realize what we have on the earth today? Do we realize that we have a Savior? Do we realize that we have repentance? temples? families? scriptures? prophets? the priesthood? It really is overwhelming. I am so blessed. No matter what happens in this life, the Savior is a constant. And Heaven knows I need Him everyday, or this work would be impossible and I wouldn't have the motivation or strength I need.

Thanks for the prayers, support, letters, and love. it really means so much to me. Make it a great and happy week friends!

All my love,
Sister Atkinson

Go forth with faith to tell the world of Jesus Christ, the Lord!

Here is her letter this week. I do not fully understand all of her comments, as usual, but she sounds great. But for my sake, keep praying for her safety! Love, Dawn

Monday, November 25, 2013

HI FRIENDS!
We had to drive up to Santa Monica today, so I didn't have time to write a post-it, so this will be all over the place. But I am pleased to announce that I have been writing in my journal everyday so it should help. I know, I know miracles happen.
Did I ever tell you about Anabelle? Can't remember. So sorry if I'm telling you again. A couple weeks ago we were street contacting in my favorite, da hood of south central Los Angeles. Sister Perry started speaking to someone in Spanish (I normally just nod and say bien or si). This girl starts walking towards us. in her 20's. Very rough around the edges. Looked like she would want nothing to do with God. I kept looking over at her walking towards us and felt like I should talk to her. But Sister Perry was still talking in Spanish and I normally don't walk away from her (not supposed to) if she's talking to someone. But I really felt like I should, haha. So I went up to Anabelle, the girl walking towards us (I was literally only 2 feet away from my companion...we were back to back. But speaking different languages) She started to walk away from me, but I asked her to give me 30 seconds. I told her I was a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ. I asked her "What are you going through in your life right now that Jesus Christ could help you with?" She started bawling. She looked so tough and kind of scary, and there she was just bawling her eyes out. Sister Perry finished her contact and turned around at this point. She was so confused, haha. (as soon as we walked away from Anabelle she said "What in the world did you do to make that poor girl cry!") Anyways through her tears Anabelle talked about her depression and how she's in a rough spot right now (everyone in that area didn't grow up in the best circumstances :/) Anyways, it was such a cool and spiritual experience to meet her. We've seen her a couple times since. She really needs the gospel and she knows she does, but it's hard to get a hold of her (no phone and doesn't always stay at her mom's house). So if you could pray for her, I would really appreciate it. Oh actually, we had zone conference this week and President asked us to email home and ask you all to pray specifically for baptisms in the California Los Angeles Mission. And if you could pray for my little branch, my companion and Chris, Art, and Anabelle by name that'd be awesome. President Weidman said "Lets get as many people praying for miracles in this area as possible." Prayer is so powerful and I really do see miracles everyday.
Chris is doing SO great! He could be baptized already, but is waiting until after he meets with the cardinal for his mom. In one of our lessons this week (we were outside) he stopped and said..."Is that a tarantula?" Obviously, I SCREAMED. It wasn't a tarantula. It was some GIANT disgusting bug that is a combination of a giant wasp, ant, spider, and scorpion. But no wings luckily. It was awful and I'm sending home a picture. Luckily some elders showed up at the church at that moment and the elder from West Virginia (naturally) killed it for us. Ugh. So gross.
We got our heater fixed this week! It's what I get for rubbing in that it's been in the 80's last week. This week was freezing in the low 60s. and a man looking like Severus Snape came and tried to fix our ghetto old heater. Then I look up and he is carrying the heater out of the apartment! It was hilarious. So we just got a new one. It makes weird scary noises occasionally in my sleep, so lets pray I don't blow up.
We are never in south central LA after dark. We're not idiots. But we got out of one of Anabelle's lessons this week and it was starting to be dusk. But our car was right outside of her house, so it was totally fine. Right in front of our car was a car full of young single adult guys, so I obviously go right up to them. But then the smell of pot was WAY too overwhelming, so I told them in a loving yet chastising way that it smelled awful, to stop doing it, and they need Jesus. They laughed and took the pictures of Jesus we gave them. As we walked away (because my mom told me I can't contact people who are under influences...), they yelled out the window like 5 times for us to be careful in an almost protective and loving way. It was just super cool for me to see that these punk kids who were high, respectful of our calling. They recognized us as representatives of Jesus Christ. I am so protected and watched over because of my calling. They would not have had that reaction if I wasn't wearing my nametag, if I was wearing jeans, and didn't have the spirit that comes with this calling. My calling as a missionary is just so sacred to me.
We had a mini-missionary this weekend! pretty sure she thought we were nuts...which we are :)
One of my favorite less actives who has been coming back calls me her Caucasian A and Sister Perry her Caucasian P. #thedream Sister Perry and I are having a blast. We took our rival (WVU and Marshall) pics this week. So you can't get much better than that. Also, somehow we got on to this weird conversation about if our spirits have races. Sister Perry told me I have a black spirit. BEST COMPLIMENT EVER.
Also, put cinnamon on your pineapple and it won't cut your tongue. Genius. Also, I forgot to include my favorite foods of my area last week when telling you about my area. Ceviche, Papussas, and Haimika ? don't know how to spell the last one. It's delicious purple drink.
This week we met this kid named William. But I kept calling him Michael. I put Michael on our whiteboard, I prayed for Michael, everything. He turned out being elect which was awesome! But he's a baby-daddy so we referred him to the home ward elders. After we referred him I half-heartedly prayed that we would find a Michael. Who was the next person we contacted? A MICHAEL. Our mini-missionary thought we were so nuts because we just died of laughter. But then we kept calling him William. Mass confusion. But he lied about his phone number, so he didn't choose to be elect. Still hilarious. Obviously our mini-missionary prayed later "Please bless Michael/William that he won't lie to us anymore." It was awesome.
This week Sister Perry and I are trying to not say any complaints. We hit the other's hand if we say any complaints. It's harder than I thought it would be, haha. but it has helped me be so much more grateful and positive! Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! The 1st counselor in our branch presidency's wife is one of my favorite humans. Anyway they are feeding us on Thanksgiving. Both of her children are serving missions in South America right now, so we get to be her kids for thanksgiving dinner :)
I was asked to take 60 seconds this week to think about what I am most grateful for. I am beyond grateful for the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. It comes first in my life and always will. Second, I am grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and all that comes with it (the Book of Mormon, this church, the Priesthood, missionary work, the prophet,temples, etc.). Third is without a doubt my parents. I just am so grateful for them. I occasionally tear up when I think about just running up to them and hugging them with gratitude when I see them next summer. On top of that, I can't imagine the reunion I will have with my Heavenly Father in the next life. I am just so humbled by how much he has given me. Fourth is all of you who have impacted my life. All of you, my family and friends, mean so much to me. I truly love each of you. Have the happiest Thanksgiving!
Make it a great week!!
All my love,
Sister Ali Atkinson :)

Lose not a moment, make no delay! Fight for our Savior; come, come away!

