Mosiah 3:17

Mum, PahPea, Family and Friends!!!

Why Hello there! So here's the thing, just in case you forgot...I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!! eyup. sure do! I have had so many testimony building experiences that have helped me recognize my purpose even more as a missionary. I truly do love this work with all of my heart!!:)

oh my goodness, I hope you all had a tremendous Canadian Thanksgiving! I sure did!!:) Holidays and I have a love/hate relationship right now. Hatred because everyone leaves town and doesn't come to church/no one can come teaching with us, but LOVE because people are so incredibly kind on the holiday!!! YES PLEASE!:) like really-everyone was so nice!!! it might have been because lots of people we contacted were drunk and overly happy but hey! Still nice! haha Oh Toronto....gotta love it. I sure do!:) guess who got to go on awesome exchanges this past week??? 1 with sister sorensen who came out with me who was in my anatomy class before the mission, and sister zerkle!!! eyup, my baby! it was so great to be with her again, I just love them both so much!:)

Sister De Groot with her "baby", Sister Zerkle - reunited on "Splits"

Alright, well I got lots to share today, so let's jump into...

QUESTION TIME!!!!:)

1. How/Where did you celebrate Canada's Thanksgiving?

Actually we celebrated it on exchanges! We had no dinner planned in our ward so naturally, we went to other sisters areas to get dinner! I'm just kidding that wasn't the reason we did exchanges that day, but it definitely was a bonus! haha I was in a trio with Hermana Barron and Hermana Oakleberry in Christie and we had dinner with a man who is muslim named Ali and his family (see picture). He's actually a store owner that feeds the missionaries all the time because he loves the Spirit that they bring into his home, doesn't want missionaries to teach him, but he'll allow a message shared each time he feeds them. Anyways, he fed us delicious everything and of course, I ate til I couldn't breathe and then ate some more (isn't that technically breaking the word of wisdom....hmm...food for thought. ha! get it?? FOOD cause I'm talking about food? haha ah man...I'm so silly...:)). Afterwards we shared with him a message about charity and our Savior Jesus Christ, and he absolutely bawled through the whole thing! He told us he just feels so good whenever we come and talk about Jesus. But alas, he still didn't want to meet with the missionaries. Why is it that we all feel so good after doing something or when we go to church or read our scriptures or whatever else it may be and then don't follow through? likening it unto myself...I definitely need to improve on following the counsel fully and completely that I receive from my Heavenly Father. It gives it to us for a reason, right? How beautiful the feeling of the Spirit and seeing it touch his heart was so tender, definitely a thanksgiving mercy!:)

2. What Conference message do you want to expound on this week?

Elder Ballard (I think it was him) talked about doing an act of missionary work before Christmas! This'll be my missionary invitation this week, to write it down, to make a plan.:) We actually talked about missionary work in gospel principles and the sister teaching talked about why we express fears of missionary work and the excuses we come up with sometimes. she compared the Gospel to the Heimlich and how, if we were in a restaurant and saw someone choking and you're the only person who knew the procedure that would save him, and you didn't for fear of what would happen. would they guy think you're weird for touching him? would he get mad at you? would he tell other people that you were insensitive for helping because clearly, he wanted to choke? We don't know the outcome, but regardless of how it turns out, you still shared what would save them. There is NO other way that our brothers and sisters can return to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father, this truly is the only thing that can save them; the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ! Yeah, it is scary sometimes, but think of the joy it's brought you! feels pretty good, eh? I testify that it feels good because it's true. God will not lie, he cannot lie. And He will help all who exercise their faith in Him. I love this Gospel so much and I know you do as well! So let's share it, eh? I'm responding to this invitation as well, don't you worry! It came from God, so therefore I will respond with gladness!:)

3. How is Tedd doing?

He's doing SOO well!:) He loves learning and reading, and hopefully is coming to church on sunday!! woohoo! We're meeting with him again tonight, so please pray we'll be able to teach by the Spirit and help him feel it, too. :)

4. Hailu?

lives out of our area so we passed him on to the awesome Toronto missionaries!

5. RIchard? Tannen? Jasmine? Orval? 

oh wow....you know what's sad? everyone of these individuals we dropped this week. sad day...We'll still watch out for them and keep them coming to church if possible, but there are a lot of personal situations each one needs to work out at this point in time that unfortunately doesn't allow us to meet with them at this time. But it's alright, God wants us to keep moving forward with Him, so we will continue to do so! His work never stops, after all!:)

6. Anyone I'm leaving out?!?

We are teaching a nice lady named ella that sister williams found on exchanges this past week. She's super sweet but has a TON of medical issues right now, so it'll be a very gradual teaching process with her, but she is awesome! She's so open and actually majored in philosophy and theology a long time ago so she knows a LOT! haha We're pretty excited to meet with her, that's for sure!:)

7. How are you feeling? (stay away from oregano oil please!)

Doing better, still a cough, but not nearly as bad. :) Sister Williams offered Thames (less powerful than oregano but still gets the job done) and I just couldn't do it. no more essential oils for this one, that's for sure!! haha

FINISH MY SENTENCE...

