Hi!
So, this past week started off with an exchange with our wonderful
sister training leaders. I went with Sister Chandler down to
Huntersville, and that was just an incredible experience. We figured
out that Sister Chandler and I had actually both been in the same
ballroom class together at UVU about a year ago or so and we bonded
over that. She is just super sweet and helped me to feel really good
about who I can be as a missionary and I was pretty sure I could
conquer the world. We even had dinner with a part-member family and we
were able to get the two teens to warm up and Sister Chandler said
they have never warmed up that much before. I guess the girl who is in
junior high reminded me so much of Melanie actually and she even loved
to read a lot, so I just started by asking her about books she had
read. By the end of our time with them she had even agreed to play a
song on the guitar and sing for/with us. :)
I also got to teach a recent convert lesson for the first time ever,
haha. Since Sister Whitmer and I have not had any baptisms yet and in
the MTC you only ever really practice the investigator lessons. Lots
of fun and that exchange helped me with my confidence in approaching
people and even teaching them, great self-esteem boost.
Today was a fun P-day because we got to hang out with Sister Buzzard
who is one of my favorite members and she helped Sister Whitmer and I
sew our own skirts! We had a good time laughing and also eating some
good North Carolina BBQ.
Well, I don't have much else to write about think. We have transfers
coming up in a week and a half but no idea if anyone is going yet.
However, Hickory is getting a third set of missionaries, another set
of elders.
Well. Love you all and the church is true!
Sister Rust
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
January 13
Dear Family,
Sorry this will be a short email, but we had a neat opportunity
yesterday at church with Elder Parker who has spoken to our mission
before as well. But first:
I realized after talking with Sister Whitmer yesterday that my last
few transfers I have just been dwelling too much on my faults and
imperfections. I am so much quicker to forgive others before myself
sometimes. I was reminded that when I turned in my mission papers I
had a vision of the perfect Sister Rust missionary and what that would
look and be like but I lost that coming out here. Starting last night
I resolved that one of my New year goals is to leave the Sister Rust
that hasn't been successful or effective behind, and just be the
missionary I envisioned. God has blessed me with gifts to bless others
and I need to just not hide or hold back my potential. I am excited to
be the missionary I wanted to be! My personal testimony has just been
strengthened so much in the last 4 months. I just love it!
Yesterday, the Hickory ward had the opportunity of having Elder Parker
attend our ward conference and in Sacrament he bore a very simple but
powerful, powerful testimony. Oh and he was baptist for 20 years so
those mannerisms came out a little in his talk but I liked it, very
exciting and makes you want to give a strong amen at the end. Then we
had a ward dinner after the block and without any prompting from us
Elder Parker came and sat right next to our investigator who came. I
think Elder Parker came in answer to a prayer for this investigator
because he could relate having been baptist for years before joining
the church and at the end of their conversation Elder Parker simply
asked, "Has the Holy Ghost told you that Joseph Smith was NOT a
prophet called of God?". Our investigator (Mr. Herman) did not believe
there is one true church or that he needs to be baptized again or that
Joseph Smith was a prophet, but he could not give Elder Parker an
answer. Then he left Mr. Herman with his personal phone number and a
hand written note. I had never considered asking that question before
but I think that is how I have come to my own testimony of Joseph
Smith.
I am so grateful for the Priesthood and that Heavenly Father still
communicates with His children to this day.
Love,
Sister Rust
Sorry this will be a short email, but we had a neat opportunity
yesterday at church with Elder Parker who has spoken to our mission
before as well. But first:
I realized after talking with Sister Whitmer yesterday that my last
few transfers I have just been dwelling too much on my faults and
imperfections. I am so much quicker to forgive others before myself
sometimes. I was reminded that when I turned in my mission papers I
had a vision of the perfect Sister Rust missionary and what that would
look and be like but I lost that coming out here. Starting last night
I resolved that one of my New year goals is to leave the Sister Rust
that hasn't been successful or effective behind, and just be the
missionary I envisioned. God has blessed me with gifts to bless others
and I need to just not hide or hold back my potential. I am excited to
be the missionary I wanted to be! My personal testimony has just been
strengthened so much in the last 4 months. I just love it!
