An Incredible Week!

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Victoria Foster

This has been an incredible week! I feel so humbled to be on the Lord's errand. We have seen so many miracles!

Thursday was exchanges. Sister Johnson, our sister training leader came to Converse with me. We were in an apartment complex and randomly knocked on a door. We met a woman who let us in, and we ended up teaching her about the Plan of Salvation. We don't usually start with the Plan of Salvation, but the spirit truly guided us in knowing what to teach in that moment. She had a lot of questions that we were able to help her with. When we began teaching her about the spirit world, she was very intrigued, and a little confused. She told us a story about when she was 14, she got in a really bad accident. Everyone said she died, but she was really confused because she remembers looking down at her body, and looking at all the people around her. She kept trying to comfort her sister. She lived, and she got better. It was an incredible, miraculous story. And we were able to use that to teach her about life after death, our life on Earth, and Heavenly Fathers plan for us to be happy and return to him. We invited her to be baptized and said she would. No specific day yet because she's leaving for Mexico, but she felt the spirit confirm of the truthfulness of Gods plan for us. It's amazing how God know's the hearts of his children. And by listening to them, and being in tune to the spirit, their needs are met.

Sister Rowley, Sister Johnson, Sister Foster, Sister Record, Elder Winn (District leader), and Elder MacDonald

That whole day was full of miracles. We had so many lessons, and were able to contact a lot of referrals on top of that.

Friday we had a beautiful lesson with {D}, a less active woman. She is so sweet and eager to learn. Once again, my testimony of listening to the person, and listening to the spirit was strengthened. Sister Burton said once, "First observe, then serve." The same is true in teaching. First observe then teach. When we got there we asked her how her day went. She told us about some difficulties she's been having at work with co-workers not being very nice. She has a sweet, sensitive spirit, so it's easy to tell that she normally gets along with people. We listened intently with love as she described some things that have been hard. It reminded me of an experience I had when working before my mission. I had a particularly hard time with my boss because he was hard to get along with. After listening, I told her of my experience praying for charity. And how that changed my life. We then read Moroni 7:43-48 which talks about charity. And guess what! Earlier that day she had been thinking about charity and that very scripture came to her mind. The spirit was so strong. GOD KNOWS AND LOVES HIS CHILDREN!!! We had no way of knowing that ourselves. That was precisely what she needed, and completely unplanned. God had already revealed to her that day that charity was the answer, and then it was powerfully confirmed during our visit. Because we listened to her and to the spirit. Planning is very important in having that foundation, but listening is even more important and being willing to stray from the lesson plan, and perhaps go a totally different route. Wow... This is indeed Jesus Christ's work, this is his gospel, and it is true! We invited her to pray for the gift of charity and readily committed to doing so.

We're teaching a new family, the {C} family. They too are very eager to learn. He listens to A LOT of preachers. So it can get kind of interesting teaching them sometimes. He is a very curious guy and asks really good questions. I think the key with him is not to be intimidated by his questions. We were able to answer all of them through the Book of Mormon. The promise that Heavenly Father gave us that we will not be confounded is true. As long as we have the Holy Ghost with us. The Book of Mormon is true! It answers the questions of the soul. It holds the fullness of the Gospel. I love the Book of Mormon, and know that it's true, with all my heart. It is the word of God, as is the bible.

Another miracle we experienced is that the {M} finally excepted a baptismal date for January 31! We were having an unexpected lesson with them and were reading from the Book of Mormon, when {I} said that they know it's true. She told us that they were having a conversation the other day about it the other day. She told us that she feels it in her heart and knows it's true. It was in that moment that pointed out to them that they've received a witness from the Holy Ghost. We invited them to be baptized. {I} was more enthusiastic, {K} still has his reservations but he knows it's true too. I stopped him before he could tell us any of his reservations again and told him that we've already heard his concerns and invited him to set them aside and be baptized. We reminded him that the Lord has already told him that this is the right thing to do, and he accepted! That is so huge for him!! Ahhh! Once we got in the car, we let out our excitement. Ha ha. We'll be striving to do everything we can to help them progress towards that day. I know that whatever happens, it's in the Lords hands.

