Pinch me, I'm a missionary. Actually...please don't. Ever. :)

Mum, PahPea, family and friends!!!

That one time when EVERY day I love being a missionary!!!! mmhmm. eyup. it's awesome. :) It was such an incredible week, serving the Lord here in London!:) I'll just jump in with the week by saying that we began teaching a beautiful family of 4!!! The father of the family was actually baptized when he was 14 in Mexico City but because of an accident, he lost most of his memory and lives away from his family so he lost all contact with the Church. After we taught them, he said he could remember the feelings he had before and something about wanting to go on a mission and go to the temple! It was so inspiring to see the Holy Ghost work in him as we sat with him!! His wife, Alli, is SUCH a sweetheart! She's incredibly interested in the Church and LOVES that we are inviting her to find out for herself. She's a latter-day Joseph Smith, wanting to find the truth by visiting hundreds of churches, but hasn't felt like she's found it quite yet. When we taught them this past week, we just watched as the Spirit spoke to Alli and her husband Jaime, telling them that this is the path they need to take. Thank Heavens for the Spirit, for if it was me teaching alone, I would have no success whatsoever! They also have a sweet 5 year old boy Anthony who told us he wants to serve a mission like us one day!!! :) Oh sweet, eh? oh and they have a 9 year old Abby who was at her grandparents this weekend but she prays everyday and loves the Bible, so we're going to teach her as well!!!:) Seeing how excited their family got, to hear about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, made me SO incredibly grateful for the family and friends I have that support me every day while I am here in Canada. To all of YOU!  Thank you so much for being so incredible!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL SOO MUCH!!!!!:)

Feel loved? Good! now let's jump into QUESTION TIME!!!:)

1.  Have you seen (or talked with) Elder Harrs yet?

I have actually! He was at our stake conference this past Sunday and he gave me a message from Mum that said "I love you to the moon and something....plus more...or something....I don't remember, sorry." :) LOVE YOU TOO MOM!!!:) message for his mom: he's doing just great! We'll watch over him here in London, ON! It's a great city to be born in and he'll love it! Don't worry about him, he's got incredible missionaries around him and an AWESOME companion!

2.  How excited are you about my finding your mittens?  :0)

BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I may or may not have jumped up and down out of excitement!!!:) Thank you so so so much! they will definitely be needed next winter!:) Thanks a TON!

3.  Which Conference Talk do you want to share this week?

I'll be honest, I don't remember who said it, but someone said to make your testimony visible daily; post it on facebook, on twitter, or whatever social network you are apart of, make it known, spread the truth! I have been thinking a lot about growing up in the Church, personally, I never shared the gospel with anyone outside the church, I didn't know how, and this is one of the simplest ways it could possibly be done! I dunno how she'll feel if I call her out, but I adore her so much, I hope she'll be ok with it...Michelle Radmall! This girl is SOOOO good at sharing her testimony all the time! I remember checking facebook at night and seeing Michelle's sweet thoughts and lessons from either herself, her family, or the Prophet on her status at the end each day. Even as a member of the Church, I learned incredible lessons from her little thoughts each night that made me want to be a better person. Just imagine being a nonmember, reading something your best friend puts up about being a better person, and where you can go to get life questions answered and who you can turn to to be calmed from your worries! They have a desire to get those answers, but they don't know where to turn. Help guide them, it's a simple, nonthreatening way to share the Gospel, and the apostles have invited us to use it to share it constantly. So, don't be shy!:)

4.  Glad to read that you were able to talk with Eloid.  Is he STILL in Toronto?

yes. we have been reassured from calling that he is reading The Book of Mormon, but boy Toronto won't let him go! soon. hopefully very soon!:)

5.  How is Samantha feeling?

Better, we gave her a goal to work towards the 26th of May for baptism, and she accepted. She knows she'll have to work very hard in order to be prepared for that day, but she knows she has to be the one to put in the effort, so she's going to try. She's going through a lot right now, but we know with the Lord by her side, she will succeed! Thank Heavens for His strength that He never withholds if we but ask for help. Why do it alone, when you have an all powerful Father who is ready to help, simply waiting for you to ask?

6.  What about Kim?  (she sounds like a sweetheart!!)

she definitely is! Kim is being attacked, just like we suspected because she already knows it's true. her parents are going through a divorce and fighting constantly, even at the time we were going to teach her, and she was incredibly embarassed and didn't feel like meeting at that time, poor girl. Please keep her sweet spirit in your prayers, please, she will definitely feel of them, we know she will! Thank you so much.

7.  FAVORITE moment of the week...

that one time, on the bus, when I started telling someone about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon, and she kept looking at this guy who was listening at the front of the bus who was also looking at a lady in the back of the bus who was listening. So yeah, I taught 3 people at the same time throughout the WHOLE bus! haha it was a really quiet bus and you know how I talk loud, right? well s zerkle said she just stopped trying to contact people while I was talking because everyone was looking at me, so she listened as well because she was also in the back of the bus. haha SO asides from that, our lesson with the family of 4, the Myers family, that was definitely the favorite!:)

8.  FUNNIEST moment of the week...

you know how I thought I wouldn't be awkward if someone hugged me or something? yeah, no. I'm totally awkward, because that happened this week! so...We went to a funeral for a sister of a member in the ward who had a son. Afterwards, he thanked us for coming and helping with the music, and wished us a good day by giving us a hand shake. But then he says "ah, forget handshakes, I'm a hugger!" and gives me this HUGE hug! I mean, I understand his mom passed away, but apparently my eyes went HUGE!!! I didn't know what to do!!! S. Zerkle said that my eyes went as big as scratch off of ice age's eyes. so just in case you're wondering, your daughter is SOOO awkward as a missionary. eyup. well...I'm sure you already called it....but here's proof. hope you enjoyed imagining it! ;)

9.  BEST COMPANION moment of the week...  (laughed out loud about the boots!!!)

haha ah man...so that one time when s Zerkle and I were walking on the street in the sunshine and as happy as can be! When out of nowhere, S Zerkle body slams into me and says "FLASH MOB!" stops and says "wait no. BODY SLAM!!!" haha man. reitereating that wasn't really that funny. but I thought it was funny. :)

well, my loves, it is time for me to depart. Please don't ever forget that of which you know to be true! In the Book of Mormon, how many times did the Nephites fall into sin because they got too comfortable and thought they were "safe" so they ceased reading and learning from the written word? Please don't ever suppose that you are "safe", for Satan is real and knows you. Continue to do the things that will bring you closer to our Father in Heaven, for not until we are in His presence again are we truly safe! Satan will attempt to distract you, but be comforted in the Lord's promise that as you serve Him, he will have NO power over you! I know this Gospel is true, and that Joseph Smith was, indeed, a true prophet! In Stake Conference yesterday, Elder Nolan G. Archibald came and spoke on many aspects of the Gospel, and focused on the Truth of Joseph Smith saying this; "Joseph Smith was either one of 3 things.