Hi!!!!
So much to say this week!
CONGRATS KELLIE! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!
Elder Satre told me his mom reads my blog, so shout-out to her!!
Last pday was seems like forever ago!
OH! I officially have changed the day I will come home to June 11th. It might end up being the 10th, because president is trying to change transfers around, but right now I'll be home the 11th. Lets just say I love and miss you all so much, but I need as much time here as I can get! I'm really trying hard.
Everything here is moving forward and going well! Chris and Art are still our strongest investigators and are doing great...Art talked to his boss about trying to get Sunday mornings off, but it didn't go so well. But we have the coolest ward mission leader ever and he went and got job applications for him. So we'll see how that goes!!
Last week, I meant to say Chris had an appointment with a Catholic cardinal. Not just a bishop. Merciful.
Our mission now has 4 Farsi speaking missionaries! There are only 8 in the world, and 4 are here in the ol' CLAM so that's super happy!
Our toilet messed up this week (no surprise with that bathroom), but a miracle came out of it. We had to go to the McDonalds to use the bathroom. (yay). We walked in and this girl ran up to us. "Oh my gosh. You are women of God, aren't you?! I literally was just praying to God to send me help. I am just so lost right now." We taught her for a few minutes and referred her to the elders (she's over 30). It was so cool to see how God puts very specific people in our paths. I had to stop complaining about the toilet. We also got to meet this hilarious homeless woman in the parking lot of the Mickey D's whose name is Papoose and she sang to us. So, God is real.
Some elders had to borrow our car (most missionaries are on bikes now) to go to a meeting at the mission office. Within 20 minutes they ran into a giant log on the interstate and killed one of our tires. Not their best. Feel like Dad, rocking the spare.
Pascual (the neighbor with an ice cream truck that takes care of us)'s two daughters are being taught by the Spanish elders, went to church yesterday, and have baptismal dates. Hoorah for Israel!!
We get fed every night by our members. Our young single adults really are the best. But last night our chicken wasn't cooked all the way. #salmonella Just kidding. Sort of. We feel much better now :)
I tried to be classy one day this week and wear a side purse instead of my backpack as we proselyted. The next morning I woke up and couldn't move my neck to the left. I guess that's what I get for trying to be classy for once in my life. #sorrymom
This week Sister Perry and I really focused on prayer. Every day we each pick something specific to pray for in each of our companionship prayers (we pray ALL the time). One day we prayed for an investigator who hadn't texted us back in 4 days. Within 20 seconds of me praying in our prayer "Please bless that He will text us back", our phone went off. Once again, #Godisreal!!! But it has been really cool to see as we deepen our faith in our prayers, we feel a deeper sense of love and direction.
Hope you all are enjoying the snow! It warmed up this week and hit the late '80s :) :)
We are already getting in the christmas spirit, so we made a giant christmas tree out of green post-its on our wall and every day we write the miracles we've had on it. We know...we're precious.
My favorite conference talk I re-read this week was from Elder Christofferson "The Power of Women". It really gave me a lot of strength, power, and excitement. It was a good reminder of who we have the potential to become.
It's always ironic when Jehovah's Witnesses knock on our door. A dad and two of his sons did the other day. He was immediately uncomfortable and said they were only speaking to Spanish speakers. I kindly told him my companion spoke Spanish. He didn't think it was too funny. But his sons appreciated the fruit snacks we gave them. I have so much respect for them though. They're trying to do exactly what I am, more power to 'em.
We spent some time in da hood of South Central again this week. Two white girls let alone in skirts there really do stick out... My two favorite comments:
These guys from their car "Hey! How you doing? What? Aare you da po-leeece?"
And then this one man had his two very scary dogs on the street corner chained to each other. Not to him or to anything sturdy! They were just chained to each other......... as we very quickly walked past them praying they wouldn't attack us, he said "don't worry sweeties. I won't let them bite you." Hahahaha, such a different world here!!
Speaking of, a lot of people have asked me about my area. I forget that I've been here a while and that I don't really describe it that well. Here are some reminders:
We are the sister missionaries who work with the young single adults . Our branch (congregation) covers the stake, so two zones of missionaries aka 24 companionships' areas. We just work with people who are 18-30 who are young and single, who speak English, and who don't have kids.
We cover the cites of Downey and Norwalk (mostly residential neighborhoods, the nicest part of our area), Bell/Bell Gardens/Maywood (cities that are 99% Hispanic...we live in da Bell Gardens), Vernon (factories), and South Central LA (50% black, 50% Hispanic). It is all flat. It is weird to see stairs. Dogs are EVERYWHERE. Everyone has a fence and dogs that are mean, so we often hit the keys on the fence as a way to knock. Doorbells are not common. Everyone has a thick screen door (you can see out from the inside, but not in from the outside). Ice cream trucks, fruit stands, and helote (corn on the cob with mexican mayonnaise) carts (men on bikes with giant carts in the front and a squeaky horn) are all over every neighborhood. Donut shops and palm reading shops are on every corner. There is trash everywhere, especially in South Central. I have grown to love the stench every morning at 6:30am. I think I actually like Mariachi music now #imissmytrumpet. Scrap metal trucks are common and people digging through trash lookin for recycling that they can sell is the norm as well. You walk up to a driveway and you think it is just one house, but it goes back forever! It's kind of like town homes. There are like 10 units back. So every address has a 1/2. We even live at a 7777 3/4 (the first part of the address was made up. I'm not that dumb, Mom.) Mustaches unfortunately are also everywhere. People LOVE the Virgin Mary. It is not uncommon to see a giant Mary shrine with candles and lights and flowers in people's front yards. No one has a washer and dryer. Everyone goes to the laundromat. So, most people steal buggies (aka grocery carts) from the stores to cart their laundry to and from the laundromat. We definitely stick out, but that's expected of Mormon Missionaries anywhere. For the most part everyone is super friendly to us. I'm almost out of time so I better go. Between Pascual, mission leaders, our branch president, and every single member of our branch I am so loved, taken care of and protected here. It really is a home away from home. We are working really hard to find the elect, and I feel really close to my Savior in doing so. Please know how much every prayer and thought from you is appreciated. I love you! DON'T FORGET TO READ EVERYDAY! We had more miracles this week from the power of reading the scriptures everyday.
MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!

Sister Atkinson

"Oh, make me Thine indeed, Oh blessed Son."

