Letters from La Quinta

Hey e'rbody!

[I guess she's still my girl :) ]

This week is transfers! I survived transfers, so I will be staying in La Quinta! Unfortunately, they're taking Sister Peterson away from me. NOOOO!!! :( I'm not ready to let go of her; she seriously is like my sister! Everyone saw it coming though, and I had a feeling she would go too. Probably because she's been here for eight months. She'll be going to Fontana; the Tongan ward! We thought the ZL's were just kidding when they gave us the news because she's always joking about president sending her there. That news was pretty devastating for her since she's one of the skinniest sisters in the mission, always does hardcore workouts, and watches everything she eats. Those Tongans are gonna think she's starving, and feed her 5000 calories every meal! AND they only speak Tongan in church. At least they're super friendly! I haven't met my new companion yet, but her name is Sister Wagner, and I hear she's super nice. So that's a relief.

We've been teaching a recent convert's (Josie) daughter in-law, Sandra. This week, Sandra told us that she wants to be baptized! She hasn't committed to a date yet, but she knows this is something that she wants. She has realized how happy and patient it makes her as she reads the Book of Mormon. We are now teaching her and her husband, Oscar! They have two ADORABLE kids, Isaac (7) and Sophie (4). Isaac is always talking about how he wants to be baptized when he turns eight, and how he wants to go on a mission. :) Isaac just recently bought a suit, and told Josie, "Is everyone gonna think I'm a missionary?" :)

Cute Story Time: a little girl in the ward, named Pyper, just turned four years old. When her mom asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday, she thought Pyper would choose something like Disney Land.

"I want to have pizza with Jesus, at the temple!"

Every Friday, we do service for a couple hours at Martha's Thrift Store. Lots of people volunteer there, but this week, we found a volunteer, Bettye, who is turning 102 years old this year! And she's still totally active in everything she does. What a blessing!

Volunteering at 102!

Here are some interesting facts about the La Quinta ward: (1) There is a family with three Francisco's; the dad and their two sons. The sons go by Franky and Cisco, to obviously make it less confusing. (2) There is a couple in the ward named Ken and Barbie! I kid you not! (3) There are a lot of snowbirds in the ward because everyone is afraid of the snow, but there's a lady in the ward who is originally from Utah, and has some pretty big people in her ward; Mary Cook (General YW's Presidency), who, by the way, came to the La Qinta ward yesterday; Bill Mariott; Elizabeth Smart; AAAANNNNDDDD....drum roll please....Mitt Romney! I hear he's not planning on running again. Dangit!

Last month, we went to Panera Bread and met the cutest couple in the world, Yvette and Morteza! Yvette is from France and Morteza is from Iran. I was so sad when we had to leave because I just wanted to sit and talk with them forever! Well, just a couple days ago, we were walking from a member's home, and we saw that cute couple pull into their driveway exactly before we passed by their house! Hello, miracle! They invited us inside for a glass of water because it's getting pretty hot out; 95 degrees. Now we don't have to wonder where they live anymore. MUAHAHA! We already ambushed them with chocolate chip cookies.

That's about it for this week! Stay chill, everyone...even though the east coast is finally getting warmer.

Sister Sommers     

Opposition in All Things

Hey, all of my lovely people!

The beginning of this week was ehhh...no bueno. It all started on Tuesday morning when we went for our morning run. I discovered a huge blister on the bottom of my foot, but I kept running anyway. I know, I'm crazy. That was the first time, my whole mission, I thought I was gonna die from running. When we ran back to our apartment, we then discovered we locked ourselves out! We were locked out for an hour until we finally found someone with a key. Lesson learned; we now have a spare. When we came into the apartment, I started getting ready, and then realized my thumb ring was missing. I looked everywhere, and finally found it down the drain of my bathroom sink. Hopefully, we can find someone who can get it out soon. On Wednesday, we were on exchanges, and for the first time, I lost my planner! That was stressful since I was the one in charge of the area. Good thing Sister Lutu is so kind and patient. We said a prayer that I would find my planner, and I found it the next morning. Wheww...just in time!

