Following the Spirit

Dear Family,

         This week was one filled with some exciting news and some heart breaking letdowns. The young man we found tracting is doing incredibly well! He has committed to baptism and we have a lesson setup with him right after we leave here. He is such an amazing young man. Unfortunately for us, we won’t be able to teach him much longer. We have a Young Adult ward here and so he will need to be taught my the Elders that are in that ward. But I am so grateful to have met such an incredible person and to have been a small part of that huge change he is making in his life. Another one of our investigators is a  mom of two. She is married and has seen her fair share of difficulties in her life but despite them has created such a beautiful life for her family. She loves the Lord and tries her best to consistently follow Him in her life. Upon meeting her I was SURE that she was one of those people that was "searching." The questions she asked and all of the many things she has wondered in her lifetime are answered in the gospel. Lately she even mentioned how baptism had been something that was weighing on her mind a lot. It’s incredible to see the way that the Spirit works with people but how rarely they recognize the answers they receive. Her husband is not nearly as interested in having

us in the home as she is. Overtime there have been moments where the

Spirit is so strong and even prayers in which she has said that she,"Knows these Sisters have been sent by God." She has not however, been to church. We took her on a chapel tour this past week to show her the building and to help her to be familiar with our Sunday service so she knows what to expect. We invited her to come and the response was no. After much prayer and thought...it’s been made clear that we should no longer be meeting with her. After having so many spiritual experiences and praying for her countless nights....it seems unfathomable to me that we would just "give up." But it has been made very clear to me this week that we are not to let our OWN thoughts and desires get in the way of God and His will. It’s difficult at times to distinguish between the two and I feel like I am still learning. (And will be for the rest of my life) But I have trust that all will work out. We will be having our last lesson with her this week. I'm sure a little piece of me will die inside but I know we are doing the right

thing. She is just not in the right state of mind right now to seek out truth. She feels the spirit. She knows that God loves her. But she is comfortable and afraid to leave the bounds of  her comfortable space. I wish I knew a better way to let people know the peace and comfort that is waiting for them. Why are we so persistent? Because we care so deeply and want so badly to help them to feel that peace and forgiveness in their lives. So it was a rough week. But after hearing from Elder Cardon last week talk about the spirit, I knew there were some improvements I needed to make. Elder Cardon asked us to all come prepared with a talk on, "What I have come to understand better about the workings of the spirit from my mission experience." It took a lot of thought to narrow it down. But for me, the two biggest things are one; we must experiment. No matter how little we think our faith is or whether or not we are "sure" that we believe. We must do it! We must experiment. If we do not heed Alma's advice and experiment upon the word, we will never know. The second is to be humble. The more humble I am, the stronger the whisperings of the Spirit are and the easier I recognize them. I love you guys sooooooooo much! Thanks for all the help with Sister Rupp's Birthday! I am so excited!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Ashley's new comp

Here is a picture of Ashley and her new companion, Sister Rupp--compliments of Sister Taylor from the Dry Creek Ward.

We sent a picture of Alicia with
her new hair color.

Elder Cardon

Dear Family,

         Wow. I don't even know where to start. I'm just going to break it down for you and say... life doesn't get ANY better than being a missionary in the California Roseville Mission. Sorry. There is just no way around it. I LOVE MY MISSION! This week we have seen a lot of changes in our Ward Council Members and have gotten to spend time with a lot of new members of the ward. We had a mini-missionary come to stay with us for a few days. (Someone who is thinking about going on a mission and wants to see what it’s like) That was a blast and we saw so many miracles while she was here. We had a SUPER packed day and only about 15 minutes spare time to find people. It was Arizona hot that day and

one of the last things I wanted to do was walk around in that heat and watch my makeup melt off my face. But we had set a goal to find one new investigator and we weren't going to stop until we did. We tracted for what felt like forever! We kept getting doors slammed in our face

and it was hard, having the mini missionary with us, because I wanted her to see what an incredible experience serving a mission truly could be. By the look on her face by door number 5 or 6 I was thinking she wanted to get back in the car and drive home. But literally, at the VERY LAST DOOR.... there he was. In his early 20s. Walked right out onto the porch. Leaned up against the wall and before we said anything just said, "it’s hot out here so whatever you’ve got to say must be really important." We talked about his life. He grew up very strict Pentecostal and in his teenage years had left the church. From some of the experiences he has had, I could see how it would be easy for him to be angry or bitter. But he is, by far, one of the most moral and Christ-like people I have ever met. We have had the first lesson with him already and it’s incredible how much he already knows about the gospel. And I don't mean he "knows" things like he has studied vigorously. I mean... he

"knows" in his heart what is right. He feels it. He just thinks and ponders and reflects a lot. It’s truly a blessing to meet people like this. We have another lesson with him in 30 minutes and I can't wait to get out of this stinkin' library and go see him! What a wonderful opportunity to be here. To talk with people. To look into their eyes and to promise them that the pain and guilt they now feel can be gone from them and replaced with a feeling of fullness and lasting peace.