Yesterday, the Hickory ward had the opportunity of having Elder Parker
attend our ward conference and in Sacrament he bore a very simple but
powerful, powerful testimony. Oh and he was baptist for 20 years so
those mannerisms came out a little in his talk but I liked it, very
exciting and makes you want to give a strong amen at the end. Then we
had a ward dinner after the block and without any prompting from us
Elder Parker came and sat right next to our investigator who came. I
think Elder Parker came in answer to a prayer for this investigator
because he could relate having been baptist for years before joining
the church and at the end of their conversation Elder Parker simply
asked, "Has the Holy Ghost told you that Joseph Smith was NOT a
prophet called of God?". Our investigator (Mr. Herman) did not believe
there is one true church or that he needs to be baptized again or that
Joseph Smith was a prophet, but he could not give Elder Parker an
answer. Then he left Mr. Herman with his personal phone number and a
hand written note. I had never considered asking that question before
but I think that is how I have come to my own testimony of Joseph
Smith.
I am so grateful for the Priesthood and that Heavenly Father still
communicates with His children to this day.
Love,
Sister Rust
Some Pics
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there is me with one of our investigators and one of his less
active friends.
Hiya!
Hello, Hello,
First, I apologize you didn't receive an email last week, we ended up
running out of P-day time and our apartment needed cleaned.
I super enjoyed Christmas, I got to call home and see my family again,
yay! I even got to talk with Ernest in Alabama the last 5 min. Pretty
neat that two missionaries can talk to their family together. And then
we had two member dinners and the first family made us the equivalent
of a seven course meal so we felt so bad but I could hardly down a
slice of turkey at the second home! I got my first taste of homemade
southern Mac and cheese during which the family informed me that there
are 4 basic varieties of southern Mac and cheese.
A couple of nights ago we went out to do some tracting and I just got
really flustered and bothered about it (door knocking is probably my
least favorite). I felt bad because it ended up annoying and
frustrating Sister Whitmer. But then the next morning during personal
study I came across D&C 60:2-3 in which I was chastened by The Lord
some for the night before. Then in verses 7-8 I was reminded to just
open my mouth without fear and He will strengthen me, and so I thought
of ways and scenarios in which I could better openly mouth. I
challenged myself to do more next time which will be soon I am sure
because we need more investigators.
Oh and guess what? The highlight of my week was teaching a Facebook
lesson. Yep, we found a less-active on FB and I was able to bear
testimony of the meaning and importance of Sacrament in my life. We
then invited him to return to church that weekend, and sure enough he
went to all three hours. Hopefully, he will continue doing whatever it
takes to put his life back in harmony with God.
We had a special exchange with the Newton sisters since Sister Whitmer
got a referral for someone in Conover. I stayed in Hickory with a
sister who came out the same time I did so I got to drive! First time
since leaving home. It felt so good, I miss driving haha!
Sister Whitmer and I had a venting moment in the car after we got so
sick of everyone saying they're "saved". People don't get it even
after we explain grace and why it's necessary to be baptized by
Priesthood. Also, we seem to keep finding people who will gladly join
the church if it means they can be welfare cases and mooch off the
church all the time. And we seem to have run into a person or two
involved in devil worship. Freaky stuff, and by the end of the week I
wanted to take the Sacrament so badly just to feel of the purity and
Light of the gospel.
Also it was testimony meeting and I needed to hear the testimonies
from some of our stalwart members.
I can't express adequately enough how grateful I am for the light and
of Christ's true church that I am a part of. Also, mom and dad I am
deeply thankful for how you raised me up and loved me always and
taught me to live in righteous ways. I see what so many people are
missing out here and they really live sad terrible lives. I love you
so much!
Love,
Sister Amelia Rust
First, I apologize you didn't receive an email last week, we ended up
running out of P-day time and our apartment needed cleaned.
