Personal restorations

June 30:

Sister Evans & I have really fun roommates! Sister Inagaki loves the color yellow and Sister Niska has a hilarious fake laugh.

I got to help Sister Niska and Sister Inagaki reply to a gospel packet that was given to and filled out by an inmate. We found a gem of a quote the senior missionary had written in the packet: "Jon Huntsman said, 'Difficulty is one excuse history has never accepted.' You already know it is 'difficult' to be in jail; it is 'difficult' to disappoint your loved ones. Why not start doing 'difficult' things that are positive?"

I've been going out with members and our Sister Inagaki & Sister Niska because Sister Evans is sick. Please keep her in your prayers!

Something I've been pondering upon is how just like we can have personal apostasies, we can have personal restorations. Do we say we have done enough or that we have work to do? Do we say all is well in Zion or do we continually serve our brethren? (2 Ne 28)
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
31 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.
32 Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts. (2 Nephi 28:30-32)

I love you all!

Transfers again!

June 23:

I cannot believe so much has happened since the last time I emailed y'all!

Sadly I just realized I don't have any normal pictures of my new companion, Sister Evans. She is super fun! We have laughed so much together.

This week I met a bunch of people that confirmed to me that this is where I'm supposed to be. Which is really nice because leaving my last area was not very fun

The first picture is with Heather, she was my splits buddy I would go out with just about every week, we had a ton of fun! YSA is the best!

Our ward mission leader has 2 huge racks of hats, so on my last night we took a bunch of pictures with hats! And the pictures in the car are very descriptive of our companionship. Goofy and laughing all the time. I was very blessed to be their companion :)

2 Nephi 29:8. Replace nation with person or missionary :)

Transfers, miracles, day to day, treasures, & pictures

June 16:
This transfer has been a whirlwind! I feel like the relief of staying happened just last week. I'm getting transferred on Wednesday to 1 ward with Sister Evans. She seems really cool, and she was companions with my trainer last transfer.

So many miracles this week! We just found out that the awesome girl we got to teach before she went to Chicago is getting baptized soon :) Remember the nonmember who invited us over for dinner? Miracles just keep happening with her and her family. We met one of her daughters who is really really interested and has tons of questions! Yay! Another huge miracle, elders were teaching a YSA in our area and decided they should pass him off to us--the guy wants to be involved and asks really deep questions.

Mom asked for me to talk more about my day to day life. The dry heat, even though it's usually 110, is not as bad as humid heat. Weird fact: Sometimes the parking lots have sticky tar because it's so hot. Also, Sister Henretty & I put sunglasses on over our prescription glasses because we want to keep seeing & not get blinded--it looks pretty hilarious! We have listened to the Lower Lights' music every day in the car this week, and singing along is highly entertaining. Sister Henretty made up a funny voice/character, "Egbert Kitecutter" and we get to have standup comedy in our car rides too! Sister Snyder has a really distinct laugh that makes everyone happy--after sacrament meeting, if someone said something funny and she laughed, 2-3 people usually comment on how much they loved it. Life  is wonderful :)

There were some golden treasures of knowledge from church on Sunday. "Commandments aren't given to us to change them. They are given to us to change us." And "daily scripture study isn't always about the understanding, more often it's about the sacrifice." I have been noticing more and more the subtle blessings of obedience to the small things. When I'm consciously doing the small things (like not getting distracted by the wall during church--way too easy for me) to invite the spirit, I really do feel better and I'm more edified. It is amazing.

In every spare moment I'm reading the Book of Mormon with the question of how do I get my faith to lead to action--repentance, change, progression (don't worry, I'm still reading PMG over the  summer too).

What is your favorite scripture story?

Pictures:

Members are the best

exchanges are the best

funny looking pictures in the Sunday school manual are the best

Mesa "greenery" at its finest

Knowledge gives us wings to fly

June 9:

Just like worldly knowledge helps us fly in airplanes and other things, spiritual knowledge helps our spirits fly. I am so grateful for the blessings of scriptures (PMG & General conference included). As we read the scriptures, we come to know our Savior. We remember him. We remember who we are. We remember that we can withstand the power of Satan. We remember that our Lord will never forsake us. I know that studying the scriptures with real intent everyday can inspire anyone to fly. I highly encourage each of you to read a talk titled: “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence” By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

I love you all. The gospel is true. The formula to being successful and joyful is simple: Pray. Read. Go to church.

