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

Living in Paradise

Happy 20

Hey family and friends!                                                  1/26/2015

This week was the best one yet!

First of all, it was my Momma's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mommy! Secondly, I had the greatest birthday weekend! I turned two decades old on Sunday. The big two-zero. Next week, I'll be two months old on my mission! Oh my golly! So let me tell you a little bit why it was so dang awesome! 

Thursday night, our zone leaders, Elder Reiber and Elder Braithwait, called and asked if we wanted to volunteer at the Humana Challenge golf tournament. Of course we said HECK YES! There's the golf tournament, really good and really expensive food, and a winery. People pay BIG money to get in there because it's basically Disney World for adults. Our passes were just handed to us! The perks to serving in a wealthy area! The booth we volunteered at was Martha's Village and Kitchen, one of the largest homeless shelters in California. We would ask people questions about it, and if they got it right, (we gave them big hints) they got to spin the wheel and win a coupon. The whole time we were there, it did not feel like we were on missions. We felt so out of place with all these rich people, but we still had a blast! We got to be there two days in a row! Our booth was right next to a boxing booth, which Lee Espinoza was running! Lee is a celebrity boxing coach, who trains other celebrity boxers! He talked to us pretty much the whole time we were there, and he is the nicest guy in the world! Bill Clinton was also there, but Lee is so much cooler.

Martha's Village and Kitchen at Humana Challenge Golf Tournament

We got to meet and talk to a lot of people at the event, so lots of people knew who we were. Sometimes, we would take breaks and get something to eat, and all we would hear was, "Hey Sisters!" or "It's the sister missionaries! Here's some free food!" We got more attention than Bill Clinton! Don't worry, we're going to baptize him next. 

Cake!

As we were volunteering, a man came up to me and asked if there was a card he could have. "Sure! Here you go!"

"Great, thanks! Can I find your number on it?" he asked, pointing at me.

Sorry sir, it's not as cute when you're twice my age.

The best part was when he turned around to look at Sister Peterson.

"Oh, sorry. You're too young for me."

She's only about two months younger than I am.

Sunday, we had Stake Conference! It was one of the best Stake Conference's I've ever attended. Before the General Session, we had a meeting for our investigators, recent converts, and returning members. It was awesome because we got to meet and hear from one of our general authorities, Elder Auna, who came to visit us from Hawaii. He's a member of the church, he's a general authority, and he's from a Hawaii, so I'm sure you could imagine how much of a happy and spiritual man he is. The spirit was so strong throughout both meetings, and I just cried my eyes out the whole time. What made it even greater was we got two returning members to come, Graciela and Bill; and one recent convert, Josie (Bill's wife).

Happy Birthday, Sister Sommers!!!

Later that day, we celebrated my birthday at the Walker's house! I love them! They're like my La Quinta mission parents. They surprised me with a birthday sign, a gift card, and an ice cream cake! I also got a gift card and a stuffed bear from an investigator, Darien, and then Graciela got me a new purse and a scarf! Not to mention, my awesome companion also made me a sign and made me waffles for breakfast! Oh my word! So much stuff! People are way too generous! 

As I've been on my mission, serving others is just so natural. I'm still working on it, but I've also learned to act outward. When we act inward, it becomes all about us. It's not that at all, it is all about the Savior. So forget yourself, and go help someone out!

Hope you're all doing well! I still love letters, so tell me how your lives are going!

Miss and love you all!

Sister Sommers

It's a Jungle Out There!!!

Hello again, family and friends!                                                                                   1/19/2015

Sushi, it's better than Salmon

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so that is why I am writing today.

Mark your calendars for the 22nd because it's my fabulous momma's birthday! And of course you already know mine is this Sunday. It's a great excuse for our investigators to come to church. :) I will be celebrating at Stake Conference! Whoohoo!

So, I already knew our area was awesome, but then I found out that so many celebrities live here! I was talking about it with a girl from our ward, and she said she once saw George Lopez in the grocery store like it was no biggie. I guess Tiger Woods also golfs over here. AND we were talking to a guy a couple weeks ago who was walking his dogs, and he said there was a red carpet event happening with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Palm Springs! Palm springs is just twenty minutes away...away from our area. Dang Nabbit!

I went on exchanges with Sister Jepperson! She's a great missionary, and we had a lot of fun! So that was pretty cool, considering that I just found out that our moms chat on Facebook.

Sister Sommers and Sister Jepperson

So far, we have seven investigators, but only two of them are pretty solid. Our two solids are Sandy and Darien. Sandy is an older lady who has been keeping all of her commitments, and is always reading The Book of Mormon! I tried committing her to baptism last week, but she says she wants to learn more before she makes a decision. We just picked up Darien last week. She's nineteen, and we're getting her involved in family history work.

I'm getting better at this whole running thing. I run a little bit further everyday! I never thought I'd see the day when I would get up at 6:30 a.m. to go for a run.

We were in our apartment, doing weekly planning, when two guys our age showed up at our door. They were just trying to collect items they could send to people in the military. One of them shook my hand and practically bowed like I was the queen of England, and the other told me I was the most beautiful creature in the whole apartment complex. Hahaha! Oh my word. 

