Thursday, July 16, 2015

Week 79: "Endure to the End"

May 26, 2015
Dear Family, Friends, and everyone who has been such a support to me,

I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the huge impact that you've had on me. Thank you for being there, encouraging me, and cheering me on.

This mission has meant absolutely everything to me. I look to the person I was at the beginning of my mission, and I barely recognize her. I know the Lord has stretched me, pushed me, and refined me. He has helped me become more than I ever could on my own.

That doesn't mean that I'm perfect. I'm far from that, so don't anticipate a "celestial" Sister Bennett when I get home. ;) However, I'm going to quote my favorite passage from the film 'Ephraim's Rescue'. "I try." 

In the end, that's all it is about. Trying. Learning. Meeting mountains, and asking the Lord for strength to climb them. Falling down. Realizing we aren't perfect. Loving ourselves, and especially loving others. And loving the Lord.

Our mission President sent out an email to the missionaries of this mission. I want to quote him.

"Our missionary purpose states that we help others “receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” Enduring to the end is a vital part of coming unto Christ. It begins with honorably fulfilling the work and challenges of each day, week and month. Not giving up. When we successfully accomplish our commitments, we develop a pattern for successful and happy living.

Your call letter from President Monson was clear, “It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months”, or “18 months” for sisters. When you replied to President Monson your acceptance of your mission call, you implied a commitment to complete your mission to the very end."

It's my prayer that my mission will continue. Even after serving this full-time mission, I want to continue to serve others, and to share the gospel with them. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know it is good, and of God. I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through a Prophet. I know that God lives, and that Jesus Christ is his son. Without him, we would be nothing, but we are everything to him. :) I know living this Gospel leads to happiness in our families.  I know that the Book of Mormon is a great gift given to our day, so we can know that God is aware of us. We don't have to doubt.

I know that, because I've seen the Lord work in my life on such individual levels. 

This weeks been amazing. I'll tell you about it as I send pictures.

Until then, 'Til We Meet Again,
God Bless,
Sister Rachel Ann Bennett


The Memories may fade...but Pictures Won't.

This is from Mikey Jouvin's Baptism last Saturday. :) Sister Willard and Tauillilli were in this area about a year ago, and they made a HUGE impact on the Jouvin family. I just happen to be here to see the blessings of that. :) It was a wonderful baptism! Sister Brown and I sang with Maddie, Sayge, and a cousin of theirs. We sang, "When I Am Baptized." Sister Willard gave an amazing talk about baptism and the Holy Ghost. 

Lucky we made it early, because we realized the ward hadn't made arrangements to fill the font! We quickly had to do it! The font was filling up during the program, but it all turned out ok. Luckily both Mikey and his grandpa are small. :) And that's Bishop Benjamen with them. He may look small, but he's a Spiritual Giant. 

Displaying IMG_0793.JPG

Displaying IMG_0797.JPG

Displaying IMG_0802.JPG


It was a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend! 

Displaying IMG_0809.JPG

Displaying IMG_0812.JPG

Displaying IMG_0805.JPG


Monday morning we went to Sunrise Cafe to say goodbye to Tiffany Scudder! Oh how I love this woman! She has so much spunk. Sister Capitan also joined us with her companion, Sister Worthen! 
We met a lady with amazing purple hair. I asked if I could take a picture with her. She seemed pretty creeped out, but she agreed. 

Displaying Tiffers and Cappi.JPG

Displaying IMG_0822.JPG

Displaying IMG_0820.JPG

Displaying IMG_0823.JPG


More of our morning! 

Displaying IMG_0153.jpg

Displaying IMG_0152.jpg

Displaying IMG_0149.jpg

Displaying IMG_0145.jpg


And More. It was eventful, ok? 

Displaying P5244131.JPG

Displaying P5244130.JPG

Displaying P5244129.JPG


Next event of Monday: We were asked to sing a duet at the Good Samaritan Society for Memorial Day. We did, and they ended up giving everyone Roses! It was a lovely, Catholic based service. I met an older gentleman who was also a Bennett! 

Displaying P5244124.JPG

Displaying IMG_0825.JPG


We said goodbye to Angie, Grams, and Cora. I love them so much! 
We also said goodbye to JOE! And KATHY!! - Classic Joe Moment. 
This is the fateful shed wherein we moved 16 cords of wood into it last summer. Time flies! 
I had a small....rebellious moment. 

Displaying IMG_0826.JPG

Displaying IMG_0829.JPG

Displaying IMG_0830.JPG

Displaying IMG_0832.JPG


Every missionary that has passed through Joe's (or knew him, or did service for him) signed the inside of his shed!! I love his little farm. It feels like home. 

Displaying IMG_0835.JPG

Displaying IMG_0836.JPG

Displaying IMG_0838.JPG

Displaying IMG_0839.JPG

Displaying IMG_0840.JPG


Saying goodbye to my first MISSION MOM. I love you Sister Sundquist!
Saying goodbye to the Waites!! I <3 Kaity. 

Displaying IMG_0842.JPG

Displaying IMG_0844.JPG

Displaying IMG_0845.JPG

Displaying IMG_0846.JPG

Displaying IMG_0847.JPG


Poor...poor wittle wabbit. 
(We did have rabbit tacos that day...) 

Displaying P5254170.JPG


1. One more week until eternal P-Day land. :/
2. Beautiful park! 
3. Yes, this was at a store........they know.....

Displaying P5254178.JPG

Displaying P5254181.JPG

Displaying IMG_0857.JPG


1. Kitten takes a selfie.
2. Cuters. 
3. Side profile. I love the Sterr's backyard! 

Displaying P5254165.JPG

Displaying P5254176.JPG

Displaying P5244112.JPG


The Sterrs!!! And Steven (with the red glasses). This family has made a huge difference to me. I love them! 
Tyler!! And Libbi, the dog. 

Displaying P5244114.JPG

Displaying P5244121.JPG


The Tolmans!! Another family that's made a big impact. I would tease them to high heaven. I hope they'll forgive me. ;) 

Displaying P5244106.JPG

Displaying P5244108.JPG


Displaying P5214064.JPG

Displaying P5214065.JPG


Me being....strange. 
And I knocked on a haunted house...

Displaying P5224090.JPG

Displaying P5224077.JPG


The Millers!!!
AND....I defeated Sam. 

Displaying IMG_0855.JPG

Displaying IMG_0856.JPG

Displaying IMG_0849.JPG

Displaying P5214070.JPG

Displaying P5224093.JPG

I bid you all adieu. Til We Meet Again.
Sister Bennett