Sister Paul arrived home in St. George, Utah, onFriday, June 24, 2011, at 10:39 pm.
Mathew 25: 21 ... Well done, thou good
and faithful servant...
July 1, 2011
Homecoming
Sister Paul arrived home in St. George, Utah, onFriday, June 24, 2011, at 10:39 pm.
Mathew 25: 21 ... Well done, thou good
and faithful servant...
June 18, 2011
HOMECOMING!!
Exciting News! Hayley will be arriving in the United States on June 24th. Her connections will be through Chicago and Salt Lake.
June 24th-10:39pm arrival Saint George Airport on Delta Airlines 7775
June 24th-10:39pm arrival Saint George Airport on Delta Airlines 7775
Letter - June 13, 2011
Daddy's gonna hug you soon!
Dear family,
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Thank you so much for your packages and letters. Thank you so much for you testimonies, for taking care of each other. I don't know if I'll get another letter off next week, but I thought I would leave you with a short glimpse of my Sunday yesterday. Oh, and don't think the blogging joy has ended. I will have a post-mission life, and I'll still need to vent. Love you all.
I had to laugh yesterday. Even experienced missionaries can experience setbacks and heartbreaks. Our progressing investigator, who had wanted to get baptized on the 18th of June, started running the other direction. She texted us Sunday morning and said she wanted to start praying to Maria again, and that she didn't want to be baptized. I was heartbroken, and then invited to speak in Sacrament meeting 15 minutes before it started. I, of course wanted to sit around and feel sorry for myself, but accepted the opportunity, then a member criticized us for teaching the struggling investigator wrong, which didn't help my already bleeding heart. It was in this moment that the Lord made me strong. I was able to give an okay talk, and keep a smile, and then I just balled after Sacrament meeting was over. After we left the church, I just felt numb, but I prayed in my heart and felt that we could go to the investigator's house. It took all I had to go. I thought for sure she wouldn't let us in. She didn't answer her phone. Luckily, her grandma was outside and let us escort her in. She let us in and brought up her concerns. We asked if we could begin with a prayer. She finally let us pray, and her heart was softened. She let a few tears drop, and let herself calm down. She became more teachable, and we resolved together to start from the very foundations to help her gain a more firm testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It will be a long road for her, but a necessary one. If she will trust in her Heavenly Father, she will receive a an unshakable testimony for herself. I love this work.
My Sacrament Talk:
My brothers and sisters, today I read in the Liahona from the words of Brother Kucinas. This was in commemoration of the Church's' being in Lithuania 15 years. I want to compare that to my little over 15 months in Lithuania. " To some, it may seem that much has been accomplished, to others, very little. I'm reminded of Zion's camp, when early Saints marched with the Prophet Joseph Smith, but seemed not to accomplish their goal. Later, Wilford Woodruff explained to a member who had criticized Zion's Camp. (paraphrasing) "We gained knowledge from Zion's Camp which we could not have gained in any other way." I feel much the same about my mission, that because of it, I have gained knowledge which I could not have gained in any other way. I feel that I have learned to better apply the Gospel in my life, more especially what we teach others. I have learned to appreciate most the last part of the Repentance section of this purple book we teach from. "The most important part of repentance is to recognize the Savior, that he atoned for your sins (and weaknesses.) Through the atonement, you can overcome bad habits weaknesses, and experience true change of heart." I know that this is true, that through Christ we really can overcome those weaknesses. I know that Jesus is the Living Christ. I know that he restored his gospel through Joseph Smith. I thank you for your examples and for the opportunity to serve among you. I want to close with a verse from 2 Ne 2: 24, But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Of this I testify... Amen
Sister Paul
Dear family,
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Thank you so much for your packages and letters. Thank you so much for you testimonies, for taking care of each other. I don't know if I'll get another letter off next week, but I thought I would leave you with a short glimpse of my Sunday yesterday. Oh, and don't think the blogging joy has ended. I will have a post-mission life, and I'll still need to vent. Love you all.
I had to laugh yesterday. Even experienced missionaries can experience setbacks and heartbreaks. Our progressing investigator, who had wanted to get baptized on the 18th of June, started running the other direction. She texted us Sunday morning and said she wanted to start praying to Maria again, and that she didn't want to be baptized. I was heartbroken, and then invited to speak in Sacrament meeting 15 minutes before it started. I, of course wanted to sit around and feel sorry for myself