A Susquehanna Thanksgiving

Due to technical difficulties, Sis. Larsen was not able to send any pictures this week.

Dear friends and family,

What a wonderful Thanksgiving week it's been! Transfers, holidays, moving apartments, service, finding... You name it, and we did it this week! 

On Tuesday, Sister Gomm was transferred out of Susquehanna, so I said, "See you in April," to my trainer and friend, and got my new companion, Sister Robison.  She is SO. AWESOME.  She plays volleyball for BYU and is 6'1.... We make quite the funny looking pair, but we love it!  She is an amazing missionary!!  We haven't even been together for one week and I've learned so much from her already.  We work hard, talk to everyone we see (literally. Sometimes we stop the car and pull over to talk to someone) and have a ton of fun together!  At least one really good laugh every day!!

With the transfer, we went into "winter mode," here at the Priesthood Restoration Site-- meaning, less sisters, serving shorter shifts and not as often.  There are six sisters here now, all serving part time.  I was part time before, but now it's different.  Sister Robison and I go to the site for only 3 hours, 3 or 4 days a week... Which means we have a lot more time for proselyting!!! Woohoo!!! I LOVE PROSELYTING and am so excited for this area now that we have so much more time!  Because a lot of this area is country, it can be up to a 45 minute drive to get to the edge of our area, so now we have the time to make it out to those areas and stick around to knock on doors, do service, teach lessons, etc.  Sister Robison and I are both gung-ho to do the work and put our best foot forward, and we are already seeing miracles come about because of it!

Thanksgiving day was the busiest day I've had on my mission yet, and we had so many places to go! We had 8 appointments (luckily we only ended up eating 2 dinners, still a lot though!!), and spent a couple hours at the site, so it was a very full day! We ate dinners with members and nonmembers who invited us over, which was great to talk to so many people and their families!

We had Thanksgiving dinner with a woman from Croatia, named Vinka, and her son, Jynx. Vinka asked me what part of the turkey I'd like and I said the white meat, and the next thing I knew, I had a half a turkey sitting on my plate! She made sure we were stuffed to the brim...and then some! Jynx and Vinka both came to Sacrament meeting on Sunday and really enjoyed testimony meeting. We stopped by their house on Sunday afternoon and talked to them, answered some more of their questions about church services and they want to start taking the lessons this week. We can't wait to start!

Sister Robison started teaching a man named Tom who has been coming into the PRS several times a week and has come to church before because he loves the way he feels when he comes and the people who are there. This past week we taught him the Restoration, and he accepted our invitation to baptism! We are so excited for him!

Another one of our investigators, Robin, had us over for dinner this week and we also helped her pack up her fall decorations and set up Christmas. We had a great lesson about faith and courage, and she wants to begin taking lessons very soon!! 

Everywhere we went on Thanksgiving we asked people what they were grateful for, whether it was at a dinner appointment or strangers out standing in their yards. We got a variety of answers, and I loved talking to everyone we saw, but it really made me reflect on what I am most grateful for, which ultimately is our Savior Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. If I had everything taken from me, I would still have everything if I had the gospel of Jesus Christ. I've been able to see the importance of making Christ and His gospel the center of our lives more here on my mission than I have ever in my life. 

We asked every person we talked to about gratitude to write down one thing they were thankful for everyday for the next week, because living in an attitude of gratitude doesn't just have to come once a year, but it should be everyday! In Alma 34:38 we read, "...that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."  So ask yourself, "What am I most grateful for?" each and every day. It will help you recognize your blessings, tender mercies and the Lord's hand in all aspects of your life, and make you a happier person because of it!

Have a wonderful week everyone, and happy December! What a wonderful month to be grateful for the greatest gift given to us, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Love,

Sister Larsen

Gratitude, Dude

Dear friends and family,

Happy Thanksgiving week!! This past week we got transfer news.  The zone leaders called on Friday night, and like we had predicted, Sister Gomm is being transferred out and I'm staying here in Susquehanna!

 

Goodbye to Sis. Gomm

I will miss her like crazy because she has taught me SO much and we've become like two peas in a pod, but I know there are many more good things to come.

