Sep 22: Del Rio!

Hola familia!

What a great week!

Monday and Tuesday were very busy! Sister S and I were running around trying to get a lot of things done at once to prepare to be transferred out of our area! There were many people to visit! We did our best to contact all of our investigators to make the transition of the new missionaries coming more smooth. It went well.

We had Sister B with us on Tuesday because her companion (who was actually my Sister Training Leader Companion- meaning we would plan and go on exchanges with the other sisters together, and while we were doing exchanges, our companions would be together) finished her mission and went home. Sister B is here for two transfers from temple square and she is incredible!

On Wednesday Morning we went to the church and I hopped on the "Border Bus" which is really just a very large van driven by missionaries!

We left around 9:30 am, and I arrived in Del Rio around 3 or 3:30pm, after making other stops to drop off missionaries and eating lunch at authentic super tacos. (spicy!)

My new companion is Hermana A! She was born and raised in Mexico, then later moved to California with her family. She is a native Spanish speaker and has helped me so much with my Spanish! She is an amazing, sincere, diligent missionary. Her humility and desire to learn and serve inspire me so much. I am so grateful for her. I am as happy as a missionary can be! (which is extremely happy). I love (LOVE!) speaking Spanish all the time and having the opportunity to teach in Spanish and English here!

Del Rio is a little town about... 45 minutes away from Mexico! We have two little branches here - one English and one Spanish. There are three sets of companions (Me and Sister A, the sisters we live with, and one set of Elders) and we all work in these two branches. We have the branches divided into three sections so we each stay in our little area. The closest other missionaries are in Eagle Pass (about an hour away). Eagle Pass (they have only 1 pair of sisters and maybe one or two pairs of elders), Del Rio, and Uvalde (the English area that is about an hour from Eagle Pass), plus Carrizo Springs (another hour or so away from Eagle Pass) make up the Border Zone!

It is a very different experience to be here, but I have never been more happy! Well, my whole mission has been tremendously happy!

We are in a very small town. More than one person has told us that it is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone's business. Haha! It is a very friendly place. We are teaching and meeting a lot of people!

On Sunday I attended my first church services in Spanish and I can't express how much I loved it! We attend 4 hours of church. First, Spanish Sacrament meeting, then we have Sunday school (English Branch and Spanish Branch have Sunday School and Relief Society at the same time- their primary and youth are combined English and Spanish), then Relief Society, and then English Sacrament Meeting! It was great! The Spanish branch is tiny! One of the Sisters that left when I came was the only piano player, so I've been chosen as the new pianist! I played piano in Sacrament meeting and that meant that we often had only one hand playing... But I was able to play both hands on a few songs! The members were happy just to have piano! In the Spanish Sacrament Meeting, the counselor who was conducting asked each of the new missionaries to come up and share their testimony. (Sister A gave us other missionaries a heads up that we would be asked to bear our testimony) I love the members of the Spanish branch so much! They are so warm and kind, and they help me with my Spanish! One of the sisters said she wants me to teach her Portuguese! Lots of love and lots of kisses on the cheek in that branch. I love it. Going from three hours of Spanish church into the English Sacrament meeting was a culture shock! The congregation was very large and we had a great pianist!! My brain was still trying to transition back into English so every time I met someone I wanted to say "Mucho Gusto" or "Hi Familia Judd". I felt like the gears in my brain were rustily turning slowly trying to switch to English! It was fun! The English Branch is also wonderful with lots of members that are so kind and willing to work with us!

On Saturday we taught two miracle lessons in Spanish! It was wonderful! My first time teaching real lessons (not just brief street contacts) in Spanish!

I feel extremely blessed. It is so interesting. When I was first learning Portuguese I had such a hard time dividing Spanish and Portuguese in my head. I prayed and practiced a lot and focused on just Portuguese. Before I knew it, it was very difficult to speak Spanish, especially without Portuguese words sprinkled throughout it. Right now, Spanish feels like the most natural thing in the world. I am learning so much every day and Sister A and I are working on being very diligent with our study. In the apartment she speaks English and I (sometimes) speak Portuguese - if not Portuguese then I always speak Spanish. When we leave the house we both speak all Spanish together. It is helping me so much! I know that the gift of tongues is real! Sister A was expressing that feeling to me too! We have both received so much help from the Lord in learning and speaking the languages He wants us to speak to help His people.

I really can't express how wonderful it is to serve here with Hermana A (Ella es una angel!)

Todo esta muy bien. Me siento tan feliz.

Que le vaya muy bien esta semana!

Con amor,

  Hermana Greenall

Sep 15: Transfers

Hello family!

What a great week!

A is doing so well! We had a wonderful lesson with her and her boyfriend Al. The sign language interpreter that came this time, Sister C, is great! I feel such a connection to A.

We received transfer calls last night! It was a big surprise for us. We both expected my companion Sister S would be leaving! But we were shocked to hear that I am also leaving! It is a double out! I will be going to the Border (not sure where yet.) All I know is that I will meet at the church on Wednesday to ride in the van down to the border. Changes are happening! Sister S will be finishing the training of a new missionary and so will I. Sister S will do great!!

If you would like to send a letter this week, perhaps it is best to send it to the Mission Office:

404 E. Ramsey Rd. #105
San Antonio, TX 78216

It is hard to leave our precious area and all of these people who we love with all our hearts!! But we are confident that the next missionaries who come in will take good care of them- after all, they are TSAMmers! (Texas San Antonio Mission missionaries!)

The Lord is truly doing His work. God works in mysterious ways - but His ways are wonderful, beautiful, miraculous! If we can get past the initial fear, heartache, tears, frustration of His plan unfolding, and open our eyes and hearts to His Will, we will begin to see how marvelously He does His work!!

I love this gospel! I love this work! I love the Lord!

I love the TSAM - the missionaries and the people here. I love the privilege it is to be a double assigned missionary! I love how the Lord has shaped me as I have "pushed against the rock" (Dad!) He has taught me lessons that I couldn't have learned in other ways. Today I was thinking about how grateful I am for the miracle the Lord has worked in my life this past year. After a year of praying and pleading, the Lord has not yet changed my physical location (although He HAS worked miracles in the visa process!), but He has truly changed me. And that is a far greater miracle than anything I could ever ask for. He has changed my heart, strengthened me, taught me, lifted me.

I was very touched by this line from President Slaughter's email today: "The message of the Restoration is not what you say–it is who you are. It is your faith; it is your testimony, your goodness, your passion. Who you are speaks volumes more than what you say. It is how you live, how you talk, how you walk. And the more you allow the gospel to change you, the greater the message you become to the world."

Have a wonderful week. The Lord trusts us. He loves us!

All in!

Sister E. Greenall

 

 

Sep 8: All in!

Dearest Family,

Another great week in San Antonio!

This week has been great. Missionary work is hard, but so rewarding. Even when the rewards are not instant or even visible, there is such satisfaction in knowing that the Lord is pleased with what we are doing. I have taken Sister Slaughter's counsel to heart: Seek approval from above, not from below or around.

Each companionship is different. Some are easier than others, but I know that the Lord is teaching me important principles in every situation on the mission. I've realized that the Lord is so aware of the details of our lives that when we win (with His help) even the smallest of battles - like remaining calm and patient in frustrating or stressful situations - He is pleased. I am grateful for his all-encompassing understanding and love.

We had two exchanges this week! I am inspired by these sisters. The more I get to know different missionaries, the more I realize that each one has a unique challenge. What impresses me so much is that these challenges often remain unseen by others (except a companion perhaps, and sometimes not even a companion knows about the individual struggles). When I look around at these missionaries, I see disciples of Christ who are building their foundations upon Him, and upon nothing else. I know that when He is our foundation, we can successfully build joyful and peace-filled lives. We can become true disciples of Him and with His help can accomplish anything He asks us to do.