Remember who you are!

Have Joy

This week has been fabulous!

Many miracles happened! Sister Sallstrom & I got to go to Tyler's baptism & see him & his mom! It was absolutely wonderful :D (also note: the funny photo bombers, the Stephensens, they're the best). One of our investigators got to come too! But he had to leave right away.

Oh and we used that extremely fashionable cardigan to teach repentance & baptism to the primary! SO much fun!! We did an object lesson & wrote with sharpie on the white shirt to represent what happens when we sin. The shock factor grabbed their attention. They told us what we can do--repent, get baptized, and take the sacrament! It was really cool to see the primary kids--and they love  missionaries--which is awesome :)

What am I doing to follow Christ? Answering this question has helped me reflect and recognize what I'm doing, and what I can do more. I know learning day by day how to follow Christ's example is what brings us true happiness. His commandments help us to have pure joy, even as he has. So let us all follow him and have joy :)

I love y'all!
Sister White

Charity brings clarity

Random fact: In Arizona it's illegal to refuse someone water if they ask for it.

We had Zone conference this week. It was incredible. I have greater desires to repent, change, become--to prepare to return to the presence of God. Considering why I am where I am made me remember my purpose. Taking personal time to reflect has helped me keep perspective and my priorities straighter. Becoming more forgiving and caring.

If you want to become more, remember who you are! "Remember who you are, you are more than you've become". You are a precious child of God. He loves you. All love emanates from God.

"What is it about true love that touches every heart? Why does the simple phrase “I love you” evoke such universal joy?

Men give various reasons, but the real reason is that every person who comes to earth is a spirit son or daughter of God. Since all love emanates from God, we are born with the capacity and the desire to love and to be loved. One of the strongest connections we have with our premortal life is how much our Father and Jesus loved us and how much we loved Them. Even though a veil was drawn over our memory, whenever we sense true love, it awakens a longing that cannot be denied.

Responding to true love is part of our very being. We innately desire to reconnect here with the love we felt there. Only as we feel God’s love and fill our hearts with His love can we be truly happy."
(The Power of God’s Love: John H. Groberg)

I type to you as a witness of the redeeming power of God's love. It changes hearts, it's changing mine. I know he loves you, no matter what. I pray that we may all let his love into our hearts each day, and rejoice in the glad tidings that our Savior lives!

Make good choices,
Return with honor,
Remember who you are,
Sister Rachel White

Exciting Changes!!

This week has been full of so many changes! On Tuesday, we found out 2 sisters had to move into our apt. So we have another companionship living with us. Then, on Friday, President Jenkins calls us, and told us we were getting another companion! All of the missionaries in the Eastern most mission of Ukraine got emergency reassigned to other missions, so we are in a trio! Sister Henretty is my new companion, and she is so sweet.

So many miracles happened this week!! We had a Mother's Day miracle--thank you for all your prayers! After we finished talking to our families, we went to go teach a referral at his friend's house. It was amazing!!! Everyone testified with the spirit, including him and his friends! There is peace and joy in righteous living. Sister Snyder invited him to be baptized, and he accepted!!!! He is committed to working towards June 14! He was adopted from Romania and is a model for Adidas. No big deal.

A missionary told me the 12-step addiction recovery program can be used to help one overcome anything. So, I started doing the 12-step addiction (bad habit) recovery program to help me apply the gospel more fully in my life. The process of change and becoming more through the atonement is glorious. I hope I'll get a stronger testimony of it so I can help others overcome temptations and addictions with their faith.

