Uh...I Eat Chocolate... 9/13/2021

Where to begin! Welcome to the exciting life of Sister Moser.  We had a lesson with our friend Jasmine. She is actually the coolest. I have loved getting to know her. It's crazy that this all happened because of the hate I got on a Facebook post. Jasmine has been enjoying the Bible for the most part. She has a lot of questions. Most of what we talk about is about Jesus Christ and His Atonement. It's a great way to bear my testimony. She was telling us about some of the things she has heard about "Mormons". Apparently, we are a cult that isn't allowed to eat chocolate or sugar, and we harvest people's organs. Wild. Never heard that one before. 

We met with Bruce this week with our friend Anna. Anna has submitted her papers, so she is coming with us on visits to get familiar with missionary work. Bruce has this desire to be baptized, but getting him to church is a struggle. We had 1 lesson on Wednesday. We were going to give him a church tour with fellowship. Then he canceled. He let us come to his house instead. Then we had a lesson planned for Saturday night to do the church tour (because he asked for it on Wednesday night). Guess what? He canceled. Again. It's ok though. We have been praying for him.

We did some weeding this week (naturally). As we were weeding, this guy came up and talked to the member we were weeding for. I was like, man, I need to to talk to this guy. I just had that feeling. Because Heavenly Father provides a way, we had a way of talking to him. We gave him a cup of watermelon and a passalong card with our number. It was a cool experience!

We have had some amazing experiences with the Facebook page. We gave a training on messaging boldly. Sister DeGroot and I have been focusing on that a lot this week. You have to live what you teach, right?? We were teaching about responding to comments and messages, and we did just that. We set up 4 calls with people!! All because we messaged boldly with our purpose. Only 2 of them answered, but they were really good lessons!! We had a return appointment with one of them, but they didn't answer. So we went on a walk. We met a guy named Jerry who is a "people person." We told him what we do, and he gave us his number!! CRAZY!! 

We met with 2 of our neighbors this week. Both of them were super open!! Kathy opened the door and said tell me about your church. I was like oh ok! I can do that. She also told us to send her the link to our church services. We informed her that we are singing next week and she is interested in attending in person!! Our other neighbor, Marie, welcomed us immediately! Say what? We had a good discussion with her about how God directs us. 

Other miracles have been happening, too! Fun fact: New Mexicans are terrible drivers. Stop signs are usually ignored and blinkers are never used. We have had several close calls this week. Not only did a guy blow a stop sign in a major intersection, but we have almost had 4 people blow the same stop sign this week as we were passing. It was really scary. Just goes to show that God is aware and watching over us. 

Also Marie gave me her violin so keep your eyes out for a musical number....? I don't know. Mom your wish might come true. I am singing in church next Sunday at 10 am. Let me know if you want the link!

weeding at Sister Mix's.

Took a picture in front of the white rock sign.

Baby apple fritters.

White Rock sign, take 2.

Weeding again.

Organizing a closet.

Piled dog food in the back of Marlene's car.

Act Like a Normal Person... 9/6/2021

This week was SO good!! This past week was zone conference. We had training on Facebook and member present lessons....because we have been lacking hahaha. We role played inviting a member to a lesson. Then they invited us to go and call that member right then. Sister DG and I were like...uh...who are we gonna invite. We decided to call one of my favorite people: Sister Bergauer. She was like of course! I would love to come. Just wait...it gets better.

We met with our friend Mary. Sister Bergauer was able to come, and we did HTBT baptism again. Mary flat out said that she wanted to be baptized!!! Just not this month due to scheduling and other appointments. BUT SHE WANTS TO BE BAPTIZED!! This is HUGE! It took everything in me to act like a normal person. 

For service this week, I still did some weeding, but more of picking apples. Rotten apples. Talk about disgusting! That smell has been haunting me this entire week. 

We got our AC unit, and I have actually been cold. Tears. I was so happy. This is the lowest I have ever seen our thermostat. 

This week was the 4th of July/Labor day celebration. Talk about a good time to go finding! We talked to a couple people and passed out our number. We are hoping people get back to us. We knocked on John's door (I talked about him in my previous letter....I think). Well, we have had pretty consistent contact with him. He has some interesting insight, but he uses really big words...REALLY BIG. lol we usually look at each other and just go what? Nonetheless, we have had pretty good contact. 

We laid sod...again. I have lost count of how many times. I don't think that this grass is gonna survive if I am being real...it looked really rough when we put it down. Oh well. Sister Thompson loves having an excuse to have us over. 

We haven't been able to meet with Vivian in a HOT minute. So we went and knocked on her door. We shared a short message. However, she is still super busy, and we can't meet with her...yet...

                                                            We got a NASTY bug in our apartment. 

                                                    We got our AC unit. His name is Elder Tonioli.

                                                        Pulling weeds and picking up rotten apples

The Sisters of the Santa Fe Zone.