Sister Annelise Record

Being a missionary is hard... But sooo worth it. I wouldn't trade this life changing opportunity for the world. I love the Lord. And I love being a part of his work in bringing souls unto him. I have felt my boldness increase as I have poured out my heart in mighty prayer.

A funny moment that I had with Sister Johnson is we were knocking on some doors and we ran into someone who spoke only Spanish. She did her best to give him a pass along card. As we were walking to the next house I pulled out a Spanish pass along card and suggested that we read it. We joked about having it up in our face. Then I demonstrated holding it up in my face and saying in a monotone voice, "Good afternoon... my name is Russell." Guess what movie that's from? :) [Up (2009)]

Mom, Dad, Lorielle, Jason, Chris, Eric, and all my family and friends, I love you so much. But I love the Savior more. All in, and on to victory!

Love,
Sister Record

Happy New Year!

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Victoria Foster

Happy New Year!

I am so grateful for this new year and the opportunities that await. It has been a wonderful week! :D

On Tuesday we had exchanges. Sister Rowley came here to Converse. She's been out for about two months. I have no idea it we're related or not. She is very calm and collected. I was impressed by how mature she is, and how much she's getting everything down so quickly. I learned that she's 22. She could pass as a 19 year old though, so I was surprised, but not. It made sense with how collected she is. I learned a lot from her humility. We experienced a few miracles that day. We stopped by [M] totally unexpectedly. We didn't even have him planned. We read some of the book of Enos with him, talked about prayer, and prayed with him. Before we left, he started crying and thanked us for coming. He said that before we came, he was having a really bad time. I've never seen him cry, so it was very touching. Once again, this work is not my work. It is the Lords work. There is no way we could have known to go by his house at the precise moment he needed it.

That same night, we went to the home of a less active woman named [D]. She was having a really tough time because a close friends mother had passed away that morning. Sister Rowely and I sang "Where Can I Turn For Peace?" and "Be Still My Soul". In that moment we didn't know what to do or say to comfort her. But the message of those songs were what she needed. We talked about the plan of salvation, but ultimately it was the music that touched her heart. Music is such a powerful tool in inviting the spirit and speaking to hearts in a way that just words cannot.

On new years eve we were able to do a service project for a woman in the ward. She ended up bringing a young man out who she called her "second son". She sat him down in front of us, told him her conversion story, and asked him just to listen to what we had to say. No pressure. Ha ha! It was totally unexpected. I felt the spirit and could almost hear the words, "Teach him about the Book of Mormon." The impression was very distinct. We taught him about the Book of Mormon, and testified boldly of it's truthfulness. I felt the spirit urge me to promise him that  as he studies the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart, and asks God if it's true, he would find the direction he'd been searching for his whole life, and that we could mend family relationships. It was truly powerful.

Also, we had a really touching experience visiting a woman. Her husband passed away some time ago and it's been really hard on her and her family. She's been struggling spiritually and financially. She's a less active member. We ended up teaching her and her daughter the Plan of Salvation. We boldly invited them at the end to read the Book of Mormon. The spirit was really peaceful and powerful as we did. [G] offered the closing prayer and broke down in tears near the end of her prayer. She was praying in Spanish so I didn't know what she was saying, but the feeling in the room was powerful. She told us that the night before she had been praying for help and she knew that this was her answer. Wow...

I know that the Savior lives. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. The people in it are real people, the stories apply to me and I feel the power of it each time I read. Mighty prayer is indeed a reservoir of power. I have felt an increase in strength and boldness as I have poured out my heart to my Father in Heaven. I know that we have God's priesthood on the Earth. He has always had a prophet who holds the keys of the priesthood and receives revelation. His gospel has never changed. I know that the power of the priesthood is real, because I have felt it's influence in my life. I have been healed spiritually and physically many times. Jesus Christ is my Savior, and his love demands my soul. I love the Lord. I love his work. I will do whatever he asks me to do.

I am so grateful to be serving Him, on a mission.