So the Slater family... Wow, I love them!!! They have been members for just over a year now, but they decided to start the lessons over again with us to strengthen their testimonies of what they already know. It is also giving me a great opportunity to teach all of the lessons! So we taught the Restoration and it went really well. We had them start off by writing on a piece of paper why they began taking the lessons, and at the end of the lesson why they are continuing to stay in the church and do what they do. It's amazing the growth they have experienced through the gospel, and that they recognize it too! Brother Slater also taught the gospel principles lesson and did a great job and is a natural. 

We also met with the Davis family, who are also recent converts. We just stopped by the see how they were doing, set up another appointment and share a quick message. We read Mosiah 2:41 with them, and talked about how keeping the commandments and loving God really do bring us true happiness. They have 4 kids and they were all getting a little crazy, but we got them to sit and follow along when we read the scripture. Their 6 year old told us that he loved Heavenly Father and so we talked about how praying is a commandment and Heavenly Father loves to listen and answer our prayers. He really wanted to say the closing prayer, so of course we let him, and it was the cutest thing ever and such a great example to the rest of the family. 

We have been unsuccessful in finding people to teach lately (like going 2 hours of knocking doors and talking to absolutely nobody) but this week we met a man named William who invited us back next week, and a woman named Jennifer who invited us back next week as well, and another investigator who we have been trying to see since I first came to this area and invited us for Thanksgiving dinner at her house. I'd say that's a pretty successful week!! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful for the little things that make life sweet! Those tender mercies which our loving Heavenly Father gives us. In Alma 34:38 it says, "That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." I LOVE the idea of "living in thanksgiving daily"!! We have been given so much, but are so much happier when we recognize our blessings, and express our gratitude, especially to our Heavenly Father! Several weeks ago during a visitor center training meeting, Sister Walker, our director's wife asked each of us to make a list of our blessings. Since that time I have gone back to my list of blessings again and again, adding something new every couple days or so, or just looking back on it. I just can't list all the blessings I have in my life!! Everything from "30 degrees and NO WIND! :)" to more serious things like the "The Atonement of Jesus Christ," have made it onto my list, and I feel happier just looking at all I've been given, and thanking my Heavenly Father for them in my daily prayers.

We had a "PRS family" Thanksgiving dinner before Sister Simmons (she's amazing!) went home.   We went around the table and all said something we were thankful for. Something that kept coming up was everyone's gratitude for being on a mission, in this place, at this time. I realized that "because I have been given much, I too must give," and that is one of the reasons I'm here on a mission right now. I am so grateful to be staying in this area because I know there is so much more I can do here for Heavenly Father's children who come to our site or whose doors I knock on. I've blessed with wonderful companions and experiences I wouldn't trade for anything.

Looking back - meeting everyone on day 1

I hope each of you will live in an "attitude of gratitude," and recognize the Lord's hand in your life daily! He has blessed us each with so much, and continues to do so! Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Love,

Sister Larsen

A Christ-Centered Concert

Dear friends and family,

It's been another wonderful snow-free week in Susquehanna!

 We were busy trying to teach lessons and trying to find people to teach with whatever time we had.

This cat followed us for 2 hours straight
as we were out knocking on doors!

But all the little struggles this week were well worth it when Friday night came and we were able to have our "Music and the Spoken Word" type performance!

It was the big concert weekend at the site! We were at the site from 2-9 everyday this past week in preparation for the musical event, practicing, perfecting, running dress rehearsals... the whole nine yards!  And the turnout made every minute worth it! We had members from our branch, our investigator, Robin, newly reactivated members, all our friends from the Methodist Bible study group Sister Gomm and I go to, President and Sister Anderson, and even people from neighboring towns about an hour away! It was awesome!! We sang lots of songs, in lots of different arrangements, and I got to play my violin for 3 numbers. It's interesting that when we practice, we could always feel the Spirit because the words we were singing, or the melody I was playing, were always about Jesus Christ, and that's what our event was-- a musical Thanksgiving tribute to our Savior. But I think my favorite part of the event was being able to look out into the audience and see people's countenances change when we began to sing.  At the site we talk about Emma Smith and her call to arrange the first hymnbook for the church, and how she was able to use her talents to spiritually uplift the lives of thousands, and even us today, and that's what we saw on Friday night.

