08.26.13 | Week 20 | Homestead Zone

Hello family!! How are you all doing?? First of all Mom and Dad, I want to say that I am so sorry that my letter was wet. I don't know how that happened. That really breaks my heart. I will write you another one today. I know how important those letters are to you. Just know that I am happy and ok, and you don't have anything to worry about. I am in good hands momma:)

I loved the new look in the home! I got so happy when I saw that. YAY! Our house is so stylish now:);) haha I bet Dad and Kyle really do enjoy that TV. Watching the Yankees on it;) haha Can't wait to enjoy that with ya! Its funny how much I miss having sports center on in the home all the time. You miss things that you never thought you would;)

So to answer some of your questions about Zone Training. I just sent you all a forward with Presidents Email in it. It also had some pictures from our Zone:) Sister Bean was not there. She is in a whole other Zone, in a whole other area of the Mission. By the way, she wrote me a letter last week, and she said that she is loving Pines (the area she is in) but there are so many rich people there. So she loves her exchanges down to the Ghetto. Haha she always loved the Ghetto. But I did see Elder Ovard for almost a whole day! As we were sitting there listening to President Anderson, and Sister Anderson train us, I would glance back and see Elder Ovard sitting one row back from me! So weird! haha but we have fun every time we see each other:) The training was amazing. They taught us on how important it was to take care of referals. One of the Elders bore his testimony on how important it is, because that is how he was converted, was from Mormon.org! It was really cool. Sister Anderson taught us on how we need to be more healthy and how to manage our stress. Which was really needed. Haha Those are two things that missionaries struggle with. I never thought that I would be the missionary to gain a little weight on the mission, but ya know, it seems to be impossible to avoid. haha Everyone goes through it. :( ugh...dont worry though. Sister Daines and I are putting my work out book to good use!;)

a few stories for ya:)

As you have heard, Sister Daines and I LOVE our house. Haha the ONLY bad thing about it though is we randomly have LIZARDS in our home. We will just be sitting in our room studying and then all the sudden one of us will scream and freak out and just put at the lizard that is running up and down the walls. Haha we decided that we would have a tupawear container in our study room, because its becoming a frequent thing. I have gained a fear of Lizards! haha

The other day on our way home from exchanges with the sister training leaders, we realized that they had our phone. We live about 30 minutes away from them, and realized that there was no way to get a hold of them since we don't have a phone. We went outside to knock on a neighbors door to use their phone, and then we happened to see our neighboorhood security gaurds. (Yes. we are that cool. we have security gaurds) we went up to them to see if we could use there phone, and they looked at us and said, "no hablemos en englis, lo siento" We then said, "No se preocupe, podamos hablar en espanol!" haha as we walked away from that we were talking about how cool it really is that we can speak in spanish!! Haha if we couldn't have we would not have been able to communicate and get our phone from the sisters. Haha ok sorry that was a dumb story, but cool at the moment;)

One more story for you!

We were walking around a neighboorhood that has a lot of our investigators on it. One of the little boys that we know, rode up to us on his bike and told us that a guy wanted us to come to his house and talk with him. Turns out that he was a pastor for another church. We got ourselves into something that we knew wasn't going to be easy to get out of. He started telling us that we are to Nieve to be out here alone walking the streets, and that we don't know what we are doing. Sister Daines and I really didn't know what to say to this guy other than, we know that the Lord is protecting us, and because we have the gift of the Holy Ghost, we know when we shouldn't be somewhere. As we were talking, we eventually took over the discussion. We testified that because of Joseph Smith, we now how the restored Gospel on this earth today. As I was telling the story of Joseph Smith, I found myself crying. I have not cried yet, while teaching a lesson. I have had really spiritual lessons, but never teared up. The Spirit in that room at that time was so strong. Nothing was about to inurrupt us. Not even when we recited the first vision, which is usuallly when Satan tries to intrude. They knew that this was true, they just need a softening of hearts. We walked away from that lesson, going "Wow" and "As horrible as that was, I think that my testimony of Joseph Smith grew a million times more than I ever thought it could". I am truely thankful for these experiences that we have. They may seem horrible at the time, but I know they are for a reason.

