Why are you so pretty?

Interaction with one of the little boys we often pass on the street:

Boy: Can you give me money???

Us: We don't have any, we're poor!

Boy: Oh yeah, then why are you PRETTY????

Can't remember if I already shared that, but I thought it would bring some laughs. I love children. 

This week has gone by in a flash as many weeks do in mission life. We went on our second exchange of the transfer and I got to spend it in our area with brand new Sister Mitchell who has been out for a week. It's weird not being super new anymore. She has a fire for missionary work and we worked a lot on talking to people because that's hard for her. I am very grateful for parents who always talked to random people no matter where we were because though I'll admit I definitely rolled my eyes and said "Mom you don't even KNOW that baby, why are you waving at it???" many a time in the grocery store, I can't deny that I am now that weird waving woman pretty much 24/7.  The power the question "What's your name?" has to stop somebody on the street is incredible. I can't help but think when we pass someone without saying more than hi that we've just denied them the chance to hear the gospel that day. The fact that everyone here on this earth is literally a child of God and one of my brothers or sisters is becoming more real to me everyday. I've had the chance to talk to so many people from so many different parts of the world- I love Salt Lake City!!

I am sad to report that the LeGrand ward has now merged with another ward and because we cover 5 wards and the elders only cover 4, they will take that ward so we all cover equal amounts. That is the ward we were teaching Tim in and he came to church on Sunday! He has made slow but sure progression this week. He came on a hike with the ward on Monday for Family Home Evening and we've focused a lot on faith in his lessons. since he considers himself atheist and takes comfort in the fact that one day we might just not exist anymore but he was fascinated by the Plan if Salvation. He has gained a desire for the things we teach to be true but he is not yet convinced that faith can help rather than hinder him. We have to do a pass-off lesson with the Elders on Wednesday so I'm just praying a lot that they will be able to help him. Tim is very proper and I think Ben would enjoy his manner of speaking. for example, instead of saying "He's a cool guy!" he would say "That is one swell fellow" and instead of saying "that makes me think" he would say "And that begs the question". I feel the need to read the dictionary after every lesson- one day I will have time. Maybe in Heaven. We'll probably be too busy there too!That is definitely one word that describes us- busy! It is a great type of busy though! Oh one more miracle this week:

Both Daniel and chad were able to receive the priesthood yesterday and as I reflected on it last night I felt overcome with even more joy than I felt at their baptisms. I know that these two men are going to be powerful in the church. Chad looked like a little boy on Christmas and almost jumped out of his chair after the ordination was done. Daniel told us that he always thought priests were cool in the american movies he watched growing up and so now he feels like on of the cool kids. It's been fun to get to know more and more of his personality as we continue to work with him. I know the priesthood power is real and that it is God's service organization on this Earth. I often think about priesthood blessings I have seen that have changed me and I am so grateful to the faithful men that have given them to me, namely my Dad and grandpa! It is such a gift to have this power back on the Earth. Conversion and change are both great miracles. As we turn towards the Savior and accepts God's will for us, I know that we can experience the true joy God wants  us to feel. I love being a missionary, I love the Savior and I love all of you!!

Masalaami

Sister Pearson (we've run into a lot of arabs lately and I wish I knew more arabic!)

Below:

Last nights African dinner with all of our wonderful african friends! They're from Ugandad, westa frica and zimbabwe. Africans know how to EAT!

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God places people in our paths

Hello all! 

Sorry for such a lame email this week but I only have time to share one brief thing:

God places people in our paths. Last week we felt the need to knock on a random door and stumbled upon some women having a bible study. We asked to come back the next week to share a message about our beliefs and they allowed us to. When we went back the next week, we met a young guy named Tim from Georgia out on his porch in the house next door and started teaching him. The bible study was nice but they were pretty set in their beliefs. BUT God know we would find Tim! He is so sneaky:) 

I love being a missionary and serving the Lord everyday! Happy late 4th of July! 

Love,

Sister Pearson

P.S. Cool scripture about the coming forth of America: 1 Nephi 12:12-15 :) (This scripture is found in the Book of Mormon...another testament of Jesus Christ)

 12 And I, Nephi, also saw many of the fourth generation who passed away in righteousness.

 13 And it came to pass that I saw the multitudes of the earth gathered together.

 14 And the angel said unto me: Behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren.

 15 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the people of my seed gathered together in multitudes against the seed of my brethren; and they were gathered together to battle.

If you want to know more about the Book of Mormon and what I am teaching there is a great website...

mormon.org

A Week of Miracles

 The more I'm on my mission, the more I'm starting to realizing that we see so few of the fruits of our efforts, not just as missionaries, but as people in life in general. Reading the scriptures is such a huge evidence of this. Just like Abraham could hardly imagine or comprehend the nations that he would bless the earth with, Joseph Smith couldn't have known without revelation from God what great truth and light his efforts would bring to the earth. In the Book of Mormon thr prophet Abinadi prophesies to a wicked kingdom that burns him to death, yet unbeknownst to him he has one convert, Alma, who baptizes many people and brings to pass many of the prophecies through his seed and the people whose lives he touches. So though we don't have a lot of people to teach right now, I'm starting to understand how the little things do count, and sometimes the little things end up being big things. Smiles, thank yous, a sincere listening ear when people need someone to talk to. On the days that we haven't felt like we've had much success we've been able to talk to people who really needed us and needed to hear that they are loved by God.