The first step is honesty. When we are dishonest with ourselves/others, we are being prideful. It is so easy to loose sight of the truth when we stop looking for it in the right places. “Pride is a very misunderstood sin. ...“Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.“The central feature of pride is enmity--enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means  ‘hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.’ It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.“Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ ...“Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled (see Alma 38:12; 3 Nephi  12:30).“The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives (see Helaman
12:6). They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works” (in Conference Report, Apr.
1989, 3–4; or Ensign, May 1989, 4). (Step 1: Honesty) (Pride)

I have learned more about humility in this week from simply focusing on a scripture and question a day. My faith has grown, I am becoming stronger, and I am happier. I know this is because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm still learning, and need help. I would love love love to learn from you, because I lookup to each of you. How have you been able to put more trust in The Lord?

I'm praying for y'all! Though we are not perfect and all face individual struggles, let our faith in a loving Father in Heaven & the assurance of the atoning sacrifice of the Savior permeate our lives :)

Some Creative Subject

Transfers happened this week & my companion & I didn't get transferred!!!!!! I've never been so happy about transfer news!!!!!!!

During fast & testimony meeting yesterday, Camille, a YSA, bore testimony that she knows the Savior lives. She shared that she felt an undeniable spiritual confirmation for the first time of this truth as "the sisters" spoke the other Sunday. The spirit was so strong, undeniable. It made all the stress of giving a talk (in the silent YSA ward packed of incredible return missionaries all paying attention) very much worth it. I am so grateful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost that carries the truthfulness of our message to hearts. I know that our Savior lives, and that knowledge grows every day (especially yesterday).

Could y'all please pray for Elaine & her family? Last time there were so many miracles. Terri got baptized last Saturday! I know that by small and simple means the Lord brings to pass many miracles. Thank you for your faith.

Remember Who You Are,
Sister White

Mesa Easter Pageant

That's only a tiny portion of the 4 story stage that the Easter Pageant was acted out on.

Also, all of those chairs get filled, people sit on blankets on the grass (just not in the aisles). They also sit on the wall. Apparently about 16,000 people watch it the last few nights (the seats are filled for the 2 weeks of the pageant) if you're ever near Mesa around Easter, it's a must see. Watching it brings the scriptures to life, and the spirit is so strong :)

We are going on exchanges twice a week, it's been really fantastic learning from and working with other companions! We get to see miracles every time! One of my favorite miracles this week sprang from Sister Snyder's sacrifice--while she was serving with another companion in their family ward,  they came across a potential for our YSA-ward (which covers that area)! I know we are blessed as we serve others.

Sister Snyder and I got to teach an investigator's mom while he was getting interviewed for his baptism--it was incredible. This church building is brand new and has amazing paintings in it, so we walked around and looked at them. As we testified of the Savior, her heart was touched by the testimonies of each painting. After the interview, President Jenkins told her that it was no coincidence that so many of her children have become Mormon, and told her that there are probably ancestors tugging from the other side at her family. He told us to look at the paintings of faithful women in the R.S. room. He left because he had to be somewhere. Then after a few minutes, he came back, and burst into the room with tears, and hugged her, and told her he was impressed to come back and tell her it was her time to listen to what we have to say, and to join her family. It was incredible. After we finished looking at all the paintings, she gratefully accepted a Book of Mormon! Later on in the week we went to the Easter Pageant with them, and she loved it! She's also very excited about reading the Book of Mormon, and cannot wait to go back to the temple grounds!!

Yesterday a member brought a friend with him to church, and she is excited to learn more about our church, her whole family has been looking for a new church to go to!!! It was amazing.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. I know that as we pray continually, many mighty miracles will happen because of faith. I was studying patience and thought about how sometimes we cast others or ourselves "out" because of exceeding poverty--not only monetarily, but when poor in spirit, emotionally, physically, mentally. See Alma 34:40-41:

40 And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your  exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them;

41 But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions,with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.

Sister Snyder & I got to see a banana tree!

Antonio got baptized!!! We are so happy for him!

P.S.  this movie is really really good: http://easter.mormon.org/?cid=HPTU041514694

General Conference: Great Counsel :)

In General Conference I learned how much Christlike love has the power to change the world for the better. When we love our fellow man with the purest love we can, we love God the most we can. When we love God the most we can, we love our fellow man the most we can. Pure love of God & others are inseparably connected. Christ gave us the example, that which we have seen him do, we get to do also.

