December 16th, 2013

Hello Ya'll, Merry Christmas! Well here are some great moments:

 

1) We knocked on a door and invited the people to learn more, the man said no and then as he closed the door he yelled "go get the gun." Needless to say we walked away. He was just trying to scare us. Man, I love the south.

 

2) Duck Dynasty. For all of ya'll who don't know what Duck Dynasty is, you have not lived in the south. You know you live in the south when...Duck Dynasty is brought up in lessons and is seen well just everywhere.

 

3) Quote from a lady in the ward who was born and raised in SC: "I told my children to not marry anyone from the West, because then they would talk with a funny accent....". So I asked, "Sister -----, Do you think I talk like a westerner with a funny accent? She replied, "Well yes." but then assured me it was ok. Just when I thought my ya'lls were convincing...

 

4) You know you live in the South when you see camo jackets on the parade floats for beauty pageants.

 

Basically, the south is great and hilarious. One of the best places on earth. Where else can you buy boiled peanuts in cans and talk about church like you are asking someone about the weather? Abraham Lincoln said "If you wish to win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend." If you want to realte with the people, you got to have something to relate about.

 

Baptisms: Gail Rogers was baptized this week! It was a great day! Her daughter Jesica was baptized in September!

 

Miracles Moment: Our Bishop arranged for about 12 missionaries to be in the Conway Christmas parade. We stickered over 1000 pass along cards with the church info. Well the night before the parade it had a 90% chance of rain which meant the parade was going to be cancelled (when it rains here, it rains, it floods!). So Sister Stanley and I sent out a prayer request through a voicemail. We asked all the missionaries in the mission to pray that we could all still particpate so we could talk to many people. So about 250 missionaries did.

 

The morning of the parade came and the clouds were cloudy. It started to rain an hour before and they were thinking about cancelling, but right at 11 when the parade was to begin, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and it was actually hot! MIRACLE Moment. We handed out around 2000 cards, then a little while after the parade it rained, and rained, and rained, all afternoon and night. Basically, it stopped just for the parade!

 

Ya'll are thinking, what do missionaries do in a parade? Well the Sisters smile, hold a banner and hand out cards and the Elders bike around in circles (becuase that's how people recognize the church), while the bishop drives a truck blasting christmas music. It was so much fun! We handed out cards for a free Christmas DVD. I will attach photos!

 

Well Ya'll, I hope you are having a great christmas. We sure are over here! How is it going sharing the christmas cheer with others this week? Will ya'll go out and say merry christmas to someone today? Please do! I love Christmas so much, I love being reminded about our Saviors birth.

 

Love Ya'll,

Sister Anderson

December 23th 2013

Dear Family and Friends:
 
I am becoming a southener. It's offical. Sometimes others talk about people from the west or the north and then a few moments into the converstation I realize, I'm from the west! I guess what I am trying to say is that I just love it here. 
 
I just love Christmas time! Everywhere I go, I say "Merry Christmas" and everyone smiles back and says it. Christmas has a way of changing peoples attitudes: 
 
1) We met a lady a couple of times at her door and she was never really interested. So finally, our third time seeing her, she tells us that upfront, kindly yet bluntly. As we are leaving, I ask her if it would be ok for us to stop by in a few days to go caroling. Well that changed everything! Next thing I know, she is pointing to her car and describing which one it is so that we will not miss her when she is home! Apparently, she had never had christmas carolers and wanted them. Needless to say we are going back soon! 

 

Random Fact: Did ya'll know that mac' n cheese is a reglar staple at thanksgiving and christmas? Well, I didn't until recently, I sure do love it!

 

Random Sighting: Only in the South do you see huge billboards promoting Jesus Christ. There was one I passed the other day that had a picture of a road that was splitting into two roads with two signs in either direction: One said Heaven, the other said hell. Then it said, which way are you going? I almost died of laughter! I couldn't belive that was seriously there. Once again, I love the South!

 

Random Act of Service: We were driving down the road and saw an older lady on a ladder in a huge oak tree (100-300 years old). So we pulled over and helped her. She was 75 years old and was on a 15 foot ladder in a tree stringing lights! That was not acceptable! It was a lot of fun to help Miss Joe and we had a great time getting to know her. I am grateful that we have this time set apart during our lives that we can just go out and serve full time!