  So currently we are teaching Lansing (who has agreed to be baptized and is praying about a date), Eric, Amadore and Karl. Karl has really bad friends who are distracting him from meeting with us and keeping his commitments. He really just has to make the choice between God and the world right now, because it's a pretty stark contrast and he seems to see that. Amadore was MIA for 2 weeks because he doesn't have a cell phone and was never home when we went by but we finally got ahold of him and set up an appointment for tonight. We've decided we're going to ask him if we can come teach him at Taco Bell where her works during his breaks. People are so busy!! 

 Daniel is doing amazing. His friend Kai, who came to the baptism, accepted a book of mormon from us this week! We had our first recent convert lesson with him on Tuesday and before we got into the lesson he told us a couple of amazing things:

1) that he feels totally reborn since his baptism. apparently he had been addicted to cigarettes but as soon as we taught him word of wisdom he determined to quit. He hadn't smoked for a week but he still had temptations but then after his baptism he had no cravings or temptation at all and the smell of smoke makes him sick. He loves to play basketball with his friends and he has had the lung capacity to play for 3 hours which has totally caught his friend (also smokes) off guard.

2) The speakers in Daniel's baptism and during his confirmation kept saying that Daniel's baptism was special and that his example will bring many to the truth. He is acutely aware of this and already,Kai, his Chinese best friend who he has know since he moved here two years ago is noticing the change in him and is thinking about taking the lessons. Daniel is excited to be able to teach his friends and family the truth and his dad told him he'll have to wait to see how he has really changed when he goes back home to visit and Daniel said "that will be easy to show!" He's excited to eventually get involved with the branch in china close to where he lives (according to the Chinese elders he met).

   We then taught a lesson about the priesthood and before we could invite Daniel to prepare to receive the priesthood he said "So can I get it?" He should be getting to the temple in the next week or two. It has been such a blessing to witness his conversion and see the huge changes he has made and is making in his life. He is so committed to do the right thing and we leave every lesson grinning.

   One of the greatest miracles of the week was seeing David quit smoking. The program we use was developed by some missionaries in Ireland who couldn't get anyone baptized because none of them could quit smoking. It seems gimicky but it actually works. Sister Taylor and I got really excited when David told us he had talked about how crazy he thought we were in his comedy act (he likes to do improv comedy). we took a video of his testimonial but I don't know how to send it. As funny as it was it was actually really inspiring! So hey, for anyone who reads this that knows someone who wants to quit smoking, contact missionaries in your area to teach them the stop smoking program and save some lungs alright??

Best door contact of the week: (While trying to find a less active member who wasn't home)

Us: So what's your name? (directed towards man who cracked the door open)

Man: I don't want to talk about it.

We decided he must be realllly sensitive about his name.

Oh! So transfers are tomorrow and we found out that we are both staying and president asked me if I will be a sister Training Leader with Sister Taylor this transfer. I'm really excited to be more than just a support this transfer and to look out for the girls we serve around. It will be a challenge because we have a lot to do but I know the Lord will bless us as we work together.

Lastly, I've really learned the importance of prayer this week. There have been a couple of times where I just so overwhelmed by different things, but by turning to the Lord in prayer Ir eceived the comfort and strength I needed. I know He is there for anyone who chooses to call upon him. I was reminded of both of my parents reminding me as I rushed off to school in the morning to remember to say my prayers. As annoyed as I got at them the times that I forgot and had to go back and risk being late to school, I am SO grateful they never stopped reminding me. 

Love,

Sister Pearson

One of my favorite scriptures from my mission so far:

 23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissiveand gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

Alma 7:23

 Sister Pearson, Sister Taylor and their friend David

 Homemade Chinese food with Lansing!

 Two Sisters from Cincinnati!

 Sister Pearson and Sister Lwin

 Sister Pearson, Sister Taylor and Chad....a brand new member of the church!

Happy missionaries with Daniel!

The Natural man is an enemy to God

To start this week, I must share this amazing quote that my dear sister missionary friend Clara Johnson sent me with a letter recently!

  "Give me all. I don't want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work: I want you. All of you. I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man, but to kill it. No half-measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and another there, rather I want the whole tree out. Hand it all over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires all if your wants and wishes and dreams... give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self in my image"

C.S. Lewis

I love this quote because this is really what life is all about- change. No one, save Jesus Christ, is perfect in this life. Though he was sinless he still had to learn from the spirit in his life to fully understand his mission and purpose on Earth. Daniel was able to be baptized as planned this past Saturday and it was the most spiritual baptism I've ever been to. I'm telling you, God has major plans for this guy. He is an example of someone who truly changed everything for God. As soon as he understood that God was his father and that he really has a plan for him, he was willing to accept every single thing we taught him. Not only does he accept our teachings but he understands. He has changed his entire nature through reading the Book of Mormon. Instead of punching the person he got in a car accident with the other week, he hugged them. Instead of getting stressed out and frustrated with life's problems, he prays. He has become a true follower of God and is willing to give everything to follow God. I don't know if I could abandon my whole culture and upbringing at age 21, but he did it and I know there are more who can because God is real and he has a purpose for his children.