I super enjoyed Christmas, I got to call home and see my family again,
yay! I even got to talk with Ernest in Alabama the last 5 min. Pretty
neat that two missionaries can talk to their family together. And then
we had two member dinners and the first family made us the equivalent
of a seven course meal so we felt so bad but I could hardly down a
slice of turkey at the second home! I got my first taste of homemade
southern Mac and cheese during which the family informed me that there
are 4 basic varieties of southern Mac and cheese.
A couple of nights ago we went out to do some tracting and I just got
really flustered and bothered about it (door knocking is probably my
least favorite). I felt bad because it ended up annoying and
frustrating Sister Whitmer. But then the next morning during personal
study I came across D&C 60:2-3 in which I was chastened by The Lord
some for the night before. Then in verses 7-8 I was reminded to just
open my mouth without fear and He will strengthen me, and so I thought
of ways and scenarios in which I could better openly mouth. I
challenged myself to do more next time which will be soon I am sure
because we need more investigators.
Oh and guess what? The highlight of my week was teaching a Facebook
lesson. Yep, we found a less-active on FB and I was able to bear
testimony of the meaning and importance of Sacrament in my life. We
then invited him to return to church that weekend, and sure enough he
went to all three hours. Hopefully, he will continue doing whatever it
takes to put his life back in harmony with God.
We had a special exchange with the Newton sisters since Sister Whitmer
got a referral for someone in Conover. I stayed in Hickory with a
sister who came out the same time I did so I got to drive! First time
since leaving home. It felt so good, I miss driving haha!
Sister Whitmer and I had a venting moment in the car after we got so
sick of everyone saying they're "saved". People don't get it even
after we explain grace and why it's necessary to be baptized by
Priesthood. Also, we seem to keep finding people who will gladly join
the church if it means they can be welfare cases and mooch off the
church all the time. And we seem to have run into a person or two
involved in devil worship. Freaky stuff, and by the end of the week I
wanted to take the Sacrament so badly just to feel of the purity and
Light of the gospel.
Also it was testimony meeting and I needed to hear the testimonies
from some of our stalwart members.
I can't express adequately enough how grateful I am for the light and
of Christ's true church that I am a part of. Also, mom and dad I am
deeply thankful for how you raised me up and loved me always and
taught me to live in righteous ways. I see what so many people are
missing out here and they really live sad terrible lives. I love you
so much!
Love,
Sister Amelia Rust
Merry Christmas!
Hola familia!
Well, I was called English speaking but I might come home somewhat
fluent in Spanish, haha. Not really but there is a Spanish branch that
meets right after our Hickory ward and yesterday they asked Sister
Whitmer and I to come in to conduct the music for their Sacrament.
Then we and the elders in our area were also asked to sing several
Christmas hymns to fill in some time. I had no idea what the bishop
was saying but he just was smiling and so happy we were there to help
and the Spirit does miraculous things even with a language barrier.
I hope you all have a very lovely Christmas this week. Sister Whitmer
and I received a wonderful gift for Christmas yesterday. Our
investigator who we have been teaching for a couple months now and his
friend who is less active both came to Sacrament Meeting and Sunday
school! We've invited him to be baptized a lot and he is stubborn
about all our invitations so it truly was a miracle for them to both
make it.
Last week I finished my training so as of today I am a full-fledged missionary.
I love you and thank you for your prayers, they help so much.
Love,
Sister Rust
Well, I was called English speaking but I might come home somewhat
fluent in Spanish, haha. Not really but there is a Spanish branch that
meets right after our Hickory ward and yesterday they asked Sister
Whitmer and I to come in to conduct the music for their Sacrament.
Then we and the elders in our area were also asked to sing several
Christmas hymns to fill in some time. I had no idea what the bishop
was saying but he just was smiling and so happy we were there to help
and the Spirit does miraculous things even with a language barrier.
I hope you all have a very lovely Christmas this week. Sister Whitmer
and I received a wonderful gift for Christmas yesterday. Our
investigator who we have been teaching for a couple months now and his
friend who is less active both came to Sacrament Meeting and Sunday
school! We've invited him to be baptized a lot and he is stubborn
about all our invitations so it truly was a miracle for them to both
make it.
