Dear Family,
I'm not really sure what to write about. This week has been good, but really rainy. I haven't really minded the rain until it became cold and rainy. But, the snails and slugs are coming out...I guess that means it is spring? Ew.
I think baby Ben is sooo adorable, and I love my Cameron.
Sister Nigido and I were talking about the "Good, Better, Best" principle today. I remembered the Young Women's Project we did when you were my leader and I think it was such a great thing. I want to make sure that I don't waste my life doing meaningless nothings, because if you think about it, spending one hour on face book every day = 365 hours in a year and 3650 in 10 years. So, in that amount of time you could probably become a professional harp player, or learn how to crochet with your toes (maybe not quite, but you get the idea).
There are so many things that I have learned about how I can make sure I keep away from distractions and really come to grow close to God.
Tal is incredible, isn't she? She is like a sister to me and I love her to pieces. Next week is transfers again...and I don't know what is going to happen....ahhh.
I love you all and pray for you.
keep smiling and be grateful for all that you have.
Love,
Sister Lybbert :)
Oh, I forgot, Saturday was Sister Nigido's birthday! It was fantastic. I made German Pancakes and then decorated it to be an Italian flag with kiwi, whipped cream and strawberries. Then, because we sisters are collecting the Disney Princesses out of the Kinder Eggs (we only needed Belle...we have a ton of Cinderellas), we made a Kinder egg hunt for her AND...WE FOUND TWO BELLES! I don't think there's been so much screaming in the flat as there was when we opened those. We find joy in the simplest of things. :) Later that night we had face masks and a dance party to our missionary music. Whoo!
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Incredible Week!
Dear Family,
I almost died when I opened the package. I had been telling everyone about these heaven-worthy marshmallow eggs that my mom makes every Easter, and there they were! I knew it as soon as I saw the wax paper. I was so tempted to just eat them all myself, but I shared them as instructed. :)
This week has been absolutely incredible. Seriously, incredible. We have found four new investigators and they are solid. It has been so long since we have found four solid new people to teach in this kind of time and we feel so blessed. The first two we are hopefully meeting with tonight, Paul and Emma. They were found knocking. they have open minds and they are willing to learn and that is just incredible.
The third new investigator was quite the miracle. It is also kind of a funny story. I though that there was and Easter fireside announced for 6 pm here in South Shields and so I had been inviting people to it for the past week. Well, it was actually in Newcastle at 6:30. I felt like an idiot...haha. Mostly because I didn't know what I was going to do if people actually showed up at our chapel. I believe though, that it was all meant to happen because when we went to the chapel (to make sure nobody turned up) there was nobody there, thank goodness. (Yes, I was happy about it, I didn't really feel like my companion and I could put on an entire Easter Program.)
However, there were three teenage girls standing outside near the bus stop next to the church. I felt that we had better talk to them seeing as how we had just walked to the church for nothing. At first, they were typical teenage girls, giggling and smirking at the fact that these two 21 year old 'nuns' were talking to them. But, we persisted and helped them to see why it is so important to have a knowledge of God and the potential He's given us as His daughters. then we asked if they had ever prayed before. One of them had tried, but she said she didn't really know how. At that, we told them we were going into the church and they could come with us and we could teach them how to pray. They all looked at each other, and then at us, and said yes!
We had a lovely lesson with them, and helped them really to see that it is incredible how this earth is so organized, and about different evidences that God exists. It was a huge miracle, because as we were telling them these things, we told them about this incredible girl we met a few months ago and that we taught her and she was baptized. Well, we mentioned her name, and it just so happens that one of the girls is Tal's cousin! It was powerful, and at the conclusion, we taught them how to pray, and you could tell that they were feeling something.
We invited them to learn more, and to join us at Young Women's on Wednesday. Tal's cousin is coming and Talyia is over the moon about it. We feel so blessed. Unfortunately for the other girls, their parents didn't give permission.
