July 11th-17th
Pday sports were in Anthem this week which are a little less exciting
but the zone leaders came and I challenged Elder Angele to a game of
Horse. The loser had to by the winner an ice cream cone... I won. It
was fun we made some crazy shots!
Tuesday sister Koyle and I went to the temple because it's going to be
closed for cleaning for a while. It was great! I always love the
temple. The bishops wife took us and in the way she was asking us for
parenting advice because her daughter is in her terrible teens stage.
Thanks for raising me right...or maybe I was just a good kid.
A recent convert, from before we came to the area, invited us to come
to a bar called the Blue Martini so she wouldn't be the only one not
drinking. Nice. Check that off the missionary bucket list!
We had an FHE with a part member family, the Prices. The dad and
oldest son aren't members. After the spiritual thought we played a
basketball game. Let me tell you, the years of playing basketball when
I was younger have blessed me for this moment in time. I played really
well and now they think the sister missionaries are cool and are so
much more open!! Blessing from being athletic!!
This weekend we had a mini missionary from one of the elder's wards
with us. She was so fun! Saturday morning we were going to have a
sisters breakfast for the sisters in the zone and make crepes. We went
to the store because we had forgotten some ingredients and the mini
took a video of sister Koyle and I riding on longboards. I miss long
boarding. Too bad it will be too chilly when I get back!
Ryan was gone this week for scout camp and for a family's wedding
reception. He really missed us. When we were talking to his mom she
said that she was going to write a letter to president so sister Koyle
and I can stay together. I have a feeling I'm getting transferred and
going back to the city. There aren't many places I haven't served. If
I go there I'll be working with Elder Jones who was my first district
leader and Elder Gonzalez who was in the MTC with me. We saw them
today and they said they are going to get the APs on board.
We are teaching a family from Cebu! We may need Nate to translate.
Stay in tuned with how their conversion goes!
The new Pokemon Go game is changing missionary work! Most of the time
people don't come out of their houses in the summer because it is so
hot. But now there are people and families everywhere!!! It's a
miracle! I'm going to try and get president to let me down load it to
my iPad! Haha it's a great conversation started!
On of the new investigators we found was sitting on her porch smoking
when we walked up. She had talked to missionaries before but has never
been religious. We talked for a while and then she said "I have a
question. I've asked all the missionaries and no one has been able to
answer it." Sister Koyle and I swallowed hard! And she asked "if
Christ has atoned for our sins which do people still judge and
persecute the sinners. For example people judge me for having
tattoos." It was a more complicated question but that was the gist of
it. I can testify to you that the power of the Holy Ghost is real and
it gives you the words to say. Afterwards sister Koyle told me she
didn't know how she was going to answer it so she was glad I did.
Immediately my mouth was filled with what she needed to hear to have a
better understanding of the atonement and of agency. I testified that
Christ truly did atone for each one of us and we can be forgiven of
our sins and mistakes. But people are not perfect. We judge others and
that is a weakness and a sin. Just as much as having a tattoo. We are
here to become better to change daily and to become more like our
Savior. We can't judge each other to cover up our own short comings.
This life isn't a race where the first five get to heaven but it's a
team event where we are helping each other get back to our Father in
Heaven. She felt the spirit with this answer and said that she had
never thought of it like that but she was grateful someone could
finally answer her soul searching question.
The church is true.
Love you!
Sister Gier
PS we declined the invitation to go to the Blue Martini!!!
July 4th-10th
This week started off strong with the 4th of July. We played Chinese
dodgeball and basketball during pday. With the Warm Springs stake and
we usual don't play with them so they were surprised when I hit my
first 3 then they kept passing me the ball.
In the evening we went to the ward party and met some new
investigators. Had hamburgers, watermelon, sang the national anthem
and played water balloon volleyball. It was great those ward members
really seem to like us. Afterwards we went to a family's house in the
other ward to watch fireworks and get to know their neighbors. When we
showed up everyone was so excited to see us we felt like celebrities.
On the drive home we got to see the whole valley lit up with little
puffs of fireworks. It was neat. I tried to get a video but it was
pretty hard.
We visited our investigator Richard who was supposed to get baptized
this weekend. It was sad seeing him. Shocking actually. We had no clue
his health had degraded so quickly. He had stage four cancer and I've
never seen someone so frail. Every time he took a breath we thought it
was his last. When we walked in the room his old navy friend (who is a
member) was there and he said "there are now angels in the room". He
was meaning us, but it wasn't us. Sister Koyle said the pray and it
was completely lead by the spirit. It was such an incredible feeling
but so sad to see someone so close to the veil.
This week I felt like we had a hand full of "life lessons". Those
lessons you learn that you can only learn from your mission and you're
glad you have the knowledge and experience of how to deal with them.