I love you! All in!

Sincerely,
Sister Record

I Have Truly Felt Your Prayers

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Victoria Foster

It has been an incredible week! Wow! I have truly felt your prayers, and have seen many miracles. I loved seeing y'all on Christmas. I still can't believe how much Eric has changed... And the Popi [the family dog] is still alive. Ha ha.

Silly Sister Missionaries

The day before Christmas Eve we were walking down a street to a woman we had planned to see. I felt the distinct impression to go to the house with the giant chicken trailer. (It was a food truck with a chicken on it, and it was definitely attention grabbing) Ha ha. I waved it off at first because it was a little out of the way, but the impression came back. So we went to that house and ended up meeting a Father. He was very open and listened intently as we taught him the Restoration on his doorstep. He and his kids were wrapping presents and cleaning the house before his wife got home, but he stopped and listened for a good 5 minutes. He had never heard of Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon, and he was so genuine in wanting to learn more. As we were about to finish, he had to get back to cleaning the house before his wife got home. He asked us if we could come back. Before we got too far, a lady (his aunt?) came out and asked what that guys name is again. We told her "Joseph Smith" and she thanked us. We got a little ways away when I felt that we needed to go back. In the rush, we had forgotten to give him a Book of Mormon. We walked back and gave him a Book of Mormon. We testified of it's truthfulness. And told him that if he wants to learn about Joseph Smith before we come back, to read this book. He was so genuine in thanking us. I was just amazed at how the spirit led us to him. This family is so prepared!

Sister Missionaries of the Texas San Antonio Mission. Sister Record is front, middle and slightly to the left in a grey blouse.

That same day we had a lesson with [S]. We taught him the principle of fasting and how it blesses our lives. We invited him to fast and pray about a baptism date. He committed to and also decided on his own to fast about another issue he's been struggling with. We saw him a few days after and followed up on how it went. He said he did it, but still hadn't gotten a real clear answer. He expressed that he knows God will answer in his own time, and that he would not lose faith. On Sunday the lesson in the Gospel Principles class was on exaltation. It was so good, and the spirit was so strong as we talked about the sacred ordinances that must happen for us to ultimately reach exaltation. I turned to him after and asked, "What did you learn today." He paused for a moment and said, "I need to be baptised". We had a good talk on how he had just received an answer to his fasting and prayers. He had the important aha moment that he has been waiting for, and he recognized that God answered him. He also recognized the answer to his other concern that he had been fasting about. I asked him if he would be baptised this Saturday, and he said he would! I know that miracles happen, that God is in charge, and I know that he can be baptised this Saturday. If he is not, he will be very soon. But we will be doing everything we can to help him move in that direction. It was such a neat experience. I get really excited and feel calm, peaceful chills every time I think about it! :D

Christmas was wonderful. We ate breakfast and skyped. Later that day we visited several people. Two of them were home bound women. We sang Christmas songs for them, and shared "He is the Gift". We had a wonderful Christmas dinner. A friend of the family we ate with shared her conversion story. She is one of those incredible miracles that new the truth right when she heard it and was baptised immediately. She has an incredible journey. I have come to know that the Lord really is preparing people right now, in this area. (See Alma 13:24) He is indeed preparing his children in every part of the world.

Thank you for all your prayers. I really mean it when I say I feel them. I feel an increase of strength and capacity to do the Lord's work. I love being here. I love being a missionary. I love the Lord. I am humbled to feel his enabling power each and every day. He is my rock. I am so grateful for my family. I love you all so much. But I love the Saviour more.

All in!

Sincerely,
Sister Record

P.S. I hope y'all haven't stopped praying for missionary opportunities. ;)

Merry Christmas!!

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Victoria Foster

Merry Christmas!

This is such a beautiful time of year to reflect on our Saviour, Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is to share the gift.