Laying sod again. Is this the 4th or 5th time??

Member's baby bunnies.

Marlene's puppy named Jasmine.

PHFAT testimony! 8/30/2021

We met with our friend Mary this week and guess what??? We HTBT'd baptism and she was like I have been thinking about it! Ahhh I want Mary to be baptized. She is awesome! She has such a strong faith, and I love getting to hear her insights. I am looking forward to this week because it is White Rock's quarterly missionary fast. I have a really good feeling about this week :)

We went knocking on doors last night (only people who have had previous contact with missionaries. They are called gray dots). We talked to a guy named John. We told him we were just going around getting to know people. He actually came outside and talked to us. We talked about his job and about his family. He clearly stated his beliefs and how he came to believe that. Then he handed us a book that disproves faith. He told us to read it...in a nice way. I looked at the book and then back at him. I smiled and simply told him what I believe. I told him that just like he wanted answers and proof, that I have asked questions and received answers. I then thanked him for showing us his book and wished him a great night. It was a good moment. I have never felt so calm talking to someone. It was definitely scary when the thought came, but by following through I was able to bear simple testimony.  As we walked away, Sister DG just went "Phfat testimony Sister Moser." (The spelling is intentional...it's an inside joke.)

We had a really good lesson with our friend Jasmine!! She was reading the Old Testament, but now she is working her way through the New Testament. She bore a very simple testimony to us the other day. She said that she knew what she was reading in the New Testament, but she didn't know how she knew. Like it was a distant memory. All I could think of was chapter 9 of PMG. These friends that we are serving and teaching are part of God's family. They knew about this plan in heaven...they just need a little boost remembering here on earth. 

We had interviews this week. President Weathersby is a spiritual giant. He always knows what to say...especially if you aren't feeling motivated. Our area is struggling right now because everyone is starting to lock up again due to the rise in Covid cases. We asked him what we should do. His response....White Rock is now getting....BIKES!! Yay....?? I don't know how I feel about it yet, but I will keep ya posted.

We had stake conference yesterday. The talks were amazing. We got to hear from President Stokes. He gave a beautiful talk on how we need to get along despite our differences and faults of others. That we do not have the right to judge others. He then talked about this is causing contention. Contention is a tool for division. We are following the wrong boss. President Stokes is also a spiritual giant, and I have loved getting to hear his insight.

We called a couple people including our friend, Tanna. She referred herself to missionaries a while back. We called her and guess what? She answered. We shared a short scripture with her and we got to set up a return appointment. #miracles

Miracles are happening people! We went over a little bit for a lesson and that gave us the opportunity to meet our neighbor Lyle. He is super cool and very open. We have lived getting to know him and his roommate Dakota. Both are THE best neighbors.  

Just trying to take a picture of the sunset.

We helped a widow fold her clothes.

Vacuumed at our friend's house and there was a mouse on the floor.

Our tres leche cake that our neighbor, Dakota, made for us!! He's THE BEST neighbor evah!!!

Did some more weeding, like always.

Gotta love the Hymnbook!

Our motivation for weekly planning.

Baptism, the Bible and a Bond 8/23/2021

I have the best news!! Bruce has chosen to be baptized!! YAYYYYY!!!! This is the best new ever!! We talked specifically on baptism and how we are following Jesus Christ. The spirit was really strong! We ask that you all pray for him that he will continue to progress. 

We have been teaching this lady named Jasmine. She knew nothing about...well...anything. She saw the Facebook post where I got chewed out and felt it was a sign from God to learn about the Bible. We have had several lessons with her since, but we have been praying for the right fellowship. And let me tell ya...we definitely found the person. We invited one of my favorite people Brother Carpenter. He was PERFECT!! Jasmine asked about his conversion story, and it was the best thing that could ever happen. We also invited her to church, and she said she would come!

We had zone council this week. It was really good. Since Sister DG and I gave the tech training, we had to stay after for another meeting with leadership. They talked about accountability and how it was discouraging other missionaries. I went home and thought hmmm I was literally discouraged about 2 weeks ago. What did I do? I read from the Book of Mormon and read a conference talk in every personal study. It is amazing what the Lord can tell you. It doesn't matter how old the talk is. It can still be applied to you. If you want to read the talks, I will put them at the end of the email. 

I might cry in telling y'all this news, but our housing coordinator is buying us an AC unit!! He came and said our apartment is WAYYYY to hot.

We weeded for a lady, and this one is by far the worst one. The weeds were DEFINITELY taller than me. They grew in between tiles. That meant we had to dig them out, shovel out the weeds, and lay the tiles back down. It was a tiring day.

Also, I write a lot about this elderly couple that is very inactive. They allow the missionaries to come and do service every other week. However, Doris has let us come every week, 3 weeks in a row!!! THAT IS UNHEARD OF!!! We met with bishop last night, who is their ministering brother, and he gave us some good ideas. One of them being inviting them to church because Sister DG and I are singing in a couple of weeks. It makes my heart happy. I have loved getting to know them. Doris doesn't know it yet, but she loves us. We have a bond. I love them, and I will be super sad to leave. 