Sister Koyle and I had a good talk about how to handle things after
her mission. I'm glad she is my companion and we can learn from each
other. We also had to convince one of our Priest (Ryan) that he should
go to scout camp. His mom knows we have a big influence on him.
Sometimes is feels like Ryan is one of our investigators. Sonia wants
to maybe move up her baptismal date! We are meeting with her tonight
to talk about it.
I love it out here. We have two more weeks of his transfer and I don't
think president will keep sister Koyle and I together. We have to
enjoy it while it lasts!
Funny story of the week we were walking around Inspirada when this
guys comes out of his house and says "hey, how's it going? Did you
guys just get back from the pool?" Then we said "Nooo... We are the
sister missionaries in the area"
Then he said "oh, sorry I don't have my glasses on, I thought you were
wearing towels..."
Then he proceeded to get into his car while sister Koyle said "and
you're going to drive like that?!" Hahahaha
Anyway, life is good. Hope Natalie has a great birthday!! And I hope
her knee heals.
Love ya!
June 27- July 3
Monday we went to the mall with Adrianna, Axel and Ryan. I was like
all the people there have never seen sister missionaries before. I
kinda feel like I'm famous with this name tag on. I know I have middle
child syndrome of expecting attention so when I get home I bet it's
going to be really bad because I will no longer have everyone watching
me and someone else will have the attention.
We went on a lot of exchanges this week again. On one exchange we
didn't have any appointments in the evening so we walked and tried
some people and talked a lot. By the end of the night we had lost our
voices! The sister had been out for 4 transfers and it was neat
reflecting on everything I have learned thus far on my mission and
make a vision of who I want to become by the end of it. We had our
comp and personal study outside which was different but it brought a
special spirit and we discussed gospel topics. Again on these
exchanges I was reminded of the impact and influence I (as well as
others) have on individuals. Sometimes I feel like I do things with no
show of any sort of result but recently I've been able to see how I
can bless other people's lives and how no effort is wasted. You may
not see it until the life to come.
We also had Zone Conference. Nothing new and exciting there. I feel
like they just read from Preach My Gospel. My favorite part was when
president called me and another elder up to read our call letters at
the same time. The parts overlapped perfectly and it was so cool how
our voices echoed as we spoke. Definitely the most spiritual part. It
inspired sister Koyle and me to sing Called to Serve to the tune of
Come Thou Fount. The video I'll send is a rough version but we are
hoping to get the elders part and has sister snow play the piano in
the background.
Our investigators are doing well. Sonia (Axel and Adrianna's mom) is
still progressing toward her baptismal date and we are excited for
her! In all honesty she could be baptized this week but because of
Adrianna's aerobic gymnastics competitions she wants to make sure she
has plenty of time before her baptism to really enjoy it and not feel
stressed. Yes, Adrianna does aerobic gymnastics. It's an Olympic sport
so maybe someday she'll go to the olympics!
The Hall family got back in town and we had a great FHE with them this
week. Their oldest daughter sat in which is always a miracle because
she has no desire to convert but enjoys the FHEs. Angel Hall (the mom)
has been really happy lately and I think it's because she is feeling
the spirit more and more as her baptismal date comes closer. The
families favorite game to play for the activity is the game we used to
always play in the hot tub. Glad I could bring some Oklahoma
traditions to the Wild Wild West. Haha
I don't remember if I told you about Richard last week but he is the
guy whose health is rapidly declining and suddenly now wants to be
baptized. Anyway he went to the hostilely this weekend to check and
make sure everything is okay with him. He should be out by Tuesday and
hopefully this upcoming weekend he can be baptized. However this won't
be a normal baptism. No. We are going to baptize him in the bishop's
pool! We have to do it in the middle of the day when it's hot outside
because if we baptized him in the church his body would have a hard
time adjusting to the warm water and the air temperature. This will
definitely be a baptism worth remembering! We fasted that he would
live to be able to be baptized. Some members are like "it's okay if he
can't be baptized now, we'll get him on the other side" but sister
Koyle and disagree there is something special about physically being
there that makes covenants special.
Here's another miracle. IT RAINED. hard. I was praying for it all last
week. I even asked other missionaries and members to pray for it. They
thought I was joking but they did it anyway and let me tell you, GOD
LISTENS TO OUR PRAYERS. No matter how crazy they may seem God will
bless us if it is his will. I'll send the video of the rain.
Also Joseph W. Sitati of the Seventy came to the ward I was in on
Sunday! (Splitting up wards is hard and you never know if you get the
short end of the stick when it comes to sacrament meeting and lessons.
But this Sunday I was blessed). Him and his family were traveling
through from Africa to California to Las Vegas and onto Salt Lake. I
got to meet him and his family which was neat. Since it was fast and
testimony meeting we got to hear his genuine but powerful testimony.
Such a treat.
