This morning as we were cleaning and getting ready for the day, I put in Christmas music and my heart was just brim with joy. I have been so happy this last few days, just overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. I have been thinking a lot about the blessings that I have received and growth that I've experienced on my mission, and to run through it all in my mind brings me to tears. I cannot believe it. I can't believe what a miracle it is that I am on a mission, and that I have experienced so many wonderful things, even if a good portion of them came through trials. I am finally really feeling the thing that "dying" missionaries always describe. I do not want to come home. I do not want my mission to end. I know that there are blessings and miracles and joy to be had after the mission, but I just want to be a missionary forever. It's so strange. I am exhausted, and given the choice, I probably wouldn't extend because I know that there is much for me to do after this. I jut love this. Nothing else I do in this life will ever be quite like my mission. I am just blown away.
Justin and Haley are doing well. I absolutely love Them. We taught the plan of Salvation this week, and it was so peaceful. The spirit was strong, and they understood so clearly what we were teaching. I love teaching the plan of Salvation because as we teach, the light of Christ just illuminates within the soul of the learner, it's beautiful. I know it's because this is not the first time they've heard this. They aren't really learning it, they are remembering it. Each of us knew the plan and the gospel before we came to earth, and as we learn it on earth, we find so much peace and clarity. We understand who we truly are. Ah, I just love it. So yeah, Justin and Haley are awesome. I feel like they are just friends I've known forever. :) Please pray for them that everything will continue to go well, and most of all that they will receive answers to their prayers.
Things are the same with Shaquasia, please pray for her and her family. We love hem a whole bunch.
We have a wonderful week planned, including what I'm sure will be a fantastic thanksgiving. I promise to send pictures next week!
I love you all so much!
-Sister Monroe
Monday, November 24, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
I'll be homeward bound in time...
(The title is from this song, I have no idea what its from, but it's called "homeward bound" and the motab does this really gorgeous version of it that has taken on a ton of meaning for me about my mission. Y'all should look it up. )
Wow. nine weeks, is that all?? Not that I'm counting, because I'm really not, but wow! I cannot believe it!
Not a lot has happened here this week. I still just love this area and my companion. The temple opens back up this week, so that's really exciting! Shaquasia is doing awesome, she has been reading the book of mormon and praying and she feels really good about it. It's just sad, because Julie hasn't read anything, not that she doesn't want to, she just hasn't, and her husband is still not okay with Shaquasia being baptized. We could really use your prayers on this one. We are really hoping and praying for Julie and Donny's hearts to soften. Shaquasia is so excited about the gospel, and she really wants to be baptized,but it's confusing for her that her parents say no.
Justin and Haley are well. We couldn't see them this week, they went to Iowa City on Monday to meet Justin's new Nephew. We are meeting with them tonight though, and are praying that it will go well. They really need to be reading from the Book of Mormon and praying about it, and they need to come to church, which they haven't yet. Please pray that they will keep their commitments and progress!
This week was fun. On Thursday, we went to a Mission Tour in Iowa City. Elder Craig Cardon of the Seventy and his wife came to speak to our mission. It was really incredible. I received a lot of revelation, as I always seem to at mission meetings- I will seriously miss that. At lunch, President and Sister Jensen sat at our table. I love them, they are so sweet and funny. I feel so blessed to serve with them.
A pretty wonderful thing did happen this week. About a month ago while Sister jensen and I were painting old ladies nails, I met this less- active fairly recent convert who just moved to Carthage. She was interviewing for a job at the nursing home. I chatted with her but then she got whisked away for her interview before I could get any of her information, or even her name. Anyway, She showed up to church on Sunday. So awesome!!!
We are excited to start working with her, she is really sweet.
That's it for us. Hopefully I'll have more good news for you all next week.
Love you so much!
-Sister Monroe
Wow. nine weeks, is that all?? Not that I'm counting, because I'm really not, but wow! I cannot believe it!
