Hi😄

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Thank you to all who have served and are serving our country. I am so grateful for so many who have made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

We had Zone Conference this past week which was really good! We have a Sisters Meeting before which I love as well. It's always fun to meet as sisters and talk about the work in a sisters'  perspective. 

 

One thing I really appreciated from the Conference was one focus of using technology in finding and with the ward. I definitely needed it because I have no idea what I'm doing with this technology stuff haha! The ideas that were talked about I would've never even thought about because I didn't do them before the mission. Sister P and I finally have some ideas to work with so we are hoping to implement them soon.

 

One more super cool thing from Zone Conference was a video that was shared. It made me cry a little bit. It was a video of all kinds of people, all over the world stating how missionaries found them. There are endless ways of how people learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and begin to meet with missionaries. It really testified to me of how this is one work and it's the Lord's work. I wish I could share it with you, but only our Mission President has access to it right now:/ When I have access to it, I'll share it!

Update on our friend D**! He is doing well. We continue to teach him and he is continually progressing. Slowly, but surely:) We have been trying to understand what concern is holding him back and we have been focusing on his testimony of The Book of Mormon, knowing that as he gains a testimony of The Book of Mormon he will know that everything else is true. The day of one of our lessons and right before we were really praying to be able to perceive his progression and Heavenly Father definitely helped us. We followed up on his scripture study and he began to tell us different things (he likes to talk about different things, sometimes pertaining to the question and sometimes not:)). Right in the middle of what he was saying, though, he said the clearest statement I've ever heard him say. He talked about how the things he was reading all made sense, then said "The Book of Mormon is true." He then continued with what he was previously talking about. Woah what!? Heavenly Father answered our prayer on helping us see where he is at in his progression for sure! He also has finally talked to his doctor about different ways to overcome his challenge with the Word of Wisdom. And yesterday in Sunday school he made a random comment that maybe him getting baptized was a good idea. Our friend is progressing and slowly gaining a desire!!! There is a concern that is holding him back though and we are still trying to find and address it. He almost brought it up the same lesson, right after he talked about his studies, but then stopped. We are hoping to be able to address it this week. 

One thought I do want to share comes from a comment that was made yesterday in class. It comes from Sister Sharon Eubank, from the General Relief Society Presidency. She said to ask Heavenly Father what was one thing He wanted us to do that day, every day, and then do it. I loved it because when we do that we can be confident in knowing that we did at least one thing that Heavenly Father needed us to do that day, even if we felt like the day went out the window. I know that when we do this we will be more focused on His will each day and have an outward focus towards others. It will also help us to stay close to the Spirit each day and become better at receiving and understanding personal revelation. Try it out!

I hope you all have a great week this week. Keep smiling, keep loving life, and keep being you! There is a specific reason that you are you and only you can be that person! 

Love you all! 

xoxo, Sister G 

Enjoy the endless amount of flowers :)

 

We're All on the Same Team!!

Happy Birthday to Grandma Groneman last Friday! I hope it was great! Love you!

My time continues here in Beautiful California:)

This last week was filled with a couple of exchanges and some miracles!

Sister Training Leaders and exchanges have changed. There are now five Sister Training Leaders throughout the mission with a junior companion. When exchanges happen missionaries just swap places instead of going to one area [like a chapel, and then heading out from there with a new companion]. I love it this way! On Tuesday I was with Sister M** and on Wednesday, Sister W**. Both days were way fun! Sister W** and I were able to meet a man who is from the valley and was interested in missionaries coming to see him there! It was fun to send a referral to another mission. We really are all working together to help Heavenly Father's children! 

We may be starting to teach 2 new friends this upcoming week!

One of them was a complete miracle of how we found him. Earlier this last week Sister M** and I met a man who accepted a BOM, but needed one in Spanish. We had tried to deliver it for a couple of days with no success. One day we never got around to trying until right before we had to go in for the night. We hadn't had much success that day and we were both trying to stay positive and not become grumpy. We almost passed two people on the way to this man's house but decided to talk to them. The first person wasn't interested, but when we said hi to the second person he knew who we were and started talking to us. It turns out that he had moved here from LA 2 months ago and was actually meeting with missionaries. He asked us about church and was interested in coming. He also asked if we could start teaching him like the other missionaries did. We set up a lesson for tomorrow and we are excited! 

The other friend we have been stopping by to see for a few weeks. He has great questions and is willing to try to find answers. He also had met missionaries in the past. He wasn't interested then, but he remembers them and really liked them. We have a lesson set up for next Sunday and all 3 of us are looking forward to it.

Reading over this email, I guess the theme is working all together as missionaries, those who are serving now and those who have served in the past. You really never know what impact you have on someone and what part of their story you are in. Without the help of other missionaries we wouldn't have these two lessons set up. I am grateful for them and their service as a missionary. We are all on the same team!!