1. He was a deceiver.

2. He deceived himself. or

3. He told the Truth.

Number 1 is ridiculous, for he was persecuted from age 14-32 until he was murdered.

Number 2 would only make sense if those who read the Book of Mormon did not feel a thing, and if the Book didn't inspire men to be better than they are. but alas, it does!

That only leads one more option…

Number 3 HE TOLD THE TRUTH!" 

Ending with what Elder Holland said in General Conference a year ago "No wicked man could write such a book as this, and no man would write it, unless it were true, and he were commanded of God to do so."

I love this Gospel so much and thank all of you for inspiring me to strengthen my testimony each and every day! I love you all!!!!

Love for now and forever,

Sister De Groot:)

MIssionary Invitation: See the answer to question #3, above  :)

P.S. to Karl -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  AH! I'm so sorry Karl, I really do love you!!!! so... happy belated birthday!!!!!!:) I love you lots and lots and hope you had an AWESOME day!!!! Love ya, goober! ;)

GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!!! :)

Mum, Pah-Pea, Family, and Friends!!!

So here's the thing; I love you all SOOO much!:) and General Conference was so great, I could die! not literally, but...you know what I mean...;) It's so good to hear that all is going well over there in <warm> Utah! :) Bernick is due in 2 weeks, eh??? Oh my goodness that is so exciting!!!!! When the little guy comes please give him a HUGE hug for me and of course, send me tons of pictures! Make sure he knows his Aunt JayBay loves him so much and welcomes him to Earth!:) Another shoutout to Ms. Peyton Hooley!!! Happy Birthday, sweetheart! I hope you have the best birthday tomorrow and eat lots of cake!:) Love you dearest!!!

Let's jump right into......question time, eh?!
1.  How did Conference weekend go for you?  Were you able to meet with investigators and less-actives as you planned in between sessions? 
oh my goodness gracious, conference was INCREDIBLE!!!!! We did meet with 2 new investigators, Kim and Peter. Kim is 14 and has accepted a baptismal date for may 12th!!!:) let me tell you about the day we met her. ahem. once upon a time 2 weeks ago, sister zerkle and I were tracting/contacting on the streets in a sweet little neighborhood. Not many people were home at the time we were out, which was interesting, but we saw a lady on the street about to pass us, so we went and talked to her. As we began talking and testifying of the Restoration of the Gospel, she began to challenge us. After a couple of minutes of this and some things were said that really hurt mine and s. zerkle's hearts, we wished her a good day and began walking back the way we came. With Satan trying to drag us down with the words she spoke to us, we said a prayer, praying for comfort and strength and a blessing on that lady who not yet knew of the truth. We prayed to find someone who was willing to hear the gospel and for courage to continue talking to everyone in our paths. We closed and began walking again. No more than a minute later, we met Kim, a 14 year old, bright red haired girl with the sweetest smile. We told her about the Book of Mormon and said she'd love to have us over. This past Saturday, we taught her the Restoration, committed her to be baptized on May 12th and yesterday she came to both sessions and we even taught her about the Plan of salvation in between sessions! 6 hours of sitting down and taking in the gospel, this 14 year old pressed on! I testify that God knows what we need to get through this life, and to reiterate Elder Holland, "don't hyperventilate if you experience a little trial." because I know that after the trial of our faith, blessings will come!!:)

2.  Knowing that you enjoyed all of the talks, which one stood out as particularly meaningful for you?
oh my goodness, there is no way I can narrow it down! So I decided this morning I'm going to share one snippet from one talk each week so you can get lots of my insights, eh?:) I LOVED Elder Nelson's talk about missionary work (of course...:)) and I especially loved when he said "I cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. It is simply STUNNING!" AND IT IS!!! ah. I love that I get to share it every day, dozens of times each day! I LOVE THIS GOSPEL SOOOO MUCH!:)

3.  How many people came to watch Conference at the church?
Not many. We had 2 investigators and of the other 5 sets of missionaries there, there was only 3 investigators. All the members were at home except for a select few who fed us. :)

4.  What was on the menu for Conference Weekend?
OMELETS!!!! On Saturday, though. Sunday we had cereal. I was too excited for omelets, I couldn't wait another day. Literally. :)

Omelets are a staple at the De Groot home on General Conference Sunday.
Sister De Groot was THRILLED to enjoy one on Conference Weekend in Canada!!  :0)

5.  Any more news on Johanna and Phil?
Not since last week. We taught them about Conference and they were planning on coming but got stuck somewhere in northern London for baby reasons. 

6.  Maria?  (tell her THANK YOU for keeping you on the straight and narrow!  haha)
oh goodness..hahah she's doing great! Happy as ever to be a member!:)

7.  Shawn?
I actually haven't seen him since last week seeing as he's in the other sister’s area, but yesterday he was sick so he couldn't make it to conference. :( 

8.  Eloid?
I'll give you one guess. eyup. Toronto....! It's alright though, we got a hold of him and he got a hold of a Book of Mormon so he's reading it. When we called him he asked "how's my cry cry friend?" eyup. he loves us both. ;)

9.  Has Valerie received an answer regarding April 28th?
Not yet. She also went on a retreat this past weekend so couldn't hear Conference but we'll see her this week

10. Brian?
Dropped off the face of the Earth and we haven't found where that is located quite yet....

11. Samantha?
Doing well! She's been sick this past week as well as her two kids so we weren't able to meet with her but she's been reading and her countenance is definitely growing!:) Do I love the Spirit, or what?:)

12. FAVORITE moment of the week...
All things General Conference! I seriously cannot adequately describe how strong the Spirit was as I listened and watched the prophet and apostles of the Lord declare His word! There is no feeling quite like the Spirit working within you, that's for sure!