 

8. If I had ONE WISH, then it would be...

a happy happy birthday to you from me!! Happy early birthday pahpea!:)

9. I was SO EXCITED when...

the elders who live in our building heard we didn't have dinner so they made us a cake and dropped it off at our apartment for the holiday. so kind and so incredibly DELICIOUS!:)

10. One of the most challenging parts of being a Sister Training Leader Missionary is...

feeling inadequate but then realizing it's not your work, it's God's, therefore, you're adequate enough. still inadequate, but he makes up the rest if you do your part. :)

11. One of the most rewarding parts of being a Sister Training Leader Missionary is...

learning from the many sisters and how they do this incredible work! I feel like I'm stealing bits and pieces of all their personalities to apply to our area! Is that allowed...? haha

12. My most embarrassing moment this week was when....

Ali hugged me on thanksgiving. seriously, people have got to stop hugging me, because I turn stiff like a board and my face looks like a tomato. awkward sister De Groot...

13. I'd have to say that the highlight of my week was....

Going on exchanges with my sweet baby, Sister Zerkle and seeing how far she has come! She is such an incredible missionary, it's AWESOME!!!! I was so grateful to feel of her spirit again and learn more from her! She's the COOLEST!:)

14. This week I am most grateful for...

     a. Delicious thanksgiving food     b. Mom's mashed potatoes (really. nothing comes close. :))     c. Companions-past. present. and future. :)     d. Toronto Transit Center Ties and how missionaries randomly accumulate them from bus drivers. operation TTC tie...ready go. :)     e. Buses. I love the buses. all day on exchanges. tons of people. trapped. I love the buses. :) p.s. I sound sarcastic but I'm not. I seriously love the buses.:)

Well, my lovelies (I can hear people making fun of me that I call you all that, oh well!...haha) I must head out, but I love you all and hope that you have the greatest week in the whole wide world! Remember; God lives! Christ also and this is the work of Salvation! let's help out the work, we are all enlisted after all! How great is our calling!:)
Love for now and for ever,

Sister De Groot:)
Missionary Invitation: Question #2 :) Name, date, action!:)

"What would you do if the Prophet called you? Well...HE HAS!" ~Elder S. Gifford Nielson :)

Mum, PahPea, Family and Friends!

Why hello!! So...General Conference? SOOOOO great, eh???!!:) Ah, I just loved it SO much! The Spirit was so evident in each one of the talks given both by the spirit of the speaker and the words spoken. I know I missed a shout out so let me make up for it...

HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY JOSHY!!!!! I hope you had the greatest big boy birthday in the whole wide world! Just remember, pick up the canada flag, wave it and yell...GO CANADA!!!! eyup! that's my boy!!:) Aunt JayBay loves you, big boy!!!:)

alright. now that I've made up for my lateness....let's jump into...
QUESTION TIME!!!

 

1. Where did you watch Conference?

~Saturday morning -At Nermines apartment, a member in our ward. She's so sweet!! She actually served a mission about 8 years ago in England! AWESOME missionary!:)~Saturday afternoon -@ the church~Sunday morning -@ the church~Sunday afternoon -@ the church :)

2. Did you have omelets/cinnamon rolls? (If not, what DID you have?)

OMELETS!!! they were quite sad though, I'll be honest. No where near worthy enough to have a picture. all we had were eggs, a tiny bit of cheese and sausage. So that's what was inside. They were still super tastey, but they were missing quite a bit...haha

3. Were you able to watch with investigators?

yup yup yup! We had 2 investigators come: Tedd and Hailu. Tedd we've been teaching for about a week, and he already classifies himself as a dry mormon! haha He doesn't quite understand the importance of the Restoration but he loves the Book of Mormon, so we're doing our best to help him understand our message :) Hailu was actually brought by Tedd to General Conference, and he LOVED it! Afterwards, he said to me that he just felt something very strong, and he loves that God works with our feelings! Beautiful, eh?:)

4. Other than conference, what was the highlight of your week?

When Hailu said he felt the Spirit so strong, for sure! :) But a funny one...you see, I'm beginning to get sick. not too bad, don't worry, but my throat was super soar the other night and sister williams is big into essential oils. So she told me that I should try oregano oil, and it'll kill whatever is developing in my throat. she did warn me that its super weird and I will probably hate it, but I decided to try it anyways. yeah...bad idea. Apparently you put 2 drops under your tongue, so I did. the second I did, my whole mouth starts to numb up. I felt like someone took oregano leaves and rubbed them all over the back of my throat then placed a heating pad in the middle of it all. I had no idea what was going on, so default, I started to cry. then I started laughing because I was crying but because I was, I couldn't breathe. oh my goodness, it was a dramatic experience. I've never felt so many emotions all at one time in all of my life! but hey, I'm still alive and all is well! my throat even feels a bit better!!! :) But word to the wise: if your companion tells you that you'll hate it, just take her word for it, seriously. You'd save yourself quite an embarrassing 3.14 mintues. :)