Ok, enough with all of the shenanigans! Time for some wonderful news! Pauline is getting baptized!!! Yayy!! :) She is seriously the most golden investigator I've ever taught. Which is weird because I really don't feel like I've taught her anything. She was just so prepared! Her sister and her sister's family, from Nevada, are members. When they found out Pauline was taking the discussions, they were so dang excited. Her Nephew, Leo, called us up and was already making plans to come baptize and confirm her. And on March 28th, that's exactly what's happening. :)

I got my packages! Woohoo! Mom, how did you know I wanted new clothes? I love them! I also have as many pieces of candy as there are plastic bottles in the ocean. There are so many plastic bottles in the ocean, it can go around the whole earth eight times! So I don't need any more candy. Believe me, I appreciate it so much, but are you all trying to make me fat? I found out that the average weight a sister gains in this mission is 30 pounds! Believe me, it's a real thing. But that's only if she doesn't eat healthy and doesn't exercise. Good thing I'm doing both of those things; I've already lost five pounds. I didn't do any of that at home. Missions really do change people.

I so very much appreciate all of the letters and packages I get! I actually get more stuff than any other missionary in my whole zone! I feel kinda bad, but I feel so blessed to have such loving friends and family. :)

I graduated my 12 weeks of training! Woohoo! No longer a trainee! That's what's up. 

Coming back from exchanges, Sister Peterson and I started talking to these two guys in the gas station parking-lot, standing outside their truck. They were super friendly, and then one of them said, "Wanna see what I got for my mom's birthday?"

He opened the door on the passenger's side, and pointed towards the floor of the truck.

"Oh my gosh, those are live peacocks!"

They were so pretty! He had a male and female, and later gave each of us a feather.

I am REALLY loving the book Our Search for Happiness by M. Russell Ballard! I strongly encourage you all to read it, especially all of you non-members! I can't ever put it down.

General Conference is coming up! YEESSS! I am so excited! President has challenged us to read the whole Book of Mormon before General Conference. I'm in 3 Nephi, so I think I can do it.

Go read the Book of Mormon! It'll change your life!

That's all folks!

Sister Sommers 

I Don't Even Know Espanol!

Hola Amigos!

First off, OH MY GOSH, this week is my very last week of training! But how?! I just got here! It's so crazy how each week seriously only feels like three days! Guess I better start working faster, so we can help save these people.

The District

I forgot to mention in my last email, I got to train a sister on her first day! I was training while in training. Weird! Our companions had to go to an MLC meeting since they are both Sister Training Leaders, so that's how I ended up with Sister Gunn on her first day out in the field. Sister Peterson told me President Van Cott must really have a lot of faith in me. Aww, cute President :) ...just don't be too faithful. He might make me start training sooner. I'm not ready for that yet.

Sis Morey and Sis Sommers

This week, on exchanges, I got to go to Spanish Land with Sister Morey! Ohh Spanish Land...the place where I get to speak my useless high school espanol I haven't used in two years. But it was fun! We got to teach an English class to an investigator who doesn't speak a lick of English. I also got to meet the cutest Hispanic family! The two youngest boys were the only ones who spoke English. They've only taken two years of English, and they're already fluent! The youngest boy, Saul, said the opening prayer in Spanish, but later on, Sister Morey told me what he said, "Please help Sister Sommers to feel comfortable here because we like her. And please bless her that she will be able to learn a little Spanish before she has to leave for her area."

UGH! HE JUST MELTS MY HEART!!!

One of the daughters showed me some stories she's written. They were all in Spanish, so I couldn't read them. Sister Morey told me her stories were scarier than a normal nine-year-old should write. She then proceeded to tell me, that this little girl is schizophrenic. So yes, she sees things that normal people shouldn't see, and then writes stories about it. I can't even imagine how painful that must be.  