Not a lot has happened here this week. I still just love this area and my companion. The temple opens back up this week, so that's really exciting! Shaquasia is doing awesome, she has been reading the book of mormon and praying and she feels really good about it. It's just sad, because Julie hasn't read anything, not that she doesn't want to, she just hasn't, and her husband is still not okay with Shaquasia being baptized. We could really use your prayers on this one. We are really hoping and praying for Julie and Donny's hearts to soften. Shaquasia is so excited about the gospel, and she really wants to be baptized,but it's confusing for her that her parents say no.
Justin and Haley are well. We couldn't see them this week, they went to Iowa City on Monday to meet Justin's new Nephew. We are meeting with them tonight though, and are praying that it will go well. They really need to be reading from the Book of Mormon and praying about it, and they need to come to church, which they haven't yet. Please pray that they will keep their commitments and progress!
This week was fun. On Thursday, we went to a Mission Tour in Iowa City. Elder Craig Cardon of the Seventy and his wife came to speak to our mission. It was really incredible. I received a lot of revelation, as I always seem to at mission meetings- I will seriously miss that. At lunch, President and Sister Jensen sat at our table. I love them, they are so sweet and funny. I feel so blessed to serve with them.
A pretty wonderful thing did happen this week. About a month ago while Sister jensen and I were painting old ladies nails, I met this less- active fairly recent convert who just moved to Carthage. She was interviewing for a job at the nursing home. I chatted with her but then she got whisked away for her interview before I could get any of her information, or even her name. Anyway, She showed up to church on Sunday. So awesome!!!
We are excited to start working with her, she is really sweet.
That's it for us. Hopefully I'll have more good news for you all next week.
Love you so much!
-Sister Monroe
Mission Tour with Elder Cardon! We are on the left side, second row. :)
Monday, November 10, 2014
Happiness.
What an eventful week! We've had lots of miracles, and lots of meetings! Today is supposed to be the last warm day like, forever. Goodbye bare legs, hello bazillion layers, tall boots and big coat.
Well, I am so excited to update you all on our investigators. They are doing well!
Last monday night we taught Justin and Haley about the Book of Mormon, and it went really well. At the end of the lesson, we set a baptismal date with them for January 10th! They are both willing to work toward it. They would have to make a few changes, so it's really important that they read, pray, and come to church. Please pray that they will do those things so that they can feel the spirit and grow! I love them a lot, and am really hoping and praying that they will be baptized on Jan 10th, especially since I leave the next week! Ah!!
Tuesday we had interviews with President and Sister Jensen, which I always love, but these ones were especially great. I felt very loved. It is absolutely crazy to think that my next interview will be my last. That night, we were finally able to meet with Julie and Shaquasia again! We asked Bro. Raisor and their 10 year old, Charity to come and teach with us. We also taught them about the Book of Mormon, and it was great. Shaquasia is very prepared to receive the gospel. While Julie hadn't read the pamphlet or given it much thought, Shaquasia had read it, prayed about it, and really feels good. She wants very much to be baptized. We extended a baptismal date to her for December 20th, which she accepted. Julie loves us, and what we teach, but she's not interested in being baptized. The hardest thing is that to get Shaquasia to church, and for her to be baptized, her parents need to be supportive of it. Julie is okay with it, but Dad isn't on board as of right now. Please pray that Shaquasia's parents hearts will be softened and that they will allow her to be baptized on December 20th. She is such a sweet little girl, and has true desire to be baptized.
Thursday we went to Iowa City for a new Trainers and Trainees meeting. It was fun. President and Sister Jensen just trained and counseled us. They talked a lot about companionship unity, and how it makes such a difference in our work. I am grateful for Sister Heathcock. We are really enjoying being together, and it helps everything go so smoothly. I am definitely blessed.
Yesterday we taught relief society. The lesson was on missionary work, so they decided it would be good for us to teach. I just loved it. I realized yesterday that I have a passion for teaching, and if it wasn't for my mission, I never would have understood that. My mission has done infinitely more for me than I ever could've anticipated.
That's it for me this week. I love you all so much!
-Sister Monroe
Well, I am so excited to update you all on our investigators. They are doing well!