Watching it made me reflect on times I have felt the spirit strongly, I felt my faith grow stronger as I remembered & felt feelings of peace and joy.

We got to watch general conference with members, investigators, nonmembers, and less actives (miracles!). Reflecting on the impressions with everyone was an incredible experience for me; I learned so much more. Serving others is when we are most happy, and we see most clearly when we are looking to Heavenly Father.

Our area is improving! When we "whitewash" that means that we are 2 new missionaries in the area, and none of the previous missionaries stayed. The work is a little slow; we are in quite an affluent area filled with rocket scientists, cancer surgeons, etc. (no joke). And the boundaries are 2 neighborhoods... maybe half a square mile? As we filled out the records for our ward mission leaders this week, I realized just how many miracles have been happening! We have been able to meet with nonmembers 3 times in the Miramar ward! (practically unheard of in this area!!--although in my 1st area that took an hour or 2). Getting to know the members has been an uplifting experience, they are incredible.

The Highgroves YSA ward had some miracles with less actives this past week too! And someone we are teaching is excited to be interviewed for baptism on Tuesday--he loved General Conference and felt inspired to "follow the prophet".

I know that our Savior lives, and he laid down his life for us. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Remember him in all that you do, and you will find greater feelings of happiness and joy.
Endure to the end & enjoy the journey :)

Remember who you are!
Sister White

P.S. I'd love to hear what you learned from conference. What inspired you?

Best transfer ever :)

Dearest family,

So, one of the people we got to take to the Gilbert open house a while ago has been having a lot of changes of heart. Every time we go over there, it's like going to grandma's house! She is super sweet, and loves the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it has helped her in overcoming he loss of her husband for 60 years. She is an incredible example to me of being motivated by love.

I'm getting transferred this Wednesday! I'm going to a YSA ward and a super rich family ward. I'm excited! But I'm really really really going to miss this area, and the people here.

To prepare for the Easter season, we have been studying the atonement. Coming to understand the atonement brings such great joy into our lives. "When we comprehend His voluntary Atonement, any sense of sacrifice on our part becomes completely overshadowed by an overpowering sense of gratitutde---simply for the privilege of serving Him. I have committed my life to Him. You have committed your lives to Him. Together we are engaged in His holy work. I love you for it. And more  importantly, He loves you for it." --Elder Russell M. Nelson

I love you all!

Sister White

Prayers & pumpkins

This week I learned a little bit more about the power of prayer. If you ever need anything, pray, and you can receive divine help--we've gotta act in faith, and then we can stand still and see the arm of The Lord.

"Trust me, learn of me, do what I do. Then, when you walk where I am going," He says, "we can talk about where you are going, and the problems you face and the troubles you have. If you will follow me, I will lead you out of darkness," He promises. "I will give you answers to your prayers. I will give you rest to your souls." (Broken Things to Mend)

I had an incredibly spiritual experience this week over planting pumpkins! There is an incredible couple that has decided to get baptized in 1 year, and on exchanges Sister Mitchell and I got to learn from them--communication & teamwork are super important. One point he made was that no one can ever take away our ability to communicate with God. And we were sent here in families, so these are eternal principles for success--communication and teamwork. I know that these are very crucial in the best kind of work :)

Love & patience

Elder Marvin J. Ashton is amazing. Every talk I have read by him has been especially awesome :) I highly recommend his "FamilyCommunications" talk it has helped my companionship so very much :) Jones Stephens wrote, "I have learned that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow."

I pray our Heavenly Father will help us to communicate more effectively in the home through a willingness to sacrifice, a willingness to listen, a willingness to vocalize feelings, a willingness to avoid judgment, a willingness to maintain confidences, and a willingness to practice patience. "How forcible are right words!" (Job 6:25.) Yes, how forcible are right words shared at the right moment with the right person.

May our gracious and kind Heavenly Father help us in our needs and desires for more effective family communication. Communication can help build family unity if we will work at it and sacrifice for it. For this goal, I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.  (Family Communications)

I know that what Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught can help everyone, for he is a man who teaches after the manner of Christ. We can always grow in our love, faith, and other capacities with the Savior's teachings. Following him improves the quality of our lives.