13. FUNNIEST moment of the week...
When I was in the middle of singing a springtime hymn and I didn't see the speed bump in the road. yeah. that hurt...:)

14. BEST companion-bonding moment of the week...
SPIRITUAL-Have I ever told you that Sister Zerkle has a spirit face? Whenever she teaches someone on the bus or street or hears someone talk about the gospel and just feels the spirit, she gets this adorable look on her face and you can tell that she knows without a DOUBT that this gospel is true! She emanates with the Spirit as she teaches and watching her do so, makes me want to be a better missionary, companion, person, and child of God! I love her so much and her desire to serve the Lord!
FUNNY-Sister Zerkle got a package with of a pair of rain boots so we decided it'd be cool if we both tried one on, since we're the same size. Welp...5 minutes later, we were still trying to help each other get the shoes off. They suction-cupped onto our feet and it was SO hard to get them off!:)

15. TRANSFERS....what is happening with them?
oh, ya know, just staying in good 'ol London 2nd East!:) S Zerkle is staying with me and we're going to make this the best transfer EVER! :) so continue to send letters onto the 45 pond mills address! if you don't have it, contact mi madre, because I don't have it memorized....;)

Sister Janelle De Groot

45 Pond Mills Road #207

London, ON

N5Z 4W5

CANADA

Sister Zerkle and Sister De Groot - so happy together!!!  :0)

Well, I must head out now but please know that I KNOW this gospel is true! God lives today and loves us! and because He does, He has allowed us the blessing of having a prophet on the Earth today, even President Thomas S. Monson! The words spoken this weekend were not simply wise words to be contemplated, but direct revelation from God spoken by His chosen mouthpieces! What they spoke were commandments from God on how we should live our lives here on Earth in preparation to living with Him someday! We are all on this Earth together, striving for the same thing, so step out of your bubble and help your brother out! Every member a missionary, everybody a missionary! HOW GREAT IS OUR CALLING!!!!!:)

Love for now and forever, 
Sister De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: make a goal to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover with a question in mind. Make a date to finish it, and then set out the plan to achieve it and that question WILL be answered! Set goals, then make plans! :)

HAPPY EASTER!!! :)

Mum, Pops, Family, and Friends!

Hello beautiful people!!! oh my goodness, what an AWESOME week!!! Last week in President Scott's weekly email, he invited us rather than LET the week happen, to MAKE the week happen. So that's what we've been working on, is MAKING the week an incredible one and we've seen quite the difference already, but this upcoming week, ah man. it's going to be AWESOME!!!! :) 

Easter Sunday was absolutely incredible! We tried to change our approach of contacting on Sunday and asking people what Easter Sunday meant to them and then testifying of what Jesus Christ did for us and how they can know for themselves and have a further witness through the Book of Mormon. It was an incredible experience for both Sister Zerkle and I as we bore testimony from our heart of what we know to be true, and that's why I love missionary work! For Jesus Christ truly did suffer for us, each of us, personally. I want to testify that I KNOW that He suffered for me, for everything I've been through; for the sorrow I feel when I make a mistake, for the heartache I felt when Alexis and Amanda passed away, for the longing I feel when someone doesn't accept the gospel, He has felt it all so that He can help me feel clean, comforted, and renewed. Christ not only died for me, but He rose for me as well, as He did for you! How wonderful this knowledge is and how comforted I feel that He loves me enough to die for me! This morning in personal study, I was reading in Moroni 10:8-18 about Spiritual gifts and how earlier in my life, I wished I had all of them so that I could contribute fully. But that's not how it works. God has given us specific gifts, personal gifts, to help us grow and to bless the lives of others. one quote I put on my planner for this past transfer was this: 
"I dream of being a Moses, an Esther, a Nephi - and despair that I don't have that Greatness in me. But then I remember - God doesn't require Greatness, He requires faith, and some of us must have the faith to follow."

How I love that! I am who I am because God needs me that way. Of course I need to improve, I'm sure I'll never be who I want to be, but that's why He put us here. If there was no need for progression, we wouldn't be here. This life is meant for something, to prepare us to meet Him again, and so with every trial that comes my way, instead of thinking "why me?", I am going to think "why not?". I love this Gospel with all of my heart and LOVE the chance I have to share it with the people of Canada!:)

Speaking of People of Canada...let's talk about them in QUESTION TIME!!!

1.  What did you do for Easter?
Went to church where we had a BEAUTIFUL musical sacrament meeting, attended Megan Zhang's baptism into the ward (taught by the Chinese elders), and then had Easter dinner with Johanna and Phil. How sweet is that??? We had not been invited anywhere for dinner so Saturday night we had planned a delicious meal of Mr. Noodles (comparable to top ramen in the states) and to make it all pretty for Easter. But that night as we were planning, Johanna and Phil invited us over (they had no idea of our Mr. Noodles dinner plans) and we taught her as well! She's doing so well! We're not quite sure when we can get them baptized though, because they have to get married first and Johanna's wallet got stolen so she has no identification, whatsoever. But we're trying to get that all settled so she doesn't have to wait too long!:) 

2.  How are Maria and Shawn doing, as the newest members of your ward?
oh my goodness, they are doing SOO well! They both received the Gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday and they were both beaming!! Maria hates attention, though, so she kept giving me glances to save her from going up to the front, silly girl. :) She gave me a hug at Megan's baptism and said she loved me but that I had to stay out of trouble because my mom isn't here to tell me what to do. :) haha so don't worry, mom, I'm being watched over!:) ah, she's so great, it kills me!:)

3.  Eloid?
nope. still in Toronto....

4.  Any more news on Johanna and Phil?
Just that she's progressing splendidly!! She came to church on Sunday and LOVED it! She doesn't know all that much about Jesus Christ's life but knows that He is the Son of God and that He died for her, personally! She's such a sweetheart and is eager to continue preparing for her baptism, that's for sure!:)