         Everything else is going GREAT! Sister Rupp is, hands down, my favorite companion. I feel so humbled to have the opportunity to learn from her. She is such a good teacher and doesn't even know how incredible she is. Last night we had a private meeting with Elder

Cardon. Just the Zone Leaders and the Exchanges Sisters went and wow. There was nothing cooler than that. He is from Mesa Arizona and went to ASU. We talked for a while afterwards. He wouldn't fess up if he was a wildcat fan or a sun devil. But I know in my heart he is a wildcat fan... But in all seriousness, I felt the spirit so strong as he talked to us. He was bold. He told us that he was going to tell us something that would affect EVERY aspect of our future, our families, our church callings. Then he paused. He waited for a while and said. "This mission will lift no higher than the people in this room." I felt like I got hit in the face. I know my call. I know what I am here to do and if I don't give absolutely everything I have... I have failed Him. I have some work to be doing. Not that I haven't been working... I am just constantly made aware of truly how much faith this work requires. Not just now... but in all things. In our families. In our callings. In our jobs. We must CONSTANTLY lift and

never justify why we didn't reach a goal and the reasons why we fell short. We must face our flaws, lean on his grace, and move onward with faith. I love you guys. Sorry I always go on random rants in my emails. I'm sure all the other missionaries write normal emails... but

I've never been normal. Sorry! I love you guys so much!

Love,

Sister Mitchell!!!!!!!!!!

Short One

Dear Family,
        I have about 3 minutes left on my time here at the Library. I love you all soooooooo very much. There isn't a single thing I would rather be doing than serving in the Dry Creek ward with Sister Rupp at my side. This work is truly incredible and daily I see things that remind me that I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows me so completely. He knows what I need and always waits for me with His arms wide open. I love you all!

Love,
Sister Mitchell

P.S. Sorry its so short! Elder Cardon is coming to speak to us soon!
I'm so excited!

A Culture of Righteousness---Written August 7, 1012

A Culture of Righteousness                          

Dear Family,

         This week was incredible! I know without a doubt in my mind that the Lord knows what He is talking about when it comes to transfers. I'm not sure what it is, but with every new companion, it takes very little time to figure out the reason why we are together. It makes me think about the “why” of the gospel.  It is so important to remember that for everything in the gospel. Why do we do the things we do. It all comes down to the Lord. It is for Him. It is so we can feel closer to Him and eventually be able to return to live in His presence.  There are several of our investigators that are just not progressing. And after a lot of prayerful thought I have come to the conclusion that it’s because they do not have a deep understanding of the "why" of the gospel.          This past week we had a lesson with one of our investigators. She is doing really well but still has some doubts. She feels the spirit when we are there and wants to feel it more but there is something holding her back. A few weeks back she came to a church activity with us and it was hot outside. I was enrolled in the watermelon-eating contest and one of the ward members suggested I put my hair up. I quickly refused; stating that I didn't like putting my hair up because then people would see my neck. (One of those silly insecurities that everyone has right?) Well, that was the last time I made mention of it and then we went about our day. Anyways... in our lesson this past week, this investigator told me that she had a "bone to pick" with me. I was a little shocked but as she began to "pick" she said that she had been praying a lot about me. With tears in her eyes she said, "If God made man in His own image. Then He loves you just the way you are." She went on to say that it had been bothering her for days. I feel so much love from her. It’s incredible to me that as I get down on my knees each night to pray for her, she is doing the same for me. I have learned so much from her and her desire to be constantly close to the Spirit. . I know that she will get her answer; I know that it will come. As we love these people and desire their success.... the Spirit truly does work on them. I love this work and am so happy to be serving!

         To answer some of your questions... I am still the exchange Sister. Adamson is still here and guess what!?!?! Her new companion is Sister Garfield! Haha. So I will be exchanging with the both of them. We had a training last week in which President Weston asked me to speak on, "How a leader can create a culture of righteousness." It’s funny He asked me to speak on that because if I had to pick 9 words to describe my mission experience... that would be it. A culture is something we eat, breathe, feel, live. It is a part of everything that we are. No selfish portion is left out. It is apart of who we are. I am so thankful to serve a mission to be able to begin the process of "becoming righteous." It is a lifelong process that never ends. If we can make it our culture to be righteous and to improve, we will reach that day and feel confident the Lord will say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I love you all and hope you have a fabulous week!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

They Just Can't Get Rid of Me

Dear Family,

         Woohoo! Nothing could be better than our transfer calls this week!!!

I'm staying in Dry Creek! Everyone thought I was leaving for sure but.... I wasn't worried. Dry Creek and I were MADE FOR EACH OTHER! I know my work is not done here yet and I am so blessed to have the chance to stay! Sister Simons is transferred to Lincoln and will be living in the same house where I served as a greenie. My new companion’s name is Sister Rupp from Idaho! I went on exchanges with her this past transfer and I'm super pumped to have her as a

companion. She is one of the Sisters that I took out on her very first day here in the mission. She is a tomboy and loves to play basketball. She is the Sister that threw a huge surprise Birthday party for me and even re-wrote the words to the California Roseville Mission song with lyrics about my "China pants" and a "funny dance" or something like that. This transfer is going to be fun! Haha. I love Sister Rupp with

all my heart. President Weston calls the exchange sister before every transfer to get her "transfer input" about the sisters. Looking back now, knowing she is my next companion, and remembering the advice I gave is hilarious. It went something like this. President: "Sister Mitchell, what kind of companion does Sister Rupp need?" Me: "She is an INCREDIBLE missionary. She knows how to teach, she is fearless at tracting and is a blast to be around. But she needs a companion that is going to help her figure out her "why."