So that's about it. I am PUMPED FOR THE FOURTH IF JULY!!! I can't
believe is this my 3rd year of missing the 4th in Oklahoma. How can
that be?! Keep the traditions flowing because I expect big things when
I get back!!
June 20-26
Sorry last week's letter was so short. I don't know if this one will
be much better.
We were on exchanges for most of the week I only slept in my bed
twice. Weeks with a lot of exchanges are hard because they seem like
I'm never in my area and I can never keep track of the days.
We first went on exchanges with the MSTLs. I was with sister Erickson
in their area. It was neat because just 5 months ago we went on
exchanges when I was her STL. As we talked she expressed the impact I
had made on her mission. I needed to hear that. Sometimes missionaries
hate Sister Training Leaders because we are part of a cult or
something, but it was nice knowing that my efforts aren't wasted.
Actually all three of the sisters I went on exchanges with, I have
been their STL previously which is rare but I've been in leadership
for a while. I think hey may take me out next transfer but I'm not
sure. What ever happens, happens. It's all in the Lords hands.
I was rarely with sister Koyle this week because of all of the
exchanges but she got sick for a part of the week. The doctors have no
clue what is wrong but she had a pain in her chest and only one side
of her throat swelled up and she had a rash on her neck. I think she
may be evolving into a lizard but she didn't think so. Haha
Needless to say it was an off week. But most of our investigators are
back in town so we are pumped!!
We are trying to work with youth and inspire them to do missionary
work. There are only two Priest in one Ward and none in the other. And
we baptized one of the priest, Axel. They come out to do missionary
work a lot. Ryan is like our best friend. Literally though! It makes
me glad there were so many good youth in the stake and in our Ward
because out here there is a lot in the other wards but they aren't the
best example. So it's good that he has two examples of how girls
should act. His mom is really grateful for it too. She texted us
telling us how much it meant to her and it was so nice!
We are excited for the Fourth of July! So thanks for the package!I
Love you!
Sister Gier
Sorry the email is short again.
May 30-June 5th
Man, it seems like P-day came early this week! At sports last week we
played basketball and the elders called me Stephanie Kurry (I don't
know if I spelt that right... Stef Kurry is someone on the Golden
State team). Bottle line I was baller!
Monday evening we went to Axel and Adrianna's house to finish filling
out their baptismal records. When we asked how they felt when they got
the Gift of the Holy Ghost Axel said "I felt like my veins were
popping out and when I stood up I could fight anyone!" And then
Adrianna said "that didn't actually happen..." Haha I love those kids!
While we were at their house I asked if they happened to know the
score of the game. It was sad to hear that OKC lost. When Axel said
that he was a Golden State fan I was like "oh no! He got ahold of
false doctrine! We need to teach him the righteous way of being an OKC
fan" sister Koyle just laughed.
The rest of the week was hot hot hot! The picture of what looks like a
Lego is actually me walking around the streets.
One day we decided that it would be a good idea to drive to Primm. Let
me tell you it was not a good idea to drive to Primm. It's technically
in our area but there is nothing out there besides a couple casinos
and an outlet mall! ("And a couple scary people on drugs" - Koyle) Oh
well now we know.
Wednesday we went to a mutual activity for the youth because they had
all just gotten out of school. It was neat because we had a lot of
investigators there since we've been working hard to find through he
youths friends. We also played gotcha and I testify that the Lord
blesses missionaries because I was draining 3s left and right. No one
would think a sister missionary would be able to shoot in a skirt. It
also helps because now the members know we are so stiff and if we can
connect with the youth and their families then they are more willing
to have us teach their friends.
This weekend we offered to help on of our investigators at a
neighborhood party because she is the HOA president. She was so
grateful for our help and it was a great way to interact with the
people in the neighborhood! It was Luau themed so they had free snow
cones, and cotton candy, and blow up water toys and food and hula
dancers. It was fun helping out at the craft table. Ironically sister
Koyle and I were put on tattoo duty. Some of the non member neighbors
recognized the irony and we were able to testify... and tell them it
come off with soap and water! Haha
As we were leaving our investigator Tommy came by! He has been going
through a lot so we haven't been able to see him frequently. When he
saw us he told us that he was going to text us Sunday morning saying
"Liberty?" Meaning that he was going to ask where the church building
was!! Although it was less of a surprise, sure enough he texted us
Sunday morning and came to church!! He know that when he is reading
the Book of Mormon and is coming to church his life improves. Now we
just need to prepare him for baptism!
