Goodness... What a week!

Goodness... What a week!

We are having a great time exploring and trying new things! We love the Lord and we love this work! Sister Grant is a strength to me at all times. She receives inspiration, follows promptings, serves with all her heart, might, mind, and strength,.... and just plain ROCKS! She helps me see more clearly and just makes life grand!

Let me share something we've learned together...

The Lord uses imperfect people to accomplish his eternal purposes.

He doesn't require us first to be perfect, but helps us become so as we turn everything over to Him.

I thought of running. No, our life's not just a race, it's a journey. But if we think about it, as we're going along, we need to exercise faith and endure to the end, which includes always seeking to improve and finishing strong--sprinting to the finish. As we do that, we need to accept and apply the Atonement. This means we need to believe in Christ as our Savior, follow His teachings, and know He atoned for us. Let me make that straight. We need to know HE atoned for US--individually. If we really have faith in Him, we know His atonement applies to us personally.
Now, as we run along, we have unexpected twists and turns, steep hills, rocky ridges, and rough spots. Sometimes there are trees or other obstacles in our way. Sometimes we feel weak, get tired, and we often stumble. Sometimes we even fall down. But with each experience, we learn more. Each time we take a fall, then take His hand to get up again, we have a little more information. We know to run with our feet a little farther apart, or to watch out for stumps, to slow down at turns and lean in, or things like that. But when we fall and then just sit there, mourning our loss and picking on our silly mistakes, we refuse His outstretched hand. In a sense we say to ourselves--and to Him-- "Look at how many times I've fallen. See how many mistakes I've made. I can't get up because I'll just fall down again. If I can't stay up all the time, I'll just stay down, thanks." In doing so, we do not progress. We give up our chance to move forward, have our bruises and bumps healed, and experience the breath-taking scenery that awaits around every bend. We give up the victory.

Why do we do that? Why would we give up what we want most only to sulk in the dimness of the forest floor? Maybe, if we really understood what He sees, we would take His outstretched hand and go again, knowing that whatever bumps lie ahead are nothing in comparison to the sunrise on the crest of the mountain, where the glory of the Son will swallow up each pain, heal each wound, drive away every fear and wipe away every tear.

I know that Christ's Atonement has power over all. I know He has conquered death, and each pain and sickness. Nothing is stronger than the power of the Atonement. If we will take His hand, He will guide us in our progression forward. May we exercise faith in Him, repent, renew our baptismal covenants, live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end.

Maree, those quotes are fabulous and so are you! I can't tell you how much I need what you said. You are an angel and I'm so blessed. I'm going to copy and paste those quotes here so others can read them. Know you're my shero and you're in my prayers. I hope Heavenly Father sends me a cool conversation with you, too.

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives.  We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us.  We have to stop trying to prove something.  We have to learn to be content with what are are."  --Marjorie Pay Hinckley
"We simply cannot call ourselves Christian and continue to judge people- and ourselves- so harshly."  --Patricia Terry Holland

Dad, you are.... he. For sure! Ahahahah! Ah, chuckle. You are such a good man and I'm so thankful you're at the head of our household with Mommy. I'm glad you met Rae's friends and that they are good :) They better be!!!! Dad, I'm glad you're getting better, but I'm sorry it's sooo slow. Your faith is being tested, but I know you'll pass with flying colors! Have you ever wondered why they say that???

Aaron, I'm glad you got to visit my family! I hope things are going well in your first week of school. I expect a report on the thank-yous! Please be careful with all the driving and enjoy the beginning of a new semester! There is much to be learned! :D

Alyssa, you answered my prayers, too! I'm so grateful for your example. You handled that so well and humbly. It's amazing how much that relates to the running analogy. You're so good! And any boy would be a fool NOT to ask you on a date! It doesn't even take extra connections for that! ;) And I know Heavenly Father is blessing you for all you're doing and where your heart is.

Mom, I know just what you mean. It takes great effort as well as time to turn our will to Him, but it is so much better in the end. You are valiant and strong, and you are inspired and tender. I'm so glad I have you for a mommy. Say hi to the Haydens for me! They have a great daughter! Fantastic, actually. And she doesn't talk that fast...