 

We serve with a lot of people who don't have much for christmas, if anything. It's with these people that I have been able to see the true meaning of christmas. Presents are nice, decorations are wonderful, but they aren't needed. They aren't what Christmas is all about. Christmas is about our Savior Jesus Christ. It is about his birth and what he has done for the world. I am so thankful for him. Here is a poem that my Mom sent me:
 
"What can I give him
Poor as I am
If I were a sheperd,
I would give him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
But what can I give him?
I will give my heart."
-Christina Rosetti, "My Gift"

 

I know that this is true. No matter what we have or don't have, that we all have something we can give the Savior this Christmas and that is our heart. I am so grateful for the lessons that I have learned this christmas. We have been able to go about and uplift many who needed uplifting. I can't even begin to describe the generosity I have seen given by others. If ya'll can, please go out and offer a little help. If you have the means financially then please do it, if you don't please just go and uplift with your smile, with acts of service, or even with caroling. Remeber, the reason for the season is Christ.

 

Well, I love ya'll and Merry Christmas!

Love, Sister Susan Anderson

December 9th, 2013

Hello Ya'll, Merry Christmas! Well here are some great moments:

 

1) We knocked on a door and invited the people to learn more, the man said no and then as he closed the door he yelled "go get the gun." Needless to say we walked away. He was just trying to scare us. Man, I love the south.

 

2) Duck Dynasty. For all of ya'll who don't know what Duck Dynasty is, you have not lived in the south. You know you live in the south when...Duck Dynasty is brought up in lessons and is seen well just everywhere.

 

3) Quote from a lady in the ward who was born and raised in SC: "I told my children to not marry anyone from the West, because then they would talk with a funny accent....". So I asked, "Sister -----, Do you think I talk like a westerner with a funny accent? She replied, "Well yes." but then assured me it was ok. Just when I thought my ya'lls were convincing...

 

4) You know you live in the South when you see camo jackets on the parade floats for beauty pageants.

 

Basically, the south is great and hilarious. One of the best places on earth. Where else can you buy boiled peanuts in cans and talk about church like you are asking someone about the weather? Abraham Lincoln said "If you wish to win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend." If you want to realte with the people, you got to have something to relate about.

 

Baptisms: Gail Rogers was baptized this week! It was a great day! Her daughter Jesica was baptized in September!

 

Miracles Moment: Our Bishop arranged for about 12 missionaries to be in the Conway Christmas parade. We stickered over 1000 pass along cards with the church info. Well the night before the parade it had a 90% chance of rain which meant the parade was going to be cancelled (when it rains here, it rains, it floods!). So Sister Stanley and I sent out a prayer request through a voicemail. We asked all the missionaries in the mission to pray that we could all still particpate so we could talk to many people. So about 250 missionaries did.

 

The morning of the parade came and the clouds were cloudy. It started to rain an hour before and they were thinking about cancelling, but right at 11 when the parade was to begin, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and it was actually hot! MIRACLE Moment. We handed out around 2000 cards, then a little while after the parade it rained, and rained, and rained, all afternoon and night. Basically, it stopped just for the parade!

 

Ya'll are thinking, what do missionaries do in a parade? Well the Sisters smile, hold a banner and hand out cards and the Elders bike around in circles (becuase that's how people recognize the church), while the bishop drives a truck blasting christmas music. It was so much fun! We handed out cards for a free Christmas DVD. I will attach photos!

 

Well Ya'll, I hope you are having a great christmas. We sure are over here! How is it going sharing the christmas cheer with others this week? Will ya'll go out and say merry christmas to someone today? Please do! I love Christmas so much, I love being reminded about our Saviors birth.

 

Love Ya'll,

Sister Anderson

December 2nd, 2013

Hello Ya'll,

 

I received the best news. I was in ward choir practice, (naturally missionaries are always in it), and I was explaining something. Then someone pointed out to me afterwards that I said ya'll 4x's through out that explination. I had no idea I had even said it. Proud moment. My ya'lls are finally starting to become natural.

 

Well this week was full of changes:

 

1) I received a new companion. Her name is Sister Stanley and she is from Las Vegas. Conway is her first area. What a great place to start your mission in!

 

2) Our area has been so blessed recently! We recieved another set of Elders, so we now have 3 sets of missionaries in the ward. Great things are in store.

 

Miracle Moment: God will protect you!