Directly after the exchange with a few sisters we exchanged with our STLLs (Sister Training Leader Leaders). Sister B and Sister J are examples to me of TRUE leaders. They are elevators!!! They lift everyone around them - their companions, the sisters they serve, those they teach, the members, etc.

Thursday was my 1 year mark! It has been the fastest, most wonderful year of my life.

On Wednesday night, right before our year mark, Sister Th (we were in the same MTC district and are both in the TSAM) received her visa! What a miracle! I am so grateful for that blessing and so happy for her! I have also been experiencing miracles. Over and over again I receiving feelings of peace and comfort, that even though I can't see what directions things are going in (concerning my visa and mission), the Lord is taking care of things.

We had MLC (Mission Leadership Counsel) on Friday. During lunch, Sister S, Sister T, and I sat with the Slaughter family! We were walking by and President Slaughter said, "Join us!" Their 14 year old daughter, told us about the missionary work she is doing with her teacher and how her teacher came to church and loved it! I told President Slaughter, "President Slaugther, I have been dying to talk with you!" He said, "Really! What about?" I said, "I want to be a TSAMmer!" He said, "It was your year mark this week, wasn't it!" All week I had been expecting him to pull me aside at MLC and talk to me about being reassigned - and I was so excited to hear those words!! But to my surprise, he said, "Let's give it one more week." He has so much faith and confidence. He also explained to me that only the Brethren decide if I will be reassigned or will continue to wait for my visa. Everything is done through inspiration. What comfort! After MLC was over, I had a few more minutes to talk with President Slaughter. I am so grateful for he and Sister Slaughter! How I admire and look up to them! The time he took to talk with me and listen to my concerns meant so much to me. He is filled with faith and that has given me comfort and confidence throughout my mission.

I love this work. I look forward so much to continue serving in Texas or Brazil. I know that God has a marvelous and beautiful plan for each of us. His plan for my mission and life is far greater than any plan I could ever make!

Have a wonderful week! Thank you for your prayers and support. The power of your prayers does so much for missionaries!

Love,

Sister Erica Greenall

Sep 1: ASL and Exchanges

Hi Family!

What a miracle week! I am going to keep it really brief since the other sisters are waiting for us to go to El Mercado today!

We are seeing miraculous growth in our teaching pool. Our number of progressing investigators has increased drastically! I went on two exchanges this week. I love working with these sisters! I am learning so much! As President Slaughter says, "Any calling is a call to repentance!" The Lord is teaching me how to repent! I am grateful!

On Saturday we met a new investigator, A! She is deaf! We met her while walking around an apartment complex! I was able to use the little ASL I know to teach her the Restoration and share the Book of Mormon. After explaining the Book of Mormon and asking if she would like to read it, she signed to me that she would, and that she likes this book!

Later I realized that we had made a return appointment with her but had forgotten to invite her to church!

So we rode our bikes back over, I kicked her door (Before my mission when I went out with the sisters, one of the ASL sisters had told me that that is what you are supposed to do when knocking at a deaf person's home... and it worked!) and a man answered! He was also deaf. A, who we had met earlier joined us, and we invited them both to church! They wanted to come but asked if they could get a ride somehow. So we told them that we would find a friend who could pick them up tomorrow at 12:30 and who knew ASL.

...a very specific promise! (We had no idea who it would be, but we took a step of faith!)

The next day A came to church, she got a ride from one of the members who is in the singles ward who is learning to be a certified ASL interpreter, and we even had another sister there to help with interpretation. That was one of my favorite ever sacrament meetings. It was an incredible testimony meeting and fast Sunday.

Miracles are everywhere!

I love this work. I LOVE being in the TSAM. I love this gospel!!! I love the peace that fills our lives as we become more fully converted to Christ.

I love y'all!

-Sister E. Greenall

The Yellow Rose of Texas at El Mercado

Aug 25: Week 2 of Transfer 2 in Castle Hills

Oi Familia!

We have seen many miracles this week. We have been blessed with many people to teach. We are finding new investigators and several are progressing!

We went on exchanges this week and I had the opportunity to serve with Hermana R here in Castle Hills for the day! Hermana R is from El Salvador, so I got to practice lots of Spanish and Portuguese with her. We had lot of appointments and had a great time!

We had Zone Training and Interviews with President Slaughter on Friday- both were great!

On Friday we had dinner with the W Family, and they gave me a bike to use! (Sister S and I are trying to conserve miles!) We took the bus one day, and on Saturday we biked! It was a nice hot, biking day! (Gave me a very big appreciation to all those biking missionaries! I was thinking, "Sister Danica Greenall gets to do this every day in the Texas sun!!")

This morning I was reading from President Monson's last conference talk "Love - The Essence of the Gospel."

In his talk he quoted Spencer W. Kimball, "We must remember that those mortals we meet in parking lots, offices, elevators, and elsewhere are that portion of mankind God has given us to love and to serve. It will do us little good to speak of the general brotherhood of mankind if we cannot regard those who are all around us as our brothers and sisters."

President Monson also said, "Beyond comprehension, my brothers and sisters, is the love of God for us. Because of this love, He sent His Son, who loved us enough to give His life for us, that we might have eternal life. As we come to understand this incomparable gift, our hearts will be filled with love for our Eternal Father, for our Savior, and for all mankind."

I love that promise that as we come to understand the gift of God's Son, our hearts will be filled with

1.) love for our Eternal Father

2.) love for our Savior
3.) love for all mankind

I know that love truly is the essence of the gospel. I know that we are surrounded by those around us for a purpose. God loves His children (that's us!). Jesus Christ lives and loves us! We are brothers and sisters!

I hope y'all have another superb week!

Love,

Sister E. Greenall

Aug 18: Tudo Bem!

Oi Familia!

Another great week!

I have some pictures I want to send if I can figure out this computer!

We are seeing miracles each day!

We had a Sister Training Leader meeting on Thursday that was so helpful. It was great to be with those sisters and to learn from them. I was surrounded by people I love! All three of my trainers were there, as well as my trainee, Sister T! I am inspired by the missionaries around me here in the TSAM.

We brought new ward missionaries and recent converts, A and G (a married couple) to our lesson with R this week. Their testimonies and fellowship made all the difference! I have a testimony of the importance of members in missionary work!

We have met several new and incredible people! We are hoping to continue teaching them and to help them progress to baptism!

On Saturday Ar was baptized! It was a wonderful day. Saturday was a miracle-filled day. We have a recent convert in the ward who lives very close to us (she was married recently to a return missionary). She comes out with us a lot and came to 3 lessons with us on Saturday!

Ar's baptism was wonderful! He is such a great guy and I am so happy to see him begin the path back to his Heavenly Father. Brother Z, our ward mission leader, conducted the service, and Brother G, our ward mission leader assistant, baptized Ar. On Sunday Ar was confirmed by another member of our ward.

What an incredible week. There are miracles all around!

As I was reading Pregar Meu Evangelho (Preach My Gospel) during language study this week, a quote really struck me. I wrote it down and put it by my desk.

"There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord's children" (PMG pg 12, President Lorenzo Snow

I know this gospel is true. I love this work!

Love y'all!

Have a great week!

Sister E Greenall

PS: We ate lunch with the T family this week. He is from American Samoa and she is from Hawaii! There home is so filled with Aloha! They are the sweetest and they remind me of being at BYUH.

