ABBIE TAKES CANADA

My goodness the time has actually come. Today is the last Tuesday of my mission, and tomorrow will be the last day of my mission, then I'll fly back home to Utah on Thursday! Life feels so surreal right now. I can't wrap my mind around this!

 

I just wanted to send this email to each of you to let you all know I am so grateful for the impact that you have had on my life! My mission would not have been the same without you. Because of your love for the gospel, and the support that you showed me, my mission was 5,000 times better than I ever thought it could be. So thank you. 

 

I love being a missionary! I told our mission president the other day, that I don't want to be an RM (return missionary); I want to be an FM (forever missionary)!! My mission has given me a perspective on life that I would not have gotten any other way, and I am so eternally grateful for that. Words cannot express the gratitude in my heart. I love the atonement. I love our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I love the gospel He taught, and the perfect example that he set for each of us. The Book of Mormon is a true book of holy scripture. I know it is God's word. With that truth, everything else falls into place. I am so amazed at how my testimony and trust in the Lord has grown and flourished on my mission. 

 

I am definitely nervous to see how my life pans out after I return home, but if I learned one thing on my mission, it is that the Lord provides for His children- especially if you do your part!

 

5 ¶Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

I hope I can continue to keep in touch with those of you who I met on my mission, and I cannot wait to see those of you back home! I love you all from Utah to Canada and back! God bless, and see you soon. 

 

Much love,

Sister Robinson 

 

6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put histrust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body—

 

(Mosiah 4:6)

 

{Oh, Canada}

 

Good afternoon! 

I hope all is well!! Wow. Time is just flying by. For those of you who don't know, I am currently serving in Valley View, which is a very very small town in Northern Alberta! There are probably around 5 stop signs here in town, and no stop lights. So like I said- very very small! But everything is going really well! Sister Brooks and I are both brand new to the area, and trying to figure everything out, slowly but surely. It's been a lot of work.

{Oooooh fancy soda pop!}

We spend a lot of time knocking on doors and chasing people down in an attempt to share the gospel with them! There are a lot of people here who the missionaries before us were meeting with, but we are finding that each and every one of them have very little desire to apply the gospel into their lives. It's hard when people don't want to change! But like it says in Doctrine and Covenants Chapter 4, the field is white already to harvest!  So there's someone who is ready for the gospel out there! We just need to find them.

 4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

It's a very strange feeling nearing the end of my mission. I have been looking back on the experiences I've had, and feeling so grateful for the many ways the Lord has blessed me! From Clareview to Drayton Valley to Lakewood to Grande Prairie and now in Valley View. I have met amazing people in every place, and learned priceless lessons as I have served.

{She didn't want to let go!! It was so sweet!!}

This past Sunday, we had an AMAZING fireside with our branch where the relief society put on a presentation all about the life of Jesus Christ. There were speakers who read quotes, groups of people who sang songs, and others who sang solos. But words cannot describe the spirit that was in that room. I am so eternally grateful for our Saviour and the sacrifice which he so willingly made for each of us. I know that he loves us unconditionally, and I have felt that love time and time again as I have served my mission. I love you all SO MUCH, but Jesus loves you more! I can't even fathom how much love that must be, because I really do love you a lot!! 

{Joy!}

Much love,

Sister Robinson 

So many good things are happening lately! I am learning more and more every day that fear gets me no where! I have been working really hard on overcoming the fear of man, and just doing all that I can to proclaim the goodness of the gospel to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE that we meet!

{The only pictures we have together so far are selfies. Hehe}

Yesterday, everything was falling through, and I've learned over the past 17 months that this is a very normal thing for missionaries to deal with. However, we didn't have any people down as backups... All we had planned was finding. I really really did NOT feel up to finding that day. No way. I was tired, hungry, and cold. However, I knew that if I prayed, the Lord would provide. So I prayed and asked God to help me love every single person we talked to and to allow me to be a tool in His hands in doing His work. I kept repeating in my mind, "Thou art [my] father; [I am] the clay, and thou [my] potter; and [I am] the work of thy hand." (Isaiah 64:8) 

 

 8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

And off we went.

We got out of the car, and noticed a man getting out of his car and walking toward his home. We called out to him, "Hey, do you have a minute?" He didn't hear us, so we had to sort of run over to talk to him before he opened the door and shut us out. (Now, you have to understand that I am not normally like this, but I have always wanted to be this type of missionary.) Once he realized we were talking to him, he turned to us with a big smile! He was so happy to talk to us. We introduced ourselves, and had a very good conversation with him. He asked us to please come back! Wow. That was easy! Why don't I normally do that? 