I learned so much from Zone training and then going on Exchanges with Sister Clayton. I was so excited after the both of those to go and put the new things that I learned to use. Sister Clayton really is an amazing missionary. I had the privelage to serve around her in Fort Lauderdale, and had the privelage to serve with her for a day here in Homestead. She is so bold, and has such a pure testimony. She connected with every one of the people that we met, and applied doctrine to fit every one of their needs. Another great thing that I learned from her was to give prayers of gratitude. She had told me that Sister Qieocho had showed her how after every miracle that occurs, she says a prayer of gratitude. We started doing that. After every gratitude prayer, there was someone placed in our paths that were so ready for the Gospel. By saying a simple prayer of Gratitude we can show the lord really how ready we are to bring the Gospel to the people here in South Florida.

This week, we have seen so many miracles, and we have also seen a lot of people come so close, and then decided that it wasn't for them. Sister Daines and I didn't quite understand how we were find just the perfect, most prepared people, but they werent progressing. We have had a lot of time to reflect, and really decide what we need to do better to get these amazing people progressing. It has been a good time of reflection for us. I know that as we show our faith and press forward that we are going to find those people that the Lord has prepared for us. I was readign on our Book mark that we had gotten at Zone Training. It said, "Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord's work, and when we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies. My goal for this week is to keep pressing forward, do the best that I can, teach with the spirit, and trust in the Lords timing. There is a scripture in Jacob 3:1 that says, "Look unto God with Faith and he will help you in your afflictions." I know that good things are to come, as long as I have the faith!

I love you so much family. I am so sorry that my letter got ruined. I will make sure to get one to you safely this week! And so you know mom, the last of the letter said, "That I always think to myself "What would MOM do" :) haha I love you mom, and I am so sorry you had to go through that with the letter:( It breaks my heart. Know I love you to the moon and back, and wont let it happen again:)

Also, I don't know if I'll have time email Davis, but tell him that I am so happy for him and that I say, Go get em:) 

Your Missionary:)

Sister Rogers

08.19.13 | Week 19 | Homestead Zone

Hello Family!

Oh my goodness. I have so much to tell you! I am going to start off withanswering moms questions that she asked me, because that will help me out.So thank you mom:)

Who is your companion/and where is she from/ how long has she been out?
Sister Daines, she is from Centerville Utah, and she has been out a year!She was acutally just recently Sister Gardners Companion, the one that Grandma and Grandpa know! Its actually really cool because, I had a really strong feeling that I was going to be her companion. Then I found out that we were both transfering so I thought that there was no way. Looks like there is a way! :) She is so cute. I love her, and we have so much fun working hard together! Its weird not being green, but I secretly love it. So don't tell anyone;)

What area are you in and what is it like/and what ward or branch?
I am in the Homestead Zone, in Coral Reef South. We are in MIAMI!! Exactly where I have wanted to be for so long! We are the farthest south that any Sister Missionaries have gone. We feel so blessed and priveledged to have the oppertunity to serve in this area. We were really scared because when you hear "south" you get nervous. But its AMAZING! and the best part is, we get to teach EVERYONE that we see! English, Spanish, Black, Latin, you name it! We find them, we teach them! So we have the best of all worlds here! Its amazing. I cannot even say it enough!

What is your apartment like, and how many live with you/ and will you ride a bike?
Ok, so we don't have an apartment......WE HAVE A HOUSE! Yes, the second nicest home in the mission. The first is the Presidents home. haha We litterally have the nicest home. Its got three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dinning room, living room, and a kitchen. For JUST THE TWO OF US! We are in Heaven. and we have a garage:) haha. We probably wont be biking very much. Only when we run out of miles. We have 1000 miles, and our area is pretty small. But the only thing is our church is ten miles away, and our mission home is like 1 hour 1/2 away. Other than that though, we will probably mostly be in a car:) Not complaining, because it is stinking hot!!!

Are you close to Austin/and did you get to see him?
Yes, I am close to Austin. We are not in the same District, but we are in the same Zone. So we will see eachother at zone conferences and Zone trainings:) We have seen eachother quite a bit actually! We got another picture together!