5.  Valerie update
I love this woman so much!!!! we taught her about the Plan of Salvation this past week and the only thing she was iffy about was that we are not born in sin because of Adam and Eve eating the fruit. We invited her to look over 2 Nephi 2 and pray and she was more than willing to do so. We also invited her to be baptized on April 28th and she went "WHAT?!?! that's too soon. I dunno about that..." we reassured her that we had prayed to God with this date in mind and that with our help and His, she can be ready. We invited her to pray as well and said no at first, then once s Zerkle wanted to explain to her why, she just started praying the most sincere prayer in the middle of the explanation and asked if she could be ready by April 28th. I love Jamaicans so much!:) The sweetest, most hesitant and sincere people in the world!!!:) This work is so great, eh??:)

6.  Brian?
couldn't meet with him this week because he worked a ton. more update next week, for sure!

7.  Samantha?
She's doing well. We showed her the video "Finding Faith in Christ" and taught her about Jesus Christ's Earthly Ministry. She is beginning to really feel the love of God for her as she prays and reads every day. We dropped by yesterday and read with her Alma 32 before going to our dinner appointment and already she seems SOOO much happier than when we first met her. She says she loves when we come over and teach her but that she has a really hard time with faith, so we're just going to take things very slowly with her so she can truly feel how important she is to Him. :)

8.  What are your plans for Conference Weekend?
IAMSOEXCITEDFORCONFERENCEWEEKENDICOULDCRY!!!!!!!!!!! sorry. but seriously. I am SOOOOOO excited!!! We have oodles of investigators and less actives coming this weekend that I KNOW they will be touched by if they open their hearts!:) We are going to the church to watch with them and have lessons with our investigators in between sessions as well as members feeding us food, so that's always nice, eh?:) ah. I am SOO excited!!! Make an extra omelet for me, k? Two eggs, with everything, please!;) oh. and 3 cinnamon rolls....:)

9.  MOST EMBARRASSING  (or funniest) moment of the week...
oh dear....that moment when we're teaching a new investigator named Erin, and telling her about the Book of Mormon when her son who was running all over the place hit me in the head with a very thick beer box. Sister Zerkle had to try so hard not to burst out laughing! Needless to say, we had to say little prayers to get the Spirit back into the room! :)

10. With your b'day coming up next month, is there anything special you'd like?
I'm going to be 21?????? weird.........don't go all out, you already sent me my birthday present, remember?;) how bout a bag of butter popcorn?? mmhmm. I'd/we'd love that!:)

So, I didn't ask him and I hope it's ok with him, but my stud of a father said this in his email to me this week and I absolutely LOVED it so I thought I'd share it with you...:)
"Remember, 'you are a spiritual being having a mortal experience and not a mortal being trying to have spiritual experiences' (paraphrased from a quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin).  We are first and foremost spirit sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who wants the best for us.  What most people don't understand is that the trials and challenges we have on earth are part of the refining fire that helps us become more like Him." 
Isn't he just awesome???:)

Well, my friends, I need to head out, but I wanted to leave with my testimony that I KNOW this gospel is TRUE! The Book of Mormon is TRUE! and God LIVES! and how beautiful this knowledge is! So go share it with someone!:)

Love for now and forever!!
Sister De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: first of all, read Moroni 10. And once you notice that you do indeed know this is true, then (AGAIN) invite someone to attend/watch/eat something during while watching General Conference! It can never be said too much, eh?:) LOVE YOU!!!

Waiting at the bus-stop by our apartment

SPRING is COMING.....

OH, YES...YES IT IS!!!!!  :0)

I LOVE this Gospel!!!!!!! It's absolutely and 100% TRUE!!! :)

Alma 17:17 He's called you to something specific because of some specific trait or talent He has given you :)

Mum, Pops, family, and friends,

Let me first send my thoughts and prayers to the Tinoco family, I love you all so very much an know that I will continue to pray fo you all constantly! I Love you Tinocos!!

How beautiful it is that we have knowledge of something SO much bigger than this life, and that we have a prophet on the Earth today leading His church! this week has been awesome as we have been preparing for General Conference! AH! I love it. :) We had an AWESOME training with President and Sister Scott and the AP's this past Wednesday, it was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! President Scott. ah. that man is truly an instrument in God's hands and he receives revelation constantly, it's almost visible!!!!
I Don't have a ton of time, so let's jump into it, eh?!:)

oh my goodness, it's here!!!! (QUESTION TIME!!!!)

1.  Has Eloid realized the importance of committing yet?

he's still in Toronto....so no...this week!:)
2.  DETAILS on the baptism of Shawn and Maria, please!!!

best. day. ever. (!) ah, Maria, I seriously can't adequately describe the experience because you have to meet her in order to understand how hilarious she was, but just picture a cute little old lady who talks to inanimate objects and herself even as she's getting out of the baptismal font. :) haha I love her so much! and Shawn, he was so incredibly content and happy yesterday, it was so great!!! The baptisms were both together and Maria wanted us sister missionaries to sing Nearer My God, To Thee and she absolutely loved it!:) oh. and she forgot and extra slip to put on after her baptism and her dress was quite see through so she got to wear her coat afterwards ;) Love her forever, that's for sure!:):):)