Pray with your whole soul for others. We must. In good days, in bad days, in so so days. All days. Doing so will make all days miraculous. Even if it's not easier, it's better!!

You're in my prayers, I love you all dearly

With love to eternity & beyond!

Remember who you are,
Sister White

P.S. We are teaching the coolest people, and our bishop is incredible!!!!!

Our loving Father in heaven

I love you all, thank you for being awesome! Keep up the hard work!

I know that we are all blessed as we serve The Lord first. Sometimes it may not be obvious right away, but learning patience is one of the blessings. But he helps us along.

"He treats us with great love and respect, even when we make mistakes. He reminds us of our potential (see Moses 1:39) and our great worth (see D&C 18:10), which are based on our identity as His sons and daughters. He gives us laws so we know what He expects (see D&C 107:84), allows us to make choices (see 2 Nephi 2:15-16), and honors our choices (see D&C 130:20). He allows for learning and instruction to correct mistakes (see D&C 1:25-26) and for repentance and restitution to correct sin (see D&C 1:27-28)." (Raising Resilient Children)

Temples are a "sanctuary of serenity"

Stay strong, stay true,
Sister White

Best Birthday ever! :)

Wow, the gospel is the best! We have had the most wonderful weekend!

Troy was baptized! As the bishop said, it was like the textbook. It was simply perfect! (the spirit made it that way). Just to see how much Tory's family has gotten so much closer, to see the joy he has
from living the gospel. To feel the spirit of love from the whole entire ward (truly a miraculous experience). His wife and mother-in-law sang My Song of Testimony, the spirit was so strong, undeniable. Especially when he bore his testimony of how much the church has changed his life. Everyone loves him, and welcomes him. He has been an amazing example to me of how to truly have an open mind and move forward with faith. The whole ward prayed for him to get a job too, and he started the same day he was baptized! It was incredible to see the strength he got from the members! And they from him! He has had really good friends/mentors in the ward who care for him as their own family--how it should be. It is simply wonderful seeing the light of Christ shining so brightly from him. I don't think the ward can ever forget this miracle :) and me too! Yesterday he made a comment in class about the gathering of Israel, how the missionaries didn't get all preachy when we came! It was amazing to hear how much the spirit really directed all of this. The Lord is doing his work, and we are his hands :)

Sister Lomax, my missionary grandma--she takes care of us every pday, it's like coming home :) she has made a birthday party for me this pday, it is amazing! I want to be just like her! She taught me how to bake perfect bread, it is sooooooooo good :)

I love you all!
D&C 121:33 rolling waters cannot remain impure. When living the gospel is how we live, we are like the rolling waters that cannot remain impure--the atonement is the best :)

Remember who you are!!!

P.s. Isn't this family the cutest? :)
Also, look at the picture, that was our inspiration, haha :)

Pictures again!

Quoting my mission president: "Rather than end my letter with a spiritual message, I would like to begin with it. It comes from President Packer's General Conference talk titled "The Key to Spiritual Protection". He said, "The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. They contain the doctrine and laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer."

President Packer added, "Be not afraid, only believe. Righteousness is more powerful than  wickedness". Never lose hope (don't be afraid). Never give up or give in. You are stronger than you think. The power of the scriptures, of our personal righteousness, and of our faith and belief in the Savior, combined with the enabling power of the Atonement are sufficient for all our challenges, trials, heartaches, addictions, tendencies, and weaknesess. I promise you that this is true."

Uploading pictures was not working for a few weeks, and Sister Sallstrom got transferred, so we got a bunch of pictures (this isn't even a fraction of them, we love taking pictures)

I cannot recall if I told you about our super fun lesson! The Cenatiempos helped us teach the blessing of obedience to Tyler. We raced, and then raced with one person being weighed down with weights (being weighed down with sin). We basically did a bunch of relays. Seeing who could shoot the most hoops first with a basketball and then with a yoga ball. One of my favorites was when we did the wall sit competition, Sister Cenatiempo "kept the Sabbath day holy" so she got a 7 second break every 7 seconds, & then a longer one for "General Conference."