 

Aug 11: The Good Ol' TSAM

From Erica's Mom:  Thank you for all of your prayers on behalf of Sister Erica Greenall and her visa.  As of last Friday, my hopes for Erica's visa were dimmed as I was told by the church travel department that in checking on the status of her FBI clearance letter, that it was mailed by the FBI to our California address and that I would need to track it down when it arrived there.  So I spent the weekend contacting friends in California to find out who the current occupants of our old house are and how to contact them.  Then we had a miracle today, when the church travel agent let me know that the FBI clearance letter was received by their office today and he would be resubmitting her visa package again asap.  Thank you for your prayers! :)

 

Also, in an email last week, Sister Greenall ask if I could go through her clothes at home and see if any were mission appropriate as she really needed some new clothes and needed a more professional look now that she is a Sister Training Leader but hadn't been able to squeeze in any time to go shopping.  I looked through her clothes and found nothing that would work so I was able to find a few simple mix and match outfits at Walmart and put them in the mail (with the receipt in case they did not work)...luckily they actually fit AND she actually likes them.  There is two more missionary miracles for the week. :) (see photo below)
 

 

Reply from Sister Erica Greenall:

Mom!!! I cannot thank you enough for your email and for the package you sent and for everything! You are always so encouraging and supportive. THANK YOU!! The clothes you sent are perfect. Thank you!! I am enjoying them and it is SO nice to have new clothes to wear and believe it or not, the skirts and shirts and shrugs are much more cool and summer friendly than what I have been wearing, so thank you!! I now feel like a more dignified missionary :) 

 

 

 

Hello!

I was so happy reading y'alls emails that I finished and was about to log off when I realized I hadn't even sent out an email!

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement.

Every week in the mission is a week of miracles.

Ar passed his baptismal interview this week and will be getting baptized next Saturday!

Some of the biggest miracles I have seen this week have been priesthood blessings.

The authority and power to act in Christ's name has been restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith by John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John.

I know that this power is real!

It is an incredible thing to see someone receive a blessing of healing or comfort for the first time who has never before had first-hand experience with that power. (Or even seen or known about the true priesthood authority!)

The gospel is true! This is Christ's church! The Book of Mormon is truly the word of God. Everything we do and teach in Christ's church comes from the fullness of the gospel as revealed in the Book of Mormon and through the prophet Joseph Smith.

Covenants are essential. God fulfills His promises to those who keep their covenants.

Jesus Christ lives and knows us!

People are prepared to receive the message of the restored gospel! As we strive to be part of the Lord's work - to be instruments for Him - we will be led to those people and they will be led to us! We had one of those experiences last night as a man came up to us and asked if we were ministering! We shared the message of the Restoration with him and as he prayed before we left, he thanked God for leading him to us!

I love being a missionary and I love this work!

All in!

Love,

  Sister Greenall



 

Aug 4: Another Great Week in San Antonio!

 

Hello all!

It has been a wonderful week.

Sister S and I will be staying here in Castle Hills B for another transfer!

I have learned so much this week!

At Mission Leadership Council, Sister Slaughter did a training (she is incredible!) about how she does her personal study.

1.) Read Straight Through the Story. Get the Flow and Feel of it
2.) Write down ALL the questions that came to mind or that you have about the segment
3.) Study it through the "eyes of the Restoration"

We did an example study about Noah and why the earth needed to be flooded. I learned so much! We first read the story from the Bible, then wrote down our questions, and studied the same story but in Moses, in the Pearl of Great Price. The world believes that the world was flooded because the people had become so wicked. Which is true! -But there is much more! We learn this through the eyes of the Restoration!

At Mission Leadership Council, we had so much incredible training. We have a lot of missionaries going home this transfer! Several of them were at the meeting and did training. All of the missionaries who were going home bore their testimony at the end of MLC. They were asked to share the "pearl" of their mission - just one thing they had learned. It was so inspiring to hear all of the different pearls and to be surrounded by such powerful missionaries. They are all examples to me, and I hope to be like them someday! The pearls were everything from "Now I KNOW that my Savior lives." to "Progression" to "I've learned to TRUST in the Lord." to "My Heavenly Father loves me." to "REPENTANCE."

I left feeling thoroughly uplifted and chastened, as I always do at those meetings! It was great!

I loved what one sister said, "Repentance isn't something I do morning and night when I get on my knees. Every single minute of my mission has been repentance."

All of these pearls got me thinking - if I were leaving my mission tomorrow, what would I share as the "pearl" of my mission?

Two things came to mind.

1.) "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"

2.) God loves broken things.

Before leaving on my mission, I chose D&C 18:15 as kind of a theme for my mission. Over the past 11 months of my mission, I have come more than ever to know that this promise is true! God is always aware of the one. When we go after the one, and bring them to the fold, the joy is indescribable.

God LOVES broken things! Starting at the MTC, I have noticed that every time I am among missionaries who are bearing powerful testimonies, I can look around and see that everyone of them has become broken in some way. When we are broken, Christ can fix us and make us a little better, and a little better. Every time we are broken, we gain a few more cracks, and when we are put back together, a little more of Christ's light can shine through us.

D&C 56:18

"But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance..."

One more pearl: THE RESTORATION! As President taught, we know can see "the kingdom of God" when we can recognize that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly Christ's church - the Kingdom of God on the earth. When we have broken hearts we can see so much more! I left MLC with a longing to be broken.

A sister in the ward said something during testimony meeting that really touched me. She said, "Their (Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's) love is not to be comprehended, but to be enjoyed."

I love this gospel. I know that it is true! The Restoration is real!! It was prophesied of anciently by prophets in the Bible and Book of Mormon! I have been studying the prophecies that were made of the Restoration. There are more and more as I really begin to dig in!

When Joseph Smith was 14 years old, he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ! Through Joseph Smith, the FULLNESS of Christ's gospel was RESTORED to the Earth! The priesthood authority - the authority to act in Christ's name with HIS power - was restored to Joseph Smith by John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John!

I love being a missionary! I love the gospel!

I hope you all are well and have a GREAT week!

Love,

Sister Greenall

Jul 28: Miracles in Castle Hills

Oi, tudo o mundo!

It was a great week in Castle Hills. Sister S and I are seeing miracles each day here!

This past Wednesday we got to go on exchanges with the Sister Training Leader Leaders! I went to the Sonterra area with Hermana C. Hermana C was one of my very first Sister Training Leaders when I was a brand new missionary! Before Wednesday, my last exchange with her was when I was still being trained! Now Hermana C only has a few weeks of her mission left. Time flies!! It was an incredible exchange. I loved every minute of it and learned so much from her. It was so helpful! I feel like I am more prepared to serve the sisters I get to work with, as well as prepared to be a better companion and better missionary.

I admire Hermana C so much! One thing she said (from President Slaughter) that really struck me is, "It is more important to magnify your companion than it is to magnify your calling." More important than magnifying yourself as senior companion, or junior companion, or training leader, or trainer, or district leader, or anything, is to magnify your companion and their calling. I think this applies to almost any relationship! I hope to learn more of these skills on my mission.

Dad, I enjoyed the talk you sent by Ezra Taft Benson about "President Kimball's Vision of Missionary Work." In order to increase convert baptisms we must ...

1.) Learn the sacredness of saving souls.
2.) Increase our Personal Faith
3.) Set Personal Convert Baptism Goals
4.) Be Urgent. Actively engage ourselves in member missionary work.

I like this pattern. I think it could be used for setting many different kinds of goals.

1.) learn importance- (learn the doctrine/the "why")
2.) increase your faith in the principle
3.) Set a personal goal
4.) get to work and be urgent about it!

Our investigator, Ar, is doing wonderfully! We have taught him 4 or 5 times now, and he has a date for August 16th! He came to church for the first time yesterday (a member gave him a ride) and it went very well! I feel confident that he will be baptized. He is such a kind man and has a humility and genuinity about him that inspire me.

We met a new investigator this week named Al! He went down a rough path, found himself in trouble, and now is a completely different person. He is very open and has enjoyed meeting with us and learning. We did some contacting at the park that night - there were so many people there! I've been using Spanish a lot in this area. Our area has lots and lots of Spanish! We have 2 sets of Spanish elders whose areas overlap with ours, so we give lots of referrals back and forth when we meet someone Spanish-speaking or when they meet someone English-speaking.

