Built Upon Him

Dear Family,

         "Wow" is really all I have to say. This is not easy. I cannot even begin to tell you the peace I have found in dong this work. We had stake conference here last week and they talked about how easy it is to "push aside" or to "explain away" spiritual things. It’s a revealing experience for me to even just be here at the library each week. As we sit here on the computer there is a homeless man with a long beard and worn skin, parents yelling at children, a woman who just walked in to donate a book, trying to hold back tears as she quickly mentioned, "her husband is now deceased and she won’t need it anymore."  Others are working on schoolwork and some are here just to play games. There is so much to distract us in the world. So much that can hurt us. that can make us feel lonely and without hope. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the healing balm for all pain. But only if we will let it be.

         My mission has been so special to me because I have been able to "let it be" in my life. (Of course I have to somehow include a Beatles reference right?) But I just can't adequately explain it. We were over at a recent convert’s house the other day. She has quite a colored past and her children were not raised in the best environment. She is part of an addiction recovery group right now and tells EVERYONE about how happy the gospel has made her. She is so funny. She always says things in such a "matter of fact" way that I find myself on the verge of hysterical tears each time I visit. But on this last visit she said, "Yeah. I used to think that people that were crazy about Jesus were... Crazy!" She continued on to say that you could be "normal" and still humble yourself enough to turn to Him; to try to recognize those small feelings. We all have times where we feel as if we are tossed to and fro. The world deals so much with fixing what is on the "outside." But the outside is just a product of what is on the inside. If we are able to learn about the Savior and to feel Him more in our lives, we will begin to see how we are slowly healed from inside. I have seen that happen in my own life. I am impatient and inconsistent. My urgency ceases. But the more I pour over the scriptures and have experienced on my mission just how aware of me my Heavenly Father is...I have felt a strength come into my life. I can trust Him.

         Last night we had a lesson with Greg & Liz Casey. We were over at the Stewart’s house for what is called a "New Member Lesson." After someone is baptized, the members of the ward teach the missionary lessons to them just as a way to get them connected to the ward and to meet new people. The Stewarts are a family I love very much and, of course, I love the Casey's more than I could ever explain. The spirit was so strong that night. At a certain point in the lesson Brother Stewart pointed to us and said, with great feeling, "These will always be YOUR missionaries." Brother Stewart served in North Carolina. (same mission as you Dad!) You could tell that as he spoke he was thinking about those people that he had come to love so deeply on his mission. Brother Stewart made us promise that we would always be worthy of each other. That even though "Sister Mitchell" is going home, "she is never done with you." It is a special friendship that will last a lifetime. Greg said, "We consider you family." Those words will always resonate with me. I consider so many of my brothers and sisters out here to be my "family." The members, my mission president, those that we have taught. They are forever a part of me and I feel as if a piece of me will always be here in the California Roseville Mission. I hope to always be worthy of the Casey’s. The Fitzpatrick’s. The Tate’s. The Saechao Family. Ericka Duggins. Melody and Gabrielle. Pat Peart. Debi Allen. The Goodsells. The Savery's. Heather Pate. Angelina. I am reminded of the words of Elder Holland when he spoke of the fishermen turned Apostles who had returned to their nets. "Children did not my life and my love touch your hearts more deeply than this?" I hope that His love has touched my heart more deeply than before and that it will continue to throughout my life. Elder Holland’s talk has been at my bedside for the last few weeks so forgive me for over quoting it but... He said something along the lines of, "Every missionary who has ever stood in a baptismal font (or beside it) and said the words "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ." That commission was to have changed your convert forever, but it was surely supposed to have changed you forever as well." I can say boldly that it has. I feel as if I have been changed forever. I know there are new adventures ahead, but my heart wrenches to leave these people and this type of service. I am so grateful to be a member of this church. I am so grateful that when I have to remove that tag from my chest, I will still be able to bear His name. I know that God lives and that He loves us more than we could ever know in this life. I love you guys so much! The only thing that makes this all okay is that I get to give you all a big hug next week. God be with you until we meet!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

P.S. "This week I had so many fun surprises. The Jones family came up from Loomis and kidnapped us for dinner one night. Then, I showed up to dinner at the Clement’s house here in Auburn and they had planned a surprise party for me! One of my FAVORITE mini little missionaries, Kate & Anna Clement came up to see me.  My jaw was just on the floor!  Then to put icing on the cake, Sister Taylor and Sister Kaupanger came to our Sacarmant meeting on Sunday.  It is just so  fun to have been able to have welcomed so many new members into our family.  

