Pre Christmas Letter 12-23-13

HEY!

 

I hope you are all doing well!! I get to SEE you in TWO DAYS! WOO!!! I can't believe it's already Christmas time. Time is flying WAY too fast. I wish it would slow down a little bit...

 

Last Monday I went to the Pentagon! A member of my ward works there and gave us a private tour!!! It was so cool. I wouldn't mind working there... :) There were little tables lining every hallway that had old war gear and stuff in glass cases. It's like a museum! I really liked the 911 memorial they have. It's not too big, but when you walk in, it's really reverent. There is definitely a special spirit in there. It really made me appreciate where I am. I am proud to be an American!!! I got to peak inside the secretary of defense's office. (I think that's what it was) And I loved the carpet and fancy furnishings. I love the colonial style. It was a great experience. My tour guide said that if my family came to pick me up at the end of my mission, she'd be happy to give us all a tour!!! How cool is that? Today we're going to Mt. Vernon. Can't wait!

 

We took one of our less active members who is really wanting to come back to the church to the temple visitor center! So we got to see the temple lights. They aren't as spectacular as they are at temple square, but they're still fun. I really like being on the temple grounds. Those sister missionaries who get to serve in the temple visitor center sure are lucky! :)

 

Sister Anderson in front of the Pentagon.  I need help rotating Pics. If you know how, HELP!  Ha ha.

 

This past week was pretty good. The bug exterminator guy finally came around and gave our room clearance of all bed bugs! So we moved back in. I have my bed in the center of the floor so it's not against any wall. I also put duct tape on all four legs of my bed with the sticky side out so that bed bugs can't crawl up and get me. I also have plastic bed covers on both my mattress and box spring. I might be a little paranoid...but I have good reason! I am NOT going to be a midnight snack any more! Hahah!!! Last night as I was laying in bed after prayers, I called out, "I say bed you say bug--BED" and Sister Hansen called out "BUG"! hahahaha.

 

It's really nice that we are moved out of our tiny living room and into our bedroom. It makes the apartment feel a ton cleaner. Also, we had the aparment workers clean our carpets. And they cleaned twice! So we feel pretty good about our living situation at the moment. :)

 

Last night we went to check on a former investigator that we haven't been able to get ahold of because he works two full time jobs. We stopped in at his apartment last night, and he was home with his sister and niece!!! It was great. We tried to teach him a lesson, but lost the interest of his sister really quickly... His name is Ibraheim and he's from Sierra Leon. He said that he has issues with what the missionaries before taught him...He doesn't believe that we have spirits. He thinks that once we're dead, we're DEAD. And that's it. He was trying to teach US and make us believe. But I just don't see the mercy of God in his way of thinking. There would be no progression or purpose to life if there was no life after death. It made me sad.. We didn't even try to correct him because his heart was so set in his ways and we didn't want to bible bash with him. The spirit prompted me to let it go. So I decided to share a "special Christmas message". Immediately, Ibraheim's niece got excited and went to grab her mom. She came out and sat on the couch next to us. People just love Christmas! I shared John 3:16-17 and bore testimony of Jesus Christ. I challenged them to make Christ the center of their Christmas and to think of something they could "give" to Him this season. It was cool to see the spirit work within Ibraheim's sister as she talked about how she wanted to help the less fortunate children and the elderly. She wants to find something to give them this season in order to give back to Jesus. It was really touching. We left with a prayer. I love Christmas. People are so open this time of year. Even though we didn't teach them a lesson about the Restored gospel, we helped them come a little closer to Jesus Christ, and that's what it's all about.

 

We went Christmas caroling in the Pentagon City Metro Station again! It's so fun. It's a great way to help people feel a bit of the spirit as they quickly walk by. There was a man down the walkway who was selling candy bars and ringing a bell. He was obviously handicapped, as he was in a wheelchair. Immediately, my heart went out to him. It was aparent that he was homeless, and rather than just begging for money, he was trying his hardest to sell candy. I went up to him and asked him if I could sing next to him to help him sell his candy. With a big smile on his face, he said he was fine and that he could handle it. It was hard to understand what he was saying...but I think the spirit helped me understand just enough. So I tried to start a conversation with him. I asked him what he was doing for Christmas. He said that he wasn't doing anything... I felt so guilty in that moment. Earlier that day, Sister Hansen and I were talking about how hard it is to be away from home for Christmas. I just felt so selfish! At least I have somewhere to go and people to be with! So I finished my conversation with him and walked back to the group of caroling missionaries. I told an elder and a few of the sisters standing near me what had happened, and the elder gave me $5 and told me to go buy some of his candy! So I did. :) As I approached this man again, I asked him what his name was. He said "Teddy!" So I asked, "Teddy, what's your all time favorite candy??" And he said, "ohhh I like Kitkats!" I looked down in his bucket, and he didn't have a single kitkat! So I said, "Oh man Teddy! Looks like Kitkats are a best selling item! What's your second favorite? Do you like M&M's??" He laughed at me but of course he said YES! So I picked it up and handed it to him and said, "Here's your Christmas present!" And walked away. Later as we were leaving, I could see that he had put the M&M's off to the side in a special spot. That little bag of peanut M&Ms very well could be the only gift he recieves this Christmas. It really put things into perspective for me. I really hope and pray that God will take extra special care of him this year. I hope I find Teddy again the next time I go sing at that metro station. I want to find him and get him a Kitkat!