{When people really don't want you knocking on their door...}

We talked to several other people after him, and every single person was SUPER nice!! And you have to understand that that is SUPER rare!! It was incredible. We set up return appointments with some, and even met a couple who had investigated the church in the past! I wish I could convey just how miraculous of a day it was, but you really just had to be there. It was amazing though, how once I made that commitment to God that I would give it my all, He truly did provide for us!

Then another day, just about everything fell through so we did even more finding! (wahoooo!) To make it more interesting, I decided that we needed to find a blue door to knock on, because I was convinced the family behind that door was prepared. Well... we didn't find a blue door anywhere. Finally near the end of our finding, I thought I saw a blue door!! I could've sworn it was blue! However, it wasn't. It was definitely white. But we knocked on it anyway. A woman answered, and after finding out who we were, she started to question everything we believe in! It was intense. My blood was boiling, but we tried to stay calm and stand firm. At the end of our doorstep conversation, she asked us a question like, "how can we know for sure?" It was a challenge and in reply, Sister Brooks said, "We don't expect people to take our word for it, or to believe something just because we tell them to. We simply invite people to pray about what we say. To ask God if we're telling the truth." That seemed to take her back and she asked us to come back the following day! It was amazing. I learned that simply testifying with humility is all you need to do.

{Here's a smoooothie! It has an orange, banana, kale, spinach, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp hearts, and plain Greek yogurt! It is deeeelish!}

I am so grateful for the many opportunities the Lord is giving me to expand my horizons and become better and better every day. I love God, I love this work, and I love all of you as well!! 

Much love,

Sister Robinson

27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.  

{Here we are at Tanisha's baptism!}

{ZEDTM}

{Introducing... Sister Brooks! She is from British Columbia!}

September 27th, 2016

Hello!

The work here is amazing! We saw a lot of miracles this week. I know I say that every week, but they never stop coming!! I love it! The Lord has prepared so many of His children for the gospel!! 

For example, a few weeks ago, we were trying by a list of potential investigators, and one of them was listed as house #8 but on a different street than the one we were on. However, I felt a really strong prompting to knock on house #8 on the street we were on instead! So we did! A really nice African lady answered the door and told us she was busy but that we could come back another time. For the next week, I kept thinking about her and telling myself we would knock on her door again soon.. But we weren't in that area for a while. However, as soon as we were in that area again, we knocked on their door, but this time someone else answered! He told us his name was Abraham and he and his mother-in-law invited us in right away. It was such a good lesson! We talked about the love of God and asked about his religious background. He told us, "One day, I would really like to join your church." Seriously golden. At the end of the lesson, we invited him to say a closing prayer, and he prayed in the exact same way we do!! Sister Lacno and I were amazed.

So a few days went by, and Sister Lacno and I were in their neighborhood again. We called a member that Abraham said he knew named Brother Coward. After mentioning Abraham's name, he said, "ABRAHAM? From Peace River?!" We exclaimed, "Yes! That's the one!" And then he said (get this), "I baptized him eight years ago!!" We were shocked!! No. Way. He proceeded to tell us how amazing Abraham is, and how he had been praying for him and trying to help him come back to church, but he has such a crazy work schedule that it hadn't worked out. Crazy, right? He also said, "You need to teach and baptize his family! They will do amazing things in the church." So after getting off the phone with him, we knocked on their door and this time, Abraham's wife, Deborah was home! She invited us in, and we taught her the restoration. The spirit was so. Strong. She kept saying, "I really hope Joseph Smith is a true prophet. I really do." So we invited her to read the Book of Mormon, pray to know if it is true, and come to church. I am so excited to see what happens with their family!! I really think they are all going to join the church and get sealed in the temple one day.

I love finding God's children that He has prepared for the gospel! They are all around us!! Oh and as crazy as this sounds, I am actually developing a love for TRACTING! I know. We just keep experiencing miracles from it. :) This truly is the Lord's work!!

Mahal kita!!

Sister Robinson

So I just thought I would give you some updates. :) just because I love you lots.

{Jasper round 2!}

Things are going really well as far as our teaching pool and all of that! Pam just got her first calling as a ward missionary! And we are now teaching her best friend Kimmy, and she even brought her to church on Sunday! She is now preparing for the temple to do baptisms there. 

Sister Christensen is wonderful. I love her so much! We get along really well. We both love fashion and Grey's Anatomy, so we have fun together. :) oh and she and I have been trying really hard to talk to a tonnnnn of people! It's been going great so far!

The ward is awesome. Transfers are on the 15th though. :( president basically told me in an interview that I would be leaving this area. He asked where I wanted to go, and I told him I have no idea! I would love to go to Red Deer or Grand Prairie, because it would be cool to see new places. But I would also love to serve in a YSA ward or even train a new missionary. I don't know what's going to happen! I basically told him I would be happy to go anywhere! Especially BC with Sister Phillips! He said that probably won't happen though. But I do love this ward. I feel like I just belong here. It will be a sad departure when that day comes. 