Anyway, it has been phenomenal this week. We just had a lesson with a new investigator and it went so good. And yesterday for P-day we spent it with the four South Shields Sisters, the Gateshead Sisters, and Emma and Jayla. Emma was recently baptized and her daughter, Jayla, is 2 and she's the most adorable thing ever. We went out for dinner at an Italian place that is literally on the seafront and it was delightful. :)
Love you all, keep up the missionary work,
Love,
Sister Lybbert
I almost died when I opened the package. I had been telling everyone about these heaven-worthy marshmallow eggs that my mom makes every Easter, and there they were! I knew it as soon as I saw the wax paper. I was so tempted to just eat them all myself, but I shared them as instructed. :)
This week has been absolutely incredible. Seriously, incredible. We have found four new investigators and they are solid. It has been so long since we have found four solid new people to teach in this kind of time and we feel so blessed. The first two we are hopefully meeting with tonight, Paul and Emma. They were found knocking. they have open minds and they are willing to learn and that is just incredible.The third new investigator was quite the miracle. It is also kind of a funny story. I though that there was and Easter fireside announced for 6 pm here in South Shields and so I had been inviting people to it for the past week. Well, it was actually in Newcastle at 6:30. I felt like an idiot...haha. Mostly because I didn't know what I was going to do if people actually showed up at our chapel. I believe though, that it was all meant to happen because when we went to the chapel (to make sure nobody turned up) there was nobody there, thank goodness. (Yes, I was happy about it, I didn't really feel like my companion and I could put on an entire Easter Program.)
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| South Shields Museum |
However, there were three teenage girls standing outside near the bus stop next to the church. I felt that we had better talk to them seeing as how we had just walked to the church for nothing. At first, they were typical teenage girls, giggling and smirking at the fact that these two 21 year old 'nuns' were talking to them. But, we persisted and helped them to see why it is so important to have a knowledge of God and the potential He's given us as His daughters. then we asked if they had ever prayed before. One of them had tried, but she said she didn't really know how. At that, we told them we were going into the church and they could come with us and we could teach them how to pray. They all looked at each other, and then at us, and said yes! We had a lovely lesson with them, and helped them really to see that it is incredible how this earth is so organized, and about different evidences that God exists. It was a huge miracle, because as we were telling them these things, we told them about this incredible girl we met a few months ago and that we taught her and she was baptized. Well, we mentioned her name, and it just so happens that one of the girls is Tal's cousin! It was powerful, and at the conclusion, we taught them how to pray, and you could tell that they were feeling something. We invited them to learn more, and to join us at Young Women's on Wednesday. Tal's cousin is coming and Talyia is over the moon about it. We feel so blessed. Unfortunately for the other girls, their parents didn't give permission.Anyway, it has been phenomenal this week. We just had a lesson with a new investigator and it went so good. And yesterday for P-day we spent it with the four South Shields Sisters, the Gateshead Sisters, and Emma and Jayla. Emma was recently baptized and her daughter, Jayla, is 2 and she's the most adorable thing ever. We went out for dinner at an Italian place that is literally on the seafront and it was delightful. :)
Love you all, keep up the missionary work,
Love,
Monday, 14 April 2014
Dear Family,
Cammie, you failed to send me the deets on the baby! You are forgiven though. President Monson's conference talk is taking effect and I approve of baby Benny Ben Benjamin. ;)
Things here are going well. The sun is shining today so we are going to the North Shields ruins across the water. (It has been miserable and rainy the past few days ...and WINDY.)
I loved conferenc and I loved the Women's session. Bonnie L. Oscarson is one of my favourite speakers to listen to. She did such wonderful job last conference (or the conference before that...I can't recall which one). Also, Elder Oak's talk for the priesthood was incredible. It completely settled any feelings of doubt in my self-worth as a woman. it must have taken so much courage on his part as well, to speak on such a topic with all of the protest "movements' going on at the moment.
I'm so happy you were able to have a great gospel conversation with all of you. Family dinners are the nicest. I have "family" here that are so wonderful to be around for dinners and things. South Shields ward gets a 12 /10 for its treatment to the missionaries.
I heard that Ashy face timed Talyia! I was so excited when she told me she was planning on face timing you Ash! She said it was really good and that she met Joshy and Mom. What was crazy for me was that my Mission life and Home life just connected. Unfortunately, Ashy, I can't "conveniently" be at Tal's when you face time, hahah, but I'll be seeing you on Skype next month. :)
Sister Nigido and I have been spending a lot of time finding. unfortunately, we haven't been seeing any "crazy" results, justs ome good seeds planted. I really loved what Elder Uchtdorf said about being grateful for the rain before the rainbow comes. I'm working on just being happy and grateful even if we don't see the fruits of our efforts right away. Saturday we devoted most of the day to street contacting (what I find most difficult...because everyone is "busy" - to go to the chippy, whilst walking 0.2 km an hour-) It was a good day, but we didn't get any return appointments. I am being refined. Haha.
