WAIT...WHAT??!!! THEY HAVE TORNADOES IN THE SOUTH?!

Another new experience that Rachel would think is really cool...her mom??...not so much...:)

I don't want to scare anyone, but we did have 2 tornado warnings this past week! It was actually SUPER cool to watch the storm! :) we weren't hit, and we had all the needed information quickly to get to a safe place.

Each mission and each missionary's experience are unique.  We are part of a worldwide church that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere, but cultures, people and places are all very different.  That's what's so great about "Meet the Mormons".  We all get to see how others live, what their goals are and feel connected.  When Sister Trommlitz writes to us, we feel a connection to the people she talks about.  We feel sadness for those going through trials, hope for those about to embark on a new journey of becoming a Latter-Day Saint, gratitude for those who are close to her, and love for everyone in her life while she is away from us.  Here are some excerpts of her letter this week:
(Thank heavens for music in our lives!)

 On Friday (10/3) we received a call that Beau, the cousin of the Higgins (part-member family), had died. We had met Beau only once, but we were close to the Higgins' and they turned to us for help. On Monday night, the Elders came and gave priesthood blessings and we shared a spiritual message with them. They asked if we would come to the funeral to help and I mentioned that Hma Horrocks and I both played the piano and would be happy to play prelude or anything like that if they needed. She smiled and said that she was actually wondering if we knew how to sing. Both of us being in madrigals choirs, we said yes and she asked us to sing "Nearer My God To Thee" AT THE GRAVESIDE! That means acapella..... and at the graveside? whew! talk about pressure! And the Funeral was Wednesday morning, so we only had a day to practice!

The day of the funeral came and we got there early to help clean up from the viewing and while there, the Elders were asked to dedicate the grave and say prayers. Then, we found out that we got to be in the funeral procession!! Cool, right?? As we drove, everyone else completely stopped driving, right in the middle of the road! Our musical number went great and we were happy there could be an LDS influence even if it wasn't an LDS funeral. It sure was a southern one though... with everyone wearing jeans and flannel plaid shirts smoking around the graveside :) 

Last week we were out with a member and all of our appointments and backup plans fell through. So we visited another member that she visit teaches and that is how we found Richard. Heavenly Father truly led us that day to find him. He is the son of the lady she visit teaches. He had been previously living with his dad in California, but recently came out here to live with him mom. He is 26 (we are always teaching the young single adult boys! ha! hmmmm...interesting...) and has a brief knowledge of the church, but not much. He is really sweet and I believe prepared for the gospel. :)

I've been waiting for a book like this! ha!

Now THAT is a lovely face!

I'm sure this was a great weekend for Sister Trommlitz because of General Conference.  We love conference in our family (well...Tyler's getting there :)  and always feel rejuvenated by the talks and prayers and music.  I'm so happy that she is feeling great about her area and that members are being good to all the missionaries there.  It is such a blessing to know that good people are everywhere!  I also am struck by how much service they are doing.  Every week, she lets us know what they are doing to put forth good in the world.  That is all we're asked to do.  Testify of the Savior through word and deed and make others lives just a little better by having an interaction with us.  We can do that!  Here is what she is up to: 

We have a new investigator who we have helped move. We haven't had the opportunity to teach her the restoration yet, even after several times of trying, but while moving, the topic of family history came up. We talked about how the church has a large emphasis on family history and set up a time for her to meet with a member of the ward and start her own family history. She was so excited and this might be the way that she initially connects with the gospel. I can't believe how much I have been able to use my knowledge of family history since I have been out here. 

Anyone out there, and especially youth who might be reading this, take note of how prevalent the use of Family History is in the mission field.  It is critical that we learn and do it!  It will bless your life. 

This week we tried a new method of finding people. This past zone meeting we received questionnaires that people could fill out and get them excited to learn more. We went up to the local college campus, Dalton State, and began talking with the students. It was a success!! They are at the perfect time in their life to find the gospel. We found many who are interested and want to learn more which we are very excited about.

I remember hearing, (maybe from Elder Holland??)  that there are greater numbers of young adults coming into the church and accepting the gospel than that of any other age group.  I think there are many Dalton State students who will be ready and benefit from their work and testimonies :)

I really feel like she is settling in well there.  We're so proud of her even though we miss her like crazy.  It seems a long time even though it's not even been 3 months yet that she's been gone.  Pictures and her words each week help so much. Thanks to everyone for your support!    

 General Conference Potluck :)

            Gangsta Sista??

 

... Bike Week Just Got Real...