If I can, I'd like to pick hymn #85, especially verses 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7, and share Isaiah 41:10. Good stuff!

The Tolentinos are great! They will be baptized in June due to WoW stuffs, but they are making great progress and are faithful church-goers! They are really accepting the gospel and it's amazing. As for others, we are really trying to find more like them! Please pray for us and them. I love and pray for you!

YOU'RE THE BEST!

love, sis r

Hello, loved ones!

Hello, loved ones! Just want to let you know I'll be sending you pictures as soon as I get my camera back! Haha hopefully that's before next Monday.
I left it in the van when the couple missionaries brought us to our apartment with supplies and the new sisters' luggage. They'll be dropping it by this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOU!!!!! I can't believe you're so stinkin' old!!! Anong nangyari? Saan pumunta ang oras?? Grabe. You've got to be the COOOOOOLEST about-to-turn-17-yr-old sister that's ever lived! I hope you're birthday is as fantastic as you are! Please keep it up! You make the world a better place by being YOU!

Happy new baby to  and happy almost-here baby to Darrin and Jerrica! What a beautiful and growing family we have! And welcome and congratulations to the other new member of our family, Amy, and her blessed husband, Koltry! My cousins are great! I'm so blessed to have the family I do! Keep taking care of my wonderful grandparents. You all fill my heart  with such inexpressible joy!

Dad, YOU GET BETTER, man! You are incredibly patient. I'm so thankful for your example. Haha and You glow so loud it makes my ribs hurt! So could ya just tone it down a bit?? :D Hehee good ol' daddy faves. I do love Sky High. But not as much as I love you, Dad. 

Mom, I'm thrilled to say we are both learning about time management together. You know, I often think of your great example, especially in wisdom. If ever I wonder what I should be doing or what I might be forgetting, I hear your voice saying, "Did you try__?" or "Did you remember__?" It is a great help, especially when I wonder if I've really done ALL I can. Sometimes the things that come require more effort, more faith, more courage; and it always helps me grow. Thank you for your light, Mom! 

Don't let the Millers move. It's bawal. And I'll love ANYTHING I get from you, as long as it includes deodorant without anti-perspirant... I'm on my last one. 
Why aren't GandG Fenton coming?? Are they okay?? I'm beyond excited to see you, but don't you worry! There's too much to do here to let myself get distracted. Looking forward to Mother's Day! 

I'll pray for your run! Please pray that I won't get super sick like last time because the symptoms are coming on again. I'll start on medicine right away. We can't afford to be out of the work! 

Have I Done Any Good is a great hymn! Let's sing it joyfully! And now that we have, let me share the first in a long series of scriptures I will be memorizing. 3 Nephi 5:13 "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people that they might have everlasting life." 

Rae, your poem was beautiful. I love it. Your heart is so beautiful. I love that, too. I will pray for you and I know He'll bless you to be an instrument to bring about much good in the lives of those around you. He already is. That is plain for me to see. 
Thank you for sharing what you have with me. You are valiant and steadfast. I appreciate all you do for our family and for me as a stalwart example. Heavenly Father loves and is so aware of you. 
I found a new favorite painting. Guess who the artist is? Only your favorite. And Sister Hayden touched my heart and gave me her copy. I could hardly believe it. It's beautiful. I think it's called To Be with God. Christ is on a rocky hillside with a canyon-type background and only dry earth and a withered plant or two nearby. He is seated on a rock and praying with His head down and his hands clasped. It's beautiful. 

Well, dear ones, please know I love and pray for you! You're the best! I hope you know that! Thank you for all you do and who you are. I can't express to you how blessed I am to have you. Your support and love are heaven-sent. I know that the gospel is true. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that his Son, Jesus Christ is the center of his plan. I know that by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, we will find peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come. That truth has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet of God and the president of Christ's Church, under the direction of God himself. 

I love you!

love sis r

Last week's email... Sorry... =(

Dear fam and friends,

Kumusta na kayo?? I love you bunches! Just so you know!