I forgot to mention this last week, but one night we were at dinner with a sweet sister from the ward named Sister B. She is the kindest lady! I really admire her! She has so much light coming from her, and I hope to be like her someday!

Her table is one of those little ones with extenders on both sides. (you pull the side up and secure the little poles underneath it. Not sure if that makes sense...) We were finishing a lovely dinner at her little table, when I bumped the table or something, and the whole side of the table by me collapsed! I ended up with a bowls worth of green beans on my lap and ice water every where. Sister S couldn't stop laughing! And Sister B is just the sweetest! She chuckled and chuckled. That night Sister B said, "Why is it that you two are so easy to talk to? I am just so glad you came for dinner!" She then continued to scoop us huge bowls of ice cream! She said, "If it won't offend you, I'll use these big bowls!.. I'm just trying to save you another trip to get seconds!"

This week in my studies I have read some from Jacob 5. What stands out to me is the persistence of the Lord in saving his trees. After doing all he can, over and over and over and over again, he sees that the fruit still isn't good, he weeps, and he asks, "What could I have done more for my vineyard?" (verse 41). I know that the Savior truly is that way. He works and works and works for our Salvation. He has given everything to help us and provide a way for us! And yet, when some of the people he loves do not accept his help, he cries, and asks, "What more could I have done?" I hope that I can develop this attitude as I serve his people throughout my life. I hope that I can have the perspective to never cast unrighteous judgment, or to just give up on anyone or anything the Lord asks me to do. I hope that I can be filled with his love and continue in his labor until the work is finished.

I am so grateful for this gospel. I know with all of my heart that Jesus Christ lives! I know that He alone is our Savior. Only His grace and His mercy can save us. I know that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the only true church on the earth! It is Christ's church! I know that baptism is essential. It is the entrance of the path to eternal life! I know that as we participate in missionary work, even in small and simple ways, the Lord is pleased, and our lives will be filled with more peace and more joy.

I hope y'all have a super week! Thanks for your love, prayers, and support!

-Sister E. Greenall

Jul 21: Castle Hills

Hi family and friends!

It was an incredible week in Castle Hills.

We spent a lot of time at apartment complexes this week, contacting and seeking those who are prepared to accept the restored gospel. At one complex, we walked by a group of kids sitting at a picnic table. They said, "What are those cards you are giving people?" We showed them our pass along cards, with pictures of Christ and the temple. They said, "Can we have one??" They all wanted one! They really looked at the pictures and loved them. Later, my companion asked me, "Do you think kids see Christ when they look at us?" I thought that was an incredible question. I've noticed over and over again on my mission that kids smile when they see us! They wave and smile, and want to talk to us! I know that young children truly are innocent and that in order to become Christ-like, we must become child-like.

We had Zone Conference on Tuesday! I learned so much! My favorite training was President Slaughter's first training, about who we really are. I didn't know that when our lineage is declared in our Patriarchal Blessings that we literally have that blood in us! I always figured we were adopted into certain tribes. But President Slaughter corrected that common misconception. When we are told what our lineage is, we literally have that blood within us. "The Blood of Israel is flowing through our vains!" He talked a lot about the scattering and gathering of Israel. Wow! I need to study that more.

A miracle this week:

We went to an apartment complex to visit Ar again. He wasn't home, but as we were walking around, a woman far down the walk way, at the front of the complex, caught my eye. We went over to talk to her. She was in an electric wheelchair, parked in front of a little part of the sidewalk where it went up (like a tiny driveway, but sidewalk version). We asked if we could do anything for her. She said something along the lines of, "Can you push me up the hill?" We said of course! She told us her battery had died. Once we got up the little hill, it was clear that her battery was not going to get her back home. It was completely dead, and her apartment was on the other side of the complex. Because it was an electric wheelchair, it was heavy, and even though she could walk a little with something to lean on, she would not have made it all the way to her apartment. We were able to push her along until we got there, and were able to plug her chair in at her apartment. She was so grateful. It was touching to me to see how aware Heavenly Father is of His children. We were not able to see Ar that day, or even meet any others who were particularly interested, but Heavenly Father wanted us there to help one of His daughters who needed a boost. In Preach My Gospel we learn that visiting teachers are basically missionaries for members, and that missionaries are basically visiting or home teachers for nonmembers! I love this, and I know that it is true! This sweet lady did not have a visiting teacher, but Heavenly Father quickly called a couple to her to give her a hand. God is a merciful, loving, and very aware Father.

We got to drop by the C Family's home this week. They are the family in the ward that is from Brazil! I got to do a little bit of language practice with Sister C and the two little girls (8 and 6). It was wonderful.

On Friday and Saturday, I got to go on an exchange. During the exchange we had dinner with a family who had 3 sons and 2 daughters. During the meal I felt like I should ask the oldest, R, about his plans for a mission. I asked how old he was, and when he said 18, I said, "Wow, you could go on your mission soon!" He smiled and kind of laughed. He said, "That's a whole big thing!" And started talking about how he was still trying to decide and it was a big thing for his family right now. It was obvious that his parents knew that going on a mission would be the right thing for him, but that they wanted him to be able to make his own decision.

I've had a couple of times on my mission where suddenly a reason for me being somewhere became very clear. I had that with M once in my last area, when it became very clear to me that if I didn't let her know that drinking was not ok in God's eyes, I would not be fulfilling my purpose as one of Christ's servants.

At that moment with that sweet family, I began to feel very strongly that if there was anything I could do or say to help R make the decision to serve a mission, then it was my responsibility to do it right then.

As we finished eating, I felt impressed to share D&C 18:15 as well as little parts of Brother M's story. Throughout the dinner message, Brother and Sister T got tears in their eyes, and the kids were all quietly listening. I finished with my testimony that any sacrifice is worth just one soul in God's eyes. I promised R that he would never regret serving his mission. I could tell he felt that that promise was not just from me, and his parents both had tears in their eyes. As we left, they thanked us so sincerely, with light in their eyes, and smiles on their faces. They sent us home with a whole bottle of root beer and dinner left overs in bags.

There are moments when you can tell that someone is seeing you not for yourself. I cannot explain how humbled I feel in those moments when I can see that someone is looking at me and seeing a representative of Jesus Christ. That dinner experience was one of those moments.

We have a lot of Spanish speaking in my area.

We tried to meet Ar again later in the week. He was not home, but we realized we had never gone to the 2nd floor of the complex before. We went up and after knocking a few, we met F. She was a young woman/teenager, open to our message, but there was a woman in the background at the kitchen table who looked unhappy. There was also a little girl (about 6) who came to the door and smiled up at us. F was open, but when she went back and asked the woman if we could come in, the answer was no. But she said we could share it there in the doorway. She told us she was sorry we couldn't come in, but that her mom wasn't feeling well and only spoke Spanish. I told her we could speak some Spanish. F told us that her mom's mother was passing away. We told her we had a message that could bring comfort. She went back and told her mom, but when she came back, she said we could just teach her there at the doorstep. We pulled out the restoration pamphlet, and after just the first picture of Christ, F's mother called her back and talked to her. F asked us, "So you speak some Spanish?" We said yes. F said, "She said you could come share." So we went in and joined the woman at the table. She looked so sad and began to explain to us in Spanish that her mother was very ill and could be dying, but was all the way in Mexico. She sobbed as she told us that she is praying for her mom, and she has faith, but that she just doesn't know what is going to happen. She explained that she cannot go to Mexico because it is so dangerous in the city where they lived - that is why they came to the U.S.

I was able to share a simple Plan of Salvation lesson with her and her two daughters. R, the little girl, brought water bottles and gum and put them on the table in front of us as we were teaching. The mother, D, cried as she listened to my broken spanish with lots of portuguese mixing in. Even though it was not eloquent at all, I could tell that she felt the power of the message of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation. She cried as she learned about the Spirit World and the chance to receive the gospel after this life for those who have not learned about it. We asked if the Spanish missionaries could come back to teach them more. She gave us her phone number and said yes. Before we left, we prayed, and R smiled and gave Sister S and I each a big hug and said, "Thank you for helping my mom!"