 

Two weeks ago, Sister Lundhom and I were driving way out into the country looking for a lady who has not been to church in a while. Finally we turn down this dark road which is off of another dark road and find her house. We pull to the side of the road when we see three HUGE dogs. I mean big dogs, barking at us. We didn't know what to do. We could see the door of the house and the light on but we couldn't get there. So I tried opening the door and making one step outside, bad idea. We didn't want to leave but we were stuck, so we prayed. (What you always do when you are stuck!)  We had the feeling to pull up into her drive way (which President asks us not to park in) and then try it. So we did. Well once we pulled into the drive way the dogs whole demaner changed. It was like we weren't intruders anymore.They still barked but we felt safer. So we slowly made our way to the door and the knocked. Longest moment of my life waiting for that door to open! One of the dogs was smelling my leg. So scary! A man opened it then went to get his wife and left us out there! Then the lady ushered us in. She felt bad for us being left there. Apparently, she has not been visited my missionaries because all of the ones in the past were scared away by the dogs. She agreed to let us come back becuase she was impressed with our determination and bravery.

 

Sometimes you have to do scary things, but remember, if the Lord is with you, you can do it!

 

Recently, I just have been so happy! I just love being a missionary. I am blessed to see lives change every day! I know that this gospel can change our lives and if we let it, it will. I also know that it is meant for everyone. We are all God's children. He loves all of us and wants us all to be happy and return to live with Him which is why He gave us his son. With that in mind I want to invite all of ya'll to do something special this Christmas for the Savior. How many of us recieve present to celebrate his birthday? But how many of us give present to him?

 

Recently, Elder Ballard, an apostle of the Lord said:

 

"We are niot asking eevryone to do everything. We are simply asking all members to pray, knowing that if every member, young and old, will reach out ot just "one" between now and christmas, millions will feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful gift to the Savior."

 

I know this is true. Will ya'll share the gospel with one person before Christmas to show your love for our Savior Jesus Christ? I can promise you as a representative of the Savior Jesus Christ that if you do, that you will be giving him something on his Christmas wish list. He will be please with you. He asked us to love one another, what better way can you do that than this?

October 26th, 2013

November 25th, 2013

Dear Family and Friends!

 

Well, hello ya'll! This week has been great! They all are, but this week was great in particular because I was able to feel the peace that the gospel brings into our lives. I know that no matter what your challenges or concerns might be, that the Savior, and his teachings can help you.

 

Baptisms: Pamela got baptized!! It was a great day to see a family united! Charles, was suppose to get baptized 2 weeks ago but unfortuanly he had heart problems and was sent to the hospital for a few days. All he wanted to do was get out to be baptized, then a week later he was set to be baptized. Two hours before, he called us and decided to postpone his baptism. Some missionaries of another faith came and shook him up a little bit. This was hard for us, but we know that the Lord has everything in his hands. Charles is one of the most sincere people we have met, I know that he knows this is true. Gail unfortunatly went to the hospital on her baptism day as well. She has been pretty sick this past week, but she will be ok. She just had another death in her family, so please pray for her. She will be getting baptized when she feels better.

 

Insights: This week was an emotional one, but during all of it we were never left alone. I can testify that God is in every detail of our lives. He is simply always there. I am so grateful for this knowledge. This letter is for all of you that are going through hard times right now! Elder Bednar told us that God will let us struggle, but not forsake us. We learned from our mission President that trials are good! They help you to be stressed, under pressure, so that you can grow. So if you feel under pressure right now, be glad. Know that you are getting the chance to grow!

 

Companion: Well Sister Lundholm goes home tomorrow. I am so excited for her family, but I sure will miss her! In other news, I am getting a new companion tomorrow! I have been living with a few other Sisters for a few days while my companion goes to deptarting missionary meetings. It's been a lot of fun!

 

Well, I know that ya'll love to hear the heart warming stories as well as the crazy one, so I wil share some next week, becuase they happen every single day!

 

Temple: We were able to go to the Temple this week. Somone who Sister Lundholm taught a year ago, went throught the Temple! It was amazing! Also, it was our ward youth Temple trip, so we got to see all of the youth! Three people, who we recently helped to get baptized were there as well, it was great! 

