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! |
Monday, 24 March 2014
Plant Crossing?!
March 24, 2014
Dear Family,
It sounds like the weather isn't being so good to you, we have so much sunshine and I am thrilled. According to the English, I have made it through the winter! Now we're on to spring, and people are mowing the grass today and the sky is as blue as blue could be.
This week has been wonderful. I'm feeling top notch as far as my health is concerned, and as far as everything else too. I've had some great study sessions the past couple of days. In our Zone Training Meeting we were instructed to go back to the basics and remember the things we were taught in the MTC. So, I pulled out the MTC workbook and started looking through it. It seems like it was ages ago, because it was, but I really just can't comprehend time anymore.
Looking at the fundamentals of missionary work, and becoming "fresh" again was neat. I was able to remember all of the excitement and feelings that I had when I opened my call, and when I was a new missionary. It is so important to remember the purpose that we have as missionaries and the simple things that we help people with, like having revelation through the Holy Ghost.
Sister Nigido and I have become closer than ever lately as well. We are always having so much fun but also we are able to teach with great power and she's the greatest example to me. It has also been great this past week to have language study (we have been this whole time, but lately it has been more effective). I read to her from her Italian Book of Mormon, and she tells me what I read in English, the one semester of Spanish when I was in Uni has proven to be useful. I was able to do that with Sister Pacis in the MTC as well. It's pretty fun too because I am learning bits and it makes me want to really study languages. Remind me to sing to you in German when we Skype next. :)
Also, I love being in a four sister flat. Sister Monroe is one of my best friends and I'm grateful for these past four months with her. We're like sisters, we even have free reign of each other's wardrobes. It's pretty nice. She is also one of the missionaries I look up to the most. She is hilarious too, and we get along splendidly.
I don't want to get into week 5 of this transfer! Ahhh! I know change is coming next week and I love these sisters too much. You are right Dad, there are going to be trips to Italy, Germany, Idaho, Australia, Sweden, China, and Utah in my future. (Granted that I'm a kajillionaire)
This week we've seen so much growth with Ashleigh as well. She is fantastic and I can see a great difference in her since we first met her, and since she's been baptized. She is so confident, and she seems like she's been a member for more than just a month or two. And Tal is amazing. We are teaching her about the prophets from the Bible because she was never taught them, and it has been wonderful. I've learned so much about Jonah, Joseph, Daniel and Moses.
And, General Conference is coming up! It is probably the most exciting thing for a missionary. I love conference. Forget about the cinema, give me a notepad and some incredible talks from general authorities and auxiliaries and I'm happy as a clam.
Good job Joshy on giving your first talk! I loved to read it and I'm so proud of you.
I love you all!
Sister Lybbett (it's how people always spell it...because
that is how they say it...haha)
Dear Family,
It sounds like the weather isn't being so good to you, we have so much sunshine and I am thrilled. According to the English, I have made it through the winter! Now we're on to spring, and people are mowing the grass today and the sky is as blue as blue could be.
.jpg) |
| Plant Crossing?! |
Looking at the fundamentals of missionary work, and becoming "fresh" again was neat. I was able to remember all of the excitement and feelings that I had when I opened my call, and when I was a new missionary. It is so important to remember the purpose that we have as missionaries and the simple things that we help people with, like having revelation through the Holy Ghost.
Sister Nigido and I have become closer than ever lately as well. We are always having so much fun but also we are able to teach with great power and she's the greatest example to me. It has also been great this past week to have language study (we have been this whole time, but lately it has been more effective). I read to her from her Italian Book of Mormon, and she tells me what I read in English, the one semester of Spanish when I was in Uni has proven to be useful. I was able to do that with Sister Pacis in the MTC as well. It's pretty fun too because I am learning bits and it makes me want to really study languages. Remind me to sing to you in German when we Skype next. :)
Also, I love being in a four sister flat. Sister Monroe is one of my best friends and I'm grateful for these past four months with her. We're like sisters, we even have free reign of each other's wardrobes. It's pretty nice. She is also one of the missionaries I look up to the most. She is hilarious too, and we get along splendidly.
I don't want to get into week 5 of this transfer! Ahhh! I know change is coming next week and I love these sisters too much. You are right Dad, there are going to be trips to Italy, Germany, Idaho, Australia, Sweden, China, and Utah in my future. (Granted that I'm a kajillionaire)
This week we've seen so much growth with Ashleigh as well. She is fantastic and I can see a great difference in her since we first met her, and since she's been baptized. She is so confident, and she seems like she's been a member for more than just a month or two. And Tal is amazing. We are teaching her about the prophets from the Bible because she was never taught them, and it has been wonderful. I've learned so much about Jonah, Joseph, Daniel and Moses.And, General Conference is coming up! It is probably the most exciting thing for a missionary. I love conference. Forget about the cinema, give me a notepad and some incredible talks from general authorities and auxiliaries and I'm happy as a clam.