The Spanish Elders went back that night and met D's family, including her husband who had been away when we were there. Things are going very well.

Every day is filled with miracles. God is truly aware of the simple and small parts of our lives and the lives of all of His children. He loves us so deeply and understands what we need to be comforted and what we need to progress towards our eternal potential. I am grateful for a loving Father and I am grateful for a Savior who succors, understands, and refines me.

I hope you all have another wonderful week!

Love,

Sister Greenall


The North Zone!  In the middle is President Slaughter with his daughter.

 

Jul 14: Milagres Cada Dia!

Oi Familia!

Have you seen the new scriptures video? I was so surprised when it was shown in gospel principles! I didn't even know this video was being made or anything! https://www.lds.org/scriptures/heritage?lang=eng#video

This week was another great one! Last Monday evening we met a man named Au! We were trying to visit a less active member, but it turns out we met his brother instead! The original person we were trying to meet and his brother had moved in. He is a nice man who is on house arrest, so he cannot leave his house to come to church or anything! A neat experience was that as we were testifying of the Book of Mormon and were trying to give it to him, he was open, but would sway between being open and interested, to being doubtful and bringing up arguments. I had the impression, "Put the Book of Mormon away, and if he asks for it, give it to him."

We finished up our doorstep lesson and were going to leave with a prayer, when he said, "I will take that book" and pointed to my purse. So we gave it to him and set a return appointment to follow up on his reading.

We went back on Saturday with two members from our ward, a recent convert named J and Sister G from the Relief Society Presidency. It went well. He had read the Intro and the testimonies and accepted another return appointment. "I'll be here. I can't leave, so I will definitely be here!"

We met a nice couple after that on the same street or a street nearby. They were sitting in their front yard and we asked if we could share a message about Christ. They listened to the Restoration and they already had very strong faith and belief in Christ. When we got to the apostasy, the man got a bit argumentative and started quoting bible scriptures. I felt prompted to just skip to the First Vision. We shared that which brought the Spirit back. We testified of the Book of Mormon, and they accepted a copy and the invitation to read. It seems like suddenly the husband realized he was starting to believe what we were saying, so he kind of snapped himself out of it and said, "Well if I were to read it, it would just be to argue. So I don't want to waste your time." He handed it back to us and then his wife gently took it back out of my hand, saying to him, "Well, at least let me read it!" We could tell during the lesson that she had been very touched by the Spirit.

That was a neat experience to me, as well as the one with Au, of the power of the Book of Mormon. When people are in tune and open to the spirit, they can begin to feel that the Book of Mormon is true before even opening it!

We have been meeting with a less active member, P. It seems like she was just waiting to have someone reach out! She loves the gospel and knows it is true! She and her husband were both converted, baptized, and then sealed in the temple. After that they had some questions and weren't quite sure where to turn for answers. The ward they were in also got split into two wards, and they eventually became less active. It reminds me how important it is to focus on the daily simple things- scripture study, prayer, asking questions and seeking answers, talking to church leaders. She loves the gospel and still has a testimony. I'm inspired by her determination to make things right with the Lord and become active again. A miracle is that her husband said to her (seemingly out of the blue) that he wants to come back to church. She had wanted to, but he hadn't shown any desire to. Before he always said he knew it was true, but that he didn't want any contact at all from the Church.

We received a referral from a member in another ward this week. We met with her on Saturday. Her name is Ju and she is great!! We are so excited to keep teaching her. She has wonderful questions and a very open mind. Member missionary work is so powerful!

Our investigator, Ra, came to a baptism for another ward on Saturday night. That was great! He is catholic and when he noticed that the baptism was done by complete immersion in the water he said he liked it and that it was "old fashion". I liked that! It is definitely old fashion - so old fashion that it is the exact way God intended for us to be baptized since before Adam even came to earth!

We saw so many miracles yesterday. Church was wonderful!

We had made plans to spend a lot of time on Blanco street. It is very long and has lots of apartment complexes. We made a list of potential investigators and less active members to visit. Before we could even knock the first two doors we were looking for at the first complex, we met a young man named Jo. We asked if we could share a message about Christ (he had a huge smile on when we met him) and he said, "That's actually what we were just doing! I just met Tim and he is sharing all sorts of things that he learned with me!! He is blowing my mind! You're going to love this! Let me ask them." So we went upstairs with him to Tim and Ginger's house! They were very nice and welcomed us in! They had been having a huge discussion about the gospel. Tim and Ginger had found many questions and inconsistencies with different churches and even their own previous beliefs. So, having faith in the promise that if we seek we will find, Tim started studying - a lot! As they began to tell us about what they were learning, they mentioned little tidbits about the apostasy and the need for restoration, and how we need to use the Spirit to discern from right and wrong, etc, etc. It was unreal! They were talking about all of these things and the Light of Christ, but just without putting the exact names to all of them. We started with a prayer and shared the message of the Restoration. Jo was practically jumping up and down saying, "it all fits together!!!!" Tim was also very open, although we could tell he is one who needs to study more for himself and seriously ponder and pray before getting too excited. Tim had met with Elders before and read some of the Book of Mormon (he still had his and knew exactly where it was), but the elders had stopped meeting with him because of all his questions. (It seems a lot of his questions were about archeaelogical evidence and about how there weren't cows in the ancient Americas, etc). But by the end of the lesson, they all committed to read from the Book of Mormon and we set up return appointments and they gave us their phone numbers.

Angels are literally preparing the hearts of God's children to receive the message of the Restoration!

After that we went down stairs to try the door of the less active members we were originally looking for. She was sitting outside smoking and before we even realized she was the person we were looking for, she looked up and said, "oh! oh! You caught me!"

They invited us inside and really opened up to us about how they were going through hard times. A scripture came to mind and we were able to share a message with them that addressed their needs.

I am learning on my mission what it means for our faith and our diligence to be constant. While we are being blessed with so many miracles, I know that my faith and diligence should not be dependent on miracles. I am grateful for the opportunity to be refined and taught and to serve the wonderful people here in Texas.

Oh! At church on Sunday I got to meet the Brazilian converts! They are moving back to Brazil in 2 weeks! I walked up and got to speak Portuguese to them! They were surprised and were so excited to find out I am going to Brazil! They said we can come visit them this coming week to practice Portuguese. I've only met about 6 Brazilians, but I feel connected to them. Texans and Brazilians are special people! I love being here and serving. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and has been Restored!

Love,

Sister Greenall

Jul 7: Castle Hills

Hi Family!

Remember when I sent out an email last week with my new address? Please disregard that one!

I was emergency transferred and have a new address! (Don't worry if you sent something to the other address. Sister M said she would forward whatever came)

My new area is Castle Hills B and my address is

 

(Email me if you want Erica's direct address - Christine.greenall@gmail.com)

you can also always use the mission office address:

Sister Erica Greenall

Texas San Antonio Mission
404 E. Ramsey Road #105
San Antonio, TX 78216

It has been an exciting week!

On Tuesday we had an exchange with the Sisters in Castle Hills (San Antonio). It was my first exchange as a Sister Training Leader. I got to work with Sister S (turns out we have the same first name!). She is on her second transfer in the mission field and in Castle Hills!

On Wednesday we met up with the other sisters to switch back and then Sister M and I headed to our district meeting.

After district meeting, Sister M discussed the exchange as we were driving. While talking to Sister M, I found out the sister that she had been with (Sister S's companion) was going through an extremely difficult time. Part of what was adding to that was the extra stress of training a new missionary and leading out an area.