 

Also, this week we visited a sister from the congregation who has not been to church in a while. When we saw her she immeditaly starting crying. She told us of her trials, fears, and desires. One of which was to attend the Temple and be in the Celestial Room. This is a special room in the Temple which reminds us of Heaven. I asked her "why do you want to go there?" She replied, "becuase I was born to be there." I know this simple yet profound statment is true. We are all meant, by birth right, to inherit all that the Father has for us. He wants us all to come to Heaven again, to come the Temple. When I was young I memorized this poem: "I am a child of royal birth. My Father is king of heaven and earth. My spirit was born in courts on high. A beloved child; a princess am I." I know that we are all children of God. Children of a King. Let us remember that and act like it. We have so much potential! Please use that potential and work towards the Temple. If you have a reccomend, then please go this week. Make time for it! I promise you it will be one of the best ways you can spend that time. Will ya'll do that?

 

Stories: There is a lady named Chrissy who is starting to come back to church after a while. A little while ago, we biked to her house and just as we pulled up we heard yelling. At first we were alarmed, but then we discovered it was out of joy. You see, Chrissy had just called us to come over and help her with something right as we pulled up. We had no idea she had called becuase we had been biking. We made those plans the night previous. Many times when we see her, it was just when she was thinking of this. I love it when this happens, becuase God know what we need! He certainly does guide us!

 

Love Ya'll,

Sister Anderson

 

P.S. I love updates from ya'll - so send them!

November 18th, 2013

Dear Family and Friends: This has been a GREAT week!

We had 6 baptisms this week in our ward and we have another 3 baptisms scheduled for his Wednesday! God certainly is blessings us! So, here they are:

 We taught: Miss Harriet 50's, Janiya 14, Malaki 10, and Demari 8. Miss Harriet is the great aunt who watches her 3 "grandchildren." They just love the gospel in every single way! [photo of us and the family]. Also, the Elders taught Candice and Debrah who also got baptized! Candice is the Grandma, Debrah the Mom, and Debrah's 2 kids: Naceem 14and Rashawn 16: were baptized in September, so now they are one big happy family! [photo of Candace+Debrah holding hands with Harriet and Janiya].

This week: Three of our investigators are getting baptized! Here is a little bit about them and their stories:

 1) Charles King: An older man who lost his wife a year ago and recently had his foot amputated. He wants to set a good example for his family and therefore is getting baptized this week! Please pray for him, he spent the last week in the hospital with some heart problems.

2) Pamela Ogg: She is in her 30's, a mom of two kids: Aiden 7 and Shanaya 5. Her husband Shawn is a less-active. Since teaching them for the past few months, they have both lived the word of widsom and frequently attend church with their family! Another family!

3) Gail Rodgers: She is also in her 50's and is a lively lady! Her daughter Jessica was baptized in September (our first baptism!). She is a grandma and just wants to follow God. Gail has a lot of turmoil in her life so please pray for her too! Pray for peace!

Also, Elder Bednar came and spoke to us on Saturday! Yes, you read that right! Elder David A, Bednar, an apostle of the Lord! (For those of you who don't already know, we have 12 apostles on the earth today just as in Jesus Christ's time here on the earth. Ya'll might know about Peter, James, and John, ... our curent apostles act in the same way as they did!) He held a question and answer meeting for 3 hours with us! We could ask anything! He taught us how to ask question and let the Spirit answer them. After leaving the meeting, I realized that I didn't need him to answer my questions becuase I can pray to God and ask Him and be answered through the Holy Ghost. He also shook all of our hands! Around 236 missionaries! Then he also took a group picture.

Here is some of what he taught: Do ya'll remember the story about Peter walking on water in the Bible? Elder Bednar spoke to us about "jumping out of the boat" meaning having faith to act. Peter didn't know if he could walk on water until he jumped out of the boat and had his feet touch the water. Likewise, we must first act and do. When we jump out of the boat we must have our gaze fixed on Christ. Peter was walking on water until he took his sight away from Christ and looked down. So we likewise must act in faith and then continue to look towards Christ. In regards to acting in faith Elder Bednar said something along the lines of "It means that you walk in the river Jordan and your feet get wet before the water parts."