3.  Have Johanna and Phil set a wedding date?  How is she doing, pregnancy-wise?

Not yet, she's been in and out of the hospital 4 times just this past week so her date will have to be pushed back for a bit, poor girl. They don't know exactly what's going on but she's hanging in there!
4.  FUNNIEST STORY
like I mentioned before, you have to know maria in order for this to be as funny as I intend it to be, but after she got baptized, s zerkle and I were helping her get all her stuff together, and she was in the stall when out of nowhere she started disciplining her "pantyhose". She was teaching them how they ought to behave and oh my goodness, it was probably the funniest thing in the entire world. along with when she came out of the water, she says in her very maria voice "oh, yes..oh yes" haha. sorry. you probably don't think this is funny. but I do. :)
5.  FAVORITE teaching moment
VALERIE! uh. ok. so the spanish elders tracted into valerie and called us immediately to go visit her. within 15 minutes we were at her home teaching her the restoration and she LOVED every second of it! She agreed to be baptized but we were unable to make a date for her. The Spirit was SO strong throughout the lesson, and s. zerkle cried as she bore her testimony, so on sunday when valerie came to church, she handed s zerkle a box of tissues!!!! haha oh goodness, that woman is AWESOME!!!!:) 
6.  FAVORITE sight-seeing moment (what you get to look at each day)
we had to visit the sisters new apartment to practice our song for the baptism and they have a GORGEOUS view of the city!!! being on the 2nd floor, we don't have much to look at past the parking lot but they're view is, AH! so pretty. :)
7.  What is your FAVORITE thing about London, Ontario?
the people!!!!! Most of the people here are SOOO nice! They may not want to talk to you, but they are kind about it. and as a missionary, you definitely appreciate that, that's for sure!:)
8.  STRANGEST thing that you ate this week?
well being in Canada, there really aren't foods that are much different than home, so can I change it to BEST thing? awesome. Pork roast, compliments of brother and sister layden-tapp. oh. my. goodness. SOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!!!!:)
9.  Any new investigators?
3! Valerie, a former investigator named Brian, and Samantha, also a former but we actually met her at burger king:) She met with the missionaries 5 years ago but didn't feel it but now, she wants to continue meeting with us and try out finding for herself. :) what an awesome week!!!!!!!!:)
10. BEST companion moment...
Not one in particular but I do love that girl SOOOO much, we have an absolute blast every day as we try each day to be a bit better companionship! She has such a beautiful love for this gospel, it's inspiring! She loves the Lord SO much and you can tell when she talks to people that she knows this is True!!! it's the sweetest thing in the world! :) 
oh. and....when s zerkle makes her delicious salsa, and we sit on the floor of our apartment dipping tortilla chips in it, our companionship unity is definitely strengthened. mmmhmmm....;) 

Well, I know this email is shorter than others, but I need to head out, time is shortened today! (reminder that p-day next week is tuesday...) But please know that I LOVE you all so very much! This gospel is true. and even though sometimes people will ask you to prove the existence of a God, remember that spiritual matters cannot be proved with physical things! And because I have tried out prayer, thousands of times in my life, the answer has always come back the same: this Gospel is TRUE! I Know my Heavenly Father lives and that He has called all of us at this time to be on the Earth, to carry out His work somehow, in whatever way He has called you at this time! Don't take your calling lightly, for the calling is from Him! and, HOW GREAT IS OUR CALLING!!!:)

Love for now and forever,
Sister De Groot:)

missionary invitation: I feel like I should reiterate last weeks invitation. so my dear family and friends, invite a nonmember or less active member to attend/watch General Conference with you! Invite them to come with a question and then pray that their question may be answered, and I promise you, you both will see miracles happen!:) So if you have not done so, please do! Imagine the miracles that WILL happen!:)

P.S.  MARCH MADNESS! I completely forgot about it to be honest until I saw this near someone's home! I meant to point to Syracuse for you, pops, but it looks like I'm pointing to Louisville. nope. I'm not. :)

once upon a time, I love missionary work. and the love never ends....:)

Mum, Pops, family, and friends!

hello!!!! oh my goodness, happy St. Patrick's Day!!:) you want to know how Canadians celebrate this fine (and super random) holiday? eyup, they drink. kind of a lot. haha shocker, eh?:) This morning on our way to the library, I was quite puzzled for a bit, because it's in downtown London which is crowded with people all the time but this morning, there was no one....I was ooper confused until I put 2 and 2 together and realized everyone probably is sleeping and recovering from a hangover. hmm....oh st. patrick's day. haha You want to know how S. Zerkle and I celebrated last night? We drank apple cider with our Shamrock straws that mom sent to us this past week! (THANKS MOM!!!!:D) *see picture 

Before I jump into anything else, I need to do a shoutout to my dearest Bernickle....ahem.....
HAPPYBIRTHDAYAMBER!!!!!!!!!! :) I hope you have the greatest day that you've ever had in the whole wide world and know that I love you oh, SOOO much!:) If I was near you, I'd give you a huge hug, but for now, this is all I can do.....<>.....did you love it?! ;) oh good. :) I love you, my dearest Goober, have the greatest birthday EVER!!!!!! (you will...cause I'll be praying for you. :))

I believe it is time for.......

QUESTION TIME!!!

1. Are all four sisters STILL together?
Not anymore!! Our dear S. Tofa and S. Larsen moved out this past Wednesday. I forgot how much room there was in this apartment!!! :) It's great, though, we are still having lots of fun together, S. Zerkle and I!:)

2. Eloid update...
oh eloid...So those who have served a mission, you know those lessons where the Spirit is SOOO strong and you know that if it got ANY stronger the room would burst into flames?? And even after all that, after they tell you they don't want to look into your eyes because the feeling is so strong of the Spirit that it's going to drive him against the wall, he still refuses to get baptized on the Sunday he planned to because he feels he needs more time? Ah.....yeah. that's how our thursday lesson with Eloid went...We had him pray twice while we were there with him about his baptism, and he said he KNOWS God wants him to be baptized and he's ready for sunday/yesterday, but he personally feels he needs more time. He's still going to come to church and he says he will be baptized, but not this weekend....It was hard, I'll be completely honest. But S. Zerkle and I know that we're only guides and he will be baptized, it's just a  matter of time right now. He's getting stressed with paperwork he has to get done with his accident and all and going back and forth to Toronto, but he knows what he has to do, and that he has to be the one to make the ultimate decision to do so. He'll be ok, we know. We just continue to pray for him, each and every day. :)

3. Has Shawn set a baptismal date?
MARCH 24TH!!!!!! He came to church yesterday and looked SOOOOOO good! He hasn't smoked in a full week!!!! AH!! I am so proud of him, he was absolutely GLOWING!!!:) I love the Spirit so much. (!!!!!!) :) 

4. How did your meeting with Sheila go?
She couldn't make it. Sadly, it's time to drop her and let her come in contact with missionaries in the future when she's ready! :)

5. Johanna update...
Turns out her and Phil are not married so we committed them to live the law of chastity this past week (guidance from the Spirit and by some miracle I had a pamphlet in my backpack when we planned to teach the Plan of Salvation!:)) and they will be getting married soon! We don't know when yet, we were going to plan a day yesterday at church but they didn't show up and we can't get a hold of them. we're thinking they are in the hospital again because of her pregnancy so we're hoping and praying they are ok....