Waiting for the start of the concert

In our last piece, "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul," something changed. I was playing the violin and couldn't see what was going on with the sisters next to me, but felt something that I hadn't felt in our practices. Afterwards, I found out that Sister Simmons had started to cry, but Sister Gomm was on her right and reached down for her hand. Sister Eckman was on her left, and did the same exact thing. Out in the audience people began to cry as well. The spirit was so strong and I know it changed hearts! It doesn't matter what our missionary "numbers" are like, how many tours we give, lessons we teach, people we baptize, etc. because our purpose as missionaries is to invite others to come unto Christ, and I think people saw a little bit of Christ in us and heard a little bit of his words through the thoughts that were given and words that were shared. Testimonies were strengthened that night, and I know mine was one of them!

I was also asked to speak in Sacrament meeting on Sunday, and spoke about becoming truly converted to Jesus Christ. The steps in becoming truly converted are evaluating the condition of our hearts (making our hearts softened and open for the Holy Ghost to dwell and testify), taking Christ's name upon us and always remembering him, and then becoming and actually putting action behind our faith.

I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves each one of us. I love Mosiah 5 when it says in verse 12, "I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts..." It has made me think that every day I put this name tag on and get to wear Christ's name right next to mine, but do I really have his name always written on my heart? Do I have his name written in my actions?  My thoughts?  I know that as I have made more effort to become more like Christ and represent him, I've been able to see him more clearly in my life. Like President Uchtdorf said, "Whatever you focus on expands," if we try to better focus on Jesus Christ, He really will become the center of our lives, and in Him lies true and lasting happiness! His way provides change, clean slates, love, and peace in this life and the life to come.

Have a wonderful week everyone! Turn to Christ in times of hardship and happiness, and life will only be better! Hurrah for Israel!!

Love,
Sister Larsen

With a Willing Heart

Dear friends and family,

I will have been out 3 months this week, I can't believe it! I also can't believe this weather... All the locals say there is usually snow by now, but it hasn't gotten too cold this week, and I'll take it! All I can say is that prayers are answered and Heavenly Father must be looking out for a little Arizona missionary in for her first-ever east coast winter! 

Beautiful blue skies, but sadly no more leaves

Thursday was a great day at the Priesthood Restoration Site! We had over 100 youth and their leaders from stakes in New Jersey come as part of their youth conference. (Talk about an awesome youth conference seeing all the church history sites on the east coast!!) But they were such a great group of kids with such strong testimonies! We had them all come into the chapel to watch the film we typically begin with, but before we started all of us sisters sang "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul," and I was able to play violin. Music is such a great way to invite the Spirit! Then Sister Agado and I introduced the film, and I decided to share part of 2 Nephi 33:1 with them. It reads, "...for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men." I explained how the key word in that scripture is "unto." The Holy Ghost can testify of truth unto us, but it is our choice to let the things we learn and feel into us, and shape us into who we become. That is how it is for all our guests at the PRS-- the missionaries could give information, scriptures, history, testimonies, facts, background, etc. but it is ultimately up to them to decide what they will take away. The same can be said about anything whether it be church, scripture study, or prayer; it's all up to us to choose to let the Holy Ghost work in us and like King Benjamin's people in Mosiah 5, have the Spirit, "wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts."

We finally got back in contact with one of the recent convert families we had been trying to meet with, the Davis family. When we caught them at home this past week and were talking about scripture study, they told us how much they loved when we sent them a text with specific verses to read. They told us that each time we have done that, what they read always seemed to apply to them! They are such great examples of "likening the scriptures" and letting the Holy Ghost work in them! That is something I'm trying to do better this week -- recognizing how the scriptures I read apply to me, because they were written for us and our day.

Companionship "twinners"

We also met with Cody and Shauna, and their two boys. Something President Anderson has asked all of us to do now is sing before every lesson we teach. We thought it would be a little awkward to sing to our investigators, but it was actually the sweetest thing to see Cody and Shauna's little boys just light up when we sang "I am a Child of God" for them. We talked about how God loves us so much that he wants us and our families to be happy, eternal families. Shauna, who is not a member, seemed especially interested, and Cody, who is a member, was happy to invite us back! We are looking forward to seeing them again! 