Last monday night we taught Justin and Haley about the Book of Mormon, and it went really well. At the end of the lesson, we set a baptismal date with them for January 10th! They are both willing to work toward it. They would have to make a few changes, so it's really important that they read, pray, and come to church. Please pray that they will do those things so that they can feel the spirit and grow! I love them a lot, and am really hoping and praying that they will be baptized on Jan 10th, especially since I leave the next week! Ah!!
Tuesday we had interviews with President and Sister Jensen, which I always love, but these ones were especially great. I felt very loved. It is absolutely crazy to think that my next interview will be my last. That night, we were finally able to meet with Julie and Shaquasia again! We asked Bro. Raisor and their 10 year old, Charity to come and teach with us. We also taught them about the Book of Mormon, and it was great. Shaquasia is very prepared to receive the gospel. While Julie hadn't read the pamphlet or given it much thought, Shaquasia had read it, prayed about it, and really feels good. She wants very much to be baptized. We extended a baptismal date to her for December 20th, which she accepted. Julie loves us, and what we teach, but she's not interested in being baptized. The hardest thing is that to get Shaquasia to church, and for her to be baptized, her parents need to be supportive of it. Julie is okay with it, but Dad isn't on board as of right now. Please pray that Shaquasia's parents hearts will be softened and that they will allow her to be baptized on December 20th. She is such a sweet little girl, and has true desire to be baptized.
Thursday we went to Iowa City for a new Trainers and Trainees meeting. It was fun. President and Sister Jensen just trained and counseled us. They talked a lot about companionship unity, and how it makes such a difference in our work. I am grateful for Sister Heathcock. We are really enjoying being together, and it helps everything go so smoothly. I am definitely blessed.
Yesterday we taught relief society. The lesson was on missionary work, so they decided it would be good for us to teach. I just loved it. I realized yesterday that I have a passion for teaching, and if it wasn't for my mission, I never would have understood that. My mission has done infinitely more for me than I ever could've anticipated.
That's it for me this week. I love you all so much!
-Sister Monroe
Monday, October 27, 2014
More, Savior, Like thee
It has been a really good week. As usual, we worked hard, and did lots of service.
Our investigators have been tricky to get a hold of, but we are still hopeful that we can see them soon. Jesse has been working a ton, and cancelled our last appointment, we haven't talked to him since :( Pray that we will get in contact with him soon! Julie called us back this week and told us she had been in the hospital last week, but she is doing much better now. She also mentioned that Shaquasia has been asking for us to come over again. That little girl is so so prepared. We are planning to see them at least once this week! Pray that it will happen and go well!
This week was fun- on Saturday night, Nauvoo had its annual "Boo-tiful Nauvoo Pumpkin Walk". I didn't get any pictures, because it was dark and crazy crowded- but it's a fun event where they have pumpkins that were carved by volunteers lining the main street on either side. It kicks off with a cool Halloween parade, and then everybody walks around. There's food, games for the kids, etc. I saw a family from my area in Cedar Falls, and a family from my area in Davenport, so that was fun. :)
Anyway, I have been learning a ton about consecration this week. It has been the focus of my studies and prayers, without me really trying to make it that way. I've been doing my best- especially since I have so little time left- to give myself completely to the work. I want to do my Savior, and Heavenly Father's will in all things- and it's quite beautiful to see the fruits of that effort. I understand now that the more consecrated I am, the happier I am, with the work and with everything else. My favorite scripture about consecration has been this one, it's Doctrine and Covenants 88:67-68
"And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him;for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will."
I am so happy and blessed to be serving. I feel so much joy every single day as I do the work of my Savior, and follow the Spirit. The blessings I am receiving equal, and most always exceed the challenges I am experiencing.
I love you all so much.
-Sister Monroe
Our investigators have been tricky to get a hold of, but we are still hopeful that we can see them soon. Jesse has been working a ton, and cancelled our last appointment, we haven't talked to him since :( Pray that we will get in contact with him soon! Julie called us back this week and told us she had been in the hospital last week, but she is doing much better now. She also mentioned that Shaquasia has been asking for us to come over again. That little girl is so so prepared. We are planning to see them at least once this week! Pray that it will happen and go well!