6. Has Maria set a baptismal date?
MARCH 24TH!!!!!! I am so happy I could cry!!!!:) She said yesterday she might make me sing at her baptism just because I was the one who taught her with S. Messer and she wants to embarrass me. um...rude....haha!:)

7. Favorite scripture study session of the week...
2 Nephi 31:2-3 talking about speaking with the tongue of angels if you have the Spirit. A couple weeks back, I talked to someone on the bus who asked me if I could speak with the tongue of angels, and I didn't know what that meant, I'll be completely honest, so I said no. But come to find out, I can! Why? Because I have been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost!! How cool is that??? AH. I love the scriptures SOOOO much. I am ashamed I didn't dive into them as much before this mission. But I can always improve, eh? I love "feasting upon the words of Christ, for the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do"!!!:)

8. FUNNIEST STORY!
ah man, I feel like these are just me admitting that I'm an idiot. welp....guess there's no reason in denying it, eh?:) ok so this past week it began to rain and you remember from before that my coat doesn't do so well in the rain. So wishing I had my umbrella, I realized I DID!!!! I put it in there the night before just in case it rained. BRILLIANT!! So, naturally, I was quite excited it was in my backpack. So I pulled it out and wanted to show S. Zerkle how cool it is, with my umbrella, that I can whip it to the side and it would extend, you know? This was my glorious moment..."S. Zerkle...WATCH!!! Wah-BAM! oh......." eyup. the umbrella extended, alright! IT BROKE! It went flying across the parking lot and landed in a puddle! And that was the death of my umbrella. poor little guy....needless to say, S. Zerkle couldn't stop laughing. :)

9. Besides Oreos, is there anything else you crave that you can't get in Canada?
not really...ps could you ask Tanner Wheadon where he found tim tams? I can't find them. anywhere. are they seasonal?? oh and it may not be food...but could you possibly find the EFY 2012 & 2011 CD for me? I would buy it here but I'm not in Utah so I don't know where to look for it...:) S. Messer had it and it was SOO good! (yes we can have EFY cd's here:)) If not, that's totally fine!:) I LOVE YOU!:)

10. Favorite companion bonding moment of the week...
We taught a 15 year old on the bus the restoration and S. Zerkle really let go her fears and just spoke with him by the Spirit and it was BEAUTIFUL!!! once he got off the bus, I looked at her and asked her if she realized that she had just taught the FULL restoration for the first time without me and without worrying, and she just began to cry, because she realized that the Spirit really does "put into your mind and in your heart the words which ye should say" and that together, if we have the Spirit with us, we can do ANYTHING. It was a really good experience, she's such a sweetheart!:)

Well, my favorite people ever, I must be off, but please know that I KNOW this Gospel is true. Everything happens for a reason, and we may not know that reason at this time, or even in this mortal life, but there is SOO much more than this life! Prepare to meet Heavenly Father again and improve yourself each day! When you receive a prompting, please please please follow through with what it is urging you to do, because He knows it will make you stronger! No prompting is an accident! We are on this Earth and have this knowledge, so let's share it with people around us! Have the desire to invite more of His children to enter His kingdom, and when you do so, how great will be your joy!:) HOW GREAT IS OUR CALLING!!!!!

Love now and ALWAYS,
Sister Janelle De Groot

Missionary Invitation: General Conference is right around the corner, and I am SOO excited! We will get the opportunity to hear from the Prophet of the Lord and His Apostles on the Earth, today! Just like the people gathered and turned their doors towards the temple to hear King Benjamin speak, let us prepare ourselves and our homes to hear the word of God! So what am I inviting you to do? INVITE SOMEONE!!!:) We all have trials and we all would like help and answers to our questions, promise them their question will be answered if they but take 8 hours out of their 48 hour period to hear the words of God!:) and you personally, write down questions you have and prayerfully seek an answer for them and I promise you, it WILL be answered in General Conference if you LISTEN. It will be an INCREDIBLE experience, I can promise you!!! Go ahead. Try it out. :)

BEST. WEEK. EVER.(!)

Mum, Pah-Pea, Family, and Friends!
oh my goodness, hello my favorite people!!!!:) So guess what? eyup! I LOVE missionary work!!!!! I know I sound like an older lady bearing her testimony through her tears, but seriously, my heart has never been this full! I've had so many incredible experiences this week that have strengthened my testimony SO much! ah, if ONLY I could express myself in writing, but I can't. I seriously can't. Just know that I KNOW this is true. God lives and He is guiding us each and every day, if we but allow Him. And family; I love you so so so so so (did I mention, so?) much!!!!! friends, I love you too, but my family oh my goodness gracious, you're the greatest people in the world!!!!! You have all taught me SO much just by being an example to me. This past week, I was able to help someone learn what I've learned from you all, and I had a chance to be a "big sister" to someone who needed me!:) Ah, I can't go into details, but know I appreciate you. every single one of you. Mom, Dad, Keri, Bill, Erin, Michael, Amber, and Ryan, I love you guys SOO much! Just know that your goober of a little sister adores you. that's all. :)

oh my goodness, it's shoutout time!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHIT!!!!! I hope you have the greatest day tomorrow and know that we're going to make cookies just for you! (we'd make a cake but....we don't have any candles....:)) We would send them to you, but they'd probably be gross. so we're going to eat them instead. hope you're ok with that!!!;) I love you, Whitney and know that someone here LOVES you!:)

*side note to this shoutout...I may have her birthday wrong in my head. so I apologize if I do...HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNALEE(P)! :) I hope you had the greatest day in the whole wide world and I think you're pretty great. If I was next to you, I'd sing my birthday song to you in my Janelleishness voice and then we'd eat oreos and milk. :) Happy birthday lovely!:)