Sister M and I both became extremely concerned about the situation and felt impressed to call President. Interestingly enough, while talking we both had the strong impression that there needed to be a switch.

We called President Slaughter and that day we had an emergency transfer. I went to Castle Hills to be with Sister S, and Sister S's companion went to Leon Springs to be with Sister M there. I think it has been very good for all of us.

The next day, Thursday, I was able to attend my first MLC (Mission Leadership Council) meeting. It was a really wonderful experience. I admire so much President and Sister Slaughter and the incredible missionaries in this mission. I learned a lot at the meeting and hope to be a better example of the principles we discussed.

We have been meeting a lot of people here and the members are wonderful!

On Saturday night we had a lesson with an investigator named Ra. Brother and Sister T from the ward were going to accompany us to a different lesson before Ra's, but the man we had an appointment with was not there, so they came with us to Ra's lesson instead.

When we got there, Ra introduced us to his family that was visiting. He introduced us to his sister in law, and she said to me, "I know you!" ...I recognized her but was confused with the recent switches. I asked her, "Did we meet in Austin?" She said, "Leon Springs!" Then I remembered walking down the streets with Sister M and meeting her in the garage! She was a nice woman who only spoke Spanish so we shared a pass a long card with her and spoke some spanish with her.

She joined us for the lesson and it turns out that Brother T who came with us served in Mexico, so when my spanish was turning into Portuguese, he was able to translate for us! Ra's first language is Spanish, but he is trying to learn English, so he only reads in English and tries to only speak English.

We taught the Plan of Salvation. It was a special lesson. By the end, we asked D if she would like us to pass her contact info to the sisters in Leon Springs (both of them speak spanish!). At first she said no, but then we asked if she would like a Spanish Book of Mormon. We thought we had one in our car, but it turns out we had brought it into our apartment earlier. So we asked if the other sister missionaries could bring one to her and she happily agreed.

It was so nice to meet the members on Sunday! It was kind of a long week with a lot of changes and different things going on...so Sister S had to ask me during Sacrament meeting, "Are you awake?" I was trying really hard.

When we had dinner with the T Family that night, we shared the new ward mission plan with them. (We have been doing a lot of member visits to implement the new ward mission plan!) They told us about several of their friends that they would like to invite to hear from the missionaries. After we prayed and were walking out the door, Brother T said he had a friend from Brazil that lived down the street! So we will be visiting him soon! Hooray! We've been searching for the Brazilians in Texas!

Also, Sunday night we met with Ad and Ha. They are newly married. Ha is a recent convert and Ad is a returned missionary from Brazil! So we got to share the ward mission plan with them. Ha feels like she really wants help with the basics so we are going to re-teach the lessons to her. Ad helped me with my Portuguese. I prayed in Portuguese to open the meeting and he closed by praying in Portuguese. He also talked to me in Portuguese a bit and told me about his mission in Brazil.

All is well here in Texas! The work is so good!

In my studies I have started Preach My Gospel over from the beginning and am studying it through in Portuguese this time. I've also started the Book of Mormon again, with the same focus of the Atonement, but adding the Fall also.

Also, on Tuesday morning I kept thinking about an Elder Bednar talk I heard in the MTC. The one where he asks, "Do you have faith not to be healed?" I have quoted that over and over again while teaching. On Tuesday morning the question finally came to my mind in a new light. The question came, "Do you have the faith not to receive your visa?" It really changed my perspective. I started talking to Sisters M and Sister F about it during our lunch time, and they both said, "I have a copy of that talk!" So Sister M read it to me as we drove to do our exchanges. Wow! That talk speaks directly to me! ...Funny how Heavenly Father so often answers our questions before we even know we have them. The talk is called, "That we might 'Not Shrink'."

It is more important to not shrink than it is to survive. I was so inspired by the example of Elder Maxwell as well as the young couple mentioned in the talk.

Thank you for your love and support! I hope y'all have another great week!

Love,

Sister E Greenall

Jun 30: Leon Springs!

Hi Family!

It was another great week in the TSAM!

Here is my new address:

(Please email Erica's Mom if you would like her direct address: christine.greenall@gmail.com
Or you can use the San Antonio Texas Mission address on the right of the blog page)

I'm going to do this in Dad's weekly email format!

Monday:

We had p-day at the Y Family's property which was fun! I got to play tennis with my companions and Sister W and Sister R!
We taught a first lesson to a lady named L who was very nice! We also were on a street knocking and Sister T said, "Hey...that looks like JJ and K..." I told her she was hallucinating because it was too hot (because JJ and K didn't live on that street!)... Sister T was right! We realized they were going into the C Family's home (a family from the ward) for the singles FHE! We dropped in to fill up our water bottles and use the rest room and were amazed to see all of the singles there! Members and Non-members alike all gathered and starting with an opening hymn! It really touched us. Ever since Sister C was called as the ward 45+ singles coordinator I have been touched by her example of "magnifying" her calling!

Tuesday:

We met with Sister M. I love her! She is humble and desiring to learn. We taught about the Plan of Salvation and addressed questions she had.
We taught L and C (a teenager who lives in the same house) joined the lesson! He was excited about learning and wanted to come to church. Agreed to join us for our next appointment.
We met Brother K! (We had been trying to meet him since Sister Salisbury and I were first in Merrilltown together!) He is amazing! A convert with an incredible testimony! He works at night which has interfered with coming to church.
Dinner with the K Family!! They fed us lobster tails! Yum!! They are the greatest! (it's true, Sister K!! ;) )
We met with Sister H! She amazes me. She has such a strong testimony. As we met with her for the last time, I reflected on the first time I had met her back in... November? She has made incredible changes in her life and is truly an example to her family.
On Tuesday night we were worried about Brother M. He hadn't replied to our text messages, and when we drove by his house, his truck was gone. We talked to the land lord and she said he was usually home by then.
We stopped by later that night and he had arrived home. Patricia welcomed us in and called up to him to come down stairs. What happened next was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. We heard him come running down the stairs to come see us. But when we saw him, it scared us. He was so shaky. He could not walk in a straight line and could hardly stand. When he tried to speak to us, it came out shakily and he could not stop stuttering over every word. He calmly said something like, "I-i-i-it ha-ha-ha-happens s-sometimes. I h-ha-hate it wh-en-en I-I can't t-talk." That's when it truly sunk in how bad is condition is. He goes through ups and downs but usually doesn't let anyone see the downs. Sister T and Sister J both burst into tears right there. We put our hands on his shoulders to keep him balanced, and offered a prayer with him. I said a simple prayer, and then we asked Brother M to go lay down.

In Preach My Gospel it promises over and over again that the Lord is preparing people to "receive" his missionaries. Brother M truly "receives" us.

That was an emotional night.

Wednesday: We were preparing to go out for the day, and decided to text M, one of our recent converts, to see if we could go by. We had found out that she had texted a member in the ward asking for no more contact. She hadn't been responding to our texts or calls. I texted her and told her I would be leaving the next day and asked if I could drop by to give them a big hug. She replied saying that she was truly sorry, but that she and her family were no longer part of the church. She said that they were eternally gratefully for what Sister Salisbury and I did for them emotionally, but that they didn't want contact from anyone. I later texted to ask if I could write to them, and they said they would love that.

But when we got that text we just sat in our room, quiet. After a moment I asked, "Do you mind if I go to the closet for a while?" I couldn't hold anything in anymore. I kneeled in prayer and sobbed like a baby. Sisters T and J soon joined me and we all prayed together. The Holy Ghost and prayer truly bring peace.

While it has been hard to see Brother M suffer physically, or to see other families struggling with personal challenges, or financial challenges, or sickness, nothing compared to the pain of seeing someone I love turning away from the church.
I got to talk to Brother M on the phone with my companions on Wednesday. He sounded a bit better, but was still stuttering. but he was laughing and positive as always. He loves the gospel!
I remembered Brother Porter (my MTC teacher) describing that in order to bring others to where we are in the gospel, we need to go where they are, and feel a little of what they feel. I've learned on my mission that in order to feel the greatest of joys, we also must feel the deepest of sorrows. The greater our capacity to feel sorrow grows, the greater capacity we gain to feel joy, and visa versa I think.