Where is Sister Bean at?
Sister Bean is in Pines! She is a Sister Training Leader. Pretty much like a Zone leader but for the Sisters. She is with the most amazing Sister Tuai. I went on a lot of exchanges with her, and I love her. I am so happy for Sister Bean!! Its crazy though. She is mostly in an english area, and

her spanish is one of the best in the mission! But God has other plans right?

There is all the answers to your questions:) Just know that I am so happy! We have the MOST AMAZING bishop in  the whole mission, says President Anderson. Our ward is a Bilingual ward, so we have translaters and stuff. Its weird listening to talks in english! But next sunday Sister Daines and I are going to use the Translater Headphones so we can stay refreshed on our spanish:)

Well, I don't have much time, and I want to send you pictures!! I love you all so much!! Have an amazing Week, and happy birthday dad!! I love you!:)

Sister Rogers:)

Ps  I had a baptism this week. Its in my letter to president. Such amiracle. I can't wait for you to read!:)

Kaceys note to her president:

President!

After this amazing week of Transfer Miracles I cannot even belive how blessed we are as missionaries to have the chance to bring people closer to Christ. I have an even stronger testimony that Heavenly Father has a greater plan for all of us and that through this plan, we are going to grow and learn all the things that we need to learn, to live up to our potential. Sister Daines and I have been seeing so many miracles here in Coral Reef South. We feel so blessed to have the oppertunity to open up this area, as the first sisters in a while! The first day that we got in here, Elder Jones, and Elder Rugg got us settled right in by telling us that we had appointments to attend and we even had a Family Home Evening to go to with a member referral I will admitt, we were a little nervous but once we got there, the Lolo family made us feel like family. We met Brother Lolo's friend from Cuba, Enrique. Enrique is so amazing. The first lesson that we gave him, he asked us if he could get baptized, before we even asked him! It was a miracle. We taught him all that he needed to know so that he could get baptized before he returned to Boston Massechusetts. Enrique already knew everything that we were telling him. Sometimes he would finish our sentences for him. He was so prepared. Thanks to Brother Lolo, and his strong testimony, and his amazing conversion story, we were so blessed to learn from him. Enrique was baptized yesterday. It was one of the most spiritual moments. We had just met him a couple days ago, but felt like we knew him so well. I guess thats what happens when you get to know someone on a spiritual level. We asked him how he felt after he was baptized, and he said, "I feel clean" This cute little blind guy, from Cuba, has helped my testimony grow so much. I know that God has blessings waiting in store for every one of us. Yesterday we met with our Bishop, and he told us missionaries "Never get discouraged. There are blessing waiting around the corner for you, as long as you stay faithful." I know that is true. I have a testimony of it.

This week, while Harvesting, we decided that being new to this area, we needed to talk to everyone we saw. While we had been praying for families, we were meeting familes every where we went. Just last night, we were walking down the street to one of our investigators homes, and we noticed a family that was getting out of the car and bringing groceries in. We offered to help them, and while we were helping them we asked if we could bless their home, and say a prayer for their kids that would be headed to school tomorrow morning. As they accepted, the mother of the home asked if we could include for her to have more strength to put God first in her life, and the husband asked for us to pray that his job would allow him to have sundays off so he could attend church. After the prayer, the home was quiet. It was amazing. We asked them how they felt, and they said, that they felt blessed we were there. We invited them to be baptized, and they all accepted to do it together, because their father hadn't had the chance to be baptized yet. We are praying for his boss to allow him sundays off. I know that it can happen! In my studies this week, I have been really paying attention to the things I have been studying, and writing them in a study journal. I have been trying to use as much doctrine as possible in our Harvest Blessings, and in our Lessons. I truely believe that through pure doctrine, that people ar converted. They are the words that really make them feel the spirit, and want to change.

I guess over all this week, the word that has come to my mind over and over, is the word "Blessed". It is such a blessing to be in this area, and have the people that around me. I love being a missionary, and my testimony grows more and more everyday of how important it is for us to open our mouths.

Sister Rogers

 

08.13.13 | Week 18 | Fort Lauderdale

Hey Family! 