We all have opportunities to influence people for the better, in everything we do. Someone is always watching whether you know it or not. Someone's life may have completely been changed by something you've done or will do. This is why we should be an "example of the believers" at all times, in all things, and in all places. As you strive to represent Jesus Christ in all that you do, you will be surprised to see just how much influence you can have on others for the better.

Thank you for all the prayers and love! Have a great week this week!

xoxo, Sister G 

Relief Society activity for Mother's Day

exchanges

The best weekly planning snack

Celebrating Sister P**'s and Sister F**'s 7 month(cold stone:))

We liked the yellow flowers

Another one down!

Hey hey hey! I'm still here and I'm still loving it! It was so good to see everyone yesterday. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this, especially my mom! You are so special and you really do help everyone around you to be better. Thank you!

 

This last week was filled with all good things. We are still teaching a few people which is good! We are focusing on building their testimonies. They have a desire, but not a strong enough desire to want to become more like the Savior.  Our goal is never to just get someone into the water to be baptized, rather it is to help them come closer to Christ by helping them develop and exercise faith in Him, repent, make covenants, or promises, with Him and follow Him to the end. We are grateful we are able to help our friends come to know their Savior and we know that when the time is right they will baptized. 

We had interviews with President Nakken after we had a great district meeting on Friday. It's weird to think that I only have a couple of interviews left. I have been so blessed to not only have one, but two amazing mission presidents. I have learned so much from their actions and examples and their wives' actions and examples. They have pushed me to reach higher, run farther, and to always look to our Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He sent me here. I will be forever grateful for President and Sister Felix and President and Sister Nakken.

On Saturday we had our monthly Walk Day! It was cool this time because the mission kicked it off with a mission-wide video conference call, which included a devotional and prayer. I loved it because it united the mission even more. 

Our Walk Day was filled with miracles. It started out with a miracle lesson that came from us calling a former investigator that morning. She called us back and wanted to meet that day. We met and I know that Heavenly Father truly knows her. She is at a point in her life where she is making changes to better herself and she knows it was no coincidence we called either. She stopped the lesson when we testified that "this life is not the beginning or the end. We came from God and we are going back to God." She started to cry and explain how she just felt when she heard that. We know that she felt the Spirit testifying to her of the truth that she just heard. It was a powerful lesson and she is willing to be baptized when she knows the truth of this gospel. The sad part is that she doesn't live in our area anymore so we will be passing her off soon. I am so grateful she is learning more though and wanting to come closer to Christ!

At the end of our Walk Day, we ran into so many people one right after the other, and had great conversations with them! There was one man who saw us and started talking about how he wanted us to come see his wife because she is a more dedicated Christian and would love to talk to us, but she was sick that day. They are actually looking for a church to attend and he was so excited when we invited him to ours and gave him a Book of Mormon to read. We are hopefully going to see them again this week and invite them to learn more!

One last thing before I go-

I want to share something that was shared yesterday in Relief Society. It is found in John 6:9

“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?”

This verse takes place when Christ feeds the five thousand. His disciples are trying to figure out how to feed 5 thousand men and this is who they find. One lad with 7 articles of food. And we know that Christ takes those 7 articles and feeds the five thousand with 12 baskets full of leftovers. 
The point was made that sometimes we are the lad. Sometimes we go into whatever situation we are in with only a little bit to offer the Savior. That little bit could be our poor attitudes, our weaknesses, our few years of practice, it can be anything that we may think is a weakness. But the miracle is not Christ taking what you have and changing it. The miracle is Him looking at what you offer and telling you that He can work with it and then multiplying it so that you and others can be filled in whatever way they need to, with extra to help someone else later on. 

Whoever you are and whatever you have to offer Christ, it is exactly enough. The truth is, without Him it can NEVER be enough no matter how hard you try. He is the One who will help you become better, strengthen you, and lift you to where you need to be and hopefully where you want to be. 
I love you all and I hope that this week you can offer what you have to Jesus Christ. If you do, I promise that Christ will multiply your efforts in a way you never thought possible. You will be able to accomplish more than you had hoped. But don't take my word for it, I invite you to see for yourself.

Until next week!
xoxo, Sister G 

Sister P and I really liked the flowers...

Another Email Comin' Your Way!

Hello Family and Friends!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful, amazing parents this week!! Love you both!

This last week was sunny side up with a side of miracles!  

We have some friends that we are working with and trying to work with. One of our friends, D** is doing well. He has a goal to be baptized on June 2. Currently, we are reteaching the lessons from the beginning to strengthen his foundation. He has some things to overcome before June 2, but we know that if D pu**ts his faith in Jesus Christ to action it can happen! We also are hopefully going to start teaching a family. We are currently teaching the mom, but have been working on involving her whole family. Schedules have been crazy with kids so we've had to reschedule a few times, but hopefully this upcoming week will work!