She would think this was funny because for a few years, we've been teasing our kids that when they're grown and gone, we're going to buy a motorcycle! And she keeps telling us that we can't do that, it's too dangerous, to which we let her know that we have no intention to speed around on a motorcycle, only to go at the snail's pace a middle-aged couple would be comfortable with!  And enjoy the outdoors without having to hike!  (my words, not Ken's :)  

Here's a cute story she shared this week:

It was a day after we had been in Chatsworth, so we had used many car miles and were already starting to get low for the month, so instead of going back home and then to our next appointment, we went straight to our next appointment and began talking to people in their apartment complex. We started talking to a group of about 6 kids ranging in age from 2 to 9. They were all doing cartwheels and dancing on the grass. We got talking to them and after a while of playing with them, I was wondering if we were beginning to waste time, but then the thought came to me, "Jesus loved the little children." So we continued to talk to them. They knew we were missionaries and at one point, one girl asked us, "will you teach me about God?" "Of course! we happily replied!" We sat down and they sat on our laps and all around us and we asked them what their favorite bible story was. Those who could read took turns reading a verse and we showed them pictures of Jesus. They started asking really good questions like, "Do we have to be baptized to get to heaven?" "Are Jesus and God the same person?" I believe that we made an impact on those young girls that day. I hope they remember the sisters in the black name tags :)

While we were talking to them, they knew everyone that passed by, so they introduced us to each one. We began talking with a young man and asked if he wanted to learn more. He said no and then went into his apartment. A few minutes later, he came back out and said he was now curious and wanted to know what we taught. We asked what changed and he said he had looked up the Mormons on wikipedia and was impressed that Harry Reid was a Mormon. ha! whatever works :) So we set up a return appointment :) 

Isn't that a great story?? :)

Tremendous Temples

The North side of the new Ogden Temple.  It is spectacular  inside and out!

It was a temple weekend for everyone!  We had the amazing Ogden Temple Re-dedication on Sunday and the incredible youth celebration on Saturday.  We sent her some of these pictures, and she sent us a marvelous story from their week:

              Most of the kids in our ward sang in the 2000-strong youth choir.  It was magnificent!!             

Our Stake was in the Army of Helaman/Missionary number.  It was one of the best!

I love this picture!  The theme of the celebration was "Shine the Light".  This shows that perfectly!

From Sister Trommlitz: 
 
This week, our young man investigator actually went to the temple with his parents! It was right after we had a lesson with him and he told us he was 50/50 for continuing lessons with us. We thought he was done. 3 days later we find out that he went to the temple with his parents. He was looking for an experience that would help him draw closer to God. While he was there, he bought himself a quad (he had been wanting one since day 1) and later he found a triple combination and bought that too! Sunday he came to all 3 hours of church and was so happy. You could just see it in everything he did. He had his new quad open the entire time and was making comments in class. We hope this is the turning point for him. We haven't had a lesson since he went to the temple, but just from talking to him at church, he says he felt peace, but still seems a little unsure if it was the spirit. We hope when we get the chance to really sit down with him and talk about it in more detail, he will recognize that he was feeling the spirit and God was answering his prayers. The temple is truly an incredible place. I miss being able to go! 

I have a strong testimony of the temple. the peace that is felt there is not just a coincidence or just because of the beautiful grounds and building. It is not just from the quiet or the smiles of people walking by. All of that attributes to it, but it is peace from God because the temple is such a sacred place. It is God's house where we make sacred covenants with Him. I know the peace that he felt was the spirit confirming this to him and all that he has been diligently studying. I have never seen anyone desire for an answer so much. 

I remember when Rachel turned 12 and was so excited to be able to finally go inside the temple and do baptisms.  Ken and I took her to the old design Ogden temple, just the 3 of us.  I showed her around the locker room, got her clothing and made sure she felt comfortable, and Ken was able to perform the baptisms for those who have gone before.  It was a wonderful day.  But at that time I didn't know that she would prefer to be in the temple over almost anywhere else, over the next 6 1/2 years. When she could drive, there would be days she would already be gone when we got up (which is at 5 a.m.), having headed to the Bountiful Temple before school started.  And many Friday and Saturday nights would find her in the temple before or after hanging out with friends.  And many times she would organize her groups of friends for temple trips.  Others of her HS friends would also plan temple days and they would all go together.  It was a great way to spend some of her teenage  years.  After she made additional covenants when she received her mission call, she attended the Provo temple at least once a week until she left on her mission.  So when she says she misses the temple, she really means it!  Would that we all could have such a love for the Lord's house.  
  
Our ward had a day of service on Saturday where we cleaned and repainted a school playground. It doesn't sound like as big of a project as it was! It was great to see the ward come together and serve in the community. Service unifies the ward because it brings us all closer to God as we serve his children. 

Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday :)  

 

A Clinton Miracle!

You hear and say a lot regarding missionaries, that there are certain people one is sent to a particular mission to reach, teach and love.  This week Sister Trommlitz found one of them!  It is exciting to see the hand of the Lord in our daily doings.         

This week, we had sisters spend a day with us as we visited less active families and guess what?! We met a sister who is from.... guess where..... CLINTON!!! It reminded me that there are specific people here that I have been sent to help. We both couldn't believe it. We laughed and bonded as we talked about recent changes in the city over the past 5 years and she gladly accepted to come back to church. We'll keep working with her and strengthening her testimony so she doesn't lose that desire.

It is so fulfilling to see less-actives who you are working with come back to church. We had another sister with many many trials who has recently started coming back.  I feel so much joy when I see her come to church and understand the gospel. 

Each week reading her emails, makes me re-commit to doing what I can in motivating myself, my family and the young women over whom I have stewardship, to reach out to everyone--those who currently participate fully in the church, those who have fallen away for any reason, and those who don't yet know or understand the gospel.  It is the shot in the arm I frequently need!  Thank goodness for good missionaries and good daughters!!  