It was amazing to be in the presence of an apostle of the Lord. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church upon the earth. I know that he has called a prophet and 12 apostles to help lead it. I know that Elder Bednar is truly an apostle of the Lord! (For more of his talks, go to http://www.lds.org/church/leader/david-a-bednar )

Also, we got a new bishopric this week! So our new bishop is: Bishop Christ (who previously, was one of the best missionaries in our stake! He was always seting up events for missionaries to attend and was ALWAYS helping us). The 1st Counselor: Our ward mission leader (the man in charge of us missionaries in the ward). The 2nd Counselor: The assistant ward mission leader. So, if you haven't gotten the hint yet, this ward is going to continue to move forward with missionary work. I. can't. wait! The old bishopric was amazing as well and we look forward to be meeting with them.

Well, since so many of our investigators have been getting baptized, we are looking for more people to teach. Last night we went to vist 2 people whom we had been teaching. They very harshly dropped us and told us to not come back. It really hurt my heart knowing what they were giving up and them not even explaining why, but I knew that God would provide. On our way back to the car, Sister Lundholm and I spoke about finding the people to teach who are ready for the gospel. We thanked God for helping us to know that Rachel and Maddy were not quite ready at that time so we can focus on people who are. The very next house we went to was a lady in the ward who gave us a list of people who she wants to share the gospel with. Brothers and Sisters, Friends and Family, I want to testify that God does provide for us! He hears and answers our prayers. This, I know is true!

On a side note, my companion goes home next week. I love her so much, she truly is my best friend. God sent me to South Carolina to find her! I am so grateful for Sister Amanda Lundholm! She has taught me so much. She truly represent Christ in every thought, action, and deed. Please pray for us this week! She wants to stay here forever, so this week will be emotionally a little harder but that's alright because we are going to be working harder than ever before!

Also, another miracle moment! We were at a devotional last week and met a man name James and his friend. James was preparing to be  baptized in Myrtle Beach, the city next to us, that Saturday. It turns out that James is friends with Charles King and Jame's friend, can't remember his name, was Charles brother!! Charles brother is a member of the church too! They apparently haven't been in good contact lately, so neither knew! Blessings! We had been praying to find a friend for Charles in the church and the Lord provided. He always does.

I just want ya'll to know that I love being a missionary. I love it so very much! The Lord certainly has blessed me sending me here to the south! Will ya'll go out this week and share something about your baptism with someone else? If you haven't been baptized, will you ponder the question: Why is baptism important? I promise to answer that next week. Also, if you do it, I know that it will invite the Spirit into your life and converstation as you speak about your baptism in which you followed Jesus Christ.

LOVE YA'LL

Sister Susan Anderson

110 Oak Park Dr #B

Irmo, SC 29063

P.S. Sister Lundholm and I have been celebrating Christmas since October! I can't wait! I love CHRISTmas! It's never to early to start celebrating Christ and his birth!

November 11th, 2013

Dear Family and Friends:

It's that time again! Another email update!

COMPANION: Well the South is the best, as you all know by now, but what ya'll may not know is that I have THE best companion in the whole entire world. She is amazing! I love Sister Lundholm! She is so self-less, kind, obedient, understanding, and a great friend. I could not have picked a better companion had I been given the chance. I am so grateful for her! I am just so happy. I love being a missionary!

FUN NOTE: I learned how to make fried chicken today! I learned from an old African-American lady! The only way to learn! So everyone, be ready, someday I will be making ya'll fried chicken the Southern way.

CHOICES: Recently I was thinking about where I am in life, as we all do from time to time. I was thinking, how did I get here? I mean, I have so many friends and family members who grew up practically the same way as me, yet we all seem to  be in such different places. (Just bear with me on this one.) I decided that the answer was that we all made 90% of the same decisions but it was that other 10% that was different. It was that 10% that put us in different places.

Small choices are so important. They are what make us who we are. Often we think, "oh its not that big of a deal" or "it doesn't really matter in the long run", but I am here to tell you today that it does! All choices are important. In the scriptures we learn that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." So, I guess what I am trying to say is that be cautious of your small choices. Choices such as: Will I attend church this week? Will I pray today, even though I am tired? Will I watch this movie? Our small choices affect our lives as much as our big ones do.

It is these small choices that have prepared many of my friends to be baptized this weekend! That right everyone: Baptisms again in Conway! These people are all from different walks of life, yet they are now changing that 10% and preparing for baptism! 

WILL YOU: Will ya'll, the next time you are going to make a decision, imagine the Savior right beside you as you make that choice? I know that if you do, then you will make the right one. If you do what the Savior would do, you will never go wrong, for He is our perfect example.