The ** Stake had their Stake Conference this weekend which was great! I had a great moment before it all started when I was able to talk and take a picture with a family who's related to a family in my home ward! They actually were at my Farewell just over a year ago. I remember them telling me to look for them if I ever served in ** and I was so excited to see them! What a great night! 

 

The conference was awesome. Elder Acosta, an Area Seventy came and spoke. He illustrated the impact of one person's decisions by bringing a Priest waiting for his mission call up to the stand. Elder Acosta stated that, in general, the 3 most important decisions to make are being baptized, serving a mission  (which includes receiving your endowment), and being sealed in the temple. He then told the Priest to imagine he had 5 kids to whom he taught the gospel and had 5 youth stand in the audience. He did the same to those 5 youth and had 25 more youth stand up, and continued to do so until everyone was standing up. His point was that our decisions not only affect us, but they affect generations. When making choices, we should always consider the impact our choice will make on our life, but also on our posterity. 

Sister P** and I are working hard and are enjoying the work. I am continually inspired by her dedication and hard work. She is teaching me every day!

Before I go, I'd love to share some verses found in the Book of Mormon with you. A Prophet, Alma, is talking to his son about Jesus Christ and how He will come to take away the sins of the world and declare His message. It is found in Alma 39:17-19

"And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?

 

"Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?

 

"Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?"

As I was reading this this morning I was struck by these verses. They testify of God, our Father in Heaven, and how He loves ALL of His children. No one is exempt from this love, ever. And because He loves His children He desires all to know His son, Jesus Christ, and the hope that He and His message bring. 

 

I know this is true and I know that God will give every single person a chance to learn of Jesus Christ and His gospel. This is why we are here on earth and this is why I am here in California. 

I hope this week that you can pray and look for an opportunity to share with someone the knowledge you have of our Savior Jesus Christ. And remember, it's not a decision and an opportunity that just affects you. 

Love you all. Have a great week

xoxo, Sister G 

My Heart is Full of Joy

Hey Everyone!

The mission is just so full of adventures, it's never-ending. This last week was an adventure transitioning back into a family ward. It's been good though and I'm excited to see where this transfer takes us!

My companion, Sister P**, is from **. She is really sweet and is such a hard worker. She is continually trying to be the best she can be. Ha, we also didn't take an acceptable picture of us to send in this email so we just used the picture you will see of us. Enjoy!

The reality of how much time I have left really hit me though, when I realized that I was the oldest missionary in our district (meaning I had been out the longest). This is the first time this has happened and I freaked out a little inside. No worries though, I'm still trying to figure out how to do this missionary thing!

It's a little difficult to explain the situation with everyone we are teaching, but we have a lot of people who are willing to learn. This week we are going to figure out their desire levels and where they are in their conversion.  We are hopeful though! We are hoping to start teaching a family this week. Sister P** and her last companion have been working with the mom for a little bit and she has talked about getting her family involved. Because this is something she keeps talking about, we simply asked her when we could teach everyone to make her hope a reality. Everyone's schedules have to match up, but they should this week!

Sister P and I had a great time last night. We decided to park and walk to the people we planned to see and we were able to meet and talk to so many people. We were able to share part of the gospel with all of them. It was cool to see the Lord placing people in our path everywhere we went. It really is His work and He knows who is ready to receive and accept His gospel. We have a few we are following up with this upcoming week, which we are excited for. We hope to start teaching them! 

I had a special opportunity on Saturday to drive back up to **. My friend D** got baptized! (I am so full of joy just typing this out to you!) She was supposed to be baptized last transfer, but it was moved so her family could be there and her boyfriend could baptize her. President was so kind and granted permission for me to go. What made it even better, though, was Sister W and I drove up together! We went on a mini exchange to go. It was so special because we were the two to start teaching her and we were able to be together at her baptism. She also asked me to give a talk, which meant a lot to me. It's actually the first talk I've ever given at a baptism, so that was a neat experience. 

 

She was glowing. You could just tell that she had been prepared and she was ready. I am so happy and excited for her, as she is now on this exciting path back home. Ah, I just love her so much and am so happy!

 

I was able to see other ward members again, too. I** was there which was great! She is wanting to start her mission papers and will be starting them later this year!!! 

My friend S**, in ** was baptized this past weekend as well. I was unable to attend that one, but I am so proud of him as well! 

Well, the work continues on and I know this will be another great transfer. I hope everyone has a great week this week. Don't forget to always look for the little things each day that testify of Heavenly Father's love for you. They are there, I promise.

xoxo,

Sister G 

What a Week!

Hey!

Happy birthday to Jeff and Sophie!! Happy birthday to Uncle Dave as well!!

Miracle news! 

