RICH MISSION MEMORIES: OCTOBER 22, 2019

WEEK 3 & 4 SAYING GOODBYE AND HELLO

Hello, hello everybody!

I know I missed last week's email and I'm sorry about that! Last week was so busy and I didn't have time to write one but don't worry I'm still alive!

LAST WEEK (WEEK 3)

Week 3 was my last week at the MTC and I had my last few classes. My teachers were Sister Roderick and Demares and I could not have asked for better teachers! I learned so much from them, from lessons to asking questions, I just have learned a lot! Now that I have been out in the field I have used so much of what they have taught me. So thank you Sister Roderick and Sister Demares!!

I had to say goodbye to my district which was really hard. I grew so close to them and they have become some of my best friends. Sister Roberts, Sister Sengsourysack, Elder Polly, and Elder Messecher all left on Monday morning to Arizona, as well as Elder Dodge and Elder Burton. They left to go to Kentucky! Since Monday was our last class we had half of our district gone and it was weird to say the least. Tuesday, Elder Berezay and Elder Mouser departed early that morning to Washington. Lots of goodbyes were said and I can't wait to see all of them again! It was just my companion and 3 other elders left and we all couldn't wait to get out to our field!

I also had to say goodbye to our previous sister training leaders that were in our zone! Sister Cutler, Sister Cox, and Sister Tanner are all going to South Korea for their mission! They were the best at helping us get use to the MTC. Sister Cutler actually knows some Russian and so I was always asking her how so say things in Russian even though she was trying to learn Korean, haha. She taught me the Russian alphabet and I can now read Russian better than I used to! She's the best! Sister Cox has such a beautiful talent for music! I always loved listening to her during devotionals when she would either play her violin or the piano! Sister Tanner is actually half Korean and it's so cool that she get to learn her native language! She so much fun!

These sisters are amazing and I'm going to miss them! I wish the best luck to them on their mission!

And so the MTC era has ended and the work has begun!

WEDNESDAY

The rest of us, at 4am, all left to head out to our mission field! Elder Radle left earlier to fly out to Alaska... and then there were 4 of us. :( My companion and I with Elder Crane and Elder Marler all made it to Ohio! We stayed with our mission President for the night and the next morning we were off.

THURSDAY

Fresh out of the MTC they throw us into the work (I mean that in the best way). That morning we walked on Ohio University campus and started talking to people. Crazy but kinda cool at the same time! Later that day the newbies (meaning me too) all went to the church for some orientation and lunch. The anticipation to meet my new companion was intense. Most of the sister missionaries were there for transfers and the thought that one of them would be my companion made me nervous and excited. My new companion is Sister Jung! She is Korean, like what?! She is so patient with me as I try to learn and follow the rules. It was sad to leave Sister Reynolds my companion! We have been together for 3 week and its weird not seeing her. After meeting Sister Jung we went right to our assigned field in Marysville to go to our appointments.

REST OF THE WEEK

Up until now we have been on the go! I have met so many amazing people here in Marysville! Many are ready to learn Chirst's Gospel and it's exciting to get started teaching. Marysville is an older town but I like it because it has charm and character to it.

I have loved meeting Vern and Anna! These two are amazing! Vern is a veteran, who lost his legs. He loves the Gospel but is hesitant to baptized because he has already been baptized 3 times. One of which was a profound experience, when he was baptized in the River Jordan. He is so close to making the decision to be baptized by authority. Anna is special, I love her! She has been through a lot and deals with seizures. My heart aches for her because she has to deal with this! I wish I could take that pain away from her, but I can't! I just know that her Heavenly Father loves her so much and that she has a divine potential! She has such an open mind and loves learning the gospel! I can't wait to see what comes next for her!

Being out here has been amazing! I can see how the knowledge of gospel has brought peace, hope, and joy to people's lives. I know that it can bring you that if you read the scriptures and pray to your father in Heaven. He loves each and everyone of you and wants to help you so much! I invite you all to set a time, not the amount of verses or chapters, but a time to read your scriptures and pray to know how Heavenly Father can help you. I know that you will receive an answer and that you will feel more peace and joy in your life. I have seen it in my own life! I love you all and pray for you!

Love Sister Richardson

Pictures

1. Sister Roderick and I! Our last day!

2. Sister Jung and I found a blow up football helmet on some random porch

3. Sister Cox, Sister Cutler and I! Our last night😢

4. Meet Sister Mittens! The MTC cat

5. Plane ride with Sister Reynolds

6. My mission President and his wife

7&8. Last 2 district photos!

9. Saying goodbye to Sister Cozens and Sister Kennedy

10. Anna made us dinner!

11. Sister Tanner and her companion from Korea