{Saying goodbye to this sweet woman! I will miss her so much. This is Patricia.}

We are going to Jasper again next week! I'm so stoked. We are switching our Pday to Friday, the 9th, because of that. When we come up here as a family, we have to spend the majority of our time in Jasper. It is BEAUTIFUL! The pictures don't do it justice. I love it. I'm so excited.


Well I love you all!




Sept 13th, 2016
This was an interesting week for sister Christensen and me. I am feeling my testimony strengthen each and every single day! I just want you all to know that I know this gospel that we teach is true. I
finished the Book of Mormon this week, and I really enjoyed reading it this time around. I felt the spirit so strongly whenever I opened it up and began reading each morning. The truthfulness of that book of scripture is undeniable to anyone who has a willingness to read it with an open heart and to pray and sincerely ask Heavenly Father of it is true. Ah, I love it.


 I feel like the past few weeks, Sister Christensen and I have been sent a very clear and distinct message from God. It is this: "the field is white already to harvest." While I have been reciting D&C 4:4 my whole mission, I never fully understood what that verse meant.

4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

The field is white? Okay then... Why am I not baptizing all the time then? Why are people still slamming doors in our faces? Why do I feel like sometimes I put my whole heart and soul into praying for someone and trying to help them accept the gospel, only to receive a text from them asking us not to come around anymore. The sad truth is... Sometimes the field does not look like it is white already to harvest! But you know what? I think I now know the trick. And now that I know the proper way to be a missionary, I just want to start this whole thing over and try again. Is that allowed? Probably not. But thank goodness for the atonement, right?


Anyway, it all started with a conversation we were having with our mission president. He taught us a very profound lesson using an analogy from the titanic. So right now, we are in a lifeboat, and there are countless people surrounding our boat. Of course, not everyone can make it into the boat, but we have to save a least someone! All of a sudden, someone catches your eye, and you feel this deep desire to do all that you can to save this one person. So you throw them the life preserver, and they grab onto it, but once you start to pull them into the boat, they fall off, because they aren't strong enough. So you throw it again and again and again with no avail, until you come to the realization that there are so many other people in the water who ARE strong enough, and who are just waiting
and hoping and praying that you will throw the life preserver out to them instead, but you are so focused on this one person that you miss those opportunities.


So I'm sure you can see how this analogy relates to missionary work, and I absolutely LOVE it. Now I have some stories to tell. The other day, we were knocking on a member's door who we would be having supper with that night, and we notice a man walking by slowly and sort of watching us. We smiled at him, and then he came back and said, "Excuse me, but are you church people?" We were like, "uhh... YES!" And he said, "okay, where is your church? I would like to learn about it. Can you give me your phone number so I can call you?" We gave him our phone number, and the following day, he called us and set up an appointment, which went great, by the way. And then they came to church on Sunday! It was amazing though, because he told us that he had been praying and asking God to send him someone who could help him and his wife. They really enjoyed church, and the members welcomed them with open arms!


We actually had SIX BRAND NEW INVESTIGATORS come to church on Sunday! The other four were a family that we met last week. We were out contacting and decided to talk to some people who were standing out on their front porch. They actually invited us in and let us share a message with them about Jesus Christ! We knelt in prayer after the lesson, and they were very grateful that we stopped by! Then last Saturday, we knocked on their door again and invited them to church, and the girls were very excited! However, their mom wasn't home at the time, so we didn't really expect them to be able to come... But they did!! We were just sitting down for sacrament meeting, when I heard Sister Christensen gasp and say, "LOOK WHO IT IS!!" We had to scoot our whole pew so we could fit them all in. We were beaming all Sunday. It was an amazing day. The whole family loved it too! At the end of church, the oldest daughter turned to me and said, "I really really like this church!"


Miracles! The field really is white! Sister Christensen and I are doing all that we can to keep our focus on finding those whom the Lord has truly prepared. Amazing things are happening. I wish I could share all of the stories, but I doubt any of you would want to read this email for 5 days straight, because it's so long. ;)


Oh! And breaking news: I am getting transferred to Grande Prairie! I am so excited! That is a ways up North, but it is an area that I have wanted to serve in for my whole mission! Wahooooooo! However, I am very very sad to have to say goodbye to a lot of people here in Lakewood, ESPECIALLY Sister Christensen! :( but C'est la vie! Change is good. :)

Okay, now enjoy a few pictures from our trip to Jasper on Friday.

Love you all!

Sister Robinson