Now for the more spiritual side of things. Axel wanted to come out and
knock tract with us. Normally sister Koyle and I don't like going door
to door because we feel like a sales men and it's just not as
effective, but because Axel was there we decided we would show him
what missionaries do. We saw some neat miracles with him. One door we
knocked on was a guy named Carlos who was a pastor for another church
and both his parents had been pastors. He had talked to missionaries
in the past and has some LDS friends. We testified boldly about how
the Book of Mormon is the word of God and how it is another witness of
our Savior Jesus Christ and it show how much God loves all of His
people. He had read the Book of Mormon in the past but wasn't reading
it for the right reason. If you read the Book of Mormon with the
objective to prove it wrong the Holy Ghost can't testify of the truth.
His whole hold up was that he doesn't believe God stills calls
prophets therefore it takes away from "his" Bible. Once we had
testified of the truth of our message for a while we realized he was
too prideful and wasn't prepared to receive it at this time.
Walking away both sister Koyle and I were talking about how we could
have bashed so easily with him because his thought process was
illogical. Like "Of courses you don't believe in prophets, because if
you did then that would prove you were a false prophet, because you
don't have the priesthood like they do! Who gave you your authority?!
Some college?..." We opted out of saying things like that because 1)
Axel was there 2) that would drive the spirit away. However, as we
were walking down the street two kids ran up and gave us each a bottle
of water. We saw that their dad, Carlos, had sent them and knew that
something we said touched his heart in some way.
Bottom line: contention drives the spirit away. (Don't fight with
people who don't know what they are talking about because in their
mind they are winning even if they don't know what's coming out of
their mouth). We know we could have easily won the argument. However,
because of this, our testimonies were strengthened knowing that the
Spirit testifies of truth and can change people's hearts. Axel is
continuing to build his unshakeable testimony in the Book of Mormon.
Miracles do exist.
Love
Sister Gier
May 23rd-29th
This week was LONG. It seemed like it would never end, but it ended on
an incredible note. I think it all started with a lame Pday. For
whatever reason it wasn't fun playing volleyball and the other sisters
in the stake didn't want to play basketball. But on the bright side, I went
shopping at Downeast! I may need
to get transferred just to save my bank account. I'm planning on
sending the clothes home that I bought because I don't want to get
tiered of them... Or I might just keep them in my suitcase and hide
them away until I get home. (T-minus 6 months). Either way I'm
justifying it because they were 1) cute 2) on sale 3) I haven't gone
shopping in awhile so it better for me to buy what I want than for you
to buy something that I don't like as much and have to take it back.
There. It's justified!
Tuesday we had to exchange cars across town because the car we were
driving had a dent in it when we got to the area. We met the vehicle
coordinator there and on the way back our car monitor wasn't working
so it kept yelling at us which is the worst when the vehicle
coordinator is in the car! Afterwards we went to the Cheese Cake
Factory with one of sister Koyle's old ward mission leaders (who I
also knew from my last area). He was so nice to take us out for lunch
and it was great talking with him.
Wednesday we met with the district leaders in the morning and our
investigators passed their interview!
Thursday we had Zone Training Council. I gave a training on teaching
the doctrine. I got really high scores. Even the sister that hated me
gave me a higher score than the other missionaries. Afterwards we ate at
Cici's (I love the cinnamon rolls) and went on exchanges. I was with
sister Greene. I've been her STL for the past 3 transfers (her whole
mission) she's probably ti
red of me by now. But we saw lots of
miracles. The last guy we had talked to seemed really interested and
opened. He believed that God would call a prophet today and that
families are eternal and was excited to read the Book of Mormon. Right
as we were about to set up a time to come back, two rowdy drunk guys
came up and started talking to him. They were the devil! But he still
wants to meet no matter the distractions.
Friday morning we went into the doctor to get sister Koyle's ingrown
toe nail cut out. She acted like she was getting her toe chopped off!
That poor Doctor! Haha. I took a really funny video of her crying when
they gave her a shot to numb her toe. I feel bad for her but then she
fought me because I wouldn't let her go out of the house with out
shoes on!! Haha she's crazy funny!!
Saturday we had a baptism. It was a brother and sister Axel and
Adrianna. We have only been teaching them for 3 weeks and they got
baptized! They are so elect! Their friends gave the talks and baptism
it was the most spiritual baptism I have ever been apart of! When
Adrianna got out of the water she came up gave us the biggest hug
soaking wet and started crying as she said "I've never been so happy.
You changed my life. Thank you so much". That made me cry. And I never
cry! Two of her friends want to be baptized now and the Zone Leaders
investigators asked "when can we be baptized?" It was wonderful.
Zach's cousin Miko gave the talk on baptism and did a great job! There
are so many Cox people here!! Later that night Adrianna texted us
again and said "I love you Gus so much!! Thank you for being there for
my brother and I and for helping us change our lives completely!! It
really means a lot to our family!!"
I was a wonderful ending to a long week!
P.S. I might have told you but we see bunnies all the time. But this
week we saw baby bunnies which were smaller than some chocolate
bunnies that I've eaten!