Sis Sommers and her Spanishfriends

I was so excited, but then realized our little amigo wasn't home. :( I just fear for the little lizards that run around over here. They're quick though, so I don't think they need to worry much. I have yet to catch a lizard. That's one of my goals before I go home. Oh yeah, and the people. I fear for the people as well. I'm watching out for black widows and scorpions.

I hear Ohio is like an arctic blast! It's insane what people are telling me! I can't even imagine since I'm always in short-sleeves and sweating...except for yesterday. It rained all day yesterday and didn't even stop once! The desert could use some of that, but us missionaries are thinking different. Luckily, we have a car.

We're teaching the cutest lady named Pauline! We found her husband, at first, working outside, so we started talking with him. We gave him to the Spanish Elders, but then found out his wife, Pauline, wanted English-speaking sisters! Hooray for us! She is so prepared, it's unreal! She'll be baptized before we know it!

Sooo, those were my adventures this week!



Hasta Lavista!

Hermana Sommers

Have You Met the Mormons?

Hola, Hola, Coca-Cola's!

This morning, I finished up the last of the big bag of M&M's my family sent me. And that's the biggest thing I've achieved all week. Just kidding. A whole lotta big somethings happened this week! :)

At the beginning of the week, we were on exchanges, so I was with Sister Litster. When we got to her apartment, she was telling me about these referrals she wanted to contact before the night ended. So we go to the apartment, and of course they don't even expect us, so they start cleaning a little and have us sit down. We start teaching them a little about what our messages are going to be about, and this couple just nails us with questions, one after another. We tried explaining things in the clearest, simplest way, but they still didn't seem to get it. Then we finish up, ask when we can come back again, say our goodbyes, and BAM..."Just kidding! We're actually members!"

"...wait...WHAT?!"

"We have proof," they said as they showed me their copies of the Book of Mormon, baptism programs, and naturally, a framed picture of President Thomas S. Monson.

I totally got punked! I was in total twilight zone the rest of the night. No, sorry, Ashton wasn't there.

Also, while on exchanges, we walked this blind dog that just had to stop and smell everything, every step we took, and constantly ran into things. Haha, awww! It was so sad, but we couldn't stop laughing. We're horrible, but he took it like a champ.

We met so many people who are interested in hearing about our message! And that's only from walking around, and talking with everyone. Amazing. 

We had another amazing lesson with Darien on Saturday at the Walker's house! The spirit was again so strong, and I felt prompted to invite her to be baptized.

"Maybe!" she said. "But I think I want to learn a little bit more, and find out for myself if it's true before I make a decision."

Cute Darien! :)

This morning, Darien, Becky (a friend from the ward), Sister Peterson and I went to the Walker's to watch Meet the Mormons. It was the first time I had ever seen it, and it was SO GOOD! I strongly encourage you all to watch it. After the movie, Becky says, "I've received revelation. I think I'm supposed to go on a mission."

YAY BECKY!!! :D We have been trying to convince her that she should go on one, but the idea never amused her.

And then, all of a sudden, "I think I just received revelation as well," says Darien. "I think the Mormon religion is for me!"

AHHHHHHHHH!!! Darien!!! :D

I thought my eyeballs were going to pop out of my head, and it was impossible for me to stop smiling! :) We have a date set for March 21st. [I can totally see this expression on Emily's face as she describes it. She always looks happy, but this is her Really Happy.]

YOU too can, Meet the Mormons here!

We met the CUTEST family in our apartment complex! They are sooo funny, and have got so much soul!

"You can take the girl outta Mississippi, but ya can't take the Mississippi outta the girl."

"Did you say chicken and waffles?" "Gurrrl, you ain't had nothin' 'til you try my chicken and waffles!" 

Oh my, precious. They are my favorite. :)  [haha, I think everyone she meets are her favorite.]

The Date Festival happened all week. Apparently, it's a huge thing. People from all over the world come to California just for this festival. A girl, Alena, told us Andy Grammer was going to be there, and told us she could get us free front row tickets! Let me just explain to you how dang much I love Andy Grammer. Ugh, Alena! You're like the little devil sitting on my shoulder! Don't worry, I listened to my shoulder angel instead. It's ok, I guess. I have already seen many blessings for not going.