I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He has given me everything. I know that he is real and that he lives. I am so grateful for this knowledge. Always remember that you are never alone, never. You can always pray to your Heavenly Father and He will always listen. 

Also, please pray for us! We will need the prayers this week. Our faith and endurance often gets tried before great things! Know that I pray for many of you! 

Love Ya,

Sister Anderson

November 4th, 2013

Dear Family and Friends: Happy Fall Ya'll!

 

I hope this message finds you warm this fall season!

 

To everyone who asked, thank you so much, I had a wonderful birthday! It was so much fun! I had a huge tender mercy with that:

I went to a members home for a birthday lunch and guess what? I felt like I had walked into my home. Her house looked just like mine at home. Same type of couch, with decorated red cushions, some of the same decorations and accessories in the kitchen as we have at home, everything just looked as if my Mom had done it. She even played classical music, the type my Dad likes and even had my favorite food! Frozen fruit-she didn't even know it was my favorite! It made me secretly smile knowing what Heavenly Father had done for me.

 

 I want to testify that God's tender mercies are all over the place. He gives us tender mercies to remind us of His love for us. The Lord's tender mercies are extended to all, the trick is to keep your eyes open to it! Will all of you this week pay attention to your blessing and then thank God for them? I promise you that if you do, that you will see the Lord's hand in your life!

 

Story: Last night Sister Lundholm and I went to a lady's home. Her name is Christina and she has two kittens. She is having a very hard time in her life right now and we were listening intently to her as she tearfully shared her feelings...then I look down and see a black furry face with two paws (and claws) pop out of my companions skirt! It was laying on its back underneath her skirt playing with the end of it. It was hilarious! My companion had a long flowy skirt on and the kitten and climed under her skirt and proceeded to cause all sorts of mayhem for about 10 minutes. I know that this doesn't sound too funny, but take my word for it. It was!

 

Truth:I want everyone to know that my Mom is always right! Growing up she use to have us sing: " I say to myself, remember this, kindness begins with me!" It is so true! This week we really focused on loving others and showing kindess to everyone that we meet. Kindness opens up doors! Who doesn't love someone who is kind right off the bat to them? I saw it work miracles, people who previously were not very open, opened right up! Strangers let us come into their homes because of it. Always remember: Kindess begins with me! When people are speaking, listen. When someone looks sad, offer to give them a hug!

 

I know that our Savior Jesus Christ was the perfect example of kindness. I want to be just like Him. Will all of you show your love for the Savior Jesus Christ and follow His example by showing love to others? Will ya'll be extra kind this week? I promise you that if you do, that you will be happier in life and notice a difference!

 

Love Ya'll,

 

Sister Susan Anderson

110 Oak Park Dr # B

Irmo, SC 29063

October 28th, 2013

Hello Ya'll!

 

I use ya'll all the time now! At first, I worked on using it to try and seem more "native" but now its just a habit! I am afraid that I will be using ya'll for the rest of my life.

 

Well updates: Sister Lundholm is still the best companion. South Carolina is still the best mission. And Conway is still the best ward in the mission. Bascially, I am very blessed to be where I am. Thank you to all of you who helped me get here in any way!

 

This week we started teaching some new families! Two quick stories with that:

1) The Jones family was a referal. A couple of years ago they had the missionaries over, who were very kind to them and always offered to help. Well Sister Jones rememebred that and one day she asked he neighbor ( a less active member who we have been visiting quite often) for the missionaries phone number. She called and we came! Now they are to be baptized in a few weeks! Everywhere we go, the people have good memiories of the missionaries always offering to help. So go and be good examples!

 

2)  I taught my first lesson, with a member and my companion, almost ALL in spanish. The member did more teaching that I did, but wow! It was amazing. I was able to teach and bear testimony. The most powerful time was when I read (I didn't have it memorized in spanish) the First Vision. The lady said that this was the first time that she didn't feel aprehensive about what we were teaching. The Spirit is Universal! It truly is. I did not understanding everything she said and she did not unerstanding everything I said, but the Spirit was the teacher.

 

Inspiring Story: A few weeks ago in Stake Conference, Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy shared this story with us:

 

When his grandson was 9 years old he was diagonsed with bone cancer. His grandson fought it for two years and eventually it went away, but the diagnosis was given that he would have to have his leg amputated. They were to do a new surgery in which they would amputate from his knee to his ankle.

