Just Like Dorothy – Kansas Is My Home

Click... Click... Click... I'm Coming Home!

Hola!

This week we had MLC's – and on the 3-hour car ride – we decided to call some former investigators and less-actives and invite them to watch the new Christmas Initiative, “A Savior is Born.” One of the gals that we talked with was Araceli and she wanted to meet with us again. We scheduled an appointment with her and when we went over she called her whole family into the room for the discussion. It was one of the most powerful lessons that I have had on my mission and the Spirit was so strong. It is amazing to witness the Spirit that the Christmas video brings and the eternal conversations that take place afterwards. Her 15-year-old son said the prayer at the very end and that topped everything off. Araceli was in tears and there was no way that anyone could deny the special Spirit that was there.

We received a random text from Lise (gal from England) this week. She told us that she has had some experiences and tender mercies that have happened in her life and that she is ready to draw closer to God. It was such a miracle! We went over to see her and one of the first things we found out was that she had not had a cigarette in the two months that we stopped visiting her. There was one instance where she almost gave in – she went to the store and as she was walking up to the counter she saw the Elders and she knew that it was a sign from God that she shouldn’t buy the cigarettes. Even her countenance was completely changed and there was a totally different light in her eyes. But the coolest part was...SHE CAME TO CHURCH! This was her first actual Sacrament meeting and she absolutely loved it. Later that night we were able to watch the Christmas Devotional with her at her house – she loved President Uchtdorf! Such an amazing miracle and a reminder that everyone has their time and the gospel can change anyone.

Alma 12:9-10...
9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

One of the greatest things that I have learned as a missionary is the importance of covenants and promises with God. We can apply the Atonement and receive the enabling power as we make promises with Him. We receive guidance and added strength as we fulfill the promises and use the redemptive side when we don’t fulfill our part and need to repent. This gospel incorporates everything we do and who we are – and unless we submit our will – we can’t become something greater than our own. We have all of the tools necessary – and it is our responsibility to use them – and use them correctly. The Book of Mormon is the word of God – there is no other book that will bring greater peace, light, and direction. Reading and praying with a sincere heart will bring about personal revelation. Which revelation reveals the mysteries of God and His plan – the plan of which allows us to return to live with Him and be as one. Our understanding and perspective is illuminated as we keep all of the commandments, both as a collective group as Saints and also personal commandments. President Thomas S. Monson holds all of the Keys of the Priesthood and stands as a special witness that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus Christ is our Savior, he is our advocate with the Father, he is also our friend and brother. He will lift us, walk with us, and help us see our divinity within. I love my Savior – I know that he is the Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only church here on the Earth that contains the fullness of His gospel. We are God’s children and He loves each and every one of us and He wants us to return to live with Him comfortably in the highest glory. I love Kansas (and Lamar) – this is where “I grew up” and I will forever be grateful for all of these people, experiences, and adventures that I have had!

Jesucristo es nuestro Salvador, y sufrió por cada uno de nosotros individualmente. Él sabe exactamente cómo nos sentimos, y sabe exactamente cómo consolador, ascensor, y donde para guiarnos. Sé que al aplicar continuamente la Expiación cada uno y todos los días, vamos a volver a vivir con nuestro Padre Celestial, y estar cómodo en su presencia. El Libro de Mormón es la palabra de Dios, así como todas las otras Escrituras, tanto antiguas como modernas. Las familias pueden ser eternas, y vamos a ver a nuestros seres queridos de nuevo. Hay trabajo eterna para hacer aquí en la Tierra, así como en el mundo espiritual. Me encanta este evangelio, y sé que podemos tener un conocimiento perfecto de todas las cosas. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amén.

Hebrews 12:1...
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Hermana Adams

Practicing Homecoming Talk

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Christmas Tree - Kansas Style

Hola!

This last week I had the opportunity to go back to Lamar for the last time. It was such a wonderful experience because I was able to see the same people from last year but I got to see the progression that they have made. The greatest progression was in the Lingle family. Last year they would not consider baptism but in the last month all of them have been baptized. They had us over for dinner and it was amazing to see the light in Mary Anne’s eyes and the change in her countenance. Baptism changes us not only spiritually but physically as well.

Thanksgiving – we had two Thanksgiving dinners – both amazing! The first was with a couple of families in the ward who all got together. Sister Dameron made the best turkey I have ever had! She said her trick is cooking it in the oven bags (I’ve got to try that). They had each of us missionaries share a non-common scripture about having gratitude and giving thanks. Then, a couple hours later we had dinner with Alejandro and his family. They are Hispanic and so they make such good food! His wife made some of the best carrot cake that I have ever had. We were all rolling out of their house because of all of the food that we ate. Small town problems: Black Friday shopping consists of Walmart – everyone and their dawg was there Thursday night through Friday afternoon – we should have just gone proselyting there!