We painted at Lori's.

I wish I could say I am surprised by the sign, 

but I am not.

Sister Brown and I literally walked in and did the Spiderman meme 

(the one where they are pointing at each other).

I. Miss. Grass.

Brother Rushton photobombing us.

In downtown Plaza.

 It POURED yesterday for about 2 hours.

Sister DG and I coloring.

Our friend Bruce who is getting BAPTIZED!!

I can speak spanish...kind of... 8/16/2021

This week is transfers, but I am staying in White Rock with Sister DeGroot.  Guess who is singing in sacrament in a couple weeks? We are! I am so excited. We are singing Be Still My Soul and Sister Taunia is playing the piano for us. I am PUMPED!

We had a really good lesson with our friend Mary. She is my favorite. She really loves her Bible, and so does Josie (our recent convert). I thought Mary needs to meet Josie. We brought her to our lesson yesterday, and they clicked instantly. We are hoping that she continues to progress and that we can bring Josie

We did some weeding again today. Holy Hannah. I may have destroyed many anthills in the process...and they were not happy. They crawled all over my arms and legs. I was happy with the end product though. It is very satisfying. I am turning into my mom. I go places and have this urge to pull every weed I see. 

I went on exchanges this week in the Spanish area El Camino. That meant everything was done in Spanish. Haha it was an adventure. It's a good thing I have been studying Spanish as much as possible. I am happy to report Hermana Reece said that my Spanish pronunciation is pretty good. High give to me!! We had authentic Mexican food and there was Spanish music playing. Apparently I was swaying to the music and they told me to get up and dance. Lol no. They asked where I was from and they immediately started making jokes and talking about potatoes. 

Our friend Bruce went through a loss this week. He was going to cancel our lesson, but we were able to call him. The spirit was SO strong. Sister DG and I were both crying. Please pray for Bruce at this time. 

We called our friend Debra yesterday. We lost contact with her for a while, but guess what? She is recognizing God's hand in her life. She even attended church yesterday!!! We were so happy.

We greet everyone at church, and Sister Gardner (who is ACTUALLY the best) made us cookies. She always hugs us when she arrives with her 4 boys. Ah precious. She's basically our mom, and she has served a mission so she understands.      

We ran out of garbage bags, so we used grocery sacks. lol

Before and after picture of the bed I weeded.

Our zucchini bread!

Sister DG and I singing for Sister Thompson.

20,000 y.o. cleaning lady 8/9/2021

This morning we are making zucchini bread!! It's gonna be awesome. We'll take pictures and send them to y'all next week! We found out this week that we have to wear masks to church again. Tears. We took a picture and, I don't know if you can tell, we were not amused.

We had a great lesson with Thee! We taught him the plan of salvation and he had some great questions. He was and is not afraid to learn. I'm looking forward to teaching him about the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is one of my favorite lessons to teach :)

We got our oil changed which required us to drive to Santa Fe. Not only is Santa Fe sketch, but uh...it's sketch. We did our studies at a park and I was paranoid the entire time. There were several homeless people lounging around, so we went to the playground because it was more of a public part. It also took 2 HOURS for us to get our oil changed.!! We had to sit for 2 hours at this sketchy park. We did make it safely and now Rebekah (our car) is driving like the amazing car she is.

We had a really REALLY good lesson with Lucina. She is from the Facebook page. She is so prepared and is in the perfect spot in her life to hear about the gospel. She made us cry telling us about it. 

We had a lesson with my favorite person Mary. We have put a lot of focus on the sacrament and church. Well, Mary believes. She really does. Again, it is that comfort zone. We specifically asked her why she hasn't come in the previous times we have asked her. She said that she just needs time and prayers. Please please please pray for her! Our ward does a mission fast every couple of months, and I have a feeling this mission fast is going to bring lots of miracles like it did last time. 

Now, you are probably curious about my subject line. We went and talked to our new friend Alma. She has 2 little girls that are very energetic. We walk in and they immediately asked if we were there to clean again. We said no because Alma had made tacos for us. They then started giggling and asked how old we were. We asked them to guess because you know...they are little kids. Well, the youngest goes you look 20....000. I was gonna say she almost got it spot on, but them she betrayed me lol. That proceeded to get more giggles and then she pulled the I-can't-remember-big-numbers card XD.

It was raining. Hard.

We planted orchids and little cacti.

A nasty bug that I killed. I took a picture. If you can't tell what it is, it's bc my hand was shaking.

My bag of weeds.

Some flowers in a member's backyard.

Our district

                                                        We have to wear masks at church again. 

                                                "The chicken is not amused" (I did that just for you Jess!)

We did face masks last night. 

                                                 Sister DG and I last pday w/ a gorgeous view behind us.