This week was fun- on Saturday night, Nauvoo had its annual "Boo-tiful Nauvoo Pumpkin Walk". I didn't get any pictures, because it was dark and crazy crowded- but it's a fun event where they have pumpkins that were carved by volunteers lining the main street on either side. It kicks off with a cool Halloween parade, and then everybody walks around. There's food, games for the kids, etc. I saw a family from my area in Cedar Falls, and a family from my area in Davenport, so that was fun. :)
Anyway, I have been learning a ton about consecration this week. It has been the focus of my studies and prayers, without me really trying to make it that way. I've been doing my best- especially since I have so little time left- to give myself completely to the work. I want to do my Savior, and Heavenly Father's will in all things- and it's quite beautiful to see the fruits of that effort. I understand now that the more consecrated I am, the happier I am, with the work and with everything else. My favorite scripture about consecration has been this one, it's Doctrine and Covenants 88:67-68
"And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him;for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will."
I am so happy and blessed to be serving. I feel so much joy every single day as I do the work of my Savior, and follow the Spirit. The blessings I am receiving equal, and most always exceed the challenges I am experiencing.
I love you all so much.
-Sister Monroe
My joy and my privilege to serve as a proselyting missionary
in Nauvoo, Carthage, and Hamilton Illinois. Pretty much the greatest thing ever!!
Last week our district got together in Nauvoo. We went on the "Joseph Smith memorial carriage ride" It was beautiful. This is Sis. Browne, Sis. Nye, me, and Sis. Heathcock.
This is "Inspiration Point"
Bet ya didn't know they had horse missionaries in the Nauvoo mission. :)
A cute Halloween package from my cute mom and her
cute friend, Deanna Pennock- thanks sister pennock! So cute! Haha!
The sunsets here just keep blowing me away.
Beautiful Nauvoo in the fall is just about my favorite thing.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Be Not Moved
What a week, we had transfers! This week I said goodbye to Sister Jensen. I will miss her, We had a lot of fun together. Plus, I learned a ton while we were together, we both grew a lot in our time here together. Don't worry though, I am the trainer of an awesome brand new missionary, Sister Heathcock! She is almost 20, from Salem, Oregon, really sweet, and I love her. We are doing really well, I am so excited to be her trainer, I feel really blessed. I am very excited for the growth and miracles that both of us will see in the next 3 months.
The work is moving like molasses- slow, but good! Haha. Before Sister Jensen left, we had a lesson with Jesse and we set a baptismal date for November 30th! He said he'd try, so pray for him! Our other investigators and potentials have been tricky to get a hold of- we are hopeful that we can see them soon!
We had a really good stake conference this weekend, I received a lot of revelation that I needed. The Nauvoo stake is awesome. The Iowa Des Moines Mission is awesome. I am just really blessed.
Sorry for the short e-mail, but I didn't have too much to report. Hopefully I'll have more to tell you next week! Love you all so much!
-Sister Monroe
The work is moving like molasses- slow, but good! Haha. Before Sister Jensen left, we had a lesson with Jesse and we set a baptismal date for November 30th! He said he'd try, so pray for him! Our other investigators and potentials have been tricky to get a hold of- we are hopeful that we can see them soon!
We had a really good stake conference this weekend, I received a lot of revelation that I needed. The Nauvoo stake is awesome. The Iowa Des Moines Mission is awesome. I am just really blessed.
Sorry for the short e-mail, but I didn't have too much to report. Hopefully I'll have more to tell you next week! Love you all so much!
-Sister Monroe
A gorgeous rainbow we saw in Nauvoo.
Our last temple trip together. I love this girl.
This is the bridge from "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" it's
just off of river road in Nauvoo. :)
"Posterity" picture! 3 generations of IDMM sisters. :) My trainer went
home, along with a ton of my other favorite sisters...
Sister Boone!
SISTER CANNON!!!
Sister Hill!!
Sister Stahle!
We went to the temple one last time before it closes for 3 weeks!