Your missionary is growing up! I am graduating from being green! Can you believe this is my third transfer? Sister Bean and I have been making predictions about whats going to happen for transfers. We knew that most likely she was going to be leaving. She has been here for 6 transfers now. I thought that I would be taking over the area. Because I felt so strongly about that, I have been driving, trying to get to know the area, and doing everything I could to be ready to take over the area. I felt SO strongly about it. All yesterday we were so nervous and anxious to get a call from our Zone leaders that night. We got home, butterflies in our stomach, and the phone rang. Sister Smith, Clayton, Bean, and I were all sitting on the floor, in a circle, holding hands with the phone in the middle of us on speaking. Our apartment has been the best mix of sisters. We are best friends. Heavenly Father must have known that we were far too comfortable together. Haha;) As we sat there, they read of every bodies names, "Sister Bean, TRANSFERS, Sister Rogers, TRANSFERS." I was SHOCKED!!! Then it went into the other sisters area, "Sister Smith, STAYS AND TRAINS, Sister Clayton, TRANSFERS." By this time we were all freaking out. They were WHITEWASHING our area!! If anyone knows, that's not very normal. That means that two new missionaries come in and take over the area, without knowing ANYTHING about the area. Sister Bean and I sat there and started to think about all of our investigators, and all of her recent converts and need help! Us girls, yeah we didn't get to sleep till about 12 that night just talking, and trying to figure out what was going to happen with us! We were all thrown for a loop. Then, today, we got a phone call from the AP's telling us that we were to bring our Area book, car, and phone, ready to give to two Elders that were going to be taking over our area. They told us that it was nothing that we had done wrong, and that we were amazing missionaries. Its just what the Lord wants. We now feel really at peace about it. It really is all in God's hands. We have been having a hard time with our area. We had some solid people, but they weren't progressing like we'd like them to. We think that Elders will be a good thing for the area. Except, our branch is SO sad. They didn't want any of us to leave, and now everyone of us but Sister Smith is leaving! And no offense to the Elders, but our branch doesn't like Elders. haha so it will be interesting to see what happens:)

Other than that, I have been having such a great time. I know that good things are to come! I am a little nervous. Not going to lie. Getting a new companion is scary! Especially after I have had the best one I could have ever asked for. Sister Bean and I are just way to comfortable with eachother. Haha its time for us to grow some more. Tomorrow morning I will find out! we leave for transfer meeting at 8 in the morning. I have been packing and cleaning all day trying to get ready! Tonight, we are going to the church at eight to say goodbye to the Branch. Going to be so sad:( They have been like a family to me. I have learned SO MUCH!  I am very grateful for it:) 

It's getting SO hot here in Florida. We practically die. Everyone talks of how great the winters are here and that i am going to LOVE it. I get super excited, then I remember that once I get through this summer, comes winter, and then I have ANOTHER summer. Haha what's Heavenly Father trying to put me through??;) Nah. It's good. In our apartment, we have been trying to go on this health kick. Fruits, Veggies, and Lean meets. And of course my granola bars here and there because I need my sugar. But its been so good! We last A WHOLE WEEK! can you believe it? 

Well family, I loved your emails like I always do:) Thanks for always thinking about me, and praying for me! I love you all more than you could ever know. You are such huge examples and support to me!

Thanks for everything you and Sister Anderson do, President!

Sister Rogers 

ps. Kira going to Canada!! what language is she speaking?? I have a elder in my district (well wont be for long) but he lives in canada and is wondering! And I have heard so much about the temple movie. Some of the missionaries going home got to go see it in the Orlando temple. I wisht the the temple here would finish sooner!! Ah!! 

 

08.05.13 | Week 17 | Fort Lauderdale

Family!

Hello AGAIN:)

How is every one doing?? I hope great! I love you all so much and love getting to hear from you! Thanks for always e-mailing me. It means more than you know.

Time is flying by just like always for me. I wake up, blink my eyes, and its time for bed! And I swear that every day is Sunday! That's how fast the weeks go by. Before you know it I'll be to my half way mark! Holy cow! I can't believe it.