Well, that's all folks! God be with you 'til you hear from me next week!

Sister Sommers

The Book is Blue, The Church is True, These Care are Cool

Hey everybody!

First of all, I got letters and packages from everyone under the sun! Thank you so much! :) Those who have not gotten a letter back from me, hang on team. I only have about an hour each week to write y'all.

Happy belated Valentines Day! I got to spend it with some favorites, the Walker! We got to make super cute Valentine cookies for our investigators. Because cookies win hearts.

I also got to spend Valentine's with the McEachran's! Their dad, Doug, is a massage therapist and he was telling us this story about the time he got to give Tom Hanks a massage! There's an area where you can go outside, so Tom wanted to go outside for it. While Doug was giving him his massage, the sheet that was covering Tom blew away...WHOOPS! 

Happy belated birthday to my main Pres. Abe!

Also, I just wanna give a shout out to my girl, Chelsey Oglesby, because today is her 18th birthday!!! Yay adult! Happy Birthday Chels! We can celebrate at Handel's when I get home. :)

Happy nine months to Sister Peterson! You're halfway there, Hermana!

"I could have had a baby. And by the time I go home, I could have had two!"

We had Zone Conference this week. It was awesome. We talked about being bold with the commitments we leave with the people that we teach. I love President Van Cott so much! I love him more every time I see him. The things he teaches us truly are inspired by Heavenly Father. He is one of the most obedient mission presidents, and that makes us one of the most obedient missions (Obedience = Blessings). I truly believe that because I see blessings and miracles everyday. I am so grateful for an amazing mission president!

I'm also very grateful for all of you who take the time to think about me, pray for me, write me letters, or read my blogs! I feel your prayers everyday.  

You know, the Lord really knew what he was doing when he sent me here to California. There are yellow butterflies everywhere! I feel like I'm in a fantasy land! The magic of missions. I think Daniel would agree with me on that one. There are a ton of Ferrari's here. There are so many cool cars, it's a little bit ridiculous.

Speaking of cars, we were driving one day, and we saw a small car driving next to us with nine grown men inside! Hahaha! 

Ever since I've come out on my mission, I have had a deeper appreciation for the Book of Mormon. I am learning so much! It amazes me how many stories I've missed, even though I've read it all the way through
quite a few times. The feelings of the Spirit are so peaceful, and it can answer any questions you have.

Had a rough week? Go read the Book of Mormon.

Had an awesome week? Go read the Book of Mormon.

Can't decide how your week went? Go read the Book of Mormon.

Dad, this is just like your mission!

Sometimes when we knock on people's doors, we'll wait for them to come to the door, but instead we get a "WHO IS IT?!"

"It's the sister missionaries!"

"Ohhh! Come on in!"

So, that would be my week. Keep writing them letters! I just get so excited when I get to hear from you! :)

Later Skaters,

Sister Sommers

The Adventures of a Sister Missionary

Hola, everyone!

Wow, these weeks seriously just get better and better! I don't even understand it!

I FINALLY got my birthday package! Yay!! :) I love everything! Thanks family!

We were in Subway the other day, and two different little girls thought we were Elsa and Anna. How precious! :) It was nice out, so we decided to eat outside, in front of this cute smoothie shop called Mangos! The owner named Raul, came out and we started talking to him about what we do as missionaries.

"Have you ever read the Book of Mormon?"

"Oh yeah, I've read it six times."

...SIX TIMES?!?!

Some missionaries had just left it on his doorstep eight years ago, and never followed up. He then proceeded to tell us that he loves it, and knows it's all true. So yeah, he's taking the discussions. Afterwards, he surprised us with these fancy smoothies layered with strawberries, bananas, yogurt, granola, ice cream, whip cream, and a cherry on top FOR FREE! Oh my goodness, they were sooo good! 

