RICH MISSION MEMORIES: SISTER REBECCA RICHARDSON MISSION JOURNAL #2 -- July 27

July 27- Aug 2, 2019:

Saturday- I practiced playing the guitar for a couple of hours. I started getting back into playing the guitar finally. Since I haven't played for a while, the tips of my fingers started hurting, but when I practice a lot; the tips of my figures won't hurt that much and my fingers will get used to it. While I was reading the service missionary handbook, I came across what responsibilities that I have as a service missionary and those were: Follow the example of Jesus Christ, Render( which means provide) meaningful service, Study and Pray, Build life skills, expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by doing these things: keeping the commandments and following the counsel of My local priesthood leaders, my parents or guardians, and my supervisors. I think these are great responsibilities for me. By doing these things, I'm becoming a better disciple of Christ and an amazing service missionary for other people/myself. I like how I have a "calling" of being a service missionary. In my calling, I have the opportunity to help serve those people that need it or people that just love the help and by doing this I'm blessing those people's lives. I also volunteer at some non-profit organization and by volunteering at those non-profit organizations, I'm making those organizations better; the people are happier too. Prepared my lesson for Nursery on Sunday. The lesson is going to be about Joseph Smith's first vision.

Sunday- I taught the lesson in nursery. The lesson was about the first vision. When Joseph Smith saw Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father in the Sacred Grove. This is what I did, I cut out four pictures. The pictures were of Joseph Smith, him reading the bible, praying in the Sacred Grove, and seeing Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Then I folded them in half and they became a stand. So, I explained the story with those pictures. I think this would be great to explain to investigators because it's simple and nursery style. I love how when Joseph Smith wanted answers to know which church was true, he turned straight to the bible to know what to do. While he was reading the Bible, he came across this scripture verse James 1:5 - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." So, when he wanted the answers to the questions that he had, he got down on his knees in the Sacred Grove (this Grove was filled with a bunch of trees) and prayed to know the truth. Reading this verse reminds me that whenever I have questions about anything; I can always turn to my Heavenly Father and pray to him; to receive answers. While he was praying, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. Heavenly Father answered his question, by saying that none of the churches were true. He pointed to Jesus saying, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" Jesus told Joseph that he would bring back or restore the church of Jesus Christ, which is our church today (The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). He was also the first prophet(president) way back in the days. I almost forgot today is my dad's birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad!! Thanks for being my father, I really appreciate it. He is such a great father to me and the best. We got to celebrate his birthday yesterday by getting half-price shakes at Sonic after 8:00 pm.

Monday- Went to the doctor. This was a busy day!! We went to the doctors, then to Walmart to finish buying my missionary things. The next thing we did was, my mom took my brother, who is younger than me and I to take our driver's permit test and I did not pass, but that's okay I can always keep trying. I also can keep studying. I plan on taking it again next week. The final thing is we went back to Walmart, so my mom can get some produce for our family. The missionaries decided to join us for family dinner. Their names are Sister Faleafa and Sister Pierce. They are the two missionaries that I go some days to do service. I love them so much and they are fun to be around!! After dinner, the two missionaries, Rachel, and I made cookies. It was SOOO much fun!!!! Rachel and Sister Faleafa made the cookies with white chocolate chips. They put white chocolate chips in the cookie. Sister Pierce and I made the other cookies with dark chocolate chips that we put in.

Tuesday - I studied in the driver’s permit booklet. I read Acts 22-28, so I can go see Lion King with my family and didn't owe my dad 5 dollars. What I got out of these chapters is when I have Jesus standing by my side and have the holy ghost with me, then Jesus can help me through the challenges that I'm facing. I like how come follow me booklet said, " Sometimes it is during the difficulties that we feel His support most strongly" and I agree with this; I have felt for sure his support most strongly when I'm facing difficulties. Even Though Paul has been through a lot from being in chains, the Jews accused him for no reason and didn't like how Paul taught the gospel to them; Jesus was always there by his side and never left his side because he had the holy ghost with him. Also, he was willing to serve him by running errands for Jesus (preaching the gospel to people around the world and sharing his testimonies to them) and following his commandments.

Wednesday- Went to district council. I went to Cobblestone farm with the sister missionaries. We picked bell peppers and it was like so stinking hot, that it made all the missionaries sweat like buckets; not really, bit just sweating. Also, it was my Brother Joseph's b-day.

Thursday- Studied in the driver's permit booklet. Registered for Pathway Connect Program. I will be taking classes online. Going to be starting classes on September 16. Since I'm still on my mission, I will not start with hard classes (like math and English), but do some other classes. By doing this program, it will help me learn the skills that I need in life. I helped my mom with a few projects.

Friday- Studied more in the driver's permit booklet and I finished the whole thing. I'm ready for my dad to test me during the trip. Then I packed to go with my dad to Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Saturday to help Yuxin (she is from China, graduated with a Ph.D. program in accounting). She moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin because she got a job there. She is going to be an accounting teacher. I'm happy for her!!