 

As a missionary, my entire perpective of Christmas has changed. It really is all about Jesus Christ. As hard as it is being away from home, I am so grateful for this opportunity that I have. I hope that I can be a blessing to others in helping them come closer to Christ. Jesus really is the reason for the season. <3

 

I love you! Have a great Christmas and be sure to serve as many people as you can! Don't do it for me, do it for Christ! :)

Love,

Sister Anderson

December 16. 2013 - I cry all the time these days....

Thanks to all of you who send Julie letters and emails.  She really appreciates your support.  So do I.  A big shout out for the Singles Ward in DC!  Thanks for making Sister Anderson and Sister Hansen feel so loved!  Transfers are coming this week.  If Julie gets transferred I will update her address this Friday!  Thanks everyone for your love and prayers in behalf of Julie.

 

It was a pretty great week. We have a new investigator that I might've mentioned in my last email home. He's too intellectual for me to handle. He is so serious about investigating the church to the point where he is looking at every side. The last time we saw him, he told us to go study D&C 45 about Joseph Smith's prophecy about a temple being built in Missouri, which of course hasn't been built yet. UGH! Chad is just letting every little technical thing stop him from feeling the spirit. It's hard!!! All we can do is bear pure testimony because we don't want to battle him and prove him wrong. It's hard for me to understand where he is coming from because the gospel of Jesus Christ just makes sense! Everything is so simple and pure and perfect! He has his own agency, so I mean, we do what we can to help him. It's also hard for me because if the gospel is so simple and easy to understand, then why do I struggle explaining things in simple and easy terms?! I guess I'm good at complicating things. Haha.

 

We had a lesson with a less active in a two story McDonalds. That was interesting. But there was no one around and the spirit helped make it a sacred place. Which is weird because we were in...McDonalds... The spirit works in mysterious ways sometimes. Anyway. It was the longest lesson of my life and my ADD started to kick in up until the very end. This man has had a hard time being humble enough to pray. We've been working with him for a long time and both Sister Hansen and I didn't feel like we should end the lesson until we figured out what has been holding him back. We found out that he doesn't feel worthy enough to ask God for anything. And I guess he's had spiritual confirmation from God telling him that he will never get married in this life. So naturally, he's angry. So he's been giving God the silent treatment. And as a result, he feels lonely. After he bore his soul to us, I was so overcome with the spirit and being me, naturally started bawling. Greeeaat. I'm positive he thinks I'm insane.. But I don't care! I couldn't help it! You know those moments when you feel the tears starting to come, and you can force them back by blinking a bunch? Yeah that didn't even work this time. They just poured out. Sister Hansen said that maybe it was good for our less active to see that. She thinks it softened his heart and that he'll be a little more open the next time we meet with him. I hope so. haha.

 

So if you have any advice about either investigator or less active, I would greatly appreciate it. And prayers would be great as well. Pray for them both to soften their hearts and for me to have patience with them and myself!!!!!!! haha.

 

I totally am using the 21 day prayer promise that you sent me!!!! The members LOVE it. I presented it to the ward council last Sunday, because I know that if you get the leaders on board, the rest of the members will follow. And I know it's going to work!!! I have so much faith that God will keep his promise as the members diligently pray. Miracles are GOING to happen!!!!!

 

I got a few letters from the ladies in the ward! Please tell them all that I love them so much! Their little love notes made me cry! (GOSH I am SUCH a baby these days...It must be that time of month again.....hahahahaha) I am so grateful to know that I have such a strong support system back at home. Over the years I have really grown to love Olympia 4th ward. I'm glad that I decided to make it my home! It used to be hard because of how spread out the ward is...but the grass truly is greener where you chose to water it. Heavenly Father has been teaching me a lot about Relief Society. It's because I didn't particularly enjoy it before my mission... I have a stronger testimony of its importance and its role in this restored gospel. (I have a copy of Daughters in My Kingdom that I've been reading) The women in the Olympia 4th ward relief society are all great examples to me of what a relief society member should be. I know this might be a big request because there are many women, but will you give all of them a hug for me? haha! Let them know that I love them and look up to them!