Last week I finished my training so as of today I am a full-fledged missionary.
I love you and thank you for your prayers, they help so much.
Love,
Sister Rust
December 16
Hello there family,
So I am emailing you from the new iPad our mission just received on
Friday. PretTy neat buts I prefer a tangible keyboard that I don't
have to peck letters on. It's exciting though being the guinea pigs
for Salt Lake as a pilot mission for the iPads. They have made us an
app for our planner and area book, so gone are the days of agendas and
teaching records on paper. We do have to sync our iPads every night
though and other programs require wifi which we don't have in our
apartment but we have a grocery store about a mile away with free wifi
that we use for now and we are just working it out as we go. However,
I can now read emails every night though on my iPad, but won't be able
to reply until Mondays still. I super love handwritten letters the
best and you're always welcome to keep doing snail mail too. ;)
Transfers are tomorrow but Sister Whitmer and I are just staying here
in Hickory though, yay! My district leader, Elder Smellie is being
transferred though which is sad because he is a superb district
leader. :'( Oh well, change is a good thing and I think whoever is my
new district leader will be just as great.
One of our investigators, I have just really come to love so
much and she is slowly making her way toward joining the church so I
am very grateful to still be in Hickory and she really connects with
us as well. Our last appointment with her was wonderful because we
read from the Book of Mormon with her and for the first time she told
us she actually feels it drawing her in and like she can connect to it
some. I wanted to just jump up and shout when she said that! Can I
just tell you how relieving it feels to finally have someone show some
desire to actually change and then to start to take steps on there
own? It's like trying to teach a baby to walk- you can show all you
want and hold their hand but they just won't walk until they want to
walk. She is getting to that point where she could start walking on
her own and I just want it badly for her.
So having a birthday on a P-day was interesting today. We thought
about mini-golfing or bowling but we don't have the car this week so
we didn't. I got a surprise birthday call from the Statesville Elders
in my zone today as well as the zone leaders (who are also the elders
in our area) so that was nice of them and made my morning. I can't
believe I am 21 now, it is strange. And if it weren't for the age
change, I would probably just start getting ready for a mission at
this time.... Kind of a weird thought, but I am glad it worked out
like it did. We decorated our Christmas tree today and it looks great!
Yes, it is my first REAL Christmas tree. I'll try to send pictures
next week on a computer since I am very not tech savvy. :P
Hope all y'all have a fabulous week!
I love you. :)
Love,
Sister Rust
So I am emailing you from the new iPad our mission just received on
Friday. PretTy neat buts I prefer a tangible keyboard that I don't
have to peck letters on. It's exciting though being the guinea pigs
for Salt Lake as a pilot mission for the iPads. They have made us an
app for our planner and area book, so gone are the days of agendas and
teaching records on paper. We do have to sync our iPads every night
though and other programs require wifi which we don't have in our
apartment but we have a grocery store about a mile away with free wifi
that we use for now and we are just working it out as we go. However,
I can now read emails every night though on my iPad, but won't be able
to reply until Mondays still. I super love handwritten letters the
best and you're always welcome to keep doing snail mail too. ;)
Transfers are tomorrow but Sister Whitmer and I are just staying here
in Hickory though, yay! My district leader, Elder Smellie is being
transferred though which is sad because he is a superb district
leader. :'( Oh well, change is a good thing and I think whoever is my
new district leader will be just as great.
One of our investigators, I have just really come to love so
much and she is slowly making her way toward joining the church so I
am very grateful to still be in Hickory and she really connects with
us as well. Our last appointment with her was wonderful because we
read from the Book of Mormon with her and for the first time she told
us she actually feels it drawing her in and like she can connect to it
some. I wanted to just jump up and shout when she said that! Can I
just tell you how relieving it feels to finally have someone show some
desire to actually change and then to start to take steps on there
own? It's like trying to teach a baby to walk- you can show all you
want and hold their hand but they just won't walk until they want to
walk. She is getting to that point where she could start walking on
her own and I just want it badly for her.