Good job Joshy on giving your first talk! I loved to read it and I'm so proud of you.
I love you all!
Sister Lybbett (it's how people always spell it...because
that is how they say it...haha)
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| Tal, Sister Fury and me |
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| Sisters Neilson, Allen and me |
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| with Sisters Nigido, Peck and Monroe |
Monday, 17 March 2014
Happy Day! (2 weeks)
March 10, 2014
Dear Family,
Happy Day! It is so sunny and bright and warm out right now, I didn't wear a coat to get here! :D
I'm pretty sure I've had more sicknesses in the past two months than ever before in my life. First it was the nasty cold, then the brutal throat infection and then on Thursday I got struck down again by a horrible cough that put me out for days...I'm still recovering...ahem.
I'm glad you are all still crazy. It is a real talent you know, to write your name with your "bottom" in the air. I'm glad Tal is letting all of my secrets out to the world. ;). She's so funny. I love her to death and back.
We had some fabulous miracles this week. We went to the Church of England Minister's house again and it was gr-r-reat. He and his wife showed us the things that he uses when they have communion, like his chalice and wafers and things, and then they had so many questions for us. It was another really positive experience with them. they told us about their Easter Services and it was really interesting. You know, I don't think we do enough for Easter. even in Italy in our church, Sister Nigido said that on Palm Sunday they have traditions with the palms and they have a service for that. I really think we need to commemorate all of those things more. We do for Christmas, why not Easter? Anyway, just a thought.
We id some finding this week and found a really sweet girl that we're meeting again tomorrow. Her name is Carley. She is the daughter of a potential we found a couple of months ago and when we went by, she opened the door and had a lovely lesson with us. I'm really praying that we can see her tomorrow.
I cannot believe we're halfway through March...ahhh. This weekend is Stake Conference again and I was here in South Shields the last time they had it! Weird! I've been living here almost as long as I lived in Edmonton...and I'm really excited because Elder D. Todd Christofferson is coming. Dad, you are so lucky you get to see Elder Holland. It is all so exciting!
I know the gospel is the only true way to find happiness. I love you all and pray for your protection and happiness.
Love,
Sister Lybbert :)
March 17, 2014
Dear Family,
It is incredible that you were able to see Elder Holland! We had a fantastic Stake Conference here with Elder Christofferson. I shook his hand and we got a zone picture with him. Tal got a selfie with him too, she was so happy about that, haha.
This week has been alright, I'm going to the doctor tomorrow because of this illness, things got worse Saturday when I started running a temperature. I'm feeling pretty weak, so hopefully tomorrow things get sorted.
In Stake Conference, Elder Christofferson mentioned that one of the biggest worries that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have right now is the problem of distraction. I've seen it as well and I've probably bored you to death on the topic but I am so against having technology in church. So many people think that if you have your scriptures on your iPod/iPad/ device, it makes it alright, but to a child, all that goes through their mind is the fact that there are adults on their iPods in Sacrament meeting. Therefore, they think it is okay for them to be. Also, we all know that if there is an incoming message, it doesn't matter how 'focused' you were on the lesson, because the new message has to be replied to that instant. Distraction. argh. At the Stake Conference, there was an apostle of the Lord speaking at the pulpit, and the teenagers sitting next to us had their iPhones out the entire time and were texting, sending photos, giggling, etc. and I was going to go crazy. I have learned that there is a special spirit in holding the weight of our holy scriptures and opening the pages to see where we have felt revelation come, and to read the notes we have left in the margins. I have a testimony of this.
Well, now that rant is over, we had an absolutely incredible miracle this week. I don't know if I told you about it but about a month ago we lost contact with one of our most solid investigators and Sister Nigido and I were both devastated. We had been praying that something would happen to let us get back in contact with her, and so much time had gone by that I was losing hope. Then, our ZL suggested that we drop a DVD by as a gift and leave a card just to let her know we've been thinking about her. So, we did, and we even knocked on the door. She was in, but she didn't answer. I took it as a definite drop and was ready to move on. Then, Saturday night, she texted us. She told us she was going through a hard time and was so grateful for the gift. And, we have an appointment with her tomorrow! I know it was a miracle and I am extremely grateful for it. I feel so blessed.