5. How is your Teaching Pool these days?

Tedd, Hailu, Richard, Tannen, Jasmine, and Orval. Found out Orval has been in the hospital and is not doing very well, so if you would, please keep him in your prayers. He wants to progress in the gospel but his health keeps controlling him, I know he'd appreciate continuous prayers as I know he's felt them already! We've been having some difficulty getting a hold of our investigators throughout the week so that's something we're working on with this area, and finding a family as well! our mission has a goal to find 80 families and future missionaries in each respective area (whether in family wards or in YSA) and baptize them by Dec 1st so we can find those who will be able to assist in hastening the work of salvation. We have yet to find a family so we're doing our best to find that kingdom building family! Prayers to find this inspiring family would be greatly appreciated! :)

FINISH MY SENTENCE...

 

6. Sister Williams and I prepared for Conference by....

jumping up and down out of excitement saturday morning and then focusing study that morning to our individual and companionship goals to receive revelation for ourselves and our area

7. My favorite study session this week centered around...

The Plan of Salvation. Going to the temple last week made me contemplate the reason we're all here, and the ultimate and most BRILLIANT plan of our Heavenly Father. If you get a chance, read the August ensign 2013 on page 43. my Favorite quote says this "caught up in the wonder of this expanding view of the cosmos, we can only kneel in awed reverance before HIm, the creator and sustrainer of it, and express gratitude that this divine, all prowerful Being is our Father and that he created it all for the purpose of bringing about our eternal salvation. Knowing this, should we not gladly obey His counsel and, with eagerness, receive the ordinances and covenants that will guide us to eternal life with Him?" so simple. so true. LOVE IT!

8. I went on splits to    Etobicoke    (name all of the areas), served with     Hermana Rojas    (name all the sisters) and learned    that God truly has called you as you to accomplish what He needs accomplished. Sister Rojas taught me the true meaning of just being yourself and having confidence that the Lord knows what He's doing. thanks heavens for that, eh?:)   (explain how you were enlightened).

 

9. One of my favorite spiritual things about being a sister missionary is...

watching people discover who they really are - a son or daughter of our beloved Heavenly Father. That relationship with Him is so personal and it fills me with so much joy as I see my brothers and sisters here in Ontario discover that relationship for themselves. I love how my "extended family's" experiences allow me to obtain greater strength in my testimony! For that, I'll be forever grateful!

10. One of my favorite non-spiritual things about being a sister missionary is...

being looked at weird. who knew it'd be something I'd actually enjoy because it accounts for a good 1/2 of the funny stories that happen out here! haha good thing I can thrive in awkward situations, eh?...:)

11. I am especially grateful this week for...

     a. Personal Revelation     b. cute old ladies who give you pumpkin pie at conference     c. President Monson and his expression as he said "call tommy monson, he'll know what to do!" so precious, our Prophet!     d. Prayer!     e. Filipinos. they feed you until you're dead and then ask if you want more. :)

 

12. I've been so excited to share my feelings about conference. Here goes... (this is where you can let loose with all of the excitement that has been building up inside of you over the past few weeks as you have prepared for Conference, culminating in your thoughts and feelings of this past weekend. Spare no detail!!) :0)

are you sure you want me to do that? ok...here it goes.....ahem.....

OHMYGOODNESSGRACIOUSGENERALCONFERENCEWASTHEGREATESTTHING

INTHEWHOLEWIDEWORLDIDON'TTHINKITCOULDHAVEGOTTENANYBETTER

BUTWAITITTOTALLYDIDBECAUSEITWASJUSTSOGREATANDIJUSTLOVEDIT

SOMUCHANDMORE!!!!!!!

 

but seriously. I loved it. :)

of course, one of my absolute favorites was S. Gifford Nielson's talk on missionary work! that's just a given, eh?:) I can't list all of my favorites today, so I'll just do a few and then add more each week:)

- Look for the significant but subtle blessings

- The leaders of the Church require nothing of its members but the Lord requires that we consecrate all

- Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith

- Covenant keepers are commandment keepers

- "Wilt thou be made whole?"

- If the bitter cup does not pass, drink it.

- Make the decision to do what Jesus Christ has asked us to do!

...to list a few. :) Well my lovelies, I need to go, but I'll leave with the simple declaration that I KNOW this Gospel is true! I pray that you can feel of my testimony as I attempt to declare it in simple english words, for there is no language so extravagant that could adequately portray how I feel about this, Christ's restored Gospel! It's true! and I cannot and will not ever deny it! God be thanked for the matchless gift of His Divine Son! Let us bless the Earth with that declaration of truth! How great is our calling!!

Love for now and forever,
Sister De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: I'll echo Elder Nielson's invitation to do three simple steps to share the Gospel...