Here is the last week's email. Went out of town to see Micah's final play at Belmont University so this is late getting posted. Keep praying for her, the work and her safety! Thank you all. Dawn

Hiiiiii everyone!
I'm staying here with my YSA's for at least another transfer! With Sister Perry! So happy :)
There was some miscommunication in our zone on when our p-day was, so I didn't know until this morning that today was pday. Yes I put conditioner in my hair first becasue I was so frazzled, haha. So this might be an all-over-the-place email, so sorry if you can't keep up Dad :)
-CHRIS!!!!!
We have taught Chris for only two weeks. He is the boyfriend of a returning less active. He's 29. Works for Audi. He used to be in a touring scream-o band. Grew up as a devout Catholic, but started questioning things a few years ago. And here is his story summed up: came to church two weeks ago. We taught him in a group of visitors after church the Restoration. He stayed after because he had so many questions. He told his girlfriend from the get-go that he wasn't going to join her religion. But after he came to church he said he was just "looking for truth". He didn't want his girlfriend to be apart of anything, because he wanted to do this for himself. In two weeks we have taught him the restoration, the plan of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the word of wisdom (our law of health), the ten commandments including keeping the Sabbath day holy and the law of chastity, and went on a tour of the Visitor's Center (including watching the hour long Joseph Smith movie). He has been to church every week. He reads the scriptures and prays everyday. The other day when we texted him to remind him to read before he went to bed, he responded "I read earlier because I knew I wouldn't have time to read at work tonight." He has given up all unhealthy substances. (Surprisingly, he said coffee was the hardest to give up.) When we first started meeting he was super hesitant to set a goal for baptism to work towards. He said he needed to give it a year. Then he said next August. Then he said the end of January. He just really wanted to make sure he was doing this for the right reasons (he totally is). Biggest curve ball is he and his girlfriend broke up the other night. He called us because he was really struggling. He said usually his crutch was one of the unhealthy substances I mentioned before, but he didn't have it to calm him down. We were super worried because he didn't text us back that whole night. The next day we found out that he turned off his phone to avoid temptation from his friends, went to the laundromat, and read his Book of Mormon. He's at the end of 1st Nephi. He and his returning less active girlfriend came to church this Sunday (not sure if they're back together.. haven't heard the story yet). He told us at the end of his Visitor's Center tour that he believed the Book of Mormon was true and that Joseph Smith really is a prophet and that this church completely follows in Jesus Christ's footsteps. He can't wait to get baptized. He would get baptized like tomorrow if he could, but there is one catch. His mom is very devout Catholic and doesn't want him to be baptized unless he is sure. Soooo he has an appointment with A CATHOLIC BISHOP at the end of December. So his baptismal date is for the beginning of January. I'm a little worried since that seems forever away, but he says "Don't worry. I won't be changing my mind about this." WHEW. AND THAT'S CHRIS.
-We still are trying to find like crazy. We're just sifting through, looking for the elect like Chris. We are just deepening our faith in the Lord.
-We were rocking the streets of Huntington Park this week. They call it little Mexico. (it's like street markets/outdoor mall). Super fun. Except this creepy church of the dead. #satanic #creepy
-We met this little old man Mexican cowboy who always sits on the same corner and is always SO drunk. He is hilarious though. Straight out of an old western movie, I swear.
-Why does the world lead us to believe that there can't be absolute truth when it comes to God? So frustrating. Google "President Uchtdorf What is Truth" if you want to read more of what I'm talking about. He (God) is either real or He's not. The message I teach is either completely true or it's not. Ask the source of truth for yourself.
-We're trying to be healthier and lose weight. Ugh, awful. #pumpkincookies
-The adventures of living in an alley this week: our neighbor's car's windshield was smashed in by some punk kids. They didn't steal anything. They don't have insurance, so they just had to pay for a new windshield. Ugh. The other night we were walking in from our car. I turned back to face the alley to lock the gate behind us. We were laughing and lolly-gagging when I all of a sudden felt a very distinct prompting from the Spirit "get inside now". Before I could say anything, Sister Perry said "I never get sketched out, but I feel randomly sketched out right now" We very quickly went inside and shut the blinds. Nothing happened and we felt 100% fine once we were inside. It was just a cool moment where we felt protected by the Holy Ghost. We call those moment #3Nephiteslookingout moments. :) I can't wait to see a movie of my life to see all of the unknown moments where God was protecting me and I was so unaware of it.
-Time is passing by way too fast and it freaks me out. #only7monthsleft :(
-One of our less actives that we were working with this week has severe social anxiety and another had deep-rooted offenses to some members in the branch. BUT! Both read the Book of Mormon and prayed everyday this week and had seriously MIRACULOUS strength to come to church yesterday. IT WAS AWESOME. There's power in that book.
-Oh my gosh, we were up at the temple this week for Chris' visitor's center tour. When we were walking on the grounds back to our car, who did I spot out? The one and only Kirby Heybourne (Mormon actor in commercials, and movies: Best Two Years, the RM, etc.). Obvi I reverently yelled to him and his 10 yr old son and said "Brother Heybourne! Hi! Can we get a picture with you?" #nailedit #hewasn'tasfriendlyashischaracters....
-Sister Jones and Sister Barney are going home this week, so that's a little tumultuous for me, haha. Sister Jones called to tell me she talked to some of you!!!!!!!!! After I talked to her, I can't lie I went to say my nightly prayer and totally balled myself to sleep. Not sure if it was because it was a moment of crossing my home life and mission life, because I realized how much I missed you all, realized Sister Jones was leaving, how badly I want my loved ones to understand what I believe and how much God loves them, or what. But I did. Thanks so much to those of you who are letting the missionaries stop by. All I want for Christmas is for each of you reading this blog to meet with your local missionaries just once, to listen to what I tell people everyday. What you do with that, is your choice, but for me, just listen and ask your Father in Heaven "could this be true?" To request a missionary visit, visit mormon.org.
-Spiritual insight of the week. I was reading this week in the Book of Mormon and something clicked for me. Jesus Christ has given us this gift to overcome this life and become our potential as children of God. But it's our choice to use that gift and follow that path. I think my mindset used to be Christ wouldn't save us because it needed to be our choice, but now my mindset is more He can't save us unless it's our choice. To be saved means to overcome this life and inherit our Heavenly Father's kingdom. We can't do that unless we become like Him. and everything Christ asks us to do is an opportunity for Him to change us. To help us become more like God each day. SO if we don't choose His path then we can't change. And if we don't change then we can't become more Christ-like each day. I don't know if that makes any sense, but it makes sense in my mind.
I'm really happy to be staying here with Sister Perry! Not sure what more Heavenly Father wants me to do in this area, but I just take it one day at a time. I just love this work, and I just love my Savior and I just love each of you. MAKE IT A HAPPY WEEK!
All my love,
Sister Atkinson :)

"The Lord is my light; He is my joy and my song!"