We had a good rest of Wednesday evening, having dinner with the J Family and hearing about their awesome missionary work, meeting some of Sister J's neighbors, contacting, etc.

Thursday: Transfer meeting! I said goodbye to my wonderful companions, Sister T and Sister J! I love them so much.

Sister R (from the other sister companionship that shares our apartment) and I hopped on the bus to San Antonio!
I met my new companion Sister M who is finishing her mission this transfer! ( ie: her last 6 weeks) She is incredible and we already love each other.

I'm about out of time! But I love my new area and companion. Leon Springs is much different than Merrilltown! There are a lot of big huge gated communities. It is a very wealthy area. It is a different culture. But the people here are so kind and family oriented. The ward members were so welcoming on Sunday and I enjoyed meeting a lot of them. The work is good and the gospel is true. I am blessed!!

I am so excited to hear about Sister Danica Greenall's first week in the MTC!

Love yall!!

Sister Erica Greenall

Jun 23: Hello!

Hi Family!

I only have about 12 minutes to write, so I will keep it brief! Today we are going to an activity with the other missionaries. About once a transfer a family in the stake invites the missionaries over on a P-day. I've been about 3 times before. They have a very large property (soft ball field, tennis courts, basketball, soccer, etc) and they invite us over and provide lunch for us. It will be a fun trip and it will be the first time going for my two companions.

It has been a wonderful week. I am learning a lot!

Last night we received transfer calls from President Slaughter! (He only calls if you are becoming a trainer or moving to a leadership position.) He told us that Sister T and Sister J will be staying in Merrilltown! That was wonderful news!! I know that they will do a wonderful job of taking care of the people here! I will be transferring and have been asked to be a Sister Training Leader.

On Sunday at church I received a lot of guidance and answers to questions. Sacrament meeting was wonderful. The days leading up to Sunday, I focused more on the Sacrament and truly desired to be healed and have my burdens lifted. As I took the Sacrament on Sunday, I felt the relief and peace that can only come because Jesus Christ is my personal Savior. I am so grateful for Him! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to access His Atonement on a regular basis.

In Relief Society, we talked about weaknesses and strengths and Christ's saving power. I've realized that what I thought was a strength of mind- patience- isn't quite as much of a strength as I thought it was! Lately I have been feeling a lot of pressure, like a weight on my shoulders. I finally realized during that lesson that I was feeling that way because I was expecting MYSELF to make myself more patient. On Sunday I realized that isn't at all how it works! Christ isn't our Savior so that he can watch us go through life trying to make ourselves perfect on our own! He is our Savior so that when our own strength isn't enough- or our own patience isn't enough- he can BE our strength. He can give us some of HIS strength, or HIS patience.

So while my patience and strength were feeling like a rubber band that was being stretched to breaking point, I've finally realized that the solution wasn't what I thought it was. I thought I just had to keep stretching my rubber band a little further and a little further to increase my patience. ...But the reality is that one rubber band only has so much capacity. The rubber band just wasn't made for that much stretching! I think sometimes what actually happens is that we stretch our rubber band a little more and a little more, and instead of become a bigger rubber band like we though it would, it just snaps! What determines whether we progress or digress at that point is whether we turn to the Savior or whether we turn to ourselves and find that there is no solution and we are broken. If we choose to turn to the Savior, we will find that he can give us a bigger rubber band, with greater stretching capacity! He can literally give us more patience. His patience. He will be our strength when our own is not enough!

Alma 26:12

I'm grateful for a Savior who is the solution to EVERYTHING. Who is willing to give selflessly and endlessly to help us achieve the eternal potential our Father sees in us.

I love y'all!

Thank you for your prayers, love, and support. Your letters and emails are so encouraging!

Love,

Sister Greenall

Jun 16: Oi!

Hi Family!

It's been another great week in the Texas San Antonio Mission!

On Monday evening we met a wonderful new family! The F Family! We have often seen a man who rides down the street in his electric wheel chair, and every time we see him we comment on how he looks like such a nice person and we would like to meet him. This time when we drove by he was parked in front of a house, so we pulled over and walked over to him! He was very kind, and eagerly set up a return appointment. He introduced us to his wife and son! They also had these adorable puppies that looked like a baby version of Marcia! (By the way, how are Marcia and Treasure liking Uncle Ken's house?)

We also met a man named Ce! He was outside by his car in an apartment complex. He was putting saran wrap around his car windshield. There was a huge hole in the window! ...He said it was one of the downsides of living in an apartment complex with lots of boys that like to throw balls around! oops! But he was so nice! He said he had a few minutes to hear our message, so we shared the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. He was excited to read. He has an extremely busy schedule and doesn't usually get home until after 9pm, so we were lucky we caught him then. But he happily gave us his phone number so we could talk about the Book of Mormon more.

We called him this morning and he said he has liked it so far! He has only been able to read a little bit at the beginning, but he asked us to call back on Wednesday to talk about it more.

Another interesting fact, he and his wife write gospel music! They have a big group that travels!

We met a Televangelist that night also! That was interesting!

On Tuesday we had an incredible lesson with Sc. A young member of our ward (he will be getting his mission call soon! A convert of about 4 or 5 years) came with us and shared the perfect testimony of baptism that addressed and answered Sc's concerns! The Spirit was incredible. By the end of the lesson, Sc had committed to baptism on a specific date and was excited!

We had a wonderful lesson with L and our new convert, A came as well!

After our dinner appointment that night, on Tuesday, we were getting into the car, and suddenly we heard Sister T saying, "ow! ow! Ow! OW!!" ...She had stepped in a mountain of fire ants!

So we went home and got her cleaned up! Luckily we had some Benadryl (thanks, Mom! You gave it to me before I left, and we've used it several times for Sister T because we keep finding out about allergies we didn't know she had!).

The Benadryl made her super drowsy and her foot was hurting a lot. An hour or so later she was well enough to go out again, although she was a little loopy, so Sister J and I did the talking. We met an incredible girl named V! She loved the message of the Restoration and told us "I am excited to read this!" as we gave her a Book of Mormon.

We had dinner with the M family again on Wednesday. Brother M and the kids had gone to Stake Conference and had each brought a note book! So after dinner, they each shared what they liked from the talks! I was touched by the simple, powerful statements of truth that their 9 year son had written! "Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today." "Families are not just for this life, they are forever." The older son, in high school, had been particularly touched by a talk about the temples.

The sick bugs are going around again, and on Thursday poor Sister T got the flu or something! ...Sometimes it seems like all of the bad stuff happens to her!

By Friday she was better! We had an incredible training by President Slaughter on Friday morning. Faith in Finding. We are applying a lot of new principles to our work here in Merrilltown!

On Friday night we saw a man walking down the street with a Brazil shirt on! He looked like he could be Brazilian. (PS: this week we initiated plan "Bring Brazil to Texas" which involved me teaching my two companions and the other two sisters who live with us Portuguese, all of us becoming very tan, and us teaching all the Brazilian people in Merrilltown.) So we quickly pulled over into the gas station that he was about to walk past, parked the car, and walked over so that by the time he passed by we could easily and casually intersect with him! It worked! He was super friendly! Turns out he wasn't Brazilian but he loves the Brazilian soccer team and supports them in the world cup!

Saturday and Sunday were wonderful days! Great days for finding fathers! We met several great people, got a few return appointments. Our new convert N fed us dinner on Saturday! ...we had no idea she was a professional chef!