 

I am so grateful for Christmas!!!!! This season itself provides many powerful missionary tools! I love helping people realize the true meaning of Christmas through song, testimony, service, scriptures...there are just so many great opportunities that have opened up. We are taking one of our less active members who earnestly want to come back and relearn the gospel to the temple visitor center. It's outside of our mission boundaries, but we have permission to go! :) There is such a strong spirit about that place. I want to take every single person we meet there. The spirit is strong enough to convert anyone--including non members, less actives AND members. For Christmas, they put Christmas lights all over temple square and they have free performances every night. I'm pretty excited.

We were late for church yesterday. We had a rough morning and struggled getting out the door. We walked in late (embarassing...) and were called on to talk right when the meeting started. Bishop Larsen got up and announced that their speaker had gone out of town last minute and so we were called on to speak in his place. Ever since my first Sunday, I had been dreading and waiting for this moment to happen. It's freaky being called on the spot to speak in church! So, I grabbed my scriptures, and prayed for inspiration as I walked to the stand. We got up there, and bishop started praising us. I was like, "Oh man, thanks Bishop, but just let me get this over with!!!" And then one of the counselors came up with a HUGE basket full of goodies!!!!! I was so confused. haha! He presented it to us from the ward for our service. It was full of post-it notes, pens, office supplies, candy, hot chocolate, oranges and two scarves for me and Sister Hansen. HOLY COW. It was so unexpected. It felt really good to be taken care of. I don't have to go buy groceries today! I almost cried! (AGAIN!) haha.... So I stood there awkwardly with my scriptures and was laughed at when I didn't go to sit down right away. PSH I was ready to give a talk!!! At least the ward knows that I was prepared...kinda... :) Although I still think singles wards are super awkward, they take good care of us.

 

I just love being a missionary! It's so hard, but it's so fun. Transfers are coming up this Thursday. I'm feel like I'll probably stay here for another transfer, but you never know. If you don't hear from me on Friday, I haven't been transfered and I have the same address. Oh man, if I do get transfered, I'm praying for a family ward. One of my members in the Potomac ward grew up in the Great Falls ward. Her name is Annette Antonelli and she knows Alida Abbott! Great Falls ward is the ward Alida grew up in. I really want to go to that ward because Alida's parents are there! And I already know them! :) Sister Hansen served there a few transfers ago and has told me all about it. I just want to be in a family ward so badly!!!! I miss little kids. Haha. I emailed President and told him I want to serve there some day. ;) 

 

We will be able to skype on Christmas!! We have to find a member who will let us use their computer, so I don't know what time yet. I'll be in contact with you when I get more details. I don't really know much about it right now...

 

I'm glad to see that Mom's concert went well! Mom, Belana, Sharon and Stephanie are all beautiful! I miss everyone so much! As for my Christmas package, I don't think I have anything to ask for. I have everything I need and want. :) I just want love letters. I love love letters. They keep me going! There's just something about a handwritten letter from people I love!

 

I love you all! Have a great week!!!!

Love,

Sister Anderson

 



Sister Missionaries of the DC South Mission



View from apartment window.

View from a different apartment window.

Sister Hansen and Sister Anderson with a Christmas Tree.

December 2013 - Birthday

Thanks for my package! I did get it on my birthday! I loved it! My roommates and companion thought the teeth were funny.



Birthday Teeth!  Ha ha.  Sorry, Don't know how to rotate pics yet!



 

I'm excited for your concert! I think it's great that you and Belana are in it together. You'll have to let me know how it goes. Mr. Shaw is hilarious. I added him on FB.

 

Please don't worry about the FB thing. I am an obedient missionary. I do not want to do anything that puts me at risk of losing the spirit. The thought is terrifying to me. And also, the church is one step ahead of you. In order for missionaries to be on Facebook, both companions need to be able to see each other's screens at all times to keep each other in check. Our mission president is really strict on the face that if one missionary breaks any of the rules, both that missionary and their companion lose internet privileges for the rest of their mission. Ouch. So no worries.

 

There's a muppet store in the Crystal City plaza! hahaha I had to take a picture. Am I a MAAAAAAAAAAN or am I a muppet?! ;)

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Sister Anderson's Thanksgiving November 28, 2013

This is last week's letter from Sister Anderson. 