1. Specifically pray to bring someone closer to Christ every day

2. Pray for the missionaries and investigators in your area by name every day

3. Invite a friend to every activity in or out of your home, pray about what to share and then follow the Spirit as He guides you

exclamation point.

(!)

Mosiah 1

Mum, Pops, Family and Friends!

HELLO!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! It feels like Christmas because General Conference is this weekend and I am so insanely excited!!!!!! omelets, here I come!!! yes. we are making them on Saturday. mmmhmmm!:) well...hopefully. ha! This week has been awesome! My companion is Sister Williams and we're doing great here in Etobicoke. Because of needing to drive back and forth constantly to different places in the mornings for meetings and to drive other sisters, we've had a lack of companionship study, so our teaching together is still a little hazy, but we role played like CRAZY this morning to unite our teaching and it's getting much better! haha We get along so well and are working hard here! Did I mention I'm excited for Conference? OK. Just making sure...:)

alright, let's do some....
QUESTION TIME:

1. Assuming you were able to watch the RS Broadcast, what was your favorite talk?

I can't pick favorites honestly, but I LOVED that they talked about keeping your covenants and ensuring that we respect them daily. and I LOVE that President Monson brought it back to the basic foundation of prayer. Of course, I forgot my journal from it, so I'll add it into favorite quotes from General Conference next week. :)

2. How are you and Sister Williams getting along?

We're getting along really well! I am learning SOOOO much from her and we're having lots of fun! Working hard, being obedient, seeing blessings, and laughing constantly. What more could you want????:)

3. What can you tell me about her? (how long has she been out, where is she from, etc)

She is out for 2 more transfers, from Calgary, Alberta, has the most incredible testimony, and reminds me daily of Erin. Seriously. I love that my family is popping out of random places; Ryan in Zack in London, Erin in my companion, Dad slightly in President Scott, it's just so great!!!

4. Any pictures to share today? (if the answer is NO, please stop reading this email and write yourself a note so you dont forget next week!! Then you can resume writing...) :0)

it's funny...I almost forgot it again today! haha but eyup! pictures coming!

My District last Transfer :0)

There was a bug in my pear, so I cut it out!  :0)

5. How are your investigators? (Roza, Jorge, Arlene, anyone else?)

Our teaching pool has kind of switched upside down! haha Roza and Jorge we are no longer teaching, they'd like to read on their own, Arlene has been sick so we haven't been able to meet with her, but we did find a couple of awesome people to teach!!! Richard and Tannen are from Kenya and are the sweetest young couple in the world!!! Jasmin came to church yesterday as well as the baptism afterwards for the elders, and she LOVED it!! She leaned over to me in Sacrament Meeting and asked "if I wanted to be baptized, what would I need to do?" and of course, my heart skipped a beat, I reassured her we'd prepare her to be baptized soon!:):) She's such a sweetheart and SOO prepared!!

6. HOW WAS THE TEMPLE?!?!?

it was SOOOO good! oh my goodness gracious, I cannot even express how incredible it was!!! First time inside the Toronto Temple, the new experience in the session, and just being in the Lord's house, absolutely WONDERFUL!!!

FINISH MY SENTENCE:

7. The first thing Sister Williams and I did together was...

laugh so hard we cried over coin laundry. Sister Williams isn't very excited about that. hahah

8. I couldn't stop laughing when...

we cried over coin laundry. sleep deprived sister training leaders on transfer day: gotta love it:)

9. My favorite "split" this week was...

we only had one because of transfers so my favorite one was with s Aparicio again! She's such a sweetheart, a solid missionary!!!:)

10. I felt the Spirit so strongly when...

I sat inside the temple right at the beginning of the session. It was just SOO good to be back there. seriously. 9 months is a long time to be away from the temple. I mean, I feel the Spirit each day as I serve, but there's something different about being inside our Father's complete and Holy house. Absolutely filling!:)

11. Heavenly Father's love engulfed me as...

He answered my prayers in the Relief Society broadcast on Saturday as well as again in the testimony of one of the ward members on Sunday. God knows what we go through and if we pray for strength and direction, He WILL answer us and comfort us! This I know, and of this I bear testimony!

12. My favorite "study session" was...

This mornings, as I studied about giving up our souls for Jesus Christ and for the furthering in His work. We are aiding God in His work. If we don't open our mouths, we're not. It's that simple.

13. I am SO grateful for...

a. Temples of God!!

b. General Conference

c. Omelets. see (b) :)

d. Exact obedience, so I can be an instrument to bless others lives with the Truth!!

e. The Spirit. There seriously is no greater feeling.

***side note. from now on, I am going to do my best to not mention things I have already mentioned, so I can expound on things I'm grateful for each week. Just a heads up so I don't look ungrateful for God and Christ and things of which I've already written down. :) That's all.