I love the California Roseville Mission!"

Time is too short!--Written February 4th

Dear Family,

         Today is Greg Casey's Birthday and so we snuck over early this morning when we went out for our run and put notes all over his door and balloons on his car. We ran into them this morning and they were on their way out. He pulled over to thank us and said, "we are on our way over to that church book store you told us about and then we are going to the Temple." Nothing could have been better than to see him, ON HIS BIRTHDAY, going to go spend some time with his wife at the Temple. So precious. I LOVEEEEEE the Casey’s!!!!! There is nothing better than to see people make good choices that truly will bring them joy.

         This week has been great! We had our interviews with President Weston and it’s always good to see him. A couple weeks ago we got an envelope in the mail that had a few papers I needed to fill out before my final interview with the Mission President. There is one page that has a few sections to write about the "growth" you've made on your mission. (Companions. Areas. Etc.) I had a few clerical questions for President Weston and after he answered my question he said. "But you know what Sister Mitchell? I could even fill it out for you." He looked at me

knowingly and related a few experience I have had on my mission. He named off a few of my companions, by name, and tears started to fill my eyes as I thought about all that they have taught me. I love my mission. I love the Lord. I am thankful for the ways in which I have come to know Him better through serving those around me. The people here in California have taught me more than I think I could have ever learned on my own.

         I am grateful to have worked so closely with President Weston over this past year and a half. He truly is an inspired man. There is a new family we are meeting with. The wife is a member of the church and her husband is Catholic. They are a young couple and such wonderful people. President Weston will actually be coming with us to one of their lessons this week! Things are going great here in the Auburn 1^st Ward. We are still working hard and seeing lots of miracles. This week was filled with a lot of door knocking and a lot of finding. We have met so many incredible people! It really is a "different" place here in Auburn. It’s hard to describe. But the people love each other here. They are good neighbors and are always friendly to those around them. I am pretty close to being out of time today but I hope you know I love you and look forward to seeing you! I hope all is well at home!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Absolute Truth.

Dear Family,

         There really never are words to explain what happens in a week. The Casey's were baptized this past Thursday and confirmed just yesterday. We found these bookmarks that said, "The Temple, I'm going there someday." I will never forget the grin on Greg's face before he went down into the water. He is just so HAPPY! He is someone who has always had God in his life. He has always lived a clean and moral lifestyle. So what is it that makes this all so different? So many people talk about the "programs" of the church or the "focus on the family." They admire these things and find good in every church. Which is absolutely true. There are lots of "good" things.

         But what does it mean for something to be "true?" What is "truth?" Truth is unchanging. Regardless of opinions, judgments, or belief. Regardless of whether you agree, disregard, overindulge or misinterpret... truth is the same. God is the source of all truth. As we talk with the many people we meet each day that question frequently plays on my mind. I can clearly see how if we can only help them to draw closer to their Savior, He will testify of truth to them. My heart aches at times for others to take that simple invitation to just pray to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is such a simple principle but I have seen in my own life how it is often difficult to live. I sometimes wonder if He would even want to hear from me. In fact... I have even felt silly or like I am "talking to myself." But it’s amazing how simple the truths of the gospel are. All starting with "faith." If we can just believe or desire to believe that He is listening. He will answer us with that sweet feeling of comfort. Greg said the other day that he is "happier than he has ever been before." (He says it with the cutest grin on his face) He understands there are challenges, but he feels solidity. He feels like he is grounded in something real.

         Any time we follow Jesus Christ we are blessed and we are happy. But because He loves us SO much... He has provided us with the truth. The reason why Greg is so much happier is because He now has the fullness of the gospel. I am so grateful to be able to read from the scriptures and receive answers to my prayers. Currently I am reading the Book of Mormon in 90 days. As I have done this I have felt Him strengthen my resolve to follow Him.

         This week has been great. I even got to go on exchanges with my favorite Sister Montgomery! It was a magical day and one of my favorite memories is meeting with a man named Roy. He said he had prayed that day and knew that "angels would come to him today." He is a very... philosophical man? He works with autistic children and the second he looked into my eyes he asked me, "what do you do for a living?" I started to answer and he said, "Wait don't tell me. Have you ever worked with autistic children before?" My jaw dropped to the ground. He kept looking at me in that misty-eyed way when we would talk and he would say, "The angels surround you." Every time I felt the spirit, he would always make reference to "angels." It’s funny how we can have the same feeling but others have different words for it. Things are going good! I hope all is well with you guys! I love you lots! Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Wisdom—Written January 22, 2013

Dear Family,

         What does it mean to be wise? You guys all know me very well. You know I am a goofball that goes where the wind blows and loves to smell the roses. To be wise do you have to be serious? I have been thinking a lot about it and I am no expert but when I think of someone that has wisdom I think of someone who can "See with clarity." Someone who sees things clearly, as they are, and as they can be. They think before they act.