Such a wonderful morning!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Transfers and such
Wow! What a week! The work has been s l o w, but the blessings have been many.
We were not able to meet with Julie and Shaquasia- their family had the flu this week, or Jesse, he was pretty busy. Don't worry though, we'll see them soon, and they will progress. We actually have an appointment to teach him tonight, and we are planning to set a baptismal date. Pray that he will progress toward baptism! :)
We had a really great experience this week, President gave us one-time approval to help clean the temple. It was absolutely incredible. The spirit was just so strong, and there was only faint vacuuming noise. :) I had the incredible opportunity to vacuum the Celestial room, all by myself. It was simply so peaceful, and I could feel so strongly the love of my Heavenly Father as I served him by cleaning his Holy house. When we were done vacuuming that floor, they let us walk through the rooms by ourselves- the same feeling of love, plus an overwhelming feeling of joy came over us both. Also, before we even started cleaning, one of the sisters who works there each night took us all the way up in the tower. I touched the inside of the top metal dome, and the pole where the angel Moroni is attached. I can't fully explain why, but it was just such a profound experience for me.
We had gotten up an hour early that morning and helped at a 5k/10k/half marathon, so we were completely exhausted by the time we got home at 11:30, but it was so so worth it.
I am thoroughly enjoying the fall here, and I am happy to report that we got our call early this morning, from President instead of the assistants, because Sister Jensen is transferring and I have been called to be a trainer. What a wonderful way to spend my last two transfers. I feel extremely trusted of the Lord. How great is my calling! :)
So much peace, so much joy. I am nervous, but mostly excited for the challenges and blessings that will come with being a trainer. I can't wait to help a new missionary get excited and acclimated to this marvelous work, mission, and area. Pray for me!
Love you all so much.
-Sister Monroe
We were not able to meet with Julie and Shaquasia- their family had the flu this week, or Jesse, he was pretty busy. Don't worry though, we'll see them soon, and they will progress. We actually have an appointment to teach him tonight, and we are planning to set a baptismal date. Pray that he will progress toward baptism! :)
We had a really great experience this week, President gave us one-time approval to help clean the temple. It was absolutely incredible. The spirit was just so strong, and there was only faint vacuuming noise. :) I had the incredible opportunity to vacuum the Celestial room, all by myself. It was simply so peaceful, and I could feel so strongly the love of my Heavenly Father as I served him by cleaning his Holy house. When we were done vacuuming that floor, they let us walk through the rooms by ourselves- the same feeling of love, plus an overwhelming feeling of joy came over us both. Also, before we even started cleaning, one of the sisters who works there each night took us all the way up in the tower. I touched the inside of the top metal dome, and the pole where the angel Moroni is attached. I can't fully explain why, but it was just such a profound experience for me.
We had gotten up an hour early that morning and helped at a 5k/10k/half marathon, so we were completely exhausted by the time we got home at 11:30, but it was so so worth it.
I am thoroughly enjoying the fall here, and I am happy to report that we got our call early this morning, from President instead of the assistants, because Sister Jensen is transferring and I have been called to be a trainer. What a wonderful way to spend my last two transfers. I feel extremely trusted of the Lord. How great is my calling! :)
So much peace, so much joy. I am nervous, but mostly excited for the challenges and blessings that will come with being a trainer. I can't wait to help a new missionary get excited and acclimated to this marvelous work, mission, and area. Pray for me!
Love you all so much.
-Sister Monroe
A sweet little package from my Evvie. :)
Sometimes when you're a missionary, you sleep really hard,
and you get crazy bedhead. Yup.
There is something so magical about the temple against a pitch black sky.
I was on cloud nine when we left, see?!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Leap of Faith
This has been such an eventful week, and I have so much to tell you- but so little time!!!!
So...
We dropped Herb and Carolyn for the time being. Sad, but totally necessary. We love them a lot, and they are just not ready right now. They've been taught for like 2 years without ever being dropped, so we're really hoping their hearts will soften and they'll realize how much they are missing when we don't come or call for a while. But.. because we took this leap of faith and committed to use the Lord's time more wisely, he immediately blessed us.