So having a birthday on a P-day was interesting today. We thought
about mini-golfing or bowling but we don't have the car this week so
we didn't. I got a surprise birthday call from the Statesville Elders
in my zone today as well as the zone leaders (who are also the elders
in our area) so that was nice of them and made my morning. I can't
believe I am 21 now, it is strange. And if it weren't for the age
change, I would probably just start getting ready for a mission at
this time.... Kind of a weird thought, but I am glad it worked out
like it did. We decorated our Christmas tree today and it looks great!
Yes, it is my first REAL Christmas tree. I'll try to send pictures
next week on a computer since I am very not tech savvy. :P
Hope all y'all have a fabulous week!
I love you. :)
Love,
Sister Rust
December Already?!
Dear family,
I can't believe we are already into the
second week of December. So over the weekend we had our Celebration of
Christ and it turned out amazing! In just the two nights there were
1,000 in attendance! Biggest ward Christmas party I've ever been to
haha. Saturday night was the best because Sister Whitmer sang while I
used ASL for a couple of songs and Brother Enders who was in charge of
all the music said it was everything he hoped it would be and brought
the Spirit in so well. He (and many others including our missionary
zone) started to cry. Then our missionary choir finished off the night
with a selection of songs which miraculously sounded beautiful after
only 3 rehearsals. My favorite was that we included singing "This Is The
Christ" though it isn't a Christmas song exactly but it's one of my
favorites and really helped put the focus on our Savior and Redeemer. We
started the song by reading the Savior's words in 3 Nephi when he
invites the Nephites to feel the wound in His side and His hands,
because Christmas for us is not just that a cute little baby was born --
for us it is Jesus the Christ was born and came to rescue a lost and
fallen world out of love.
That was the big thing this week.... lots of singing
practice and signing practice and then finally performing. We also
helped bake sugar cookies as refreshments and serve them with wassail,
yum.
Oh and we had a weird day this last week when it got up into the
60s and 70s outside. Crazy! No cardigan or coat needed that day and it
felt like we had skipped a few months back to early fall. It got cold
again since and there's a possibility for freezing rain tonight. Too bad
we won't have snow that sticks like Utah, I like white Christmas.
We did buy our ornaments today for our Christmas tree that we are
going to get. Thank you so much also for the advent chocolate calenders
and the candy ropes, now it feels more like a real Christmas. ;)
That's all for now. Have a good week and remember: the church is true, the book is blue, and Moroni is still on the ball!
Love,
Sister Rust
November 25
Hi y'all,
Hm.... I don't have a lot to say this week I
think. It's been a good, enjoyable week. We had some really great
lessons where there was no doubt the Holy Ghost was present and I was
able to be prompted to say things that just popped into my mind. Neat
stuff for sure.
Also, we had a visit from none other than Elder Quentin L. Cook of
the Twelve. I think he stopped by our mission on his way to somewhere
else in North Carolina but it was neat. He took the time to shake the
hand of each missionary in our mission because he said he likes to look
into our faces and see who we are. So I have now shook the hand of one
of the Twelve and can check that off my bucket list. The meeting was
really great though because it was like we weren't just being taught in a
meeting but more like a great conversation over lunch, he was just so
personable. He left our mission with a great blessing too. Elder Cook
told us to not underestimate the power of our faith as missionaries and
so this weekend, Sister Whitmer and I, wanted to fast for our
investigator, Cearra, and I had his comment about the power of our faith
in my mind the whole time.
We've been getting ready for Hickory's Celebration of Christ the
week after Thanksgiving and having choir rehearsals. It's been fun and
reminds me of institute choir back home and singing at Temple Square and
I loved doing it. We got permission to have our whole zone create a
missionary choir to perform at Celebration of Christ since a lot of
non-member community people come to the event. I am excited for it.
My companion and I also got a new investigator that the elders had
been teaching but turned over to us because they felt like she could
connect better to sisters. I think they were absolutely right, and
already it's made a whole lot of difference. Her name is Kristina and
she has a lot to overcome so if you could pray for her also, thanks!
I love all y'all and the church is true!
Sister Amelia Rust
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