I am on top of it this week! Here is today's email! Dawn

November 4, 2013

Hi everyone!!!!!!!
I'm just so happy today! Sometimes ya just get overwhelmed by how much people love you, how much the Lord loves you, and how happy life really is. So happy!
How is it November?!

I'm trying to catch up on writing everyone back this week! Sorry if it's taken me forever! Like 2 months forever.... Sorry! I love you and should catch up today! Anyways with that, I'm going to try and plow through this email. Sorry if it's so sporadic as always!

-Even though I haven't watched the news in over 9 months (except the occasional glance here at the library. But the only things it shows are Kanye sporting a confederate flag and Jeff Bridges trying to cure world hunger, so I guess I haven't missed too much) and am completely ignorant of the world's culture right now, I really have lost a lot of naivety on the mission. There is nothing that compares to talking with/ being in the homes of people from ALL walks of life...like all walks of life. From illegal immigrants having to work in sweatshops in LA to meeting people who take way too much advantage of national programs, I've just learned a lot about the world here.
-This week was just so happy. Things are really picking up here. We are still working hard on trying to talk to as many new people as possible every day. We had a cool experience this week with a 25 yr old kid named Miguel. We were street contacting when we met him. It was a Friday night on a busy street and I honestly thought he was a typical drunk punk we meet on the street. We testified quickly of Jesus Christ and His restored path and how that would change and impact Miguel's life. He said he needed a change in his life (once again I thought he was drunk and may have said some "no kidding" thoughts in my mind). We got his address, but he didn't have a phone number (it's actually shocking how many people legitimately don't have a phone...that's excluding all the people that tell you they don't have a phone just so you won't talk to them ever again....can they respect the Lord?), but since I didn't think he was legit, we just told him we'd meet him at the fountain down the street at 3pm the next day. He said he would be there (but everyone says they'll be there..and most aren't, haha), and if he wasn't there we could stop by his house. (still thought he was drunk and still thought he was not legit). We found a few other people who I thought were way more promising. The next day we went to see those people who I thought were more promising at the times that they said they would be home. None of them were there. Feeling a bit discouraged we headed to the fountain to meet Miguel at 3pm (the whole time thinking he wasn't going to be there). We met some people on the street at 2:50, and didn't get to the fountain until 3:20. Whoops. We didn't see anyone there and weren't really that mad at ourselves for being late because we assumed he didn't show. We went on to our next appointments and decided we would swing by Miguel's house after, leave a note, and count him as contacted and never return. An hour later, we stopped by his house.....1. The address actually existed (miracle). 2. He actually lived there. (miracle). 3. He was literally sitting in the yard waiting for us to show up. (I'M SORRY, BUT THAT IS A MIRACLE). We were shocked. (I thought he was drunk 24 hrs earlier!) We sat down and he said he was at the fountain at 3, but left at 3:15 because he assumed we weren't coming. He left the Restoration pamphlet we gave him at the fountain as a sign that he was there. (We didn't see it...I really want to go back and get it and put it in my scrapbook, but I'm secretly hoping someone who needed it picked it up and then I can watch a movie in Heaven some day about how one pamphlet changed millions of lives....yes I know, I've seen too many movies. I blame Micah.) Anyways he just starts asking us all of these perfect questions. Like "I remember reading on page 15 of the pamphlet in the 3rd paragraph about how we can know these things are true for ourselves. But how have you personally come to know?" "Why do we need the Book of Mormon?" "How can I change my life" (I mean...he actually read the pamphlet? Let alone memorized it and really pondered about it?) We taught the Restoration using new pamphlets very simply and very powerfully by the Spirit. It was so cool. God is no respector of persons, and it was a good lesson for me to remember to not be a respector of persons either, haha. He has a baptismal date. He is so elect. Sadly for us, he has kids, so we referred him to the family ward elders. But it was just a very special experience (one of many), where I am overwhelmed by how aware Heavenly Father is of each of us, and how prepared some people really are to accept this Restored Gospel.

-We worked with a lot of less actives this week and a lot came to church to claim their blessings there. One of the new less actives we contacted this week in the hood had a hilarious first conversation with us when we knocked on his door. "Hi is Anthony home?" "No..who's askin?" "We're missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We work with the young single adults. When does he usually come home?" "Not sure..." "Oh okay. Are you his brother?" "No." "Oh okay...what was your name?" "Anthony." "Oh are you a cousin or a friend?" "No.." "Huh. So funny that you are both named Anthony.." "No, I'm the Anthony you're looking for." "OHHHHH." Sister Perry looked at me like I was completely nuts that it took me that long to realize he was the Anthony we were looking for. Whoops!

-A member always brings his same friend to lunch with us. His friend is not interested....at all. But he always comes to lunch. So we always teach a lesson at the end. Somehow he always needs to use the bathroom thought during our spiritual thoughts, hahaha. It takes all I have not to die of laughter everytime he excuses himself to go to the bathroom in the MIDDLE of the prayers. #lovemylife

-A redneck we met a few weeks ago (made Sister Perry and I a little homesick to hear her thick accent) said one of the funniest things, "My mama didn't raise me to be no hoochiemama. She raised me to be a housewife." #missmywestvirginia

-I am so past convincing people of the gospel. If they're not interested, I refuse to stalk them for 5 weeks just hoping they'll be home. 3 strikes (text, voicemail, note at house) and they're out. It really is quite liberating.

-I just love the Book of Mormon. I love reading it as a missionary. This week we read some of my favorite chapters in Alma and I just fell in love with individuals and their conversion stories (Alma the younger, Ammon, Aaron, and the other sons of Mosiah, Abish, Zeezrom, Amulek, King Lamoni, King Lamoni's 'boss' wife and dad, the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's. This is a gospel of change. It is miraculous. And I just love it.

-This week we went on exchanges with the Manhattan Beach sisters. Yes, I rocked the bike on those hills again. And yes my bum was sore for a few days again. They had a lesson with an investigator that Sister Koroitamana and I found last transfer when I was there on exchanges! It was super cool to go back and see how he has progressed. Super happy.

-We have some really solid investigators that I'm really pulling for. Especially Chris. (He's the ex-screamer and the one looking for truth) And Art. (His best friend is a member of the branch who is on a mission right now. He wants to know why it is so important to his friend. He also, knows that Sister Cuevas (the mom of his missionary friend) must get lonely (both of her kids are on missions right now), so he comes over ever Sunday night and plays Wheel of Fortune with her on the Wii. YES.). So keep Art and Chris especially in your prayers this week for me.

-You just learn a lot about yourself on the mission. I've learned that I don't get anxious very much, but there are basically two things that give me anxiety: 1. Feeling constrained, held back, or like I can't control a situation. If I can't help someone but want to, if I was stuck on an elevator, or something is preventing me from doing what I need or want to. 2. Not feeling like I'm living up to my potential/performing like I should be. It's so cool how the mission helps me pinpoint weird things about myself like that.