I also love my new companion, Sister Grant-- a sweet and awesome 19-yr old sister (THE FIRST IN MANILA MISSION! and about to turn 20) from Rexburg, ID!!!! She's seriously the best! I love her, even though she chose BYU-Hawaii over Idaho :D haha! She's so great and I need her. I'm learning so much from her.

General Conference was a great experience. Bro. and Sis. Tolentino attended both sessions on saturday and the first session on sunday! I wanted to make them stay, but I think it was a little much for them... They really are taking in so much so quickly and I'm so proud of them. We are going to be focusing on their two oldest daughters gaining a witness of the truth, especially the oldest, as they are still pretty hesitant. It would be great if you could keep them in your prayers.

Our ward is still one ward, but now 2 areas. We have the bigger area with few members and lots of businesses, but we also have the most progressing investigators. Anyhow, we still need to do a LOT of finding. We have lots of work to do to establish the Church in this mostly unexplored area. We're going to proselyte the brains out of it and have a good ol' time! It's going to be wonderful! Especially with Sister Grant leading the way!

Want to tell Ashlynn that I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOUR JOB!!! Only the best for the best, love! I'm so glad you see His hand in it all :) What great faith! You are a shining example. Keep taking lots of pics and keeping me updated! I'll sqeeze your guts in four months!

Give my Grammies hugs for me! I got Gram Fenton's email and she just so cute! I have lots of wonderful letters from Gramma Richardson and she's such a faithful writer! What a gal! I have the best moms and dads of moms and dads in the world! XOXO to Grammas and Crappah!

WOOOOOOOWWWWW Sister STROMBERGGGGG!!!! Did you just LOVE her guts?!?!? Cause I DO!!!! Dad, don't feel bad! I know you'll get to visit with her many many more times and I just want you to get better! Have you been to a doctor yet? The power of the priesthood is so real. That power, just like the power to teach according to the authority we have been given as authorized servants by the laying on of hands, is given to us as we prayerfully and worthily exercise our authority, as it says in chapter 1 of PMG. I know that's so true! God gives us permission and authority to do His blessed work and then He blesses us with power to do it in His name on top of that! How amazing that is! I want to teach with greater power unto the bringing of souls to salvation through Christ the Lord!

Dad, you just keep up all YOUR awesomeness that is yours alone and you'll keep blessing my life, the lives of those around me, and the lives of all those around you! THank you!

Lou... Were you trying  to make me jealous or something with all that heavenly cornbread stuff? 'Cause... thou shalt not covet! Haha you better make me some and make it good in the middle of August! Because that's all you can do to repair what you've done to your poor older sister. Heheee joke lang. I'm glad you're enjoying life :) You should! You deserve it. Thank you, too, Lou, for your testimony and for your strength in youth. Stories of the youth are so empowering to me, especially as I have siblings there. You are the rising generation. You can't afford to do anything but your best! And you're doing it :) I'm so proud!

Rae... Pontoffel Pock, where the heck are you??? I miss you, Rae! Email me so I can listen to your sweet voice in your words.. You're such a jewel, a precious and beautiful gem. I want you to see you in the mirror of truth-- through heaven's eyes. What a wonderful woman you are!

Joseph, best of luck on your competetive team! That will be so fun! Make sure to help Mom out, as she'll have lots to do. You're such a good young man. I mean that as more than just "okay" kind of good-- I mean truly good. You are just sooooooo gooooooooood!

Becca, what can I say?? When are you going to send me some of your golden locks so I can make a fortune in the Philippines?? Haha you better be a good little guhl and still keep everyone entertained like you do! Send me some Becca quotes, will ya?

Mom, I wanted to tell you that Sister Dalton's talk was indeed wonderful and that you emulate those things she said. She said that relationships with your daughters are paramount and I know that's true. Your influence in the lives of your children is immeasurable. We are blessed beyond measure to have you! You are meant for greatness, just as you always tell us we are!

Aaron, I hope you have a good week and enjoy all that you're doing! You're making waves in the world, just like you should! You're the best!

Love you alll soooo much!

Sister Richardson

What a craziness!