This week was another great week in the life of a missionary. Sister Bean and I have a lot of great people that we are teaching but are having a hard time getting them to church. Its really hard sometimes when you do all you can, and work your finger to the bone all week long, and then they don't put their part in. Then you see other missionaries having success, and you can't help but think about what you're doing wrong. I was talking to the other sister in our apartment, Sister Smith and Clayton, and I was asking them how they are getting all of their investigators to church. Sister Smith said, "That's exactly what I used to say to Sister Bean, when she would ALWAYS have lots of investigators at church, and I would be sitting there with none." she also said, "I think that we go through times like that so that we could be humbled. Then when we do have success we know that it isnt because of what we are doing. Its all Heavenly Father." That really opened my eyes. Because its easy to tell yourself its all you, and that you are a horrible missionary because people just aren't responding. As I was reading in Preach My Gospel this morning, It was saying that as long as you teach people very simple, and with the spirit, it is there responsibility to act. If they don't, don't get frustrated. It is all part of God's timing.

We found this AMAZING trailer park the other day. It was LATIN FULL! Haha you don't understand how amazing that is! It was a miracle in itself that we found it. We met this cutest Mexican family there. Moises and Ester and their kids. We had a way spiritual lesson on the restoration with them, but they didn't make it to church. We are going to really work on helping our investigators keep their commitments and read, and we think that will make it a big different. There is always things we can improve on!

Will you please tell Grace that I say hi.  I cant wait to receive her letter! I love that girl. She is going to be amazing out there! can't wait to see where she gets called to:) I am glad you got a letter from Olivia! I got one too:) I just wrote her back this week. She is loving missionary life! I love that girl. It'll be a good day when we reunite. I know without a doubt she was put in my life for a reason. 

I have been getting SO tired. Sister Bean and I crash during lunch time like every single day. The sun here and the humidity, well lets just say that it drains you. just a little. ;) We have decided to eat more healthy, fruits and veggies, and less junk so that we can help our energy out that way. I can't believe that her and I possible only have a week left her. I took of the area for a day on exchanges, which was so scary. My letter to president explains it a little bit. But my spanish really surprised me. I guess that when Heavenly Father puts you in hard situations, he wont let you fall short. He will always make it possible for you. It might be on Gods time. 

The Sister Training Leaders, Sister Tuai, and Johnson arranged and exchange with us. The past times I have gone to Pines. This time, I was staying in Riverside, and Sister Bean was going to Pines. That meant that I would be taking over the area. I cannot tell you how nervous I was. I didn't think that I was capable. I am very thankful that I had Sister Tuai with me though. She is so patient and helpful. The day rolled around and it was time for me to be in charge. I had total support from my amazing trainer Sister Bean, who had complete trust in me, but of course, I was terrified. That day, was amazing. Sister Tuai and I saw so many miracles. Every person that we taught to was a miracle. We could hardly believe it. I ended up surprising myself with the spanish that i didn't think I knew. Of course it was nice to have Sister Tuai to help me when I needed it though. I know that all my prayers, they didn't go unanswered. I have such a strong testimony that Heavenly Father hears every single one of our prayers, no matter how little or big they are.

I finished The Book of Mormon for the first time on my mission. It was really cool to read it from a different perspective. From reading it at home, and reading on my mission, it was a whole different experience. I have learned that the stories in The Book of Mormon, are stories, like us as missionaries go through every day. As I was finishing in Mosiah, I was reading in Chapter 10 Vs. 3. It explains to us how much love our Heavenly Father has for us. He never leaves us alone. Everything that we go through, is because he loves us so much. That is something I have really come to realize. I have always known it, but I know it on a different level now. I cant wait to start The Book of Mormon over and read all the stories again!

This week, I have come to realize that going on a mission was part of Heavenly Fathers plan for me. I have had some hard times, but that's when I have really grown the most. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. I know I was supposed to be put with Sister Bean for a reason as well. She is so patient with me, and has so much trust, faith, and confidence in me. She has taught me so much. I will forever be grateful for her and this opportunity.

Well family I love you so much!  I hope you have a great week!

Sister Rogers

07.29.13 | Week 16 | Fort Lauderdale

FAMILY!