-Everyone thinks I'm nuts. And I just am.

-Missions also teach you to never take anything for granted (the atonement, your family, your hills, your education, the temple, etc). But especially the holidays this week. We had to be in our apartments by 6 on Halloweens (can't proselyte with the nutso's), but Sister Perry and I really had fun that night. But I'm never not going all out for holidays when I go home. :D

-I met with an RM (returned missionary) this week who is really struggling right now. I truly believe it comes back to the Book of Mormon. He stopped reading it everyday. It didn't matter that he was assistant to the president on the mission or what all he accomplished there. He still needs to read everyday. That reading would have given him that protection from the mistakes that he has made recently. I truly believe that. But the atonement and the joy of repentance is so real. I'm really proud of him though. Anyways, the point is: READ THE BOOK OF MORMON EVERY DAY. PRAY EVERY MORNING AND EVERY NIGHT. TAKE THE SACRAMENT EVERY WEEK. WE CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO.

-Yesterday in church was just one of those moments were I looked around at my little branch and was so grateful for the experiences I have had here. I love my branch. I love this gospel. Transfers are next week (so pday will be on Tuesday.. can't believe this transfer is already gone!) I think I'll stay here with Sister Perry until Christmas. You never know though! I'll keep you posted!

- President Massie (our branch president that I love...he is just the typical teddy bear older man with a hilarious older man humor)'s quote of the week in ward council. We were talking about how there was a Sunday School class for the teachers now to learn how to be a good teacher. "I once knew a guy who got offended by a bad teacher like that. And he never came to church again....And then he died." We all paused at the awkwardnes of the way he announced that man's death and then lost it. #welcometowardcouncil

-DAYLIGHT SAVINGS IS THE BEST MISSIONARY HOLIDAY EVER. It was the only night on my mission I will sleep more than 8 hrs and it was the BEST THING EVER.

-Oh my gosh. Some guys in our branch took us to Costco for dinner (in celebration of our last week allowed to eat at restaurants with members) on Saturday night. We agreed ahead of time to do the Costco challenge that they saw online (you get $10 and you have to spend all of it on food from the Costco menu and eat all of the food in under and hour). We agreed to do it in return for referrals from them (missionaries will do anything for referrals). It was disgusting how much food there was. Like disgusting. I am so ashamed. I was the only one who didn't finish it all. But I made the mistake of thinking I could save 3 giant dry churros for last and finish. #couldn'tchannelmyevenstevens But that Saturday night meal, made it for the easiest Fast Sunday ever. -_-. Don't worry, we got the referrals.

-It broke my heart while I was in Manhattan Beach to hear a less active member say "We are here to make choices. And I recognize that this is my choice right now." (to not come to church, but to spend all her time focused on other things). She just flat out said she was choosing to not follow God right now and recognized that. It was shocking how badly it stung. Come claim your blessings! As sons and daughters of God, we deserve them. He is just dying to give them to us. Come and claim them.

I just am so happy. I just love this Gospel. I love being a missionary. And I love each of you! Make it a great week!!!!!

Sister Atkinson

"Why should I feel discouraged when Jesus is my portion? A constant friend is He" :)

Here is this week's email. I have put a few explanations in [brackets] as usual, for those of you who may not know what she is referring to. Some of her email, of course, is just her way of talking and I have no idea what she is talking about! (such as the odd use of the number signs and pound signs that I learned about in typing class so many years ago) :) She also is including part of a talk she gave in last week's church meeting. It is what she would say to you all of us if we were having her explain to us what she is teaching. It is remarkable. Thank you all for your support and prayers. Dawn

Monday October 28, 2013

Hi everyone!

IT IS POURING THE RAIN OUTSIDE AND I AM SO HAPPY. And it's on a p-day so we don't have to contact in the rain, haha. Super happy.

This week was a rollercoaster but so good!!
The work is finally picking up! I got a bit discouraged by all the punks on the street whose lives I'm trying to change who wouldn't keep their return appointments this week, but God consecrated and we are now teaching a few members' friends! Which is super happy!!! One of them said he had been to West Virginia a few times with his band a few years back. "Oh cool! What instrument do you play?" "I scream." #screamoband #cameronclarke&coltonschilleshoutout YES. He's awesome though and said over and over "I'm just looking for truth." And he really appreciated that we just invite people, not impose on people.
Did I already tell you I'm teaching someone with a red kiss/lips tattoo on his neck? #thedream
Sister Perry cleaned out our nasty heater this week. She found over $6 of change in there...the quarters just kept appearing. Did I feel like I was in Goonies? YES. Did I go Babylon for like 10 minutes and quote Goonies non-stop?....don't worry, I repented after. When we told another sister missionary we found the money she was so excited we found laundry money. We admitted we went and got ice cream with it. #noshame
Sister Perry and I realized like 5 more places/events we had been at together growing up in WV. We KNOW we have met before. So fun. Don't you think Heavenly Father just giggles at the way He crosses people's paths?
We went out to eat with a member last week. And I kid you not, it was straight from a bad date scene in a movie. Only I had a companion there to enjoy how awful it was with me. Like we were done eating ready to go and he hadn't taken one bite...because he spent 45 minutes talking about himself. I can't accurately paint the picture for you without feeling guilty (Jesus Christ's name is literally written on a nametag on my chest right now), but the next day we had our bimonthly interviews with President. He asked me what else we could declutter in our mission and I couldn't help but say a few comments about member meals. Lets just say we had a mission announcement on Friday that we can't go out to restaurants, do drop offs, and have to have shorter member meals. #sorrynotsorry The bad date was HILARIOUS though...

I was being too hard on myself a little bit this week. I was just getting frustrated that we weren't seeing the type of success that I wanted to see. Here are a couple things that comforted me.

1. In my interview with President he felt impressed to tell me for a few minutes that I was doing a good job. He then said I can compliment you all day long, but you need to hear it from the Lord. He wants you to claim the blessing He has for you. (President Weidman had no idea that 'claim your blessing' had been a phrase I had been using for the past few weeks ever since the Relief Society Broadcast [our annual women's conference broadcast from Salt Lake] ... it is a unique phrase that means a lot to me. When he used it I knew that the Lord was speaking those words, not President Weidman. It was so cool to feel an overwhelming love from my Savior. :)

2. Alma 8:14-15. [from the Book of Mormon] This is right after Alma left the city of Ammonihah and was so disappointed in the people and in the work. An angel comes and tells him to go back to the city. "And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah...behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him saying: blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou has great cause to rejoice."