Hellooooooooooo loved ones! Greetings from a hot, humid, blessed part of the world!

I just need to share with you how very blessed I feel! I have been blessed to know He hears and answers prayers. God, our Father in Heaven, loves us. He knows us and desires our eternal happiness. He wants us to reach our full potential. He seeks to give us all He can to help us do so. I have had the blessed opportunity of seeing the reality of many of my personal weaknesses. It is a struggle. But oh, how glorious are those moments that we go to Him on our knees and plead for His help. Oh, how His heart must soar as we turn our hearts over to Him! How blessed we are to have the Atonement, by which we can seek and receive heavenly help at all times, in all things, and in all places. I know if we come to Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit, He will give us what we need. He will enfold us in the arms of His love.

I have received an outpouring of blessings and feel to say to Him, "What have I done to deserve all this?? How is it possible??", and maybe even, as did Enos, "Lord, how is it done?" Yes, I am truly blessed! The SUMILANG family --or at least father and mother--are now baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! My heart rejoices for their victories and blessings yet to come. Not to mention the love that I feel emanating from so many whose great generosity I do not deserve. Where is all this goodness coming from?!?!? From a loving Heavenly Father, that's who!

So you know, the Tolentino family is still doing very well!!!! This week, the parents and their second oldest accepted a baptismal date for May 11 and we're still trying to meet with the oldest to help her understand and receive our message as well. She's been busy with work, but her contract's about to end. They all came to church again yesterday! So many did, actually, and it was another very uplifting Sunday! I love Sundays. I love our ward so much. Thank you for your prayers and support! They're being heard and answered and definitely appreciated!

Time FLIES SO FAST! I can hardly believe we're here at a new transfer this coming Thursday. It's in sane. I hope you're going to Sis. Stromberg's homecoming! :D I was blessed to see her for a second because Sis. Hayden and I attended a meeting earlier while she was there at Buendia Chapel for going home stuff. I LOVE HER SO!

Rae, S. Hayden really wants to meet you because of all the good stuffs I've said about you! And her cousin is Lizzie Richards! Go figure, huh? She's a freshman at BYU from what I understand... small world!

I talked to Sis. Dietrich in the office this morning as she was emailing mom! Hi, Mom! Haha I hope she was able to answer your questions and help you get it figured out. For your information, I'm okay if we don't go to Palawan --even though it looks like and sounds like it's absolutely amazing-- because I don't know anyone there. We could spend a whole week just visiting the people I know and love and a few grand places close to or within my areas that I've never seen and spend less money and still have a blast! So, that's up to you. I'll let you decide. Grandpa doesn't need an adapter or anything. There's always been normal outlets in my apartment, which I'm sure they'd also have at any hotel or place we would stay. Tell him not to fret and give him a big hug and kiss for me!

Dad, thank you for the light which you have shared with me, which you have received from our Savior and His mouthpieces. Please know that you are that kind of instrument right now. You have no idea what good your last email did for me. I needed what you shared. It is so precious and true. I treasure those moments of revelation as you do and I appreciate that you felt and obeyed the prompting to share it with me. THANK YOU!

Mom, I want you to know what a shining example you are to me in the acceptance of and adjustment to change. You may feel slow and inadequate, but i guarantee you that you do much better than you realize. I have learned much from you in that regard. You are always one to say, "The only thing constant in life is change... Guess we better get used to it!" Haha and I've been so mabagal (slow) to accept that there may be things happening this next transfer that I don't want. Our area is splitting, which means only half of the wonderful people I adore so much will now be in my reach. Well, roughly half. Anyhow, it will be good. And I still pray I get to stay here, since there are so many changes and no guarantees. I know I'm still in the same apartment, but... Don't know about the rest. I just have been so unwilling to budge on my own desires, though I know His are far greater. That is a hard heart that I am desperately trying to soften. I know He'll help me out :)

By way of news, I'm training again! Pretty exciting and quite humbling, particularly to hear from President of his and the Lord's expectations. Wow. Sister Hayden is also training! She is so inspired and such a remarkable servant of the Lord. I've been --I hope-- forever changed by her goodness and example. If everyone could just be like Sister Hayden, we'd have a pretty incredibly Christ-like world!