          Mom and Dad. You are my why. I have your mission pictures on my wall

and every day I wish to serve the Lord the way that you did, and continue to do. To think that President Weston thinks I am the type of missionary that knows the "why," makes me wonder what he would think if he met the two of you. Your love of the gospel and passion for missionary work has instilled in me something that I think is rare. No matter how hard things get out here or how alone or incapable I may sometimes feel out here... I will NEVER give up! These people. This work. My relationship with my Father in Heaven is far too important to just "throw in the towel." I love you two with all of my heart. I pray for these other Sisters out here that seem to just be floundering. I wish that they knew what I knew. I wish that they had parents like I have. I wish they were able to feel of the great importance of giving EVERYTHING to Him and never looking back. I know that the Savior

lives. I know that our trials are to make us stronger. The harder things get, the more important it is to stand up and fight. To spend as much time as we need to on our knees to know, with an unshaken faith, that He is there for us. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him, to declare His word, among His people, that they might have everlasting life. I love being a missionary and I am so thankful for all that you do for me. I love you guys half to death and am so excited to go tear up Dry Creek with Sister Rupp!

Keep me in your prayers.

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Bautismos y Confirmados! Written July 23, 2012

Dear Family,

         Are you tired of hearing from me yet? Whenever I sit down to the computer I never think about the entertainment level of my emails. Are you bored out of your mind?

         Well I'm not! I love President Uchtdorf's message about "always being in the middle." People from the ward ask me all the time how long I have been out and I honestly never know the answer. I work as hard as I did on day one. (Hopefully Harder) I have grown so close to the people here in this ward and although I have been here for quite some time...I don't think I am quite done yet. I can't explain the feeling but I'm almost certain that big things are to come and, if I am so

blessed, I will be allowed to stay here to witness them.

         This past weekend we had the joy of witnessing three baptisms! Hailee and Lexie's went so well. We had to setup more chairs last minute for all the people that came. It was such a wonderful expression of love to look out at so many faces that had been apart of this family’s journey. The kids from primary sang, "When I am Baptized," and Hailee ran up there last minute to finish the second verse. Their grandpa baptized them. As he stood in the water and raised his hand I felt an

overwhelming feeling of peace come over me. We have worked with this

family for sooooooo long and have seen them progress and the feelings of love that was present are indescribable. I know that the Lord loves His children. He loves

them and wants so badly for them to just take those small steps in His direction. It is NEVER too late! There are too many incredible experiences to describe but one of the most tender was speaking with Erin's (Hailee & Lexie's Step-Mom) Dad privately before the confirmation on Sunday. He pulled me aside and told me that we (the missionaries) had been an answer to years of heartfelt prayers. Tears filled his eyes as he expressed that God truly does answer our prayers through the

mouths of his servants. Tears filled mine as well as I thought of the gratitude I have to be one of those servants. At times I wonder how I could possibly be worthy of such a privilege but nonetheless, I am grateful.

         THEN we had Martin’s baptism on Saturday. Two days before his baptism I was on exchanges with my Trainer, Sister Adamson. (That was weird by the way, being the exchange sister for my Trainer...) But serving together for a day was probably one of the most spirit-packed experiences I have had on my mission. Really though. It is such incredible thing to fully trust in your companion to follow the guidance of the spirit. As we taught, our love for the people was so apparent. It was POWERFUL. I am again reminded of how grateful I am to have had such an incredible Trainer. It was bittersweet because I wondered what it would be like to serve with her again. But anyways...we had a lesson with Martin in which we invited him to make a list of things he wants to "leave behind." The lesson was so powerful and you could see in his face his desire to be forgiven, to move on

from his old life and start anew. As he entered into the baptisimal font, Brother Heaps (our ward mission leader), noticed something crumpled in his hand and asked if he wanted him to take it from him. Martin then replied, "these are the things I want to leave behind so I want them to go into the water with me." He is such a sweet man and has come from such a hard background. To see Martin get baptized after only meeting him a little over a month ago...was incredible. I

have a testimony of the simplicity of the Spirit. I know that He speaks to those that will listen. I know that if we seek Him out, we will find Him.

         Thank you guys sooooooooo much for all you do. I love you to death and LOVE all of the Birthday presents. MAN was I spoiled this year. Okay maybe I'm just becoming a softy now but.... the pillowcase totally made me cry. I just miss our ward soooo much.  Sometimes I think about what it would be like to serve as a missionary in the Twelve Oaks 1st Ward. To eat with the members and serve with

our Priesthood. We have incredible people in our ward. The work would

EXPLODE! I love you all thanks again for all your love and care. This is the true church and our diligence and patience and love pay off if we recognize all the many blessings our Heavenly Father sends us!

I LOVE YOU!,

OFA 'ATU!,

Sister Mitchell