I spent a few minutes to go through my journal and reviewed experiences I have had since January. I have so much reason to rejoice. Really. That pep talk gave Alma the strength to go back to the city and SO many miracles happened. That pep talk helped me get over myself and my plans, and recognize the hand of the Lord in my daily life here. So happy :)

Something cool I can't remember if I've shared before from Elder Richards that we have been sharing with our less actives. Your level of happiness=your level of feeling the Spirit=the acts you take in faith. So if you want to be happier, take more acts in faith.

People get way into their Halloween decor here. It's awesome. Have a happy Halloween everyone! Love you all!! Make it a great week!
Love,

Sister Atkinson :)

P.S.

We got to speak in church last Sunday. I'm going to try and type parts of my talk out...sorry if it's all over the place. A lot of you ask me what I teach people on the street. The first lesson we teach is summed up in here. But it is addressed to people who are already members of our church. Just comment or email my mom if you have any questions! Or check out mormon.org/faq

My companion just spoke about the atonement of Jesus Christ. Our purpose as missionaries is to "invite others to come unto Christ", to access the blessings of the atonement that our Savior is so willing to give us. Jesus Christ taught us that He can't save us against our will. So how do we choose Christ or how do we come unto Christ?
The next line of our missionary purpose teaches us the how, "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel." Only through the gospel and church of Jesus Christ that is restored to the earth today, can we apply the atonement of Jesus Christ. Or in other words, without the restoration of Jesus Christ's gospel on the earth today, we would be completely lost. We would not be able to come unto Christ. This is our unique message to the world---the gospel, or the way to access the blessings of Jesus Christ's atonement, is restored to the earth!
Our missionary manual, Preach My Gospel, instructs us missionaries to refer to the Restoration of the gospel ASAP when we first meet someone. At the beginning of my mission, I was very hesitant to do this. I thought I would ease my way into the Joseph Smith story or the restoration. I thought it was weird enough to go talk to strangers. I thought it would be best to find common ground in our beliefs with the stranger first. But that is not my purpose. [as a missionary]
My purpose is to invite all of the sons and daughters of God I meet to come unto Christ. And they cannot fully do that unless they understand and accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
So what is the gospel?
It all starts with God being our loving Heavenly Father. We are literally His children and His heirs. As God's children, we have the potential to become like Him. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He created a plan for us with our families to become like Him and therefore be able to live with Him forever. This plan is made possible by our Savior, Jesus Christ. To accept our Savior and become like our Father in Heaven, we must constantly follow this process:
1. have faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement
2. repent and change each day
3. make and keep covenants through priesthood ordinances such as baptism by someone who holds that priesthood authority from God
4. receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost
5. endure to the end.
6. repeat. :)
That is the gospel, or teachings of Christ, that allow us to access the free gift of the atonement.

Since the beginning of time God has taught this gospel if we were willing to receive it . God would send us prophets to help us understand this gospel or path. These prophets were men called by God and given God's authority to teach us this one path and one gospel and one way to come unto Christ. God sent prophets like Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Noah when people were prepared to receive them and receive His gospel.
But over time, people always rejected the fullness of the gospel and rejected God's prophets.
Every dispensation, or time of the prophets, would end in apostasy, or a time of confusion and darkness. The authority to teach us God's path and the authority necessary to access the blessings of the atonement was lost. Even the dispensation of Jesus Christ and His apostles and His perfect church ended in rejection of the gospel and the killing of our Savior, Christ's prophet, Peter, and Christ's apostles. The world was once again in darkness. Remember that without the fullness of the gospel, people didn't know how to come unto Christ. They could not come unto Christ without Christ's authority and priesthood on the earth. Good people, often inspired by God, during this time tried to make sense of the truths left which eventually led to the emergence of many churches. It was so confusing. There is one atonement and there should be one way to access the blessings of that atonement of Jesus Christ.

When circumstances were right and when the world was ready for it, God promised to reach out in love and call a prophet again. He did. He called Joseph Smith to be a prophet.
In 1820, Joseph Smith was 14 yrs old living in upstate New York. He was a humble, uneducated farm boy and he was looking for truth. He didn't understand how there could be so many churches and so many paths. Even though many of these churches and paths were good, he knew there should be one truth, one path and one way to come unto God. He was reading in the Bible one day when James 1:5 stuck out to him. It said if you don't know what to do, don't ask man what is right, but ask your Father in Heaven with faith and He will answer you.
So this humble boy, full of faith decided to act and he decided to ask. He went into the grove of trees by his house. What happened is the 2nd most important thing that has ever happened in the history of mankind (2nd only to the atonement of Jesus Christ). In his own words He said,

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me... When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other - This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

This is the only time recorded that both our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ have visited one person. How miraculous! They knew him by name. They loved him. They wanted to answer his question. They love us. The know us perfectly. They are just dying to answer our questions.

"No one was with the boy Joseph Smith in [the grove of trees now called the Sacred Grove] in the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared. Yet even those who do not believe it happened may find it difficult to explain away. Too much has happened since it occurred to deny that it ever took place." - the late President James E. Faust

"After the appearance of the Father and the Son, other heavenly messengers, or angels, were sent to Joseph Smith and his associate Oliver Cowdery. John the Baptist appeared and conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the Aaronic Priesthood, which includes the authority to perform the ordinance of baptism. Peter, James, and John (three of Christ's original apostles) appeared and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, restoring the same authority give to Christ's Apostles anciently. With this priesthood authority, Joseph Smith was directed to organize the Church of Jesus Christ again on the earth. Through him, Jesus Christ called twelve apostles." - Preach My Gospel

Ah! No big deal!!! IT'S ON THE EARTH!

"Our church is the means by which men and women find our Savior and His gospel...when we seek our Savior it is important that we seek Him through His church. It is through His restored Church that we receive all the saving ordinances necessary to return to Him. The Lord, during His earthly ministry, recognized the need to have a structure in place to build faith in the hearts of the members of His church and to keep them growing in His gospel...It is necessary to have a centralized church government, under the direction of the Savior, that provides the necessary doctrines and ordinances for salvation and exaltation...So we declare to the world that the priesthood has been restored, God's government is on the earth, His pattern is established that will lead us back to His presence." - Elder L. Tom Perry.

After centuries of being lost, the original and complete church and gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth today. AKA We can come unto Christ! Today! Here are just some of the blessings we have from that simple statement. As I go through each of these ponder on how each blessing has impacted you, your family, your future, and the world. (I used branch members' names for each of the points...so I'll try to put in some of your names for each of these...)

-There is a worldwide organized and unified church. My friends serving a mission in Bolivia will be learning the same thing in Sunday School that we are today.

-There is a prophet and apostles on the earth today! Think of how that has changed Micah's life!

- There are more scriptures and a clearer understanding of doctrine. Think of how that has effected my Mom's life.

-The true nature and understanding of prayer. That has effected many lonely nights for each of us.