Lou, your letter was bomb and so are you! You're so right! Dad's joke was AWESOME! I cracked up! Just like an egg :)

Aaron, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you know that! I'm going to read your email and respond sa bahay mamaya. ayos lang ba iyon sa iyo? Sorry, kiddo, naubos ko yung oras ko ngayon. Love the pics!

I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAN LIFE! And mom, that's a perfect hymn!

all my love, Sister RIchardson

Happy Easter!

Happy Monday/Sunday to you! HAPPY EASTER!

I hope you had a great one! We sure did :) It was rather miraculous, actually. 

On Thursday evening, we took a tricycle home (one of those crazy little cart things attached to a motorcycle. common vehicle of the Philippines). We got out at our apartment and I was getting the money to pay him when he asked us a question about what religion we were. This is a common question, so we answered, not thinking too much of it, but of course hoping that he might be receptive. To our surprise, he most definitely was. I felt a great calm come over me as I testified of simple truths to answer a few of the questions he had. Sister Hayden did the same. We only had maybe 2-3 minutes before we should be in our apartment and the Spirit guided us to say and ask the right things to make those few minutes meaningful. He opened up to tell us that he actually lost a child several years ago, at age six, to illness. We could see this had been a great struggle for him and we testified of God's eternal plan for families and how our message could help his family. He readily agreed to allow us to visit them. We went there on Saturday and were blessed to have 2 members with us whose testimonies were powerful and vital to the overall effect of that first lesson. Brother Tolentino committed to come to church the following day and bring his three children. When we extended the same invitation to Sister, she immediately declined, but we felt that over time that may change. She had mentioned a time or two how she doesn't just go to church just because others go. She wants to go on her own, when she wants to. 
Yesterday, sacrament meeting began and we were happy to see our few investigators who made it, but sad to see that Brother had not come. After uplifting talks of the Savior by the bishopric, we got up to leave to go to Gospel Essentials. Just then S. Hayden said excitedly, "Look, Sister! Brother Tolentino came!" There he was, standing in the back, being greeted by a member of the bishopric, with his WHOLE FAMILY :D Even Sister came!!!! To add to our excitement, we had a powerful lesson about the Atonement in Gospel Essentials and were spiritually fed. And in the last combined class, we talked about becoming self-reliant so that we can be neighbors, like the good Samaritan. They were so attentive and it was a great experience for them.
We go back to teach them tomorrow and we pray that their progress will continue as they receive the restored gospel and prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. 

I have been yearning to find a family that we can teach and baptize together for most of my mission! I know that God has prepared them and will help us find those He is preparing. 

I hope you know how blessed you are! I'm so so sooooo excited for General Conference! And you get it a week sooner than we do! But we'll have our fast sunday this coming week and that will be good to help us prepare. Please again pick some of your favorite things that helped or touched you most and I'll look for them :) THANK YOU!

Mom, that article by E. Teh is wonderful! And you know what??? HE'S OUR AREA PRESIDENT! hehee cool, huh? One temple day, I sat with Sister Stromberg on my left... And E. and Sis. Teh entered the session! Sis. Teh sat at my right! And it was SOOOOPER  cool! :D felt really special. They are very nice and strong people. Speaking of Stromberg, are you going to her homecoming??? She leaves in a week and I can hardly believe it! She turned one year when we were first companions. How time flies!

Who am I again in the ninja clan?? Haha I LOVE MY SIBLINGS~!!!!!

Mom... I'm so excited to really ponder on the things you've shared with me. Thank you so much! I wish that I were able to receive such divine direction in such a vivid and unforgettable way. I guess I do, but it's just different. 

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND INSIGHTS.... They are felt and answered, applied and appreciated. YOU"RE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!

SOrry i don't get to respond properly or wrap this up... i spent a little too much time story telling. Our God is still a God of miracles! Ether 12. I LOVE YOU ALL!

love your pics, Aaron! THank you!!!

Better next time, promise.

love sis. r