Yesterday we came to the home of an older woman. Her dogs bolted out. I felt bad, so I went after one and Sister Foster went after the other... Ha ha. It was quite enjoyable. It reminded me of a similar experience. One that I shared a couple months ago. This is not the first time I went after someone's dog. As soon as we got the dog back to her she closed the door in our face. I slipped a "He is the Gift" card in her door and we went on our merry way. Hopefully she'll remember those strange girls that brought her dogs back for her and want to learn more. I felt pretty cheerful after that experience. Yes, it was kind of disappointing that she didn't want to listen even after we did that for her, but we were still able to help her. And I'm glad we did. I hope she'll find that card and be touched by it.

We've been on bikes/member rides for almost three weeks now. It's really fun to ride a bike, I love it. Our car has been in the shop from previous damage and took longer than they thought. Initially it might seem like a bit of a setback, but we've found so many people in this small area surrounding our apartment. On our way out of our apartment, we met a young adult named [J]. It would have been easy to pass right by him, but that's not what we do as missionaries. (We try not to, anyways). We stopped and talked to him, and ended up teaching him the whole restoration in 5 minutes. He was very receptive. We prayed with him and he thanked us. We got his information and we'll be seeing him again. It is amazing how much our teaching pool has increased simply by talking to everyone. It doesn't matter if they're getting in their car, or if they're clear across the street. There are some awkward situations sometimes, but by talking to everyone, God truly does lead us to those he has prepared. It's amazing!

I am grateful for this sacred work that the Lord has entrusted me with. I know that I am laboring beside him, that this is His work, not mine. I also know that "Gratitude transcends all that is happening around us." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

This is kind of a short update, have a wonderful week! I love y'all! All in! :)

Love,

Sister Record :)

P.S. Thanks Alexis Wesley for the ginger bread house! Sister Felix and I loved making it. Wish we got more pictures for ya. :)

Pictures

My MTC group!! Sister Foster, Sister Warnick, Sister Record and Sister Pito

With Sister Pito again! We saw each other at the Christmas conference, it was great!

6 days after our separation. I was SO happy to see Sister Felix again

Sister Foster and I :)

Sister Swenson and I. We used to share an apartment with her and
Sister Smith, until they got doubled out and Elders came in.

Sister Smith and I

Sister Johnston and all her "daughters" One of them is brand new. I forgot her name.

The aluminium angel that Sister Swenson carved.

Me next to Sister Felix, the aluminium angel that Sister Swenson
carved. You can see her masterful art skills. :)

A New Companion

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Victoria Foster
New Assignment: Senior Companion

"Brethren, shall we not go on is so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage brethren; and on, on to victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad..." D&C 128:22

I felt deeply impressed by this verse when I read it this morning. It is exactly how I feel. I think it has become my new motto. I'll add it to my other motto: "His love demands my soul, my life, my all."

Sister Record and Sister Foster

I am humbled to accept the call as senior companion. There is a different mantle than there was as junior companion, and I definitely feel the grace of the Savior strengthening and enabling me to do what he's asked me to. Sister Foster is my new companion! Funny story; we were in the MTC together. She was in the same room as me, and I totally knew we were going to be companions someday! I could not believe when I heard that she was my new companion. It was pretty exciting. Ha ha! I had to wait a few hours with another companionship because she was coming from Austin. It doesn't end there. She's my "step-sister" because Sister Johnston, my previous trainer finished her training right after beginning my training (hopefully I haven't lost anyone with that sentence). Sister Felix, my second trainer served in the ward that Sister Foster and Sister Johnston were in together. That is difficult to explain in writing. But it's all connected! :D

This has been an incredible week. I was really sad to say see ya later to Sister Felix. But I feel confident and ready for this new phase. Elder Hamula of the Seventy came a couple months ago and talked about some things we can improve on as a mission. One of them is having faith to succeed and talking to everyone. He said that "preaching by the way is the price we must pay to succeed in all things." Indeed it is. It is so true!! I have a personal witness of that. I can hardly believe the sense of confidence that I feel. At this point in my mission, I feel more committed then I have ever felt. I genuinely feel faith to succeed. I am more "all in" than ever before. I thought I had already arrived months ago, but now I've really arrived. I am so grateful for the Saviors hand in the lives of each individual, and in my life.