Well, I need to be off, but please know that I still, and forever will, LOVE this Gospel! It`s true and will be forever!!! And thank heavens for that!!! God lives, and he needs assistance to complete His work. Let's aid him and share the Gospel with everyone. That's what we signed up to do, in the preexistence, as well as when we were baptized! How great is our calling!!

Love for now and for ever,

Sister De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: last week, best week before Conference!!! Prepare like crazy!!!!! And invite someone to come and eat delicious food with you and hear the Prophet of God speak! What greater combination could there possibly be???:)

Mum, PahPea, Family and Friends!

Ok, so I have to apologize right up front, this email is going to be insanely short due to transfers and all that we need to get done, I'm so sorry! So sorry about my quick responses and lack of details but I'll do better next week, I promise!:)

so.....

QUESTION TIME:

1.  TRANSFERS....what's up with that?!?

I'm staying here in Etobicoke with Sister Williams and Sister Arksey is going to Oshawa to train the new sister training leader sister Stats who came out with me:) 

2.  How cold is it getting there?

freezing, actually! not really...but seriously. I'm just a wimp. :) 

3.  Are you staying warm enough?  (translation - do you need anything?)

some more thick tights would be fantastic actually. preferably dark colors that are not black, I have like 10 of them. :) gray would be appreciated:), and yes they can have patterns, like the knitted ones. thanks!

4.  Pictures???

I am so sorry....I forgot the connection again. I'm sorry, so is my brain on transfer p-days! Apologies, next week for sure. 3rd times the charm, eh?:) 

5.  Any message for the Birthday girl (aka Grandma)?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMS!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!:):):) HAVE THE GREATEST DAY EVER!!!!!

6.  How is Roza?  Jorge?  Arlene?  Anyone else?

They're all doing well, plus a couple new investigators I'll expound on next week!:):):)

7.  Any packages?

YES!!! thank you SOOO much, all the candy is gone. :) haha I LOVE YOU and thank you so much for the journal, I was going to buy one today but don't need to anymore!:)

FINISH MY SENTENCE:

8.  When Sister Arksey and I heard about transfers, we...

realized how much we had to get done. haha!

9.  I've been SO excited to tell you about...

THE FACT THAT I GET TO GO TO THE TEMPLE ON SATURDAY!!!!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!! :):):):):)

Well, I must head, and again, I apologize for the awfully short letter this week! Please forgive me but know that I love you all SOOO much! This Gospel is so true and it blesses all who will humble themselves before God and do what He has asked. I know this Gospel changes lives! why? because it's the truth! Because of that knowledge alone, let's go share it with everyone!:) how great is our calling!

Love for now and for ever,

Sister De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: Read a Conference talk this week that is on a topic that has been on your mind lately. If you don't have one, then with prayer, select one, and then read it. :) How wonderful it is that we have the opportunity to hear from a Prophet of God! Let's prepare ourselves adequately to hear our Father's glorious direction for these, our times!:)

Doctrine and Covenants 50:44

Mum, PahPea, Family and Friends!

Hello, hello! I love hearing that you're all doing well! I am glad you are, since I pray for you each and every day!:) We are doing really well here in Etobicoke, the work is definitely moving along! we're implementing new ways to work with the ward and it is definitely making strides in the work! I love member missionaries, they're soo cool!:) yes. that means I love you all, as well!:) We had a wonderful zone conference this past week, my testimony grew in so many different areas!! I love how the Spirit teaches so much at once!! who knew my testimony could actually grow that much at once, eh?:)
alright, let's jump into.......
QUESTION TIME!!

1. Are you sending pictures today? (I really hope the answer is YES!!)

I was going to until I realized I didn't bring my connection...sorry! next week!:)

2. Any message for Larissa, whose birthday is this week?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHNOOKUM!!!! I hope you have the greatest birthday in the whole wide world! You should, because I'm praying for you!:) I hope your roommates make you a giant cake and sing to you on your wonderful day of birth! :) I'll be doing the same! but with cookies. and we probably won't be singing since we'll be at a members home teaching a lesson...:) Love you lots, dear! happy birthday!!!

3. How were splits this week?

wonderful! I stayed here in Etobicoke for one and then went off to weston for another. I've discovered that you have to time travel VERY strategically because traffic here in Toronto is CRAZY!!!! haha our 20 minute commute sometimes ends up being an hour or longer! we're getting smarter, though, so don't worry!:)

4. Any feelings about transfers next week?

I don't think we're going anywhere, in all honesty. well, I hope not, at least! But hey, wherever the Lord wants me to go, I'll go! is it seriously transfer calls, again??? my goodness...where is time going......?

5. How did your presentation at Zone Conference go?

It was ok....because we taught at the same time as some zone leaders, we split the companionships and taught twice. the second one went much better, but my goodness it is so difficult to smoosh everything you want to say into 10 minutes so you can give the missionaries enough time to role play! It's a talent. one in which I'm learning VERY quickly!!! haha But it was good, we talked about keeping an eternal perspective while teaching our investigators so they understand that commandments and progression is a pattern for living rather than just up til baptism or a couple years after. It helped me recognize in my own life, why I live commandments and how I see it change my nature so that I may return to live with our Father in Heaven someday. I love how everything in the Gospel can be likened unto ourselves to help us learn and grow! :)

6. Any Ashley sightings?

negative....