-The concept of personal revelation. God can talk to each of us, each of His children. Personally. Without that, I would not known to come on a mission.

-Temples!
-Eternal Marriage. My grandparents are reunited right now.

-An understanding of where we came from, our purpose in this life, and what the afterlife is like (there's a spirit world and different kingdoms)

-Think of the blessings that come to us from: word of wisdom [our health code]. tithing. fasting. the law of chastity.
-We understand our roles as women and as men in a very confused society.
-We can ask for priesthood blessings! We even have patriarchal blessings!

-We have the priesthood to perform baptisms, to give the gift of the Holy Ghost, to bless and pass the sacrament, and have temple ordinances

-We understand the Fall of Adam and Eve. We know the significance and blessings that come from that event. Most of the world does not.

-We recognize the nature of the Godhead. That we have a Heavenly Father, a Savior, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost!

- We have a deeper knowledge of who Jesus Christ is and how His grace and mercy and atonement can heal, empower, and change us.

-We know we are literally children of God. We know our divine nature and individual worth and our potential to become like Him.

THERE ARE SO MANY MORE! All because God's gospel and church has been restored to the earth.

These are big claims that we testify are here in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is why we have the Book of Mormon. God brought forth this ancient record and scripture as evidence that His church has been restored. Elder Wirthlin pleads with us, "Please do not take the Book of Mormon for granted!" We must read it everyday. Every day. It is a gift from God.

This church is true. I love this church. Acts 5:38-39 [in the Bible] reads "if this...work be of men, it will come to naught. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it."
When I was in the Missionary Training Center, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came to visit (because God loves me). He testified that our day and dispensation or time of prophets is like none before. Every dispensation before us ended in apostasy or that rejection of the gospel and darkness. Elder Holland talked about how many of the prophets and missionaries in previous dispensations knew their time would end in apostasy. So what would have kept them going if they, Paul, Noah, Alma, Moroni, Peter, etc., [prophets from the Bible and the Book of Mormon] knew that their work would eventually end in apostasy? Why would Jonah, after just getting spit out of a whale go to Ninevah if in a couple hundred years none of them would believe anyway? Elder Holland said they saw our day. Our dispensation will not end in Apostasy. Our day will end in the second coming of our Messiah! Ah Jesus Christ will come again! And He will come soon. Ah! No big deal!!

Lehi saw this, which is why he said "how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth." A missionary told me when I first came out to imagine every person I saw on the street as my best friend from home that I wanted so desperately to have the blessings of the gospel, and I had 90 seconds to tell them about the Restoration of the gospel. That mentality completely changed the way I street contacted and testified. We have to tell these people, let alone our dearest friends and family, that they cannot enjoy the blessing of the atonement and they essentially cannot come unto Christ without the restored gospel.

Okay, yes, the thought can be overwhelming. The sons of Mosiah [in the Book of Mormon] caught this vision which is why they said they were "desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human should should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."

Ah, yes it can be overwhelming. But luckily we have apostles of God who have told us it doesn't have to be hard. We can be missionaries in very simple ways.

-Be an example. Come to church on time. kKep the commandments. Read and pray everyday and your light of Christ will shine so bright that people will ask YOU questions about why you're so different.

-Talk about the gospel and the church in everyday conversation. "How was your weekend?" "Oh awesome, Sister Perry gave a bombsauce talk at church yesterday" [I have no idea what bombsauce is! Dawn]

-Follow the general authorities counsel to pray for the missionaries in your ward by name and their investigators by name every day.

-DO YOUR VISITING AND HOME TEACHING. Merciful.

- Pray for specific opportunities to talk about the gospel and invite people.

-Never ever come empty-handed to an activity or to church. INVITE less actives, invite the more shy people in your ward, or your nonmember friends to join you. If you can't think of people to invite, ask your missionaries. I know they have a long list of people who need personal invites.

-Don't ever sit by yourself or let others sit by themselves. At our baptism, we covenanted with God that we would stand as representatives as Jesus Christ at all times and in all things and in all places. And I know He would leave his usual seat and go sit with someone who was sitting by themselves, even if they came in late..
-Never leave a church activity without texting someone who wasn't there and telling them you missed them.

We cannot take this gospel lightly. It is humbling when we recognize how blessed we are to have it. It is our duty and privilege to share it.

"Knowing our religion to be true we ought to be the most devoted people on the face of the earth to the cause we have embraced." -President Lorenzo Snow." The end. [of her talk.]

I love this work! And I love each of you! All I'm gonna say is we started on time yesterday, no one was sitting by themselves (miracles for a singles ward), and we had 5 nonmember friends there. HOORAH FOR ISRAEL! LOVE YOU ALL!

Sister Atkinson

"Oh make me thine indeed, Thou blessed Son!"

October 21, 2013

 

Hello everyone!

Whew, another week is gone! Ah!

Sister Perry is so great!! Seriously, all of my companionships on my mission have been so different, but equally hilarious and fun. My favorite quote of the week from her:
"What is your favorite gift you've ever been given?" -me
*without hesitation* "Pit." (the game) -S. Perry
"oh nice.. who gave it to you?"
"mmm maybe my mom.. no no I gave it to myself." hahahaha

I don't know really what to say this week. We went on 3 back to back exchanges! We were supposed to go on a 4th, but we rescheduled it. We were just so exhausted and needed some quality time in our area, haha. I got to be companions with two of my past companions (Sister Barney and Sister Jones) so that was fun!

Best moment of the week? I discovered South Central Los Angeles!! It is on the edge of our area and like I said last week, that half of our area hasn't really been worked before. But it is a gold mine! We will be spending most afternoons there if we can. I just loved testifying to kids there. I remember just looking at this one kid, Jose. He's 18 and looking for a job. His brother is in jail and his two sisters who are in their 20s are single moms. We talked about God's path and our potential as children of God. I could just see it in his eyes that he wanted a very different path then the one his siblings and friends were on. Another one, Rufino, has a baptismal date for November. So pray for Rufino; I really like him. (Every time I say his name I think of Hook's Rufio and say "RU-FI-NOOO!")

This week was quite a culture shock. I went from south central LA to exchanges in Westwood/Beverly Hills area and went in some of the nicest homes I've been in on my mission. Pre-mission I don't think I would have thought twice about being in those homes. But I was surprised by how much it effected me. Like I really think I was in shock for the first 10 minutes of being in those homes. Some days I don't think I've changed much on my mission, but that helped me realize how much I have changed, haha. I've just had a lot of humbling and growing experiences that I am so grateful for.

