April 1, 2013

April 1

Hey Family, 

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Sounds like great things are happening there in Utah. The ward sounds like it is changing a lot. Easter here was really good. We watched the same bible video as you all. I thought it was really good. Easter has a new meaning to me now that I have been on a mission. My understanding about Jesus Christ and the Atonement has grown so much. I am so grateful for his atoning sacrifice and that he paid the price for all of us so that we could be cleansed from our sins and to return to our loving Heavenly Father again. I don't know what I would do with out the Atonement in my life. It is because of Jesus Christ that I can face any challenges that come my way and that I can repent of my short comings. Having the atonement in my life has helped me in so many different ways and I am forever grateful for him and his sacrifice.

Well, I got that dreaded phone call on Saturday night. I have been transferred to Rowland Heights. It is kind of by my first area (Glendora) I am over the English ward and the Korean Branch. My companion is Sister Yoon and she is Korean. She is a Temple Square missionary and has been here for almost 3 months. She returns back to SLC in 6 weeks. I will probably stay in Rowland Heights for about two transfers and will mostly likely train the new Korean sister that is coming in next transfer. I am really sad to leave La Canada. This was my second home. I have been here for seven months and have grown so attached to all the people here. I am truly going to miss everyone, but I know that I will be able to see them again soon. I will let you know more about my new area next week. Change is always hard, but I am keeping a positive attitude about it and trusting in the Lord that He has called me to this new area for a reason.

Some things that happened this week:

We met with Leslie again this week. What a great lesson that was. We had dinner with a member (Sister Frandsen) right before and as we were talking she asked if we had an appointment after this and we said yes. I then had a thought to ask her if she could come with us. She was excited that we had asked her and said yes. I really feel like Sister Frandsen was suppose to be present in that lesson with us. We followed  up with her about her reading and praying. She said that she still wasn't getting an answer, but was still trying and reading. We explained to her that if she prayers with sincere heart and a real desire to know, that God will answer her prayers. We shared lots of scriptures, ones that I cannot remember now. The spirit was the one teaching that lesson that night. The spirit was so powerful and I know Leslie felt the spirit because she started to cry. She was touched. We told her that God is watching over her and wants to help her. She just needs to let Him in. I think that she is afraid and is holding back a little bit. We told her not to quite and to keep going with a strong desire to know. Sister Frandsen's thoughts were just what Leslie needed. We invited to come too church, but she never came. I was sad, but I know that the Lord will bless her and will soften her heart. I will miss Leslie very much. I will always remember her.

Saturday we took Jan to the Temple Visitors Center. She really enjoyed it a lot and really liked the feeling that was there. She liked how peaceful it was and calming. We had a great time and answered a lot of her questions. We also took her to look at the family history center as well. She really enjoyed that and seemed interested in doing some of her family history. I really hope that taking her to the temple was a touching experience for her and that her heart may be soften. Jan is an incredible lady. She is almost there, but her childhood stands in the way. We, however, were not able to invite her to be baptized, but baptism did come up and we talked about it. She said that she was already baptized. We tried to explain the authority to her. She has a hard time with religion and was starting to shut down a little bit. I hope and pray for Jan everyday, that she will one day realize that if she wants everlasting happiness that she will come to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jan is one that I will also never forget. I love her and she has meant the world to me. I truly feel that I have touched her heart and that she has been changed for the better.

On Wednesday we were able meet with the Baisley's again. We shared with them a cute little book that I made about the Book of Mormon and about church. They liked it and were touched by the book. The Book of Mormon is so important and they need to be reading it and coming to church. I hope that that book was able to touch them and that they felt the spirit as were were talking about it and about church. I love the Baisley's and I hope and pray for them as well.

We knocked a street this last week. We had great contacts and even made a return appointment to meet with the Mackenzie's again. We talked to them about a lot of things. They know a lot of Mormons and have a positive outlook on us. They mentioned that they had been to the a temple open house  for one of the temples and really enjoyed it and enjoyed the feeling that was there inside. They are very sweet and seem really open to listening to us. We also contacted this lady named Lisa. She was very nice as well. We ended up teaching the Restoration to her. It was great. She isn't interested, but was really nice to us. 

It has been another great week and I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for me in Rowland Heights. I know that no matter where I will be going that it is because someone needs the gospel and they need my help finding the peace and happiness. I love this gospel and so glad to be a part of helping find those lost sheep. Until next time. 

I love you all so much have a wonderful week. 

Love Sister Ackley

PICTURES: All of us and Jan at the Visitors center, Me and Jan