7. How's Jorge?

Doing well! Sadly he wasn't able to come to church yesterday but we talked about General Conference a bit and he got really excited to hear the living prophet!!! WOOHOO!! greatest time in the world, as a missionary!!!!!:)

8. Any other investigators?

Roza: adorable sweet muslim lady, loves the Atonement!!:)

Arlene...found on exchange so I don't know her yet haha

9. Did any packages arrive this week?

nope but that definitely makes me want to go home and check our mailbox!!;)

FINISH MY SENTENCE...

10. My favorite study session this week was...

studying "His Grace is Sufficient" from this months Ensign. SOO good! That's my invitation for this week, is to read this talk but a couple of my favorite quotes from it are below;

-The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can go home but that-miraculously-we can feel at home there.

-Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and right now.

-There should never be just two options: perfection or giving up.

-Grace is not the absence of God's high expectations. Grace is the presence of God's power.

11. My favorite teaching moment was...

Teaching a less actives unbaptized daughter about prayer. It was so spiritual as we discussed what prayer does and can do for us. prayer is a wonderful tool that brings incredible blessings! how wonderful the tools our Heavenly Father gives that we may be close to Him!

12. I couldn't believe it when...

we did weekly planning and I wrote down the dates for week 5 of this transfer. IT'S MID-SEPTEMBER!!!??? ok. what??? I know this happens to me a lot, but seriously. this is getting insane...

13. I wish you could have seen...

The elders baptism yesterday. A less actives 2 young daughters were baptized and their family was so precious! and she's coming back to the church again! ah. so wonderful!:)

14. This week, I felt my Savior closest to me when...

When I received guidance on something that I've been praying about personally. It just built my testimony that my Heavenly Father is truly aware of me, that He knows me personally and will answer my prayers. God knows us perfectly, so when we don't know what to do about something, why not ask Him? he's our most perfect Resource!:)

15. The one thing I am hoping to accomplish this coming week is...

helping each person I contact feel the Spirit, by profoundly testifying of the message I am sharing. That's the only way people begin their conversion, is by a testimony from the Spirit. I know that, but I want others to feel of that as well. :)

16.  "A grateful heart...comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives." -Thomas S. Monson

This week I am most grateful for...

1. tights. because it's getting insanely cold already. ha!

2. the testimony of solid companions that bring the Spirit immediately!! so inspiring!

3. Missionary Tim Horton's run on the way to Zone Conference. mmmhmmm :)

4. President Scott's yielding to the Spirit in conferences to say exactly what I needed to hear!

5. My Savior's Atoning sacrifice. it is infinite. I testify that Jesus Christ not only sacrificed Himself for us, but that it was essential in our Heavenly Father's plan for us to return to live with Him someday. Many people truly do not have this knowledge, or refuse to believe it. But the thing is, we know this is true. I KNOW this is true. That is why I am on a mission. It's not because I want the stigma of a return missionary in the future, it's not because I know it'll be a good experience, it's not even because I want to improve my testimony, it's because I know that "this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. amen." 2 Nephi 31:21

This Work is eternal! and it's the only way our friends and loved ones can find peace in this life and eternal salvation in the world to come. that's why we share it; because we love others and because it's true, because it saves them. I know my Father lives, I know Christ lives, and I know they love us. I know this Gospel is true, and I know that when we entered those waters of baptism, we committed to assist in the spreading of His work. So let us rise up and do just that. I testify, there is no other way that will fill our lives with peace and joy than through the work of our God! Let us aid Him in this, His GLORIOUS work! :) How great is our calling!!!

Love for now and for ever,
Sister De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: read the talk. :) page 35 in this months Ensign. you might want a journal next to you as well to write down thoughts and impressions, because lots will come! :) oh! and keep preparing for your General Conference get together!:) LOVE YOU ALL!

Alma 13:24

Mum, PahPea, Family and Friends!

HELLO!!! I hope you are all doing well, I sure am!:) We had a wonderful Stake Conference yesterday with Elder Baxter and my testimony grew so much from it, the Spirit was tremendous during the meeting!:) SO wonderful!:) Well, let's jump straight into some questions since I don't believe I have any shout outs today.....if I do....I'm sorry! my mind is a black hole when it comes to remembering special events...sorry!:)

QUESTION TIME!

1.  What was your favorite exchange of the week?

well since Wednesday, we've only gone on one so...that one!! :) I served in Weston with a new sister and she is just so cute!! She loves the mission so much and loves smiling every moment she can! Such a sweetheart!:)

2.  Did you ever figure out the Yvonne confusion?

nope. still confused. ha!