Remember how Sister M** was getting surgery this last Wednesday? Well, we get to the appointment, she and the mission nurse leave me in the waiting room, and I sit there for about 20 minutes. The mission nurse then comes out and waves me into the room. I walk in and receive the news that they decided not to do the surgery! The doctor had thought about it a lot and talked to his associates and decided that letting the hole close by itself was the best option. Because of this decision, Sister M** is still able to work and walk around which is a miracle! We are grateful for the inspired doctor and his associates. 

Because of this miracle we have been out working and it's been great! Sister M** and I have been seeing more miracles each day and meeting so many of our wonderful brothers and sisters.

The biggest news is transfer calls. I can honestly say that this call was the most surprising transfer call I've received. Sister M** will be staying and I am headed to ***. I will be in the *** Ward. When we received the call we were shocked because we were convinced we were both staying. We know that Heavenly Father is in charge and directs His work though. We may not understand the full picture, but we don't need to, to have faith and humbly accept what the Lord asks us to do. This has been a sad weekend knowing that my time here in *** is coming to a close, but I am excited to see what adventures, miracles, and experiences lie ahead in ***. 

This is truly the Lord's work and I am so grateful to be a part of it. I know that Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. It is through Him that we are able to return home to our Father in Heaven. 

I love you all. Thank you for all the support and love. Have a great week!

xoxo, Sister G 

Zone Conference

Clean Car Award

Another Great Week

Hey! 

This week Sister M** and I had a few big events.

It all started with Tuesday. Sister M** had some surgery! Trying to make the story short, last week she had her leg checked out and we found out she had Melanoma, so this last week she went in and had it removed. They couldn't close it until they knew for sure they had taken it all out, so she's had this huge hole in her leg since Tuesday. She is unable to look at it as well so I have been her nurse! I have pictures, but I know some of you will probably feel sick if you looked at it so I won't include the picture. 

 

We did find out that they removed all the cancer so she will be going back in on Wednesday to have a skin graft. They are taking skin from her clavicle and closing her leg up that way. 

Despite having surgery the previous day, on Wednesday we went to the temple! Our mission has temple transfers twice a year where everyone in the mission is able to go to the temple. Sister M** and I went with the senior missionary couple who took us, and also Sister R** and Sister M**. We had a blast! We went to the Fresno Temple which is a small temple. When I say small I mean REALLY small. When you walk in and turn immediately to the left, you are in the baptistry. You can even see Angel Moroni clearly at the top of the temple! It was a great experience though. I love the temple and the covenants that are made inside. Temples are such a blessing to us on earth and those who have passed on. 

 

Our temple trip was even better because there were so many missionaries there! There were 3 sets of Elders who went to the temple the same time we did. It was powerful to see so many of us. I loved it. 

 

It gets even better though. Guess where we all went to lunch. CAFE RIO. I'm not even kidding! We all were in Heaven! We haven't had Cafe Rio in such a long time, it was so good!

 

On Friday we had Zone Conference. I just love Zone Conferences. I love gathering with so many missionaries and learning with them. We had many great discussions. One thing that I should mention is that we are now authorized to use Facebook. We are all in the process of cleaning our profiles so they represent a servant of Jesus Christ. We will be able to post and teach through Facebook, but I will not be able to communicate with any of you. I still love you all, don't worry! Haha this is a new way of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I am excited to fill the earth with light.

 

Our friend, E** is doing very well! He was able to come to church yesterday and afterwards we had a lesson. I love watching his faith in Jesus Christ grow. Every lesson, he talks about feeling the Holy Ghost and how he feels new. He made a comment that touched my heart. After he said that he can already feel the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, he said he will have the Book of Mormon with him until the day he dies. That's how much it means to him. I was so touched! I hope the Book of Mormon means that much to each of you as well; that it is so special that you will cherish it until the day you leave this earth. I know I will. The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and it really can bring answers to life's questions, bring peace to your soul, and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know it is true and I know that every single person has the opportunity to know for themselves if it is true or not, by reading it and praying to God, asking with real intent if it is true. 

 

Thank you for all your love and support. I am am so lucky to know such wonderful people. I hope you have a great week this week!

 

xoxo, Sister G 

 

Ready to bandage Sister M**

[From a local member: Sisters M** and Groneman studying and planning on this fine day in Santa Maria.]

[From a local member: The Ward Mission Leader (CP) and I (SP) had lunch with the SM YSA Sisters today!
Word of the day: Remember.
Remember who you really are. Remember the blessings God has given you. Remember the commandments. Etc.]

We bought fresh strawberries this morning from a stand! Check that off my bucket list!

Dad--I ate this one for you!

[From a local member: YSA activity at our house last night! It was fun and I (SP) visited with these wonderful missionaries: Elder and Sister M** and Sisters M** and Groneman.]