And to those whose birthdays I didn't remember...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! (i'm sorry. I stink at dates. :))

now, I think it's time for a bit of questions and answers, eh?!:)
1.  Did the other sister's get into their new place?
nope!:) but we're having a blast together, don't you worry! We've got the 1 washroom/showering time down to a science but we're discovering that we eat a lot more than we thought we do....:) but it's just splendid, we love it! They're apartment is ready but they haven't gotten the insurance on it yet from Salt Lake so we're just waiting, not a big deal, though, we're having fun!:)

2.  How is the ward doing with TWO sets of sisters?
they are spoiling the goodness gracious out of us!:) haha they absolutely LOVE having sisters since they haven't in so long!:) it's pretty great:)

3.  Eloid stil on for March 17th?  (What time is the baptism set for, so we can be thinking about you?)
yes and no. (I know.....just wait....) so he knows this church is true. without a doubt. and he knows he will be baptized. but for some reason, he's waiting for God to tell him it is "his time". um...yeah hi, Eloid, THIS IS YOUR TIME!!:) haha but seriously, we asked him what time of answer he was waiting for and all, and he explained exactly how he's been feeling and the answer he's already gotten, but satan is throwing EVERYTHING at him about being busy and all and he said it could still happen on sunday, but he won't let us plan it...? we're going to meet with him again on tuesday at 5:30 and do everything we can to help him recognize that this is, indeed, his time, because it's God's time. so if you would, PLEASE pray for him! We're going to put him on the "zone prayer role" this week and I just pray that he'll understand the will of God! Thanks in advance!:)

4.  Did you get an update on Shawn's reaction to the Word of Wisdom?
he's committed to live it! :):) He can't be baptized on the 17th, though, because he couldn't come to church yesterday but within the next couple of weeks, for sure!:)

5.  How is Sheila feeling?  Have you met with her?
we finally got an appointment for this thursday!!:) not much of an update with her, so prayers would definitely be appreciated!:)

6.  Anyone else to report on?
Got a new investigator! Her name is Johanna, her and her husband just moved here from Vancouver, her husband is a member, we met them on the bus and she said she wanted to be baptized! WHAT????:) so we taught her yesterday about the Restoration, committed her to be baptized on the 31st of March, teaching her tuesday and friday this week! Can you say, prepared?!?!?!:) She's such a sweetheart, she's 24 and pregnant, due in August with her first child, and she's having a lot of complications, but she knows this church is true from going only ONCE back in November and because in sunday school they were talking about swearing and invited all to not swear for one week, she did it, LOVED it, and felt the Spirit, and has been wanting to be baptized ever since! So now we're just teaching her so she can be!!!:) SOOO EXCITED!!!:)

7.  Funniest story of the week...
S. Zerkle may or may not have fallen down the stairs when we went to visit Eloid. she was fine so it was funny. she was laughing too. :) oh. and Eloid told me I cry too much....goober...:)

8.  Most uplifting story of the week...
so I had to talk in church yesterday on the Plan of Salvation, and Sister Tofa spoke on the Restoration. So I planned my talk and was looking over it when I felt to bring a paper up with me that I had the feeling to grab on our way out the door yesterday morning. As I began my talk, everything was jumbled for a good 2 minutes. what I planned just didn't feel right. So I paused for a little bit. and followed the prompting to focus on the sacrament and the atonement. As I began to follow that prompting, I realized why I was prompted to bring up that paper. It was a talk Elder Holland gave in General Conference in 2009 entitled "None Were With Him". To be honest, I don't even remember how I even got that paper...but I had it. :) Anyways, I ready bits of pieces of it, focusing on the abandonment that He felt, so we don't have to and the importance of the sacrament. I let the Spirit work and spoke what came to my mind, and the Spirit was so strong! After the meeting, I discovered why I spoke about what I did. Sister Larsen and Sister Tofa had an investigator there who had questions about the atonement and the sacrament and Sister Larsen was praying that we would be guided by the Spirit on what to say to help him out. Surprise! the church is true. actually, that's no surprise at all. :) THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!!!!!:)

9.  What other awesome things can you share?
James, Maria's son, was rebaptized yesterday after requesting his name be removed a few years back. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! He was just BEAMING! (Eloid also went to this baptism and said he watched him get baptized and wished it was him...yeah. he'll be baptized. he just needs prayers. :)) Anyways, then Maria (remember her?) came up to me and said "Sister De Groot, everything today has just felt right. I wanted to wait for all the happiness to die down before I made my decision, but it doesn't stop. everyone here is so happy, and I feel welcome and at home here. this is where I belong. So not this coming sunday, but in the very soon future, I want to be baptized." AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) yeah. I may or may not have leapt for joy!:) we're working with our mission leader to get things rolling for her this week!:) ah, our little maria! SO PROUD!:)

10. Is there anything you need/want?
could you send me one of my skirts? it's the gray, blue and maroon one. someone called it my captain america skirt...:) and my dark pink cardigan? It's starting to get warm!!!!!!:)

Well, my wonderful people, I love you all sooo much! Please know that I know this church is true! It's not just some cool idea that makes sense, but it is true! And the only way that someone can gain a greater testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel is if they try it out for themselves. Read the Book of Mormon. Pray and ask God if it is true. Confirmation will come no other way but through the testifying of the Holy Ghost to you personally. So go ahead. Ask. I promise you, you will never regret it. :)

Have a lovely week!
Love for now and forever,
Sister Janelle De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: Go buy a Preach My Gospel. I am a firm believer that EVERY member of the church should have their own copy whether they have or have not served a mission. Buy it and then study it. I promise you, you will become the member missionary you want to be, as well as the one God wants you to be. If you've already served a mission, study it again! It's divine revelation by a Prophet of God, and it can't be learned all at once or in 2 years alone. go. fight. study. and preach. :)

A few "leftover" pictures from the MTC:

Sister Janelle De Groot and Sister Ashley Mecham
(friends from High School)

Elder Joe Wait and Sister De Groot
(worked together at Pizza Pie Cafe in Orem, Utah)

So, my baby is basically my twin. Strange, I know....