I am so grateful for God's plan of happiness and for the miracle of missionary work!

Pictures to come next week, I ran out of time! Sorry!

Love,

Sister Pearson

I got to garden this week!

To the faithful readers of Becca's blog...this is her mother and I am sorry I have gotten behind in posting her letters.  I will post her last three letters today so you can catch up on her mission news!  She is so happy and absolutely loves being a missionary!


To start this week, as you know, I got to garden for a service project on saturday and then a random guy with a ponytail let us help him mulch while we talked to him about the gospel. success. I cannot neglect the fact that this past week was a very big one for my Dad! Not only is he one year older and wiser too, but he celebrated yet another father's day. I just want you all to know how much I love my dad and what an incredible person he is. A theme from this week of something I've been learning is that we as humans need to act rather than let life act upon us (2 Nephi 2:26). when we don't act through planning and taking extra precautions, a lot of times we get into situations we can't control and then we get frustrated at life when really we should be frustrated with ourselves for not planning well. How does this relate to my dad? Let me tell you! My dad is the kind of guy who has been saving his earnings in a bank account ever since he was 12 and had his first job. He loves to plan for trips rather than do them spur of the moment so we have time to get excited about them. He always thinks before he speaks and always has good counsel to give to me especially when I'm having a hard time. When I think of my dad, I think of someone who loves God before himself and lives for his family. Sometimes when I feel like God is far away and wonder how to really know he is there, I remember that He gave me a father to lead me and guide me in this life. God shows us he is real more often through people than through miraculous manifestations. Because my dad is close to God, I know that I can be too, and I can rely on both of them always. Dad always offers to share and likes to remind me that I am a princess. As wise as he is, he can be the goofiest person in the world and it was always normal to me when people requested for him to make animal noises at church and neighborhood parties all growing up. My dad loves life and the way that he lives it shows what his heart is like (HUGE!) I could go on and on but I will leave it at that because I think you all get the picture, my dad rocks.

     On a more missionary sounding note, things are going swell and Daniel is all set to be baptized on Saturday!  We had an amazing lesson with him at temple square about old testament and modern day prophets on thursday. He completely understands why we have a prophet and when we told him about President Monson he asked when he can meet him or hear him speak. Needless to say he is pumped to go to General Conference in October! We always come out of lessons with him just grinning because he is learning so much on his own. As is typical before someone makes a life changing decision to commit their lives to God, we hit a road bump on saturday (not literally). We showed up for Daniel's scheduled lesson at 3 at his apartment as usual and he wasn't there. It was so unlike him because he is very dependable and I was worried all day. At night we prayed that we'd be able to find out what was going on and then we got a call from him. Apparently he'd lost his phone and on his way to get it he got into an accident with an old lady while driving his friend's car. No one got hurt but he felt so bad about the whole thing that he didn't want to go to church the next day. We promised him that he would feel better if he went to church and he finally agreed and said he would read the Book of Mormon too. Even though he was only going to come to sacrament meeting he ended up going to all 3 hours of church on sunday! We found out that night after we had dinner at some of the member's house with Daniel that he had resolved that despite what he promised us, he wasn't going to go to church the next morning because he needed tor est. When he woke up he realized that it was his "devil mind" that was trying to convince him not to go to church and that he should go so he could get closer to "the God" because light always overcomes darkness. When he told us all this we jsut wanted to cry. He is already trying to plan out when he will go on a mission because he thinks it sounds challenging and fun. It is so true what the scriptures say that by small and simple thigns great things come to pass. What would have happened if Sister Taylor and I didn't extend such a simple invitation to learn more when we knocked on Daniel's door 3 weeks ago? All I know is that I'm oh so grateful that we did. He is going to impact so many lives.

There is an apartment of 3 guys under us who are really nice but live a very different lifestyle and party most weekends. We've taught them some short lessons just oustide on the stairs a couple of times and invited them to activities but nothing more. Before Rose Park ward on sunday, we went around to try to get a couple of people to church with the ward mission committee and the only one that was home was Karl who loves right under us. Out of all the guys, he has always seemed the most interested and after a little persisting he agreed to come to sacrament meeting! You can tell that something inside of him tells him that we're good and that church is something he needs but his lifestyle is just one of the world. We are set to teach him tonight and I'm really excited about it. We're teaching another guy under him, Eric who knows he needs to be baptized but doesn't know into which church yet. His brother Tino has stood up for the missionaries before and he knows we're gods people but doesn't think he can change. We're trying to teach him too and he's thinking about just learning with Eric. I think that once one of these guys gets baptized it will have a huge affect on all of the others, showing them that change is possible no matter what your background is! 

Sorry there aren't any pictures this week, I left my camera at home:(

Life is wonderful and great and I have the best job in the world. Have a wonderful week everyone!

Love,

Sister Pearson