Their favorite place to eat :)

I do not know why these missionaries chose the zombie look !:)

 

6 Weeks and 1 Transfer

Well, not a transfer for Sister Trommlitz though!  She and her companion are staying in Dalton.  She is happy to be able to continue her work there.  

Felicia and Jonathan were baptized last Tuesday! It was such a wonderful baptismal service and they radiated as they made this sacred covenant.  

Sunday was INCREDIBLE. Jonathan and Felicia were confirmed and Fast and testimony meeting was indescribably great. Sundays are always my favorite day of the week, but fast Sunday is the highlight Sunday of the month. Fasting brings the spirit in a way that is unlike anything else. So much learning and growth happens on those days.

One morning this week we get a phone call from the other sisters asking if either of us knew how to do family history. I was happy to respond that I had some experience. They then explained that they had a member who was going to come and set their recent converts up with an lds account and show them how to prepare family names for the temple, but could now no longer come. I was grateful that I was taught about family history and learned, so that I could help others do missionary work for their family members who have passed on. 

It is really great as a parent to know that things we as parents and church leaders have taught to our children are making an impact on their adult lives. (even if they do it kicking and screaming sometimes!) But Rachel took to Family History Work here at home just as well as she is taking to full-time missionary work! She even gets some time out there once a week to continue working on our family lines.  It is very exciting.  I have heard that if new converts to the gospel get involved in family history work right away, it increases their long-term activity level in the church.  So these sisters are really doing some great things with the newly baptized members! 
   

I gave my first training in our last district meeting. I taught about bearing testimony and as I studied about it, I gained a stronger testimony that we all need to share what we know. As we bear testimony we can teach principles of the gospel to people in a very comfortable way. Faith of all participants (those sharing and those listening) is strengthened. Don't be afraid to share your testimony! It is such a blessing to be able to do so.

Great counsel for us all!  I know Jesus Christ lives, that His restored gospel is on the earth today and we are a part of a great work in building the kingdom.  I know Joseph Smith saw, conversed with and learned from our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. And that he subsequently translated the Book of Mormon, the book that will bring us nearer to God than any other book on earth.  I am grateful for this knowledge and want to continually improve so that I can return and live with my Father and my family forever.  

Why she's holding a chicken, I'll never know!  

 The Dalton, Georgia District--They look like they're cracking up--I wonder what the story is behind that?!

 

From the ice bucket challenge to baptism

We didn't get emails from Sister Trommlitz on Monday this week, so we were anxious to see if they would come today, and they did!  I'm so glad she got to get outside a little and do something in nature.  That is really what she loves, being outdoors, appreciating and enjoying our Heavenly Father's creations. (Don't know how she ended up MY daughter!! She's definitely her father's daughter though!) For us, time is going by both slowly and quickly. We miss her, and we all, especially her siblings feel the loss of not being able to talk to her and see her regularly. I love what she said at the end of this email about faith.  It is such a good thing for all of us to remember.  Also, we know that there are people in the area of the country in which she is serving who need her to be there to teach and love them and to introduce or help strengthen the gospel message in their lives. I love that our Heavenly Father knows all, and that He gives each of us individually the experiences we need to continue to have the mortal experience we need.  Here are some excerpts from her week: 

Hermana Horrocks and I went to mutual on Wednesday where they did the ice bucket challenge afterwards. We went to just watch and take pictures of everyone, but we then got nominated!! And we couldn't just say no to a challenge! So in our skirts we sat down and allowed ice water to be dumped on our heads. ha! 

On Labor day, a family from the other 3 sisters area came down and took us to the Joseph Standing Monument and Cloudland State Park to go hiking. It was so needed... just to get out in nature and enjoy a good hike.

THE COUPLE WHO JUST GOT MARRIED ARE GETTING BAPTIZED TODAY!!!!! :) :) :) :) When they were trying on baptismal clothing the other day, I got so excited for them as I saw them in white. They are going to be incredible members of the Lord's team. They have solid testimonies and their faith is strong. They both have the temple as their goal and that's how it has been for most of the time they have been investigating. It will be a great day to see them achieve that goal.

The college student we are working with is progressing wonderfully.  He has now finished The Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage and the Doctrine and Covenants! He has been going to early morning seminary and enjoys that. We continue to pray that he will recognize an answer to his prayers. He has incredible potential as a member of this church. 

I went on my first exchange this week! I was with Sister De Hoyos in Harrison Bay and it was awesome! She is a great missionary and I learned a lot from her. We ended up doing service most of the day for a family that needed help fixing their house. They had just moved in and the place was A MESS. And not just a mess with clutter everywhere.... this house was destroyed. We helped them repaint and scrub the place down. 

I don't know where the time has gone! It is such a blessing and opportunity to be a missionary at this time. I love serving the Lord. I have been thinking a lot about faith these past couple days - how everything relates back to faith. It truly is the first building block and the anchor of our testimony. Faith in Jesus Christ is key and the more I develop that, the stronger other aspects of my testimony become. It all starts with faith.