On Sunday we were in an apartment complex and passed by a man who was sitting at his front door (either smoking or on the phone...I can't remember which) and we waved to him. He waved back and asked how we were doing. He was super nice! He was up on the second floor. I felt like we should talk to him. We went and knocked on the door we had been heading too. On the way back to our car, we passed the man's door again, and he wasn't there any more. We went up the stairs and knocked, and a lady named Ti answered! We testified, asked if we could share a 10 minute message, and she said yes! The other people home weren't available, but she listened to our message and said she would like to be baptized and read the Book of Mormon. She will be having a baby really soon, but we made a tentative return appointment and got her phone number.

There are miracles all around us every day!

I'm so grateful y'all had a good week and a happy Father's day.

I love you!!

-Sister Greenall

Jun 9: The Lolly Brass Band

Family!

Of all of the places to have a sousaphone... I never would of guessed the public library in Pflugerville! The Lolly Brass Band (wearing a variety of colored overalls and clothing, large silver brass instruments, marching around the library, a train of kids following behind them) just passed by us! My p-day just got even better!!! I didn't know I could miss brass music so much!

This week has been wonderful!

...Wednesday, June 4th, was my 9 month mark! That was the fastest 9 months of my life...

The Sisters surprised me the P-day before with a happy 9th birthday cake! They got a candle in the shape of the number 9, and they used green frosting since it's my favorite color, and it was even gluten-free!

C was baptized on Saturday and it was such a beautiful baptism! S sang an old Celtic folk song that is his favorite. The same song was sung at their wedding as she walked down the isle! I wanted to cry- it was so beautiful! I think it was called "Morning has Broken".

C will be confirmed next Sunday since this Sunday was stake conference.

At the end of the baptism, Brother S gave a brief testimony (he conducted the baptism) and he said something like, "This means that June 15, 2015 is the soonest day that you two could be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity." Wow, that was a powerful moment! It was an incredible experience for all who attended!

It was a bit of a wild week because of exchanges. We have seen many miracles this week! Several new investigators, and a less active member whose attitude and countenance completely changed after reading from the Book of Mormon! We had offered to send her a few verses by text message every day and she was happy about that. When she finally got to reading the verses we sent, she said she couldn't stop reading and read for an hour. She said, "I didn't expect to feel different by reading. I didn't expect to be changed so much. But I just want to keep reading!"

It was a good experience to be on an exchange in New Hope for a day! When I came back to Merrilltown, Sister T switched me places. They needed her in New Hope so that one of the sisters could go to a doctor's appointment and leadership meeting in San Antonio. It's nice to all be back in Merrilltown together again!

There are a lot of changes happening in the mission. We are always trying new things and having new trainings. This is one of the missions that the church mission headquarters visits and tries new things with. So they recently visited and taught at MLC and now all of the things they taught are spreading throughout the mission.

We are focusing on effective lesson planning and short powerful lessons. We teach using the pamphlets and teach about 7 minute, simple lessons, as a finding tool. I know there are prepared people who are waiting to receive the message of the restoration in our area!

I know that when we are obedient and magnify the callings the Lord has given us, we can become powerful instruments in his hands.

Here are some powerful statements from President Slaughter today in his email:

"To the saints in Rome, the apostle Paul taught that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Notice that Paul did not simply define the gospel as the word of God but rather the power of God. Emphasizing this same principle, Paul taught the saints in Thessalonica: "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power" (1 Thes. 1:5).

In our day the Lord said that whatsoever his servants "speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation" (D&C 68:4). Imagine the power you have when you speak as moved upon by the Holy Ghost!

As servants of the Lord, we humbly announce that the wondrous word of God has been restored not merely to be learned but rather to be lived. That is why "helping people come to Christ" is less about "teaching" and more about "inviting" people to do something. When people live the word and rely on the word, it gives them power to change–power to be saved.

Everyone will have an opportunity to hear and accept the gospel; but they must hear it preached by one of the Lord’s legal and authorized servants. That is who you are. You play a significant part in this great plan."

Saturday night and Sunday had to be the two most incredible stake conference sessions I've experienced! The theme for both was "Hastening the Work." At the Sunday session, both President and Sister Slaughter spoke, as well as the temple president and his wife, and our stake presidency! Sister R, baptized in March, was in the small women's choir. I was sitting next to L, and right behind me were my two companions next to Brother M! Is this a dream??? I love being a missionary! I love the people here! I love the gospel and know that true joy comes through applying and living the principles of Christ's gospel as found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As President Slaughter said in Stake Conference, we are the people of the Restoration! There are miracles around that cannot always be seen by those who do not know they are there. Priesthood keys have been restored to the earth, families can be sealed in temples, living prophets are on the earth! Once we help people to open their eyes, they will begin to see these blessings, and their lives will never be the same.

Our stake president talked about the mist of darkness. On Saturday night he encouraged us all to read 1 Nephi 8 and 3 Nephi 8-11 and he asked us questions about the mist of darkness. The way out of the darkness is Christ! We know that! Who around us is in that mist of darkness?

Sister T, my companion, said something that really touched me recently. We were driving and past the place where there are always several homeless people gathered. We saw a man riding his bike across the road, drinking a soda, and returning to the place where the other people were gathered. She looked at him and said, "He chose to follow Christ and come to this earth just like I did. But what's the difference between us? I was born into a family who has the restored gospel." It hit all three of us the huge responsibility we have to bring our brothers and sisters out of the mist of darkness and to invite them to Christ. We are surrounded by our brothers and sisters who Heavenly Father loves so dearly! Of all of His children, we were blessed to find the gospel in our lives, whether born into it or finding it later in life. Our responsibility is so great!

L is doing so well! She is so eager to be baptized. She says she keeps imagining this scene of her coming out of the water, and she feels so peaceful about it.

We are teaching a new person named Sc! He is great!

I love the gospel! And I love my family!!! Thanks for all you do and for your prayers, love, and support!

Com amor,

Sister Greenall

Jun 2: Miracles in Merrilltown

Hi family!

As always, I don't know where to begin.

Brother M has had a wonderful week as a member of the church.

We were surprised this week to be informed that C (S's husband) has decided to be baptized! S was baptized in September. C will be baptized this Saturday. Parting-the-red-sea-kind-of-miracle? Yes!

This week we have met several new investigators!

Recent converts are doing well.

Another miracle: (the power of fasting is very, very real)

Yesterday my companions and I decided to fast specifically for L. We were seeking guidance of how to help her understand the need for being baptized into this church by Christ's true authority.

We had thought she was going to come to church, but were sad to see she didn't come. But while we were there, another sister in the ward (who became facebook friends with L) said that L had messaged her and told her she couldn't come to church because she needed to go pick up her daughter or something, but that she would definitely come next week. So we felt better. Later that evening, at about 6pm, we wanted to visit her. We sent her a text and asked if we could stop by that night, she said yes, and we asked if we could come by right then, and she said yes! We got there, and she was waiting outside on her porch. She asked if we had gotten her texts. We hadn't! She showed us on her phone. She had texted us several times, telling us that she wasn't going to be able to come to church because her daughter needed her, but apparently our phone is having some problems! She asked, "Did you get my text about June 14th?" We said no... She said something along the lines of, "Well, I've decided to go through with being baptized! I want to do it!" She then explained more to us, asked what it all entails, and said, "I am committed to this baptism!"

So many incredible things happening! As always, the windows of heaven are open, and the Lord is directing His work!

This coming week we have exchanges. I will be leaving Merrilltown for the first time! (even my one exchange back when I was in the Mount Bonnell ward, I went to Merrilltown on the exchange, so I've never actually left Merrilltown for an exchange!)

I love this work! I love this area! I love these people!! And I love Christ and His gospel! We are so blessed! I can even comprehend how good and merciful our Father in Heaven is.

I love y'all and hope you continue having wonderful weeks!

Love,

Sister Greenall

Danica reports to the MTC in how many days?? 23??