We went trashing the other day, and Sister Peterson went to go pick up a wrapper underneath a plant and the plant stabbed her with one of its one inch needles. Some of the needle got stuck in her arm, and her arm started swelling up. Good times. She's all better now.

Nails by Natalie

We went over to the Stake President's house for dinner, and I got to hold their son's bearded dragon, Timmy. He reminded me so much of our bearded dragon! Unfortunately, Timmy was not yet potty trained...Oops! 

Joke of the day: what do you call an alligator in a vest?

Answer: an investigator! :)

Well, that's all, folks! Hope you all have a fantabulous week! And write me! I'll be here for a year and a half.

Sister Sommers 

I Love to See the Temple

Hey there family and friends!                                                                                          1/12/2015

What an eventful week it's been! So eventful, I'm not even sure where to start.

Early Birthday

I guess I'll start with...mark your calendars for the 25th cuz it's my birthday! Yay birthdays! Age is top secret though.

I went to my first zone meeting last week. We set goals for 2015, and talked about how to get more investigators and baptize more people this year. I guess it was a very effective meeting because we've been doing awesome at asking for referrals! We used to be horrible at that. Because we've been asking 100% referrals, the Lord has blessed us with more referrals than we can even keep track of.

We got to go to the Redlands Temple last week! Woohoo! I love the temple! :) When I entered the Celestial room, I started praying for blessings that I needed as a missionary. One of the things was to have a closer relationship with our bishop. Bishop Jones is awesome, but he's super busy all the time, so it's kind of hard to work with him. After I ended my prayer, I heard something. No, like I literally heard something! I looked behind me, but there was nothing there. I had heard stories about things like this, but I never actually thought it would happen to me! Unfortunately, what I was actually hearing was some Hispanic ladies talking on the other side of the room. The ceiling is in the form of a dome, so everything that they were saying sounded like they were talking in a microphone. Aww, dangit! That's okay, though. It was still awesome going through the temple. AND on the way home, Sister Peterson started waving at the car driving beside us. It was bishop. The Lord really does answer prayers!

Also on our way home from the temple, we decided to go to Chipotle. We got our food, said a quick prayer over it, and started eating. Then, on her way out the door, this lady stopped by at our table and sweetly said, "It's nice to see young folks like yourself pray over your food."

And then she left. WAIT NO COME BACK! Aww, we missed her! But what a cute lady!

We had exchanges this week. I was blessed to be with Sister Sanford! She was one of my roommates at the MTC. :) But that day, was not her day at all. Before 1:30pm, she had already broken a glass plate, broke the handle off her bag, and spilled water all over the car. She's a trooper though; she just laughed it off. I just love her!

Also on exchanges, I met this investigator, Joe. Joe is a pilot, and he has so many awesome plane stories to tell. I think he and Pres. Uchtdorf would get along pretty well. His recent story was that he was researching all of these plane crashes, and decided he was going to try to find one of them that crashed somewhere in Texas. After days of searching, he and his fiance, Camille found this plane which crashed in 1933 that would transport letters. This 1930 mail plane is now in his front yard, secured by a wooden box. He is planning to restore it this year!

While we were on exchanges, poor Sister Peterson got food poisoning from the salmon we had that night. Yuck, I don't even like salmon, but I've had it twice on my mission. I don't think it would be as bad if they just took the fish skin off! Ugh, it freaks me out! What a blessing it is to have worthy priesthood next door. She felt a lot better after she got a blessing.

Last Thursday, we must have been doing something right because from the time we left our apartment to when we got to the Palm Desert church, we hit 18 green lights! We didn't even stop once the whole way!

One of our investigator's sons informed me he wanted to be just like me and go on a mission. He's seven-years-old and thinks I'm an agent from Mission Impossible. I am okay with this!

We finally got our Christmas tree out of the house. I kind of liked it though, it reminded me of home. Plus, it was the very first real Christmas tree I've ever had! That was exciting for me.

People are so funny when they feed us. They always seem to have mixed vegetables on the table, so I always have to ask if there are peas inside because I'm allergic. Every time it's, "Oh, you're allergic to peas? Good thing I didn't put any in there because I was thinking about it."

It's kind of weird being the minority here in southern California. I feel like one of the marshmallows in a huge cup of hot chocolate. That's okay, hot chocolate is more nice and open than the rich and annoying marshmallows.

La Quinta sunset

Even though we live in the Desert, La Quinta is one of the most gorgeous places to be! The horizons and sunsets are breathtaking, there are palm trees everywhere, the grass is so unimaginatively green, and there are flowers everywhere! Also, it rained yesterday! Southern California could definitely use some of that.

This week, my testimony on the priesthood has drastically increased. I am so grateful for the priesthood we have here on the earth! Without it, the gospel of Jesus Christ would not have been restored.

Hope all is well with all of you beautiful people! You're in my thoughts and prayers! Have a blessed week.

Sister Sommers