We met the only Brazilian here in Kansas! Her name is Susanne and she is the sweetest gal. We were talking to her about fasting and the importance of it. Then, it turned into the Word of Wisdom and she loved the idea! Well, of course it is a good idea, that is why God gave it to us. Her son is going through a rough time in high school and she knows that all of these things that she has learned will help him.

We are doing a Book of Mormon reading challenge as a mission. They gave us a hard copy of The Book of Mormon and 3 colored pencils to highlight (Blue: Faith; Green: Character of Christ; Red: Atonement). We have an extra hour of studies and it has been the coolest thing to just be able to read and literally feel the power of The Book of Mormon! The church is true – the book is blue!

Kansas has a little snow – just enough to cover the ground – and then it freezes! So, literally everything is covered in ice which makes things quite entertaining for driving and even walking. We have already fallen a countless number of times; it has brought much humor to those driving by. Everything was so frozen that church was canceled yesterday and all the schools were canceled today. But to add on top of that, we ran out of miles on our car, so we are biking and walking for the rest of the transfer. It sure makes everything more entertaining and a lot colder. Many memories made and many more adventures to come in the next week.

"No treaty can establish more than a tenuous and temporary peace between nations....  Only the waters of baptism can permanently wash away the seeds of hatred and contention, bringing in their place, life and peace."

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

17 Months In Kansas And I Finally Get A Tornado!

Hola!

Last Monday was a typical P-Day and we went over to a member’s house for dinner. They just moved here from Idaho and they were getting used to Kansas. Then, all of a sudden the wind outside picked up drastically and there was a ton of lightning! So, of course we all run to the window and us missionaries go outside and start taking pictures. The members got on their phones and found out that there was a tornado coming straight towards Dodge City. They just moved here so they started calling everyone. Us missionaries think it is the coolest thing and we are taking videos outside. Then, the sirens went off! Oh boy, you can’t miss them – they are so loud! It was so cool! The lightning was everywhere and the clouds were moving so fast but we never got to see the actual tornado because it turned before it hit Dodge. After all the excitement, we went down into the basement and had a nice FHE. Definitely a night to remember!

This week, I got to go on my last exchange with Sister Webb and it was just like old times! We counted and this was our 4th exchange with each other. She thought she had gotten rid of me after training – nope! It is truly amazing to see her grow and to be able to testify with so much power. We had many memories and many tears were shed on the exchange. I love Sister Webb so much and she will be a true disciple of Christ for the rest of her life!

I love biking as a missionary but I haven’t been able to bike since I have been in Liberal. But this week, I was on exchanges in Garden City and we got to ride bikes. I was smiling the whole time because it felt so good to be back on a bike. Sweet miracle – we were biking to an appointment across town and we rode by this house and the gal was just getting off of work. We were hurrying because we still had a long way to bike, so I just waved, smiled, and said, “Hello.” She smiled and waved back. I didn’t really think much of it – but later that night – we were biking back to their apartment and it was close to curfew but there was still a miracle out there! We passed her house again – but this time – we stopped and knocked. The lady answered and she recognized us from earlier that day. She invited us in and we were able to get to know her. Turns out that she is a teacher at the middle school, has a Toy Australian Shepherd, plays Rugby, likes watching “Vampire Diaries”, and was super open to the gospel! Sound familiar!? What a miracle! You never know what a little smile and wave can do to brighten someone else’s day.

On Saturday we had lunch and dinner – great, right!? Well... it was such good food – but both families were Hispanic – so they gave us a ton of food! My companion has been having this stomach thing that has been going around town so it makes her even more sick if she eats heavy foods. So what happens? I eat the majority of my food, then we somehow distract the members, and switch our plates so that I eat her food as well. Oh man, by the end of the day, I was rolling! I ate so much food. Good news is that she is feeling better so hopefully I only have to eat my food tonight.

Loretta's Baptism

Loretta got baptized! She is such an adorable gal that the Elders were teaching.

On Sunday, my companion and I got to speak about gratitude in Sacrament. We have a split ward – some speak Spanish and some speak English – so they have a translator. Sister Mendoza is boss and so she is the translator. So, when she gave her talk (in Spanish) another Elder translated for her. It was his first time and it was very stressful. So, in my head I thought, “maybe I could try it.” No! I lasted about 30 seconds and about died. So, thankfully another missionary came over and saved us both. Holy cow, whoever translates definitely has a gift – that was rough! Very humbling…

“If you do not feel it now, you can feel it again, but consider Nephi’s counsel. Be obedient, remember the times when you have felt the Spirit in the past, and ask in faith. Your answer will come, and you will feel the love and peace of the Savior. It may not come as quickly or in the format you desire, but the answer will come. Do not give up! Never give up!” – James B. Martino

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

Is This For Real?