We had an AMAZING lesson with Darien the other day. We taught her about the restoration in our bishop's home. The spirit was so strong, there was just no denying it. The best way to teach is definitely in a member's home.

We're teaching a family! The parents are Esparanza and Ray, and they have two kids, Carie (15), and Vance (20). Vance is in college though, so we can't teach him just yet. But they are the cutest family in the world! They took us on a hike this morning up in the mountains, then took us out for lunch at Souplantation. Best P Day ever! Pretty sure I got some sun. It's February, and it's 90 degrees out. Right on!

The other day, Esperanza told me I looked like Dr. Quinn! Someone needs to get a hold of Ron Adams, and let him know he's not the only one who likes to call me Doc. :)

One of Desiree's kids is in jail now. They're accusing him of murder, but I don't think he's capable of doing that. He's one of the most disrespectful kids I've ever met, but I don't think it was him; they're still trying to look for evidence. The cops interviewed us last week when we came out of Desiree's house, so hopefully we won't have to go to court or anything like that. Don't worry about us though. The Lord always protects His missionaries. 

I seriously don't understand how wealthy these people are. We were at a couple of members' houses, and they were talking about the two or three other mansions they have. How does one do that? I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my living room when I get my one house.

We got to volunteer at the color run! That was fun. My job was to open plastic bags so they could be ready for others to put t-shirts in. I opened 700 plastic bags in 2.5 hours. I'm a pro now.

Well, those were my adventures for the week. Now you go find some adventures this week!

Sister Sommers

Those Everyday Miracles

Hey everyone!

Had another totally awesome week!

This Wednesday is transfers, but I already found out that Sister Peterson and I will be staying here in La Quinta this next transfer! Woohoo! :) I don't know what I would do without her.

A couple weeks ago, we saw a girl named Savanna walking home from the school bus. We talked to her for a little bit and she told us her birthday was coming up, so we told her we would send her a card. Last week, on exchanges, Sister Brown and I went to her house and knocked on the door. Savanna's mom answered and told us how sweet we were to think of her daughter. Then, all of a sudden, "Would you like to come in and pray with us?" It totally caught me off guard. "Umm...yes!"

We walked in, and there, laying on the couch was Savanna's sweet six-year-old little sister, Mary. Mary is autistic, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor in April. She is now is hospice care. We tried so hard not to tear up, but that was nearly impossible. We read a scripture in the Book of Mormon about how Heavenly Father loves the innocence of a child, and how everyone should be like that. I've been praying everyday for that little girl. We made the most delicious cookies in the world with Sister Anderson a couple days ago, so we took them to their family. Mary was feeling a lot better that day. The power of prayer is so real!

We went to Desiree's house the other day, and there were cop cars everywhere. Didn't surprise me at all. Her sons are constantly getting in trouble with the law. On our way down the street, after we came out of their house, a cop stopped us and started interviewing us. Never thought that would ever happen on my mission.

We talked to a guy with tattoos all over his face. He said he believes in Jesus Christ and knows He can forgive him of his sins. We later found out that he's in a gang. When we baptize him, it will be the coolest story ever told.

On Thursday, we had dinner with the Fabianos! I just love them! He comes strait from Italy, so they made us the most delicious homemade spaghetti and meatballs! Ugh! SO GOOD! Sister Fabiano knew it was my birthday last week, so she made me an almond raspberry cake! Best meal I've ever had. I feel like my birthday is just never going to end!

Today is P-Day, so Pres. Van Cott's counselor, Pres. Madsen, took us golfing this morning! I've never been golfing before! It was fun, and I was actually pretty good at it, but it's a lot harder than it looks. My hands are all blistered up now.

I read an article by BYU studies about Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. I encourage all of you to look it up! It's so much more proof that the Book of Mormon is sooo true! I can't really explain how it works, so seriously, go look it up!

Well, that's about it this week. I encourage all to write! Letters are a missionary's very best friend! Also, I encourage all of you to think of those big or small miracles that have happened throughout your week. I would love to hear about them.

Have a miraculous week!

Sister Sommers