Well, I love you and I'm grateful for your love and support. I am happy and healthy and cushty belta. Haha.
Love,
Sister Lybbert :)
Cammie, you failed to send me the deets on the baby! You are forgiven though. President Monson's conference talk is taking effect and I approve of baby Benny Ben Benjamin. ;)
Things here are going well. The sun is shining today so we are going to the North Shields ruins across the water. (It has been miserable and rainy the past few days ...and WINDY.)
I loved conferenc and I loved the Women's session. Bonnie L. Oscarson is one of my favourite speakers to listen to. She did such wonderful job last conference (or the conference before that...I can't recall which one). Also, Elder Oak's talk for the priesthood was incredible. It completely settled any feelings of doubt in my self-worth as a woman. it must have taken so much courage on his part as well, to speak on such a topic with all of the protest "movements' going on at the moment.
I'm so happy you were able to have a great gospel conversation with all of you. Family dinners are the nicest. I have "family" here that are so wonderful to be around for dinners and things. South Shields ward gets a 12 /10 for its treatment to the missionaries.
I heard that Ashy face timed Talyia! I was so excited when she told me she was planning on face timing you Ash! She said it was really good and that she met Joshy and Mom. What was crazy for me was that my Mission life and Home life just connected. Unfortunately, Ashy, I can't "conveniently" be at Tal's when you face time, hahah, but I'll be seeing you on Skype next month. :)
Sister Nigido and I have been spending a lot of time finding. unfortunately, we haven't been seeing any "crazy" results, justs ome good seeds planted. I really loved what Elder Uchtdorf said about being grateful for the rain before the rainbow comes. I'm working on just being happy and grateful even if we don't see the fruits of our efforts right away. Saturday we devoted most of the day to street contacting (what I find most difficult...because everyone is "busy" - to go to the chippy, whilst walking 0.2 km an hour-) It was a good day, but we didn't get any return appointments. I am being refined. Haha.
Well, I love you and I'm grateful for your love and support. I am happy and healthy and cushty belta. Haha.
Love,
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Two Week Update
April 1, 2014
Are you ready for the crazy transfer news? Tal probably already put it on fb, but...NIGIDO and I are going for a FIFTH TRANSFER together here in South Tyneside! I am still in shock. I've never heard of a companionship that lasts this long, but I'm so happy about it. Even better, we have Sister Monroe and Peck with us still as well. President Pilkington hardly made any changes this transfer throughout the mission. The only change in our entire zone is that Elder Dotschkat is going to Huddersfield. elder Dotschkat is from Calgary, so we're losing a Canadian up in Sunderland. :( I love this Zone though. It is brilliant.
We also had some incredible miracles this week. We got a referral from none other than our recent convert, Ashleigh, and he is fantastic. We scheduled him for baptism in the first lesson (Preach My Gospel style) and he's feeling the Spirit of the gospel. And we had a great lesson with Lawrence, our new investigator that is from the Congo. And we met a lovely potential, Laura, who is 18 and she's hilarious. We knocked at her door, and at first the conversation wasn't anything special, and then when we kept talking, she saw that we weren't robots, but humans, and she really had a good time. We are hoping to see her soon this week.
I am so excited for General Conference. I'm also very happy to be here for it because this ward is amazing. they aren't broadcasting the General Women's Meeting until April 13th, so unless I download the talks, I can't really see it until then.
Something I really miss is going to the Temple. I will be going so much when I can.
I'm not sure what else to say except thank you to everyone who writes, and I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to complete joy.
Love you,
Sister Lybbert
April 8, 2014
Dear Family,
I absolutely loved conference. It was wonderful! My favorites were Bishop Stevenson's, President Uchtdorf, Russel M. Nelson, Henry B. Eyring and M. Russell Ballard's. I haven't' seen the Sunday evening session yet. they don't broadcast it at 9:00 p.m...shame.
I'm really happy to be in South Shields. It has been fantastic so far and we've seen some great miracles lately with the people we are teaching and finding. Sometimes it is hard when you spend a whole day awaiting a lesson, and they don't show (flog), but I guess it is all part of life.