Miracles are happening everyday! On Friday we were led by the spirit and found a family of like, 10 and taught them a lesson. In that same hour we found about 4 other people and set return appointments. It was all in about an hour at the same apartment complex. Wow! Blessing are flooding down on us. Obedience brings blessings, but exact obedience brings miracles. The Lord truly does provide a way for us to accomplish the things he asks of us. (See 1 Nephi 3:7)

Random story; On one of our last days together, Sister Felix and I had to walk for a really long time to a bus stop because we didn't have a ride. A couple minutes after we got to the bus stop a woman was dropped off and sat down by us. We gave her a "He is the Gift" card and got to talking. Turns out she's met with missionaries before, but has never really acted on what they say. She's really searching for direction in her life. She told us how every time she runs into a Mormon she feels that God is trying to tell her something. We invited her to read the Book of Mormon and find out for herself what her purpose in life is. We only had so much time, but the spirit was so strong. It's really interesting how the Lord guides us to people. We were initially kind of annoyed because we hadn't planned on walking all that way. A miracle ended up happening. The Savior stands at the head of His work. My testimony of that grows everyday. That woman will continue to be taught by the missionaries in her area.

Mom and Dad, happy anniversary on the 17th. I love you and am so glad you got married for all eternity. I'm grateful that you're my parents and that you're always in love. You're an example to me. Thanks again! I should be able to call before 1:00 on Christmas. And it'll be skype. :)

Last week was a real blur. It's been good! :)

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Sister Record

Sister Record and Sister Felix with TSAM rings

Sister Record and Sister Felix

Sister Felix and Sister Record

Sister Record with her elf hat and monster teeth her brother sent her.

I Braced Myself

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Sarah Felix

Transfer calls came... I am staying in Converse and Sister Felix is leaving. I have to admit, it's been hard. All week we kind of already knew that something was going to change, and luckily I had some time to accept it before we received the call. :) I feel ready and at peace now, but my heart definitely needed to adjust to the idea. It's still adjusting. We actually thought that I would leave and she would stay, so we weren't expecting that at all. I look forward to next transfer, and I am glad that I'll be here longer. We are finding so many people.

Sister Annelise Record

Since we went on a lot of exchanges this transfer I got to drive in my area when Sister Farmer came to Converse. This week, there was a squirrel in the middle of the road. There was nothing I could do to avoid it, so I did exactly what I was taught. I braced myself, held firmly to wheel, and ran over it... Now I have ran over an animal. Wow, what a wonderful way to start off my letter. Ha ha!

We had a wonderful lesson with a man who has been investigating the church for about 16 years. His wife is an active member of our ward. We sang a song, and read some scriptures on baptism. It was powerful. We invited him to be baptized and he said he would really pray about what day to do it. He said he feels like it's soon.

There is a woman named [M] who we've been trying to contact for months. She was a member referral but was always never home or really busy. We didn't think she was even interested. A couple weeks ago we stopped by and of course, she was really busy, but we asked if we could give her a Book of Mormon. A couple days ago, we were driving with a member (because our car is in the shop) and only stopped by her house because we happened to be by her. We didn't think she would be home, but she ended up letting us right in. She is very animated and loves to talk. She invited us to sit down and said, "Let me go grab my book!". She had already been reading the introduction and testimony of the witnesses on her own! She was talking to us like she knew us. Sister Felix and I were quite surprised. We taught her the Restoration and she agreed readily with everything. We also taught her how to ask God questions, because she is so good at praying, but felt really uncomfortable asking him questions. It was neat to see her perspective change. We went over the very next day and the lesson was even more powerful. Her heart is incredibly open and receptive. We showed her the "He is the Gift" video, and discussed priesthood authority and the restoration with a special emphasis on baptism. We asked her how it makes her feel to know that God's authority is on the Earth today. This was her response. Quote: "It makes me feel that I am in the wrong place." She went on to talk about how comforting it is for her to know that she can depend on God and his servants. She said that she needs to get in the right place. She has such a desire to grow closer to God, and feels the spirit when we teach. We invited her to embrace the gift of Jesus Christ and be baptized by one holding His authority. She almost accepted, but said that she'll need to think about it. I feel very confident that she will accept. She accepted the invitation to come to church, and to the relief society activity. And she already has some member fellowship. It's just so incredible! I'm really glad I'll be here another transfer to watch her progress.