"Consider on the blessed and happy state of those at keep the commandments" Mosiah 2:41

Also, meet Antonio, he may look scary, but he accurately describes himself "like a big teddy bear". He is so cool! We had the best time teaching him, he is so funny. The new elders in the area love teaching him. He is trying really really hard to quit smoking by the end of this month so he can be baptized, we are praying for him! Many many miracles have happened as we have had the privilege to teach him, he loves loves loves the gospel!

Shada invited us to her son's birthday party this week. We got to meet a ton of her awesome family, they are awesome! she is one of the sweetest women in the world :) she's the one we got to teach with the elder who passed away from muscular dystrophy.

I just realized I only have a few more minutes, but just so you know, Tyler's mom, Terri! is one of the most amazing people I have ever met (someday you might be lucky enough to be her friend)

I love you all!!!
Stay strong in the faith,
Sister White

Missions are fun :)

Transfers are happening on Wednesday! Since there has been so much work in both of our wards, they are putting a set of missionaries in each! I will no longer be covering 2 wards. We are going to miss the stalwart saints in that ward so much!! I'll miss Sister Sallstrom, I'm getting a new companion. She has been soooo amazing!!!! I cannot believe all that we have seen together!!!!

In a few hours we are going to meet 2 of the coolest people in the world for dinner. We were teaching them last week, and it was amazing how strong the spirit was. Their questions were answered through the spirit, it was so miraculous. Corey even said he should've been a missionary, he could easily "sell" the Book of Mormon: Just read it, every answer you ever need, it's in this book. Jacob 2:18-19 :)

I know you can experience the joy from missionary work as you go out with the missionaries in your area. Just last night, we were going out with a member, and everything fell through! Then, we were led to where the Lord needed us, and we were able to see why nothing else worked. Our faith was strengthened so much--the members that come with us are able to relate in ways that we cannot because they have had experiences that connect them to the people we are teaching. Members are a key part for an investigator's conversion.

We can learn more as we go to the temple, we can feel more of Heavenly Father's love. Everything exists because of his love.
Heavenly Father created this world out of love
He sent his son, because he loves us
We love him because he first loved us
We serve him & keep his commandments because we love him
We love others because we love him

"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." Thomas S. Monson.

Love you all!
Sister Rachel White

P.S. please pray for Terri & Tyler, they know the gospel is true, but coming to church is hard for them. Also, please pray for Troy.

Fabulous February!

Our mission is planned to have a record shattering amount of baptisms this month! Our mission president said it is "Fantastic, fabulous, faithful February!" Baptisms that follow the directions in PMG are so incredibly uplifting. Powerful. Sister Sallstrom & I got to bear our testimonies & sing last minute at G's baptism (the interlude people couldn't come or something). There was an overwhelming amount of love we could feel there. Especially as we saw a sweet family we are
teaching crying in the back.

I have learned that I need to keep a better record of the Lord fulfilling His promises (3 Nephi 23:7-14). We expect and facilitate daily miracles, and those miracles are a result of the Lord fulfilling
His promises as we act in faith.

Life is a growing period--filled with stretching and opportunities to grow--hard. I am learning so much. A member said, "broken roads help us walk by faith. Trials are meant to help us cleave unto Him, not turn us away." but to turn our burdens to Him, to return to His presence. I pray that we will be strong, and that outward influences don't hurt us, because of Christ's atonement. Everything (our joys & long sufferings) are worth it if they help us come closer to our Savior.

Miracles are happening like crazy here!! The parking lot was FULL on Sunday, people had to park on the street! There was a wonderful spirit during the testimony meetings :)

Love you all!!!!

Puppies, lunch

I went picture crazy this week since I forgot to do it last week.

A less active member has puppies, and she let us take pictures with
them, aren't they adorable? (she has 11, and I think they are all sold already, wow!)

I had so much fun making breakfast for Sister Sallstrom, and she
wanted a picture of it :)

Sister Sallstrom lost her contact container, so I told her what I would 

do when I forgot mine--use teaspoons, haha.