 

Thanksgiving was great. We went to a pie party in Vienna with a ward member for breakfast, and then had dinner at Jonathan Stewart's house. I made sure to get a few pictures for proof that I actually ate. :)

 

 





Sister Anderson at Thanksgiving!



Sister Anderson and Sister Hanson



Cute Picture when she first arrived to DC.





Sisters and Elders singing at the Pentagon Metro Station.



 

Okay, so just reading about how you are inviting the missionaries over is REALLY EXCITING!!!!!!! I am so happy! :) You should forward me their trade secrets so I can use them! ;) Because copy catting is the biggest form of flattery! Besides, we're all on the Lord's team anyway, so it can't hurt right? Hehe! Give them a big hug for me! Sister missionaries love hugs!!!

 

So sorry for not being more personal in my emails. I try! I just don't ever know what to say. I really try to keep the more positive things going so that you don't worry about me. But if you want more personal, here goes. Missionary work really is hard. Satan works so hard on you because he knows how important this work is. A few days ago, I was just letting every little thing get at me. I was annoyed with my companion, I was annoyed with the roommates for never cleaning up after themselves in the kitchen, I was annoyed with my sleeping situation (which we currently have new beds and are camped out in our little living room) just everything was getting me down. And on top of that, I was homesick. Not that I want to come home, but I miss you guys a lot! I was a little sad that I missed both sets of grandparents coming over for Thanksgiving. Holidays are hard away from home! They always have been-even when I was at school. SO all these thoughts were weighing me down and I remember looking at some pictures that I had printed off and thinking, "I'm done." I stopped myself immediately! I couldn't believe it! Why was I htinking that? I didn't want to be done! I LOVE my mission! I love being here! I knew that that thought was not from God. I allowed Satan to get inside me by letting all those negative thoughts and feelings get the best of me. I knew in that moment that I needed to pray. I needed to pray just as badly as I need to eat after I come home from church on fast Sunday. It was that bad. As soon as I got down on my knees, my internal battle came to a halt. Prayer is so important. It is vital in our lives. We need it to feed our spirits. I know that if I hadn't prayed in that exact moment, I would have continued to go down that road that Satan was dragging me down. No bueno. But I prayed for strength to get through the rest of the day. I prayed for more patience and humility. I prayed to turn negative situations into service opportunities. Heavenly Father heard my prayer and has answered it. And he continues to answer my prayers. As I continue to pray for patience adn all those things, I am able to be even happier at all times of the day. I am able to clean the kitchen without being bitter about it haha. Ever since then, everything has been looking up. And I'ms o grateful for that.

 

I hope that was personal enough :) I never know what to say in my emails. They mostly just stress me out because I never say all that I want to!

 

I thought of you guys on Friday! I told everyone about our Christmas tree tradition and they all thought it was great. I'm surprised you didn't get a big tree this year. We always get the biggest tree that our house can hold!

 

So we HAD to go shopping on Black Friday. ;) We really did! I promise, no rules broken! I'm still the most obedient missionary ever!!! Haha. We had to buy mattress covers for our beds. Don't want no bed bugs snackin on me any more! That is SO FUNNY about Brendan! I totally laughed out loud in the library! My companion thinks I'm nuts, but I don't care! :) "Don't let the bed bugs bite" sure brings on a whole new meaning...... thtat's for sure!

 

I'm sorry about Austin. I saw Janna's post on facebook. I've been praying for their family. That is SO sweet about him being called on a mission. He is going to convert so many souls in the spirit world!!!! He's going to be the best msisionary there. I just know it! But Oly 4th ward is not going to be the same without him. I was always jealous of him because he got to bring his blanket into church! :)

 

I'll be sure to have fun on my birthday. I get to celebrate it in the work of the Lord! That's a pretty great gift I'd say! I'm so lucky to be a missionary in the DC South mission. I love the people here. They are all so great.

 

The pictures are of the dinner group at Thanksgiving! Great group of people. The bald guy on the right is Jonathan. He's the one who hosted. He makes KILLER mashed potatoes. SO yummy!!! He puts blue cheese in them! :)

 

We had a miracle lesson! One of the members invited her really good friend to lunch with us and we taught him about service. It was really obvious that he was feeling the spirit. He opened right up to us! The member said that he never would have opened up to us like that in the past. Which just goes to show that the Lord is preparing his children to hear the gospel! :) It also shows the importance of member referrals. The people who are brought into the church by a friend is more likely to get baptized and stay active because they have such a strong support system. Pray for someone you can introduce to the missionaries! :)

 

I love you all! have a great week! I pray for you every day.

 

Love,

Sister Anderson