What else? I also really loved Sister Christofferson's talk in Stake Conference about the importance of studying the Book of Mormon as a family. I feel blessed to have grown up in an environment where scripture study was a priority. And being here has really solidified that desire to make that sacred family time a priority.
I've also been studying Sacrifice in my personal study and it has been so good. It has opened up so many new ideas for me about why sacrifice is always required of us. As we see in Matthew chapter 19, the rich young ruler had been following the commandments, and he had sacrificed. However, he hadn't learned what sacrifice was because he hadn't given up what was most precious to him. There is a significance in sacrificing what we love the most, because it helps us understand the Atonement. In Romans 8:17 it says that in order to be joint heirs with Christ, we need to have joy with Him, but we also need to suffer with him. He sacrificed all, and that requires us to as well. I wish I could write more about it but I don't have the time.
Anyway,
I love you all, and hope all is well.
Love,
Sister Lybbert
Dear Family,
Happy Day! It is so sunny and bright and warm out right now, I didn't wear a coat to get here! :D
I'm pretty sure I've had more sicknesses in the past two months than ever before in my life. First it was the nasty cold, then the brutal throat infection and then on Thursday I got struck down again by a horrible cough that put me out for days...I'm still recovering...ahem.
I'm glad you are all still crazy. It is a real talent you know, to write your name with your "bottom" in the air. I'm glad Tal is letting all of my secrets out to the world. ;). She's so funny. I love her to death and back.
We had some fabulous miracles this week. We went to the Church of England Minister's house again and it was gr-r-reat. He and his wife showed us the things that he uses when they have communion, like his chalice and wafers and things, and then they had so many questions for us. It was another really positive experience with them. they told us about their Easter Services and it was really interesting. You know, I don't think we do enough for Easter. even in Italy in our church, Sister Nigido said that on Palm Sunday they have traditions with the palms and they have a service for that. I really think we need to commemorate all of those things more. We do for Christmas, why not Easter? Anyway, just a thought.
We id some finding this week and found a really sweet girl that we're meeting again tomorrow. Her name is Carley. She is the daughter of a potential we found a couple of months ago and when we went by, she opened the door and had a lovely lesson with us. I'm really praying that we can see her tomorrow.
I cannot believe we're halfway through March...ahhh. This weekend is Stake Conference again and I was here in South Shields the last time they had it! Weird! I've been living here almost as long as I lived in Edmonton...and I'm really excited because Elder D. Todd Christofferson is coming. Dad, you are so lucky you get to see Elder Holland. It is all so exciting!
I know the gospel is the only true way to find happiness. I love you all and pray for your protection and happiness.
Love,
Sister Lybbert :)
March 17, 2014
Dear Family,
It is incredible that you were able to see Elder Holland! We had a fantastic Stake Conference here with Elder Christofferson. I shook his hand and we got a zone picture with him. Tal got a selfie with him too, she was so happy about that, haha.
This week has been alright, I'm going to the doctor tomorrow because of this illness, things got worse Saturday when I started running a temperature. I'm feeling pretty weak, so hopefully tomorrow things get sorted.
In Stake Conference, Elder Christofferson mentioned that one of the biggest worries that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have right now is the problem of distraction. I've seen it as well and I've probably bored you to death on the topic but I am so against having technology in church. So many people think that if you have your scriptures on your iPod/iPad/ device, it makes it alright, but to a child, all that goes through their mind is the fact that there are adults on their iPods in Sacrament meeting. Therefore, they think it is okay for them to be. Also, we all know that if there is an incoming message, it doesn't matter how 'focused' you were on the lesson, because the new message has to be replied to that instant. Distraction. argh. At the Stake Conference, there was an apostle of the Lord speaking at the pulpit, and the teenagers sitting next to us had their iPhones out the entire time and were texting, sending photos, giggling, etc. and I was going to go crazy. I have learned that there is a special spirit in holding the weight of our holy scriptures and opening the pages to see where we have felt revelation come, and to read the notes we have left in the margins. I have a testimony of this.
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| Our zone with Elder Christofferson |
What else? I also really loved Sister Christofferson's talk in Stake Conference about the importance of studying the Book of Mormon as a family. I feel blessed to have grown up in an environment where scripture study was a priority. And being here has really solidified that desire to make that sacred family time a priority.
I've also been studying Sacrifice in my personal study and it has been so good. It has opened up so many new ideas for me about why sacrifice is always required of us. As we see in Matthew chapter 19, the rich young ruler had been following the commandments, and he had sacrificed. However, he hadn't learned what sacrifice was because he hadn't given up what was most precious to him. There is a significance in sacrificing what we love the most, because it helps us understand the Atonement. In Romans 8:17 it says that in order to be joint heirs with Christ, we need to have joy with Him, but we also need to suffer with him. He sacrificed all, and that requires us to as well. I wish I could write more about it but I don't have the time.