When I was with Sister Jones in Westwood, I had one of the coolest experiences so far on my mission. We went and met this woman---middle-aged, from New Zealand, wealthy to say the least, and referred herself to missionaries (not normal). She is a very influential businesswoman and has traveled the world and has had a lot of experiences. She just told us her unique experiences in the past few years with the Mormon church/individuals who are Mormon and it was incredible. Like incredible. "I've basically lived a Mormon lifestyle for the 5 years. I know it's right in my mind. I'm just ready to know it in my heart. So tell me what I need to do to know from God if your doctrine is correct." This is an awful explanation of it. I only met her once, but I just know that my path will cross hers again. It was just one of those moments where I knew God was SO aware of me and SO aware of her. I really felt His encompassing love.

Lots of talking and lots of walking this week and I loved every minute of it. I love this work and I love each of you! Make it a great week!

Love, Sister Atkinson :)

p.s. Sorry this is so short! I started to type out my talk I gave in church yesterday, but it took too long and I'm almost out of time. I'll finish it next week and email it then :) LOVE YOU ALL! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

"Rich blessings are in store; If I but learn to do his will, I 'll live with him once more."

Hi all,

We just returned from our New England vacation with Brittany's family and so sending this out a little late.

Dawn

October 14, 2013

 

Hiiiiiiiiiii everyone!!!!!

How are you all?! Just know how much I love each of you and how happy I am!

Last Monday was just a rough day until after we emailed. We ate some deliciously magical grapes and within 20 minutes, Sister Perry and I had so much energy and felt so much better. But really, we both looked at each other and could just tell that it was all the people we had emailed. We could feel the strength from your prayers literally. It was very special and very much appreciated. Thanks so much! Keep praying. Love you!

Sister Perry had her first bad bug experience in our apartment. I was on the phone when she literally jumped 4 feet out of the bathroom screaming, hahaha. There was another GIANT cockroach in our bathtub. (Just want to clarify that we don't have ants or normal cockroaches because of food. We just get the giant cockroaches from the plumbing we think and the ants because we live in a giant ant hill. And the spiders are just unavoidable.) Anyways, we filmed it's massacre. We used three cans of raid and there are plenty of screams for you to enjoy. Can't lie, it is a hilarious video. But you'll just have to wait until I get home to see it, because Mom is still working on getting pictures on the blog, let alone a video, hahaha. But I'm super grateful she updates this for me every week! Thanks Mom!!

We had our monthly mission leadership council thing this week with all the zone leaders and sister training leaders this week. We talked a lot about simplifying and de-cluttering our lives, so we can just focus on working and the Spirit. AKA we're getting rid of a lot of meetings and interviews and stuff, and I could not be happier.

We have been focusing on changing our teachings like Elder Richards asked the mission to a few weeks ago. It has been super hard, but super effective. We just state short simple truths, ask more questions, and listen more. Ah, I can't really describe it well, because if you would've told me this a month ago, I would've said I'm doing just that, haha. Someone said in MLC "we need to stop acting like we're trying to convince people. We don't have to convince anyone." Hit home with me. We don't have to convince anyone of anything! Truth is truth. The Spirit's job is to testify of that truth, so we just shouldn't get in the way of His job. Everything we say has to be 100% true for the Spirit to be there, so our analogies or object lessons or opinions get in the way. We can state truth, ask questions, and testify. Anyway, it's changed my teaching and my life. We taught a member's friend the Restoration this week (Kayla) with this mindset this week and it was one of the best lessons I've ever taught. She said "I was just mesmerized by that boy's story" (referring to Joseph Smith's First Vision) "and I just feel like I really need to find out if that's true." It was a happy moment.

We have obviously been working on finding our little young single adults who are ready. We're basically focusing on three areas...
1. through less actives. 2. through street contacting (like Elder Perry said in general conference, if you want to teach more people, you need to talk with more people) 3. through members

No one has ever worked with the west half of our area/stake (Huntington Park, Vernon, South Los Angeles, South Gate, etc). So we spent a few hours the past few days mapping out where all of our less actives in those areas (like 300 of em) into quadrants. SO! This week we're going to just go to a quadrant or two and see everyone and talk to as many people as possible in between of course. I don't know if that makes any sense, but it means we'll be doing more walking and less driving! So yay! Also, I'm excited to work in those cities. No offense to my cities of Downey and Bell Gardens, haha.

Our members are doing great. We're going to go on splits more and try to visit all of them with this cute little magnet thing we're going to make. The magnet list thing will have the three categories that Elder Perry has asked everyone to pray for EACH DAY:

1. The Missionaries and Investigators in your ward
(then we'll have lines under to put our names)

2. Opportunities to share the gospel each day

(write down specific places you'll be i.e. friend's party, school, work meeting, etc.---the more specific our prayers are, the more specific His answers will be)

3. Find at least one friend to meet with the missionaries by December
(list of friends to invite this week to meet with the missionaries)

Sister Perry finally got to meet everyone at the ol' branch this week! Hilarious as always. Just full of characters. But they've come a long way, I'm so proud of them :)

We found someone from North Carolina with a southern accent this week named Sarah. It was a huge tender mercy for us West Virginians, hahaha.

I can't believe I hit my 9-month mark! Ah! So weird. Obvi, I took a hilarious picture. IT RAINED THAT DAY. I almost cried from joy. I have prayed for rain like everyday I've been in L.A., haha. It has actually got kinda cold this week. Like I wear my sweatshirt every night. Like it's in the high 60s. Aka, people pull out their parkas here. Aka scarf season! Super happy.

Oh. Friday was a tumultuous day. We were on our way out the door to our first exchange (so we had Sister Perry's suitcase and pillow and stuf)f. I closed the main door before the screen door and then screamed. I realized I locked the keys to the apartment and to the car inside the apartment. #THEWORST. Our manager was like an hour away, so the zone leaders had to take us alllll the way to the mission home to get the spare key and back. But! When God closes one door (and locks it -_-), He opens another!! We left her stuff at our neighbor's house and went to see some people in the quadrant (obvi, quadrant has become one of my new favorite words) we live in. God plopped three new investigators and 4 referrals for the Spanish elders in our path in 45 minutes! It was super happy.

This week we have 4 exchanges back to back, so it will be nuts and I will barely see my companion, haha. But we're excited and it should be good! Miracles and the craziest things always happen on exchanges so I'll keep you posted.

One last thing from exchanges. The sister I was with told me an experience I thought I'd share. A man on the street started yelling at them and criticizing them. "How could your church teach so much about families and then rip you all away from your own parents with such little communication for such a long time? Isn't it a commandment to honor thy father and mother?" To which Sister Zollinger replied "I have never felt like I honored my parents more than when I have been here on my mission."

I feel the exact same way. I have so many imperfections and things to improve, but I can confidently say that I am trying my best to serve the Lord and to let Him shape me. It has brought me so much joy, and I hope it is bringing you all that joy as well.
Rely on Savior. He's got your back :)

MAKE IT THE GREATEST WEEK YET! LOVE YOU ALL!

Sister Atkinson