         When I think about those that I respect, they almost always are the people whom you would say are "wise."   President Weston is one of those men and I have learned much from his example. He is a successful man who has many talents. He has done well in the business world and is very successful. So is that what it takes to be wise? You need to be a world-renowned attorney? I read a talk from the latest Ensign that talked about the Wisdom of God and answered questions that I feel like I have been wondering about for my WHOLE mission. It said something along the lines of, "Wisdom of the world is good as long as it is ALWAYS willing to step behind the wisdom of God." Meaning... (Sister Mitchell's Interpretation) That it is good to be talented and successful. It is important to seek out an education, to learn the things of the world, to grow and improve. But that we must ALWAYS be willing to bend OUR will and OUR talents to follow God's will. He truly is wise. He sees with clarity and if we are always humble enough to bend to His will, then we will never be led astray. I know my thoughts are jumbled but this week was INCREDIBLE. I got to go to the Temple on Saturday with Sister Rupp and the Klippels. We went to see Gabriel and Melody do baptisms for the dead. Then that evening we came back to Auburn for Heather’s baptism. Her little three year old shouted out loud when we walked in the building, "MOMMY! Is this God's house?!?!?!" Heather replied, "Yes Riley, this is God's house." Then Riley said, "Where is He!?!?! Is He home?" It was so sweet to start the baptism off in that way. She had lots of family and friends come to support and her husband came as well. Things have been so busy for us and in all that is expected of me, I only hope that I can utilize the talents that He has given me to bring about success among these people while ALWAYS allowing His wisdom to lead me and guide me. I love you all! Sorry for all the random thoughts. Remember how I used to email on Tuesdays and would need to get going because I had an appointment? Welp... that’s happened again! The work must go on! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Our Desires—Written January 14, 2013

Dear Family,

         Transfers came today and I will be staying here with Sister Siemens in Auburn! I also got what corny missionaries call a "trunky planner" this week. And inside there are these hidden secret notes from my MOM! (How did you do that!?!?! Sister Garfield is SO sneaky! Haha) This week was incredible. I have been reflecting a lot on what I want this last transfer to be like and what kinds of things I want to do with the time that I have left. This week we taught a lesson to our investigator Angelina, who was just baptized this past week. We turned together to Alma 32 where we read not only about faith but also about "desire." I have been privileged to have been with her in this process and to have learned so much from her perseverance. When asked if she believes God loves her... at times (hard times) the answer has been, "No, how could anyone KNOW that?" She may even make reference to that warm feeling and say, "How do I know it’s not just a flux in temperature or that I am not just making it up?" To be honest I have asked myself the same question at times. But I am so grateful for the scriptures. He tells us that if we can only but muster a "DESIRE to believe" then (of our own free will) we must CHOOSE to let this desire work in us. I have seen in my own life, my companions’, and those we speak with... they are right on the cusp. They are so close to being able to feel of God's love and that quiet confidence that comes as we heed His still small voice. But it is and always will be their choice.

         The baptism went great this past week. We had several of the people we have been meeting with come out to see it. Roger and Denise are a newly married couple we are meeting with. His wife is a member but he is Catholic. The Blotti's were there. Sister Elliott got to come back and visit. Greg and Liz were there and then came to church the following day. They went out and bought all new church clothes. As we meet with them. It seems like EVERYTHING we say just makes his face light up. He glows. He grins from ear to ear. When he hears the truths of the gospel. When he hears how families truly can be together forever... it resonates with him. Liz was sharing with us that in preparing their vows... they always felt wrong about putting in "till death do us part." The words they chose to replace it with was, "throughout all eternity." When they shared that story with us... my heart was so full that words can’t describe. There truly are people that search. People that have had the truth implanted in their hearts and yearn and hope that their desires will come true. But, as we know from Alma, that desire, coupled with the truth... turns into a faith. Turns into a comfort and knowing that we truly will be able to be with our families again. I know that this church is true. But I haven't always known it. In fact, the world can distract us and can confuse us and can stifle the answers that we may otherwise receive from a loving Heavenly Father. I know, through serving others, that God lives. That no matter how far away we may turn from Him or the many times that we may doubt His existence or the expanse of His love... He is real. His love is simple and if we can just desire to believe in Him. Desire to know this "comforting" feeling that others speak of. Then, as we let that desire work on us and move us to our knees, we will feel of His love. He truly will become an anchor for us in our lives. We will feel calmer, less frazzled. We will have more hope. We will look forward to a life with Him and we will serve all those around us on our journey.