Anyway,
I love you all, and hope all is well.
Love,
Sister Lybbert
Monday, 3 March 2014
Week 38
March 3, 2014
Dear Family,
First off, happy 14th Ashy! I cannot believe it! And thanks to my funny brother Kyler for the e-mail! You are the greatest dude. I tell all of the people here that my little brother is Native American and they all think it is so super neat. People here are obsessed with Native American culture because there aren't many here, so they all love to hear about you.
This week was pretty good. We've done a lot of finding this week and it actually hasn't been too bad. We've been enjoying it actually and meeting all sorts of interesting people. The other day we tried street contacting separately at the South Shields town center. I didn't even know until last week that we could do that. I didn't like it so much because I just looked like a lost puppy as people were "too busy" to stop and talk. then three men who were sitting on a bench eating fish and chips called out to me saying, "are you lost?"...before that I was trying to avoid them because they looked rather interesting...but then I walked over to them and started to talk to them. They were hilarious. they were actually buskers who had their equipment all set up just down the street. they were from the Inca tribe in Peru and they were friendly. When they went over to play their music, it was absolutely breathtaking, and then it started to rain. So they asked me (through the mic..I was way down the
street by then) if I could pray for them...oh my. I got a picture with them...I can't say I look my best, maybe just a bit creeped out?
Shaun, the other sisters' investigator, was baptized Friday. South Shields is harvesting some good souls, haha.
Last week we also had Zone Conference! I love it. I don't really know how to rewrite everything that I'd want to say in such a short time, but President focused on Moses chapter 1 and also parts of exodus. this is an excerpt from my letter to President afterward, I don't want to rewrite everything I felt over again so I'll just give you it:
I really loved how you compared us to Moses in that as we make progress in the work, Satan will try to destroy it, but as we recall the past miracles we had and the testimony we've built, we are able to overcome and be refined through it. Something that I have done since I was little, but I want to be more committed to it, was write the miracles and the hard things in my journal so that in the future, when I feel like my testimony is not enough, I can look back and "call to remembrance" the things I once knew with all my heart.
I was illuminated as you were speaking of this, and instead of putting myself in Moses' shoes, I put the investigators of the church in his shoes. As a representative of Jesus Christ we have the responsibility to do what God did, by giving Moses all the spiritual testimony building experience and assurance he needed for the challenge that would face him as he was approached by the devil. We all know that before something miraculous happens the very jaws of hell will open and as missionaries we must teach with all our hearts and then pray that what we've done was enough to get them through. It's changed the way I want to teach President. Thank you.
I really loved the meeting, as always. Zone Conference is such an uplifting experience.
Thank you everyone for all you do. I love you and pray for you every day.
Love,
Sister Lybbert
Dear Family,
First off, happy 14th Ashy! I cannot believe it! And thanks to my funny brother Kyler for the e-mail! You are the greatest dude. I tell all of the people here that my little brother is Native American and they all think it is so super neat. People here are obsessed with Native American culture because there aren't many here, so they all love to hear about you.
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| Sleeping on the Metro at 5 a.m. (Bleh!) |
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| Surfing on the metro |
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| Mother/ Daughter picture |
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| Buskers from Peru |
Shaun, the other sisters' investigator, was baptized Friday. South Shields is harvesting some good souls, haha.
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| matching Primark Skirts |
I really loved how you compared us to Moses in that as we make progress in the work, Satan will try to destroy it, but as we recall the past miracles we had and the testimony we've built, we are able to overcome and be refined through it. Something that I have done since I was little, but I want to be more committed to it, was write the miracles and the hard things in my journal so that in the future, when I feel like my testimony is not enough, I can look back and "call to remembrance" the things I once knew with all my heart.
I was illuminated as you were speaking of this, and instead of putting myself in Moses' shoes, I put the investigators of the church in his shoes. As a representative of Jesus Christ we have the responsibility to do what God did, by giving Moses all the spiritual testimony building experience and assurance he needed for the challenge that would face him as he was approached by the devil. We all know that before something miraculous happens the very jaws of hell will open and as missionaries we must teach with all our hearts and then pray that what we've done was enough to get them through. It's changed the way I want to teach President. Thank you.
I really loved the meeting, as always. Zone Conference is such an uplifting experience.
Thank you everyone for all you do. I love you and pray for you every day.
Love,
Sister Lybbert
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