 

So they amputated his leg and then re-attached his ankle to his knee, but backwards. The reason for this was to preserve the joint and to allow the foot to slide into a prostect leg. The surgery went well and the time came for the boy to go to physical therapy to learn to use his new knee/anckle with a prostect leg to walk. He tried and tried, but the progress was not happening, it only caused pain when pressure was put on it. One day he was walking and broke his leg.

 

His parents rusehd him to the hospital and the surgeon said that it was only a small brake, but that they would need to go into surgery again to re-brake the leg. By this point, after two years it began to be too much for the Mom. She wondered, why? Why is this happening. Hasn't be already gone through enough?!

 

Well the surgery happened, they readjusted the angle of the ankle. The boy was in terrible pain. He was able to do all the chemo with a good attitude and the first amptutation/surgery, but this one hurt more than all the rest. Once again, everyone wondered why?

 

Evenutally the leg healed and soon the boy was able to walk and then run! He nows plays on a soccer team. You see, the leg needed to be re-broken so that the ankle could be put on again but this time at a different angle. When everyone questioned, why is his happening, God had a plan. Had the boy not broken his leg, he would have made the big progress that he did to be able to walk and run.

 

I loved this story because it reminds me that God is aware of us. He knows every struggle that we are going through and if we just trust in Him and remain faithful, then we will be able to see his plan. Sometimes we are allowed to go through hard things so that we can be in the spot where God wants us to be so that we can experience the most growth. The boy breaking his leg was criticaly to his development.

 

Well ya'll, I am very happy and I am very happy to recieve letters as well! (Hint, hint) Send me your Christmas cards please! Also, how are ya'll doing on the goals that I sent ya? Remember, be a missionary! We are ALL missionaries! Spread the gospel, whether that is going out with the missionaries, sharing your beliefs on facebook, doing a good deed, or just giving a smile. You can do it! You need to do it!

 

Love,

Sister Anderson

October 21st, 2013

Dear Family and Friends! Another great week in Conway, South Carolina!

Great things happened this week starting with the THREE baptisms of Tim, Jessica, and Zach!

Sister Lundholm and I have been teaching all of them for a weeks now and it has been amazing! What I have learned from this experience is that people can change. Many of our investigators had to give up a lot of habits to become more Christlike and it hasn't been easy for them but it is possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So, for all you people out there who feel like you can't change...your wrong, you can! Just start reading the Book of Mormon today!

Other fun news: FOOD Update: This week I ate ALL of the following...

alligator, fried giant frog legs, shark, sword fish, squid, octopus, muscle, clams, shrimp, chicken bog, grits, and crab...plus the traditional pasta and what not :)

Yes, I ate ALL of these with a SMILE on my face. Did I mention that I don't particullary care for sea food? Haha, oh well! I will include some photos. Seeing is believeing. I do not recomend frog, so if someone offers, I would suggest declining, unless it would be rude or if your a missionary. (Dad, I know you are proud!)

This week, I went to the Loris bog off. Its basically a big fair. We are able to talk to so many people, everyone was SO very southern. Loved it! Also, miracle moment. We made lunch for an investigator of ours who is struggling finanically and we invited another investigator. Then we realized we needed a ride for investigator #2 so we asked a memeber to come to lunch with us. Turns out it was the members birthday! She is a widow and no one knew that it was her birthday, but God knew! So she didn't have to be lonley that day. We tried our best to spoil her, she said she had prayed and all she wanted was to not be alone on her birthday. The story gets better. Miracle after miracle happened... it just shows me that God is so very aware of us! We learn in 1 Nephi 21:16 "Behold, I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands." I know that God loves us so much, that He loved us enough to send his Son Jesus Christ to die for us so that we can live again and never have to feel alone. So when you feel lonely and forgotten remember that Christ remembers you and is there for you....also during those times, shoot me an email!

Well my birthday is next week and I would love it if ya'll would do something for me:

Please do one or all of the following :)

1) One random act of kindess!

2) Share your testimony with one person!

3) Tell the missionaries that you appreciate them and the offer to help.

4) Have family prayer and scripture study tonight.

Thanks so much, I love ya'll!

Sister Susan Anderson