         Did I ever tell you that I LOVE being a missionary? Well I do. And I love the gospel. And I am REDICULOUSLY grateful for all the people that have put up with me over the years and loved me. I am grateful for my sweet family and I love you all to death! On my trunky planner that Sister Garfield made for me it says, "Forever Green." Which I find to be an extremely fitting not only for my mission, but my life. I remember first getting here and a missionary telling me that my "Greenie Fire" would eventually wear off. I remember wondering why it would "wear off." Because "greenie fire" simply means to be excited about the gospel. Well I AM! And I hope to be that way forever. No matter what challenges I may face in life. I know that the Lord will help me and comfort me. You’re all the best! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Mitchell            

Success and Trials? Written January 7, 2013

Dear Family,

         I have come to find that whenever things are starting to turn out "good," that trials strike. I think I am learning a life lesson right now that has been a long time coming. We had an awesome lesson with The Kasey's this past week in which we taught about the Restoration of the Gospel. The discussion was great, there was such a warm feeling in their home and joy just exudes from them. I can't wait for you to meet them! When asked why Greg wants this for his family, his reply is always something along the lines of, "I want us to be a stronger unit." The two of them are SO sweet to each other and Greg frequently mentions how Liz is one of the biggest blessings God has given him. So to hear him say that he wants to be a "stronger unit" just teaches me that, even when we think we are doing well, the gospel can strengthen and deepen our love for those around us. It truly does improve the quality of our lives.

Sister Siemens and Sister Mitchell

         The work is moving here now the way it was in Dry Creek and I forgot how overwhelming it is when that happens. We have Angelina's baptism this Saturday. Heather's is next Saturday. Then the Saturday after that is the Kaseys. Then we have a bunch more incredible people that are progressing and just doing great. There is not enough time in a day! When there is no one to teach I feel helplessly reliant on the Lord. I plead with Him that we can be able to touch to lives of many within our area. And then when I get what I asked for.... Does it get any easier!?!?! NO! Haha. In fact... I wake up at all hours of the night with a thought or idea. When I run, shower, drive or eat, my thoughts are constantly darting from one person to another. Like the scriptures say, I feel like my "anxiety is great!" But you know what I came to the realization of this week..... I LOVE IT! I love that feeling of helplessness. When he has entrusted us with so many people I begin to see how I cannot do it without Him. It’s then that I KNOW that He is in charge of this work. I can feel Him strengthening me and helping me to do things far beyond my capacity.

A third Companion????

         So when I say there have been trials. I don't mean the kind that makes me want to give up. I mean the kind that re-assures me that I am on the right path. Salvation is not easy. When we are doing what is right, we will face opposition. Like the parable of the sower. Our seed may fall on soil and strike root for a moment but if we do not continue to nurture it... it will wither. There are so many people here in Auburn that have made this decision to come closer to Christ and in turn... they still face opposition. But I think I am learning the lesson at the same time as our investigators that... the key isn't to "avoid the storm" but it is to "choose the right while the storm rages." When we make the right choices even amongst our trials. It shows great faith and then our Heavenly Father knows that we will follow Him selflessly. I love the Lord and am so thankful for His influence in my life and the lives of those we meet with. The Blottis’ and Angelina have really been struggling this week and my heart just aches for them. But I know they will be strengthened if they turn to Him. I am so grateful for you guys and for all you do. Speaking on March 10th eh? Wow. I can't believe how quickly time has flown. I guess sometimes I take comfort in the fact that we get to serve God for our "whole" lives. We get to serve in many callings in our life. I think about the many people from the Twelve Oaks 1st Ward who have had an effect on my through their church callings. Not even just the Twelve Oaks Ward but there are even people I remember from Tucson. Sister Moore. There are many truths I learned from those people that have helped me in my life and have helped me build a stronger relationship with my Father in Heaven. I am so grateful to have parents who have a testimony of that and have lived their lives according to His gospel. I love you guys! Thanks for all you do                 

Love,

Sister Mitchell