The next night, we were able to finally teach a potential who we met a couple of weeks ago. His name is Jesse, and he is awesome. We met him while checking on a different investigator- the timing of both of our lives was just such that he was grabbing his groceries out of his car as we were walking to our car to leave. I did the hard thing, I went out of my way to open my mouth and start talking with him, my companion was awesome, she invited him to learn. Long story short, we taught him at a members on Tuesday, and he accepted the invitation to be baptized. Please pray for him. :)
It was a really good week, we've had lots of fun. General Conference was absolutely incredible! If you didn't watch it, or just not all of it- do! I loved how the talks in each session flowed together. It's amazing how revelation through living Prophets and Apostles works. What an incredible blessing. I felt the Spirit so strong, and I received a lot of revelation for our area, and especially for my self. If only I'd appreciated conference this much when I was a youth!! Anyway, I am just really grateful for conference. It's so bittersweet that that was the last one I'll watch on my mission.
On Saturday night, we were blessed with another miracle. We taught a woman, Julie who we had met tracting a few weeks ago and tried to see multiple times, we finally were able to teach her, and her ten year old daughter, Shaquasia. They are awesome, and both accepted the invitation to be baptized.
3 New investigators in one week. it is a miracle. The work has a reputation of being slow here, because it kind of is, but as we rely on the Lord, and give up our wills to do His, we are receiving so many blessings, seen and unseen.
Well, this week is going to be wonderful too. Fun thing: President Jensen received a copy of the movie "Meet the Mormons" that comes out on the 10th, from the missionary department, and was instructed to show it to all of us before it comes out. We get to watch it here in Nauvoo at the stake center tomorrow morning with all the missionaries serving in the stake. So awesome, I am excited!
Love you all so so so much!
-Sister Monroe
So...
We dropped Herb and Carolyn for the time being. Sad, but totally necessary. We love them a lot, and they are just not ready right now. They've been taught for like 2 years without ever being dropped, so we're really hoping their hearts will soften and they'll realize how much they are missing when we don't come or call for a while. But.. because we took this leap of faith and committed to use the Lord's time more wisely, he immediately blessed us.
The next night, we were able to finally teach a potential who we met a couple of weeks ago. His name is Jesse, and he is awesome. We met him while checking on a different investigator- the timing of both of our lives was just such that he was grabbing his groceries out of his car as we were walking to our car to leave. I did the hard thing, I went out of my way to open my mouth and start talking with him, my companion was awesome, she invited him to learn. Long story short, we taught him at a members on Tuesday, and he accepted the invitation to be baptized. Please pray for him. :)
It was a really good week, we've had lots of fun. General Conference was absolutely incredible! If you didn't watch it, or just not all of it- do! I loved how the talks in each session flowed together. It's amazing how revelation through living Prophets and Apostles works. What an incredible blessing. I felt the Spirit so strong, and I received a lot of revelation for our area, and especially for my self. If only I'd appreciated conference this much when I was a youth!! Anyway, I am just really grateful for conference. It's so bittersweet that that was the last one I'll watch on my mission.
On Saturday night, we were blessed with another miracle. We taught a woman, Julie who we had met tracting a few weeks ago and tried to see multiple times, we finally were able to teach her, and her ten year old daughter, Shaquasia. They are awesome, and both accepted the invitation to be baptized.
3 New investigators in one week. it is a miracle. The work has a reputation of being slow here, because it kind of is, but as we rely on the Lord, and give up our wills to do His, we are receiving so many blessings, seen and unseen.
Well, this week is going to be wonderful too. Fun thing: President Jensen received a copy of the movie "Meet the Mormons" that comes out on the 10th, from the missionary department, and was instructed to show it to all of us before it comes out. We get to watch it here in Nauvoo at the stake center tomorrow morning with all the missionaries serving in the stake. So awesome, I am excited!
Love you all so so so much!
-Sister Monroe
President approved the Keokuk sisters to join us at the temple this morning. :)
Yeah we did. So happy!
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