I did see Joshy's bow tie! Classy! I've noticed there is a huge difference between suits here and in North America. Men's suits here are very tapered and fitted, and they all wear very pointy shoes. Joshy, you should get mom to make it European for you!
I love how conference was very centered on obedience and standing up for what you believe in. Also, to not get distracted by things of the world and to tie yourself back to God, not to objects. there were so many wonderful talks.
I was inspired that M. Russell Ballard spoke on studying Preach My Gospel more effectively. Lately I have just delved into it from the very beginning. Up until the last few days, my PMG looked so bare. There wasn't much written in the margins, or highlighted, but since I've been focusing so much on it, I've been learning great things and it looks less naked now. I used to think that PMG was too simple already to really need to take notes on the sides, but I was completely wrong. It is incredible what you can learn and apply from the simplest of things.
It has been rainy lately. All the time, and everywhere. Although, I guess the mornings are usually nice. Sister Monroe and I are motivating each other to go running at 6:30 a.m. I have been feeling better about myself, but I'm afraid there remains some 'extra' Sister Lybbert that I really don't appreciate.
It is crazy though (besides what I mentioned above), if you look at my bus ticket, the picture is from week 1 of my mission, and I look like I am 15 years old. Yesterday I was told I look 18. Whoo!
Oh family, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Dad, you mentioned how Southern Alberta is sort of a bubble where persecution (and worldly influence) isn't really felt as much as other places. I can support that statement, and what worries me the most is that the people in the bubble (Utah, Idaho, Alberta, etc) will actually slip away because of distractions that seem harmless. I was so happy when Russell M. Nelson cranked all the super-bowl fans that skip out on church. I can't wait to listen to the rest of conference and the women's broadcast.
I love you all,
Be safe, and keep God at the top of your priorities because that will always bring the greatest peace, joy and safety we could ever have.
Sister Lybbert :)
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| it was very foggy so we decided to take an emo picture |
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| Sis. M's birthday French toast |
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| With Bro. Mcfayden a.k.a. the best Ward Mission Leader EVER! |
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| stranded in Whitburn...again! |
Something I really miss is going to the Temple. I will be going so much when I can.
I'm not sure what else to say except thank you to everyone who writes, and I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to complete joy.
Love you,
Sister Lybbert
April 8, 2014
Dear Family,
I absolutely loved conference. It was wonderful! My favorites were Bishop Stevenson's, President Uchtdorf, Russel M. Nelson, Henry B. Eyring and M. Russell Ballard's. I haven't' seen the Sunday evening session yet. they don't broadcast it at 9:00 p.m...shame.
I'm really happy to be in South Shields. It has been fantastic so far and we've seen some great miracles lately with the people we are teaching and finding. Sometimes it is hard when you spend a whole day awaiting a lesson, and they don't show (flog), but I guess it is all part of life. I did see Joshy's bow tie! Classy! I've noticed there is a huge difference between suits here and in North America. Men's suits here are very tapered and fitted, and they all wear very pointy shoes. Joshy, you should get mom to make it European for you! |
| With Bro. Spedding |
I was inspired that M. Russell Ballard spoke on studying Preach My Gospel more effectively. Lately I have just delved into it from the very beginning. Up until the last few days, my PMG looked so bare. There wasn't much written in the margins, or highlighted, but since I've been focusing so much on it, I've been learning great things and it looks less naked now. I used to think that PMG was too simple already to really need to take notes on the sides, but I was completely wrong. It is incredible what you can learn and apply from the simplest of things.It has been rainy lately. All the time, and everywhere. Although, I guess the mornings are usually nice. Sister Monroe and I are motivating each other to go running at 6:30 a.m. I have been feeling better about myself, but I'm afraid there remains some 'extra' Sister Lybbert that I really don't appreciate.
It is crazy though (besides what I mentioned above), if you look at my bus ticket, the picture is from week 1 of my mission, and I look like I am 15 years old. Yesterday I was told I look 18. Whoo!
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| Sis. P and M and me with haggis...surprisingly not that bad! |
I love you all,
Be safe, and keep God at the top of your priorities because that will always bring the greatest peace, joy and safety we could ever have.
Sister Lybbert :)
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| Who rode Sis. Dodsworth's stairlift? I did! Whoo! |
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