Our Mission Photo – Can you find me?

Hola!

Crazy week – full of three exchanges! I didn’t see my companion for three days so talk about missionary withdrawals. Sister Flores came up here to Dodge with me on Wednesday and it was so windy and cold! But the amazing thing about it was that we saw so many miracles! The funniest quote of the day was by a random guy that we met that said that he read The Book of Mormon. We asked him what he felt as he read it and what he liked about it. His response, “The Mormon church is just too perfect!” What!? That makes no sense as to why he wouldn’t join the church then! My response, “So what’s holding you back from coming?” He wasn’t too open – but it makes no sense – he is totally right! The gospel is perfect!

A member’s friend came to the Halloween party and we couldn’t find a way to get in contact with her. By talking to other people about her, we found out that she cuts hair – perfect! If I get a haircut, she’ll have to talk with us. So, we made an appointment, and she was super nice and we had a good conversation about her family but she was not open to the message about the gospel – darn! Now, my hair looks like I have a mullet! Well, it was worth a try.

I was able to go to Hugoton and they had a very important lesson that day. Their investigator, who was supposed to be baptized this weekend, dropped them with a text message and they hadn’t been able to set up an appointment until exchanges. It was one of the coolest lessons ever! There was another recent convert that came with us and she bore a beautiful testimony. We helped her realize why these blessings were coming into her life at this time and why she can’t just go to any church but she needs to come to “THE” church. By the end of the lesson, she was smiling and realized that this is the right path and others were trying to lead her away from the true joy that she can receive. She is getting baptized a week from Saturday!

I got to go back to my hometown of Liberal – blessed land! Somehow I have bad luck (especially with hair this week) because the cutest autistic gal attacked my hair! She was pulling it and wouldn’t let go. Her parents had to come pry her off because I had no idea what to do. I just sat there – praying my mullet would still be there. It is hilarious to look back on now...

Another random thing of the week – someone stole our license plate! What? I about died laughing! A cop had to come and report it and we have been driving around without a plate since Saturday. We get our temporary tag today – too funny!

The Primary Program was yesterday and the kids were the cutest things ever! They sang the song, “We’ll Bring the World His Truth.” The kids sang the first verse, and then the Young Men and Women went up and sang the second verse with them, and then the missionaries went up and sang the third verse with them. Holy powerful! I struggled at singing because there was a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. The gospel is true! I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share the gospel with all those in which I come in contact with.

“The church is true, the book is blue.” – Hermana Adams

“In reality, the best way to help those we love – the best way to love them – is to continue to put the Savior first.” – Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Role Playing - Notice the "HICK" boots...

Hola!

• Monday: Movie night with Maria and Luis – so much fun!
• Tuesday: District Meeting
• Wednesday: MLC
• Thursday: Liberal Zone Conference
• Friday: Garden City Zone Conference
• Saturday: Sister Mendoza’s 22nd birthday
• Sunday: Best day of the week!

That is my week in a nutshell. We tried to teach as often as we could in between all of the meetings and driving. Just to put our driving into perspective … Wichita takes 3 hours, Liberal takes 1.5 hours, and Garden City takes 1 hour. But, there couldn’t be a more beautiful state to drive across, especially at this time of year.

“The miracle of the Atonement can make up for the imperfections in our performance.” – Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Costumes
Hermana Adams and Hermana Mendoza

Hola!

This week went by pretty quick! On Tuesday, we met with our most favorite couple (Paige and Caleb). It was a long discussion about the Godhead – and in the end – we had to tell them that we weren’t just there to discuss and debate points of doctrine from the Bible but that we wanted to help them increase their faith and have spiritual experiences. After some bold words, the night ended awkwardly with Paige crying, a humbled Caleb, and a return appointment for this Thursday. It was a true miracle! They both were shocked and Caleb expressed that he hoped he would be a “strong enough Christian to accept that he could be proven wrong.” It was quite the night and we went home with a massive “What just happened!?” I’m still shocked but it’s going to be an amazing appointment this week!

We had transfers on Wednesday – Sister Mendoza and I are still together in Dodge! It was a hectic transfer! The local ward had their trunk-or-treat the same night. Dodge is a sort of a way-point for the rest of the areas in the western part of Kansas so there were confused missionaries and a whole ton of people. The miracle for that night was that our investigator Maria and her son Luis came to the activity with their cousins! They expressed that they really enjoyed themselves and the kids absolutely loved it! We love the members for introducing themselves and helping them ease into the activity – it was really busy. We saw some other miracles as well – a couple of members brought their friends and some less-actives actually came to an activity. We’ll see where those miracles take us this week.