3.  Have you been able to meet with Ashley again?

Not quite yet, but mainly because we haven't been able to get down to that area in the past few days, we're going to try it out this week, so we'll do our best and if it's God's will, we'll find her again!:)

4.  Have you had the opportunity to talk in church recently?

No, but in all honestly...I'm perfectly fine with that!;) Talking in front of people without a companion isn't exactly my forte...

5.  What did you study about this morning?

I was studying the Doctrine of Christ and my purpose and role as a missionary, seeing as Sister Arksey and I are instructing on that at zone conference this week. I loved recognizing the dedication the prophets who recorded their words on the golden plates, had. I mean, they carved their words on golden plates! that must have taken FOREVER! but they understood it was a commandment from our Heavenly Father, therefore they submitted themselves to His will. How beautiful it is, their obedience, so that we may have another testament of Jesus Christ in our day!:)

FINISH MY SENTENCE:

6.  Something new I learned about myself this week was...

I give myself pep talks in difficult situations. :) It might sound weird, but that's how I cope. that, and I focus on my motto as a missionary: Thrive in awkward situations!:)

7.  I was so embarrassed when...

I contacted a lady right after petting an INSANELY smelly dog. We first talked to a lady who had a huge dog that was slobbering all over my skirt, so to keep him from doing so, I pet him a couple inches away from me, but boy did that dog smell rancid! After she told us she was uninterested, we went to talk to another lady behind her on the sidewalk. as we stopped and began talking, I realized that the dog was gone but that awful smell was still there and that it was coming from my hand! oh my goodness, I felt so awkward, cause there was seriously NO way to hide that aroma. She kept making the crinkled "what is that awful smell?" look on her face and me and I swear I was as red as a tomato, I felt SO bad! yeah, sure I could have explained why I smelled bad, but I didn't want it to become more awkward than it already was. ha. good times....

8.  I couldn't stop laughing when....

we relived that moment above. It took me 3 hand scrubs to get the smell completely off, by the way! haha

9.  I felt the Spirit so strong when...

I listened to the talks in Stake Conference yesterday by Elder Baxter of the seventy, and President and Sister Scott. I learned so much about the simplicities of the Book of Mormon and the plain and precious truths of our Heavenly Fathers restored Gospel. I love how the Spirit is manifest even when, and I feel the most powerful, we bear simple testimony. It's just so beautiful.

10.  I know that my Heavenly Father is guiding me because...

Everything that I lack and pray for strength in, is taught to me in a future experience. District meetings, Zone trainings, Stake Conference, church each week, contacts on the street, everything is said to me so that I can grow. I have no doubt that this is His work, so therefore, His Hand is seen in every aspect of His work!:)

11.  My favorite teaching moment this week was...

Teaching Jorge about the Word of Wisdom. He didn't quite understand God has commanded us to stay away completely from certain substances, but He said that if it was a commandment from Him, and that he could get closer to Him by obeying it, he would do it. What incredible faith he has! Definitely a testimony builder for me to always submit my will to God's whether I understand the reason behind it or not. Usually, we learn the reason behind it while we live it, anyways.

12.  One area I would like to improve on is...

my understanding of the Atonement. That and not being so hard on myself after a contact doesn't go "as planned". If I do all things with the Spirit, it will always work out, maybe not in the way we planned, but it will always work out!:)

13.  I am most grateful for...

the knowledge of the Godhead and the blessings that it brings to everyone who allows it. It's so simple; God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and He loves us. Because of His love for us, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins so that we may have the opportunity to repent of our sins and, if we so desire, return to live with our Father. Because Christ is not literally next to us, He's allowed us a wondrous Gift, the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion and comforter to help us continue on the path back to God if we simply live worthy of His Gift. The way is already set, the price has already been paid, now we just need to do our part so we can fully access our Savior's atoning sacrifice and obtain eternal salvation. How simple and how beautiful our Father's plan is!

Well, I'm off again to continue to do the Lord's work in the Lord's way, and I'll invite you to do the same. There is no greater work than that of our Loving Heavenly Father! He lives and guides us, and he is preparing our friends to receive the glorious message of His restored Gospel! Let's share it with all those around us!:) How GREAT is our calling!!!!

Love for now and forever,

Sister De Groot:)

Missionary Invitation: General Conference is coming up, one of my favorite times of the year!!!:) Mostly everyone has a tradition they do for general conference, whether it's having a big breakfast, going to temple square, reading scripture, having a family gathering, whatever it may be, invite someone to attend. and if you don't have a tradition, spend this week making one up for your family! Then once that's set, invite those who do not have the Gospel in their lives quite yet! :) Remember, if it's done out of love, it will not be offensive! Love you all!

Life is like a Potato ~Alexis and Amanda Johnson

Mum, Daddy, Family, and Friends!