Mum, Pahps, family and fwends!

HELLO!!!! mom, thank you sooo much for your package this week!!! it was DELICIOUS!!!:) we all thought so...:) so to explain my subject line, my new baby's name is Sister Zerkle!! She's from Las Vegas, Nevada, played volleyball back in the day (high school) and loves to laugh!!! (it's like God knows who I am or something...?:)) Anyways, she's AWESOME!!!! we got along from the first second that President Scott paired us up together the day of transfers! There were SOOO many new missionaries this past transfer, 6 elders came and 30 sisters!!!! WHAT????? it was such an incredible sight to see!!!:) Both s. Zerkle and I thought we'd get paired up together, and we did!:) Apparently when the trainers walked into the room, I had a huge smile on and she said she knew we'd be together because I smile really big. hahaha who knew, eh?:) oh! and random side note, apparently I have an accent. EVERYONE out here, when they asked where I'm from, respond with an "oh, yeah I couldn't tell from the accent..." I didn't think Canadians talked all THAT different...haha but because of the accent, people ask me questions and that gives me even MORE opportunities to talk to people!:) we've had so many AWESOME experiences finding people this week, last night, in particular, when we felt to go down on a street called Kind Edward, and we came in contact with 2 people who wanted to know more and gave us their contact information.  One of them even gave us a referral we're going to follow up with tonight, and tracted a door of a catholic lady who was interested!:) I'll let you know next week the names of those truly interested and what we taught them and such, eh?:) But for now, let's jump into.....

the time of questions!!!

1.  Tell me something you learned about YOURSELF this week (a quality, etc. that you didn't know you had, etc.)
I'm actually BOLD!!! who knew, eh? oh. and a little bit stubborn, but I'm sure you already knew that, mom...!:) as we talk to people on the street, I've made it a goal that if they say no the first time but are very nice about it, I'll just testify or slip another little thing in as they're leaving, and a few have actually given us their information after doing that!! Good tactic!:) But seriously, I've realized that once I just surrender my words to His, it flows. I don't get jumbled. and what I share, is what they need to hear. I am learning every day to be better, but I am so grateful that He doesn't set me loose and make me learn on my own, but He's right there beside me to pull me up when I fall. How sweet and loving is our Heavenly Father!!!!:)

2.  Tell me ALL ABOUT your first week as a trainer!!
It's actually going really well! I'll be honest, I feel kind of weird training her, because she's 22, and I seem to get intimidated when I feel someone already knows more than me, in this case because she's older. so at times, I feel awkward helping someone who is 2 years older than I am but together, we decided to eliminate the term trainer and trainee between the two of us. because we're both learning, we're both new, and we're both helping each other out EVERY day! We're just sharing our knowledge and what we've learned to help out our companionship so we can better help the people in the London 2nd East!:) (oh yeah, we were west, now we're east. but still the same address!!:))

3.  How are you and Sister Zerkle getting along?
welp...she's my twin! haha yeah, we're getting along just splendidly!!! She's an awesome missionary!!!!:)

4.  Are 4 sisters still living together?  How is that going?
haha it makes for some seriously fun times....:) yes, they'll be with us til the end of this week. Let me tell you, it is quite tough going shopping for 4 girls, especially when those 4 girls like to eat A LOT!!! haha but it really is great! We're all learning SOOO much and I love them all!! The other two sisters are s. Larsen (came with s. zerkle) and S. Tofa who's been out for 7 months now, from Australia. They're all SUPER cool!:)

5.  Funniest story of the week (share multiple if you have them!)
I'd definitely have to say the funniest this week was when we were talking to a 55 year old man near us in Tim Horton's for dinner who was from Portugal and when we went to leave, he tried to marry me off to his friend. I declined, pah-pea, don't you worry!;)

6.  Any more "DEGROOT" sightings???
Nope! Not yet. But the bus driver said he knew a Dave De Groot. and nope. it wasn't uncle Dave. I asked him. :)

7.  Now that your ward is split into east/west sister missionaries, have you had to hand over some of your investigators?
sadly yes. we passed on Shawn and a few potentials as well. But we got to keep Eloid....just sayin...:):):)

8.  How did Shawn respond to the Word of Wisdom lesson?
He had to cancel on us cause he was working again, and we passed him on, but they're going to get him this week so I'll keep you updated!

9.  Eloid - still progressing?
absolutely!!! came to church yesterday and LOVED testimony meeting! He's so great, s. Zerkle said that she didn't think he would be as cool as I described him because I talked about him for 3 days straight before we met with him, and then she met him and took back what she said. :) Still working towards March 17th!!!!!:)

10. What about Jamie?
I don't know what happened this week, but she doesn't want to meet with us, nor would she talk to us, she was talking through her mom, who was very kind and didn't get it either, so we don't know really....It was truly unfortunate. But hey, maybe in the future, eh?

11. Sheila?
still sick. she's had the flu for a while so hopefully we can get in this week.

well, I want you to know that I love you all SOOOOO much! I know without ANY doubt that this gospel is true! I was talking to someone on the bus today who said, "you know this is true, don't you? I can tell on your face that you wouldn't come out here and share this with people if you didn't know it was true." and it strengthened my testimony about this Truth and it's impact! If you know it is true, people can see that you know! I love getting on the bus and sitting next to some random person and comparing their face at the beginning when they're looking at me really strange to the face they have when we leave each other, because it changes them! The truth changes peoples lives and I am so honored and humbled by the opportunity to be here in Canada sharing it with people! I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the Earth today, acting and speaking as God's mouthpiece! I know that as a missionary, I am simply an instrument in the Hands of the Lord, not doing my work, but HIS work! I love every second of His mission, and know that He loves every single one of you! Keep up your smiles and your service to those around you, because I promise you, people see and they notice you as a member of His church! I love you all so much and can't thank you enough for all of your prayers and support! I love you all!!! GOD LIVES!!!!

Love now and forever,
Sister Janelle De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: read a past conference talk this week and do whatever the apostle or prophet or whoever it is, is inviting you to do, and remember, it's not them inviting you, but rather, God who is! LOVE YOU ALL!!!