It just rained all day long on Friday. We felt really bad for the elders that were on bikes this week because they were just soaking wet. I am just super grateful that we get our own car.

On Saturday, we had the amazing privilege of hearing from a newly ordained Apostle – Elder Gary E. Stevenson! It was an amazing, marvelous, absolutely spiritual meeting and we learned a lot from him as a mission. I learned a lot about what I can do better and focus on while I’m here in Dodge. It was just so great!

Sunday was pretty great, too! There is this member – who was baptized just a little over a year ago – who is just a wonderful example of how faith the size of a mustard seed can truly move mountains and not quite in the way you would expect. She lives about 20 minutes away from the church now in an even smaller town. She has three kids, no car, and no active members live in that town. Every week she is still able to somehow get a ride to Dodge and make it on time for church on Sunday – because goodness forbid she miss even one Sunday – one sacrament meeting! Really, I don’t think I can express how much I love this sister, her family, and the amount of effort and faith she puts into coming to church every week. She reads the scriptures and prays with her children daily and she makes sure everything is well with her family. She even expressed how she was looking forward to having an interview with the bishop so that she can go to the temple and receive her endowments! Prior to her being in a ward where there are translation services available, she attended an even smaller ward about 2 hours away where no one spoke Spanish. She still went to church every week – not understanding a single word said – but completely relying on the Spirit that she felt. She is such an amazing sister and a great example of faith, love, diligence, and obedience!

“When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we also receive His image in our countenance and we are physically changed.”

“Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.” – D&C 138:56

“The Lord’s work is work, but it is a sweet labor.” – Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Misionera Amor!
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams

Days in Dodge!

Hola!

So, I figured out that I am officially a mutant this week and this is why…

• Sister = Daughter of God
• Ricci = Hispanic
• Jo = Hick (e.g., Southern names like Bobby Jo, Sally Jo, etc.)
• Adams = Crazy and Fun Family (The Addams Family)

I had the opportunity to go on exchanges in Hugoton this week. I went with Sister Samoni – who is Tongan – so Spanish is her 3rd language. Her first language is Tongan, English, and now Spanish. She was so much fun! I would not get into a fight with her because she is a strong girl who could beat you up yet she is the biggest sweetheart! She has convinced me into playing Rugby so that is the sport that I am going to try to pursue. On the exchange, amongst all of the good memories, we also saw many miracles. They are teaching a gal from Honduras who has just recently moved here with her daughters. She doesn’t know a lick of English and she has been very ill. Two Priesthood holders from the ward – who knew Spanish from their missionary service in the Dominican Republic – came over and were able to give her a blessing. It was such a spiritual experience. She didn’t quite understand what the Priesthood was but having two worthy men give her a blessing really connected the dots for her. She was indeed grateful and I really hope that she won’t forget the way that she felt.

Emily got baptized on Saturday! The Elders started talking with her about two and a half weeks ago and she is definitely part of the elect. She knew that this is what she needed in her life and that it would help her with every other aspect in her life (i.e., marriage, children, and work). Probably my favorite part of baptismal services is being the one who is in charge of showing them where to go, seeing them right before they go into the water, and giving them their towel right afterwards. There is no way that you could deny the Spirit during these experiences because there is a definite glow and light. She has got a bright future ahead and will definitely be a leader here in the Dodge City Ward. She is already making comments in Relief Society and is willing to share her testimony in front of everyone. After her baptism, she took us all out for Sushi and it was such a blast! She has a lot of friends that support her even though none of them are members. They were able to see the definite change in her.

Elder Myers – our District Leader – goes home (Utah) this week. It was so cool on Sunday to have his farewell as well as another farewell for a gal in our ward named Gabby Arkell. One leaving for the mission adventure and one returning home. My heart didn’t know what to feel during this time – the mission has been “Real Life” and I wouldn’t give back my mission experiences for anything. Elder Myers is an amazing missionary and has allowed the Savior to mold him into an even greater disciple and Gabby will soon have that same experience. Just let it happen – allow Him to change you and embrace it!

“Fasten your seat belts for the ride of your life.” – President Nelson

“With Christ, darkness cannot succeed. Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ.” – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“The scriptures are the word of God, they are God’s landmarks that show the way we should travel in order to draw closer to our Savior and reach worthy goals.” – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Misionera Amor
Siempre Una Aventura
Hermana Adams