Long time no talk eh? Hows my family doing in Utah? I miss you all like crazy! Everything is great here in Florida! Remember when I said that it wasn't that hot here? Well...I think that I may have to correct myself. The weather is CRAZY HOT. I cant yet decide if its hotter than STG. But I also didn't go out knocking doors in STG;) our car tells us its about 97 degrees plus how ever much humidity we've got goin on here. Who knows! I don't know if i even want to know! Thanks to mom and sending us that amazing bag that has insulation in it, Sister Bean and I pack about four water bottles in it when we go out, and drink 1 every 30-45 minutes. Its the kind of heat where it sucks out your energy. We have never been so tired in our entire lives! That's when I remember, shoot, I am here for two summers!!! Wish me luck! haha. As long as we've got the lord on our side, we'll be ok:)

So like I have told you before, sometimes you forget that you are in america when you're in Florida. When you see white people, its a rare cause. (at least for our little area) Basically everyone is from South America. As we knock doors, people tend to ask us where we are from. We let them guess most of the time. Mostly EVERYONE tells me that I look like I am from Argentina! HAHAH I cannot get over it. I have people ask me it all the time now! I just look at them and say, "have you heard my spanish?" ;)

Mom wanted to know about Sandy. We had to pass her to the Elders because she is English. We can harvest in English, but when it comes to the discussions, we have to teach in spanish. Its kinda sad sometimes because we find some of the most prepared people, but they only speak english. It's ok though:) We are still trying to find the people that are prepared for baptism. We know that we will be lead to them soon!

After reading through presidents email about the ministering of angels, I couldn't believe it! Just recently Sister Bean and I had such an amazing experience with this. As we were harvesting, we started thinking about the conversation that we had, had with one of the branch members just earlier that day. He was telling us stories from his mission. Him and his companion had somebody come up and asked them "Where is your third friend that was just with you?" They began to explain to this man that they were always just with each other. Just the two of them. Never three. That's when they knew that they were not alone. We asked ourselves, "Do you think that we have angels with us?" Just then, the most powerful, calming, yet spiritual feeling came over us. Nothing like we had ever felt before. It stayed with us the whole time we were knocking doors. We knew that an Angel was with us. No doubt in our minds. We came to a door. A man opened it and began to tell us about himself. His wife had just died a week ago, and he was trying to help her kids come closer to Christ. My companion and I both knew that this mans wife, had accepted the Gospel on the other side of the veil and was now with us, and she had guided us to her husband. We walked away from that home, knowing that we were lead there by angels. The feeling did not go away. We walked to the car, trying to describe this feeling that was over us at this time. No words could describe. We felt that all of our energy had been taken away. It reminded us of when Joseph Smith saw God the father, and his son. After seeing them, and having such a spiritual experience, he had no energy left. We didn't quite experience what Joseph Smith experienced, but we did experience something that built both of our testimonies of the ministering of angels.

I have learned this week, that we do not have control of the agency of our investigators and the people that we come in contact with, but we do have control over what we do, and the examples we set for these people. As long as we have faith, and do what we can, than God, and his angels will lead us to those people that are prepared. All according to Gods timing.

Almost being done with The Book of Mormon, I have really been able to sit back and realize how much we as missionaries can relate with the stories. As missionaries, we go through the same things as Nephi, Ammon, Alma, and Moroni go through. I have gained such a love for reading The Book of Mormon while I have been on my mission. I have had the opportunity to look at it is such a different light, and its been so great! I can hardly to wait to read it again!

Sister Bean and I have been doing great together! We have learned so much from one another, and how to work together, with our different ideas. We are really loving our area, and finding so many great people! We have had to realize though, that every thing is God's timing. People fall through on their commitments all the time. With the faith though, we know that good things are to come! As long as we are working hard and being obedient!

I love this work. Just like the quote, "There are few things in the world that bring as much joy, as assisting others to better their lives."

Thank you for all of your emails! I love them all! Don't worry about me, loosing my personality by the way:) Its just been a little bit of getting used to trying to balance everything out:) I hope that everyone is having fun doing whatever they may be doing! I love you all !

Sister Rogers