We had such a neat lesson with the [G] family. We went over the Restoration again using the 20 minute Restoration DVD. The visual of the movie seemed to click well with them. At the end of the DVD I felt the spirit so strong in my heart testifying to me that these things are true. I felt tears come to my eyes as the spirit enveloped me. I felt moved upon to testify. And so I did with all my heart. I know that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, and he was called to Restore Jesus Christ's gospel and to the Earth.


We've been using "He is the Gift" a lot. It touches everyone who watches it. This Christmas season is such a beautiful time to reflect on our relationship with the Savior.

This truly has been an incredible week. I love you all!

Sincerely,
Sister Record

P.S. It does not feel like December here. It feels like September. Some days feel like October. I don't mind though. :)

A Time of Thanksgiving

Area: Converse
Companion: Sister Sarah Felix

Happy Birthday Eric! There's a birthday card coming your way. Also, I sent you an email. :)

It's been a good week! There are miracles happening every day.

Yesterday we were at an apartment complex trying to visit [J]. She wasn't home, but her brother was. We taught him the Restoration about a month or so ago. He's super busy, so we were glad to catch him. Hopefully we'll see [J] tonight. We taught him more about the Book of Mormon. He has a true desire to come closer to God. After seeing him, we both had the impression to keep walking  past our car. We saw a family a little ways away getting into their car. They drove away before we could get to them. We kept walking though, and saw a woman getting into her car. Initially we didn't think we would get there in time, but we got there and found out that she locked her keys in the car and was waiting for her mom to come help her. The Lord works in mysterious ways. :) We got to talking and saw that she was interested, so we taught her some of the Restoration with a focus on eternal families. It really touched her. Her parents got a divorce when she was young. She is getting married soon and has a daughter. We asked her how she would feel knowing that she can have an eternal relationship with her daughter and her husband. There was so much longing in her eyes. She said that would be really amazing. We then told her that those promises are available in God's holy temple through his priesthood authority. It was incredible to watch the spirit work in her. We have an appointment to see her again. This is the Lord's work... He knows and loves every single person. There is no way Sister Felix and I could have known that that was what she needed to hear.

We spent Thanksgiving with the [L] family. They are so awesome! They had some friends over too. At the end we asked everyone to say something they're grateful for. The spirit is always present when we express our gratitude. There is power in counting our blessings. I felt so much love for my companion as I expressed how grateful I am for her. We are with each other all day every day, we've been through some thick and thin. She's been an important influence in my life as a missionary. She is definitely one of my best friends. That night we got home early because we didn't have anyone else to see. We looked at her family pictures and I learned every single one of her siblings names. She has 13 siblings. She's number 12 of 14. I felt quite accomplished. :)

Transfer calls are coming up. We'll be getting them this Sunday... By next Monday we'll know what our fate for next transfer is. :) I wouldn't mind staying with Sister Felix another transfer, but I am ready to do what ever is asked of me. I know that whatever is asked of me will be a call from the Lord. I can hardly believe how fast this transfer has gone! Time seems to be picking up speed.

Thanks for all y'alls support. I'm striving to become a true Texan. I try so hard to remember to say "Yes ma'am", "Yes sir", and "y'all" but I usually forget. Maybe I'll get it down in a couple months. Ha ha!

Miracles are every where. Last week we didn't see as many people as we did the week before, but it was still a good week. We were in most of the day on Saturday because I was sick with a yucky cold... I'm doing better now though! By the way, look into "He is the Gift" on LDS.org. The church is focusing a lot on it this Christmas season, and we as missionaries are doing a lot with it. We have special pass along cards and a weekly summary just for "He is the Gift". The video is inspiring!

I love y'all! Stay warm... :)

Love,

Sister Record