Oh, and that last picture? Especially for Hannah :)

We got to go to the Gilbert temple open house!! It was so incredible!

I hope you all are having a wonderful week!

The work is going well, everyone is getting sick though! Geneva, (I think I sent pictures of her earlier with the gingerbread houses) is getting baptized on Saturday :)

I love you all.

I know that our Father in Heaven loves each of you very much, I hope the Spirit impresses that upon your hearts as you remember all the good things in your life (Moroni 10:6).

Remember Who You Are,
Sister White

Love ya

Time was weird this week, sorry for the shortness of this letter. Let your light so shine!!
I love the gospel of Christ, and living it makes life so much brighter!

Love you all so very much!!!!

Missionary work: joy

Yesterday, there was a woman who was too sick to give her talk, but had written it. I got it right before the opening prayer to sacrament. They announced they heard I do good accents. It was humorous, because I was able to read in a southern accent a poem about Jake the Rancher--it's  probably on the internet. I learned how to follow the spirit, and how wonderful it is to be able to rely on the Lord when we are trying our best.

Wow, so many good things.

Remember the incredible Elder with muscular dystrophy Sister Sallstrom & I got to teach the Plan of Salvation with? Saturday, Sister Sallstrom & I had the honor of singing (with divine help) at his life
celebration, "Each Life that Touches Ours for Good." (because we sang If You Could Hie to Kolob during the lesson, and the spirit was very strong). We have an angel watching us from up above, so y'all don't need to worry about us :)

Our mission president, President Jenkins sent this to our mission, and I thought it was too good not to share: "I love what Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: 'The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.' We should honor the Savior's declaration to 'be of good cheer'. Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland) This has helped me understand charity more :) I know that if we turn to the Lord with faith, he will help us keep His commandments. 1 Nephi 3:7, He giveth no commandment save he prepares a way.

Prayers are answered in due time, I am so grateful for that. I was able to feel strongly the answer to a question asked many a time for many a year. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, and if we continue to press forward in faith, we will gain all that he has, step by step.

I love you all,
Sister Rachel White

P.S.

One of my new favorite quotes :)
"Happiness in...life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful [relationships] are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."
-The Family: A Proclamation to the World

New Years Happened? / Testimony

Oh yeah, about that. Life as a missionary has been making me lose track of time. It feels like our New Year's activity was forever ago! I forgot about it until my companion brought it up. 3 funny things, we played do you love your neighbor, and a chair was broken. Our zone threw up some missionaries with a sheet, another blessing from being small. We did skits, I was Nephi, large in stature! I walked up to the edge of the stage and climbed onto the shoulders of a tall sister missionary.

Miracles are wrought everyday through faith. Prayer is incredible. Saturday night it was right for us to set a date for 2 wonderful, incredible people, a mother and her son. When we asked if she'd follow the example of Jesus Christ & be baptized, She said she was looking forward to it! And her son was ecstatic! (We've asked them before, but she said she was listening, and he was confused as to why he needed to be baptized again). The ward loves them, they love the ward, and we are sooooo happy. Being a part of this marvelous work is wonderful. The bishop was working with this family for ~20 years. Charity never faileth.

People keep calling me Sister Smith, because they remember my name is really common or something. My first Sunday I was introduced to the ward as Sister Smith (it got corrected). People we meet on the street leave saying, nice to meet you Sister Smith! Last week even Sister Sallstrom's family in emails called me Sister Smith!

Testimony
I know that our Redeemer lives, and this brings me great comfort. Remember the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the Way to have everlasting peace and joy in our lives. Faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, Enduring to the end. I love this gospel.

I know that we are able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Miracles happen. My prayers are with you.

Stay strong in the faith.
Remember who you are.
Return with Honor.

Love,
Sister Rachel White

You are loved, so so so much. D&C 121

Christmas Pictures

The Hall family sent a gingerbread house making kit, so last week we made them with Geneva and Alnita :) Alnita was baptized a year or so ago, and her granddaughter, Geneva has a brother on a mission. We have been teaching Geneva and love sharing the good news of the gospel with her :)

We also happened upon a droll Santa saguaro cactus.