Here is an update for Hermana Lythgoe:
August 28, 2012
I love studying the Gospel so much every single morning! I
am intrigued by history now, it's coming to life. I am amazed how God has
inspired man, left and right, all throughout the ages of time. God answers
prayers, I KNOW IT.
My companion Hermana Farr
September 4, 2012
Spanish is coming along; it is such a beautiful
language. I get frustrated with it at times, but it is such a pretty
language.
September 11, 2012
Had a district activity and played volleyball and basketball.
It was a hoot! The Elders are so funny. I am getting old, because afterwards I
was so sore. I remember in my blessing I received before coming out to the
mission field, that my love for the people would keep me going, that has been
apparent this week. As soon as we get out the door and into the house, oh baby,
that’s fun! The gospel is true!
There is so much I don’t know about the gospel, I am
realizing. All I have is my testimony that I know it is true and that’s what is
getting me through right now. This work is all about love. Mission
life is hard, especially how much we talk about families how can I not think
about mine. I miss you all!
September 18, 2012
Oh my goodness what an amazing week! Oh the sheaves! Not
sure what that means. But in D & C 33 it talks about the blessings of
opening your mouth and doing missionary work and mentions the sheaves, so my
comp and I have been saying that as we have seen God’s hand in our lives this
week! I’m on the Lord’s errand and that to me is so satisfying. I’d like to say
I’ve been like that my whole life, but I am learning everyday what it really
means to be converted. I am learning so much about how to become a servant of
the Lord. My life has been changed, my eyes have been opened… its great!
Missionary work is exciting; however, I now know that it is something that you
have to experience in order to testify of.
October 2, 2012
We have a few investigators that are progressing which is so
exciting! It is hot here, 102 degrees last week! It’s kind of miserable
contacting in this weather. You learn to just take it all in, it’s all part of
the experience. Thankfully right now we do have some appointments, the work is
starting to pick back up. I continue to
see miracles every day in the mission. In our district meeting, we talked about
miracles we have seen. I could’ve gone on for an hour or so on the little
things we see everyday. And maybe it’s just me that sees them as miracles, but
I can definitely testify that God is aware of all His children.
October 9, 2012
What in the world… Sister’s can go out on a mission at 19
and Elders at 18. That’s crazy but so exciting. We were all dying when they
told us that. The effects are going to be huge, the work is hastening. I
actually, probably, would’ve gone out at 19. I have always been mission minded
and I know that I needed to serve a mission. The world is ready for this
change. I am sure that there are so many young men and women that are ready to
submit, if they haven’t already, their papers. I like that they are cutting
back the MTC time by 1/3. I loved the MTC so much, but did feel like it was a
bit long. They have a really good 12 week program right as you get into the
field, but you are practicing with real people. It’ll be such a great help with
those younger missionaries. I love being an active role in this work, it is
moving so quickly yet at the same time it is such a slow work. Everyday giving
it your all, being diligent in your studies, visiting and talking with one
person at a time; the Lord needs our help, we need to be an active part in helping
the Lord build His kingdom.
My companion Hermana Andrus
San Diego Temple
October 16, 2012
We have two baptisms for the 27th of October. It
is amazing how natural teaching feels when the people want you there. Those are
good times.
October 30, 2012
Two people that we have been teaching, for some time, told
us that they don’t believe in what we are telling them anymore. They have found
information online and just don’t want to listen to use anymore. They did it in
such a loving manner but at the same time I kept thinking, “Oh my gosh, this
can’t be happening.” It was sad! All we could do was testify. Teach them to be
careful of stuff online. My companion and I left, and started sobbing. It was
so hard! I had never felt so hurt. It was definitely one of the hardest times
on the mission so far. Then we went to a baptismal interview and had one of the
highest points of the mission. A mission is such an emotional rollercoaster. I
have never had to work so hard mentally. I can reflect back on those times I prepared
for those marathon races that I did. It taught me a lot about endurance. It is
at those times, that I feel like I can’t keep going and I think of “the race of
life” in a good way to depend on my Heavenly Father and keep moving forward
just like I had to do in those races.
November 6, 2012
Bobby!! I can’t tell you how excited I am for your call! Texas mission is
perfect; you are going to LOVE it. I really wish I could tell you all this
advice and such, but really I’m beginning to realize that a mission can’t be
put into words; you just have to go through it. Your spiritual side is just
going to sprout Bob; it’s beautiful, nothing like it. If I had to tell you any
advice, I’d say become more familiar with the organization of the church. My
new companion, Hermana Andrus, is a work-a-holic. She is hilarious too!
November 13, 2012
We are teaching a family who are very poor. We have found
out that the Relief Society in the ward got together and took care of some of
their temporal needs. It’s amazing that after taking care of temporal needs,
people are willing to work on their spiritual. We had such a great lesson with
this family.
November 27, 2012
Thanksgiving Day we got two dinners, both of which I filled
my insides. Oh baby, I was sick but the food was excellent. It was a fun night.
We also had a baptism last week.145 showed up to support this lady’s baptism.
It was so special.
Thanksgiving cookies that we're giving away
December 18, 2012
I got a new companion, Hermana Schwegler, she is so
hilarious. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in my life. We have some good
times together. Things are going great!
December 26, 2012
I wish it was Christmas all year around. I guess as
missionaries it is, but the people seem to have a nicer touch to them when it
is Christmas time. Work is great, I love being a missionary. I have found the
thing that I am just passionate about that I want to do forever, missionary
work!!
Our apartment at Christmas time!
January 2, 2013
I am so grateful for how I was raised, we are so blessed. We
have so much. Never again will I leave an ounce of food on my plate. I’m
grateful for the gospel in my life, I love it so much. I love learning about
it. It makes me so happy, it just makes sense to me. I am learning more and
more how to take my testimony from my heart and put it into words.