I feel so blessed to be a witness of tiny miracles every single day. I have the privilege of wearing Christ's name on my name tag every day, but we all have the choice to write His name on our hearts. Making Christ a part of who you are means actively applying gospel principles to your life. Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson said, "True conversion occurs as you continue to act upon the doctrines you know are true and keep the commandments, day after day, month after month." I do the same things every day as a missionary, but I can't ever let living the gospel become routine, because I should be constantly striving for improvement. Christ isn't asking for us to be perfect people, but to have a willing heart as we follow Him and try our best to be our best. Hurrah for Israel!

Love,

Sister Larsen

Halloween fun:  All of the PRS sisters decided to "dress up"
as a crayon box for Halloween.  They were invited to dinner
at the PRS Directors' apartment that night.

Abandoned building?  Nope, guess again...

This is Sis. Larsen's apartment

Rain or Shine...

Dear friends and family,


We have had our fair share of ups and downs here this week, but always are looking on the bright side!

Out finding - rain or shine!

The truck she and her companion drive.
An unusual mission vehicle 
(at least compared to AZ) but it's a rural area.

In this past week, Sister Gomm and I have been trying really hard to find (a.k.a. knocking doors) new people to teach.  We want to meet and talk to people who are ready and willing to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ, because we know the happiness it has brought to our lives.  While we haven't been too successful, we have experienced many tender mercies this past week!

Tender Mercy #1: We finally got in contact with a member of our branch, Cody.  He is a great guy and we are excited to meet with him and his girlfriend, Shauna, who is not a member.  We know that the Lord blesses families and has so much in store for them!

Tender Mercy #2:  We have also been meeting with a family from our branch regularly, and while we have seen good and not-so-good with them, they are finally committed to getting back on track!  We have been texting them a scripture everyday to read because they have been having a difficult time finding time to read from the Book of Mormon with kids, work, etc.  But they have been reading since we have done that, and they have also been praying!  Just yesterday, the father texted us and said that he had been doing a lot of thinking, and while he had not been doing what he should be doing, he was back and ready to be committed to the church and continuing his personal conversion 100%!   Best. Text. Ever.  It may seem like a small thing, but it is moments like these that make us feel like successful missionaries!!!  For even one person to have the desire to change and apply the atonement of Jesus Christ is something that makes us, as well as our Heavenly Father so, so happy.  It is one thing to understand what the atonement can do, but another to act upon it in faith.

Tender Mercy #3: On Thursday the second half of our mission came, and it was an amazing day! I loved seeing all the missionaries in our mission. There is something so special about uniting so many people together in their faith and love of the Savior, Jesus Christ. One of my very favorite things about being here at the Priesthood Restoration Site is hearing people's stories and testimonies, and that is no exception with the missionaries. We have already been getting stories back from missionaries who attended saying how that closer they got to our site, the stronger they felt the Spirit and how their testimonies were strengthened and deepened. The Holy Ghost is real, and the ultimate teacher. When we listen, and act upon the promptings we receive, that is when change and miracles come about.

Tender Mercy #4: The Priesthood Restoration Site sisters are putting on a "Music and the Spoken Word" Thanksgiving tribute to our Savior, and it might bring in so many people we won't have enough room for them.  It sounds more like a problem, but it is such a good problem to have!  When we have been out finding we have been inviting people to the musical event and every person we have talked to has been so excited to come, member and non-member alike! Sister Gomm and I attend a Bible study class at the Methodist church in town and Sister Hurley from our branch also attends. Before we could say anything, she piped up and invited everyone in the room to come and hear "the girls down at the new church on 171" put on a musical performance, and everyone got so excited and wrote down the date and the time! It should be a great opportunity for the whole community to come together!

I don't have enough time for them all, but I invite each of you to look for the tender mercies in your life! I have been thinking a lot about a quote from Dieter F. Uchtfdorf, which says, "We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain? Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges. This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind." Remember to look to the Lord in all times, and He will help you! 

Love, Sister Larsen

Nearing the end of the Fall colors