Ok hold up! I just found out some incredible news that I am so excited about!!! ALYSSA BAILEY IS GOING ON A MISSION TODAY???? WHAT?????!!!!! oh my goodness, capitalizing everything really doesn't show how excited I am but let's just say...I am SO excited!:) That's just so great!!! What wonderful news to start off a p-day!:) 

Let's just jump into this next area so I can share my quote for the day:)

PREGUNTAS!!! 

1.  Where did you go on exchanges this week?

I did 3 exchanges here in Etobicoke with a few sisters plus one in Christie East area with Spanish sisters. I brushed up a bit on my Spanish from back in high school and, yeah.....thank heavens I'm not a language missionary. ha! :)

2.  What's the update on Chris?

can't get a hold of him...sad day. We're still trying though, doing our best!:)

3.  Jorge?

went out of town for a couple weeks...:(

4.  Yvonne?

ha interesting story here....so we went for our appointment and when we got there, she looked like the same lady but without her wig on, and she was unable to pronounce her words as we met with her. I felt really bad because I couldn't understand what she was saying, nor could the sister I was on exchanges with, and in all honesty...I don't even know if it was her. She said that was her name but it wasn't Yvonne. So I dunno...I'm just really confused with that visit. 

5.  Did the package arrive with the book I made you?  (you'll know what I'm talking about if it did!)

OH MY GOODNESS YES!!! MOM! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!:):):) Thank you SOO much, it is the greatest thing ever! I read one letter every day at the beginning of my personally study, President Scott has incredible letters that are helping me so much so thanks again, it's wonderful!!!:) I LOVE YOU!!!!

6.  Speaking of packages, do you have to pay anything to get them?

sure don't!!!:) 

7.  Did you ever receive your new debit card from me?  (I haven't activated it yet, because I keep forgetting to ask if you got it....oops!)

oh right! haha eyup! I got it, thanks!!!:)

8.  Did you get to play sports last p-day?  If so, what?

nope, we spent the day with a couple sisters, and played guitar! mmhmm, yes please!:)

FINISH MY SENTENCE:

9.  Understanding that there are many aspects of missionary life, one of my very favorites is....

Just teaching everyone. I love when someone in the park wants to listen to you and you end up talking for 45 minutes, being able to share restored truth and then hearing them invite you back. That's when you know the Spirit was there, and you did something right. :)

10.  Sister Arksey makes me laugh when...

I wake up in the middle of the night and she's contacting me or doing follow up calls in her sleep:)

11.  I make Sister Arksey laugh most when...

I just asked her and she said "when do you not?" haha then she said "when she eats my food" nope! Haven't changed at all!:)

12.  My favorite teaching moment this week was....

Teaching Ashley on the side of the street. She's at a very hard time in her life right now and she said that she feels bad for putting God in the dark in her life. We bore her testimony about Christ's Atonement and how, no matter what situation we are in or how dark our life may seem, God is still there, and he will forever care about and love us. The Spirit was so strong as we talked about what Christ did for us and how we can access that cleansing power in our lives, and the yearning in her eyes for that comfort just melted my heart. The only difficult thing is, she doesn't have a place to live or a phone number, so it's going to be quite difficult to meet with her, but we decided on a place that we could continue to drop by and try to contact her, but in the meantime, she has a copy of the Book of Mormon and I will be praying for her every day. Until we meet her again, and even afterwards, please pray for her. :) Thank you so much, I am so grateful for your support and prayers on our brothers and sisters behalves! :) I can promise you, it is truly felt and deeply appreciated!!

13.  Knowing that my mom is itching to send another package, what I would really love to be included in it is....

haha you're so cute....um....well sister arksey's half birthday was last week....

14.  I am happiest when...

I choose to be! I truly am happiest when I share the Gospel. broad answer, but the truth. :)

well, I must be off, But I want to end with a quote I read this morning"...The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds...so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." When I work my hardest I find, almost immediately, a sense of perseverance that I didn't know I had. I push myself harder and harder each day and as I do, I improve, little by little. It doesn't matter how long it takes for us to progress to the extent we'd like to, what matters is that we make the effort to do so rather than settling to be comfortable with where we're at. God says in 2 Nephi 28:30 that if we don't exercise the guidance and tools we've been given, it will be taken from us. In the past couple of days, as I've been striving to push myself even harder little by little, I've found that sense of perseverance pop up again.  I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to progress little by little each and every day, and I know that no matter what situation we're in and whatever we're trying to improve, we should forever remember and live up to the fact that it's much better to be the slowest one in the fast lane, than the fastest one in the slow lane. (insert swimming tidbit) :) I love you all so much and hope you have  a wonderful week! let's share the Gospel, eh? :) HOW GREAT IS OUR CALLING????
Love for now and forever,
Sister De Groot :)
Missionary Invitation: Follow up on the 21 days promise from a handful of weeks ago, if you haven't started, please start. if you have, begin to pray for ways to begin the sharing the gospel with those people who have stood out to you. :) It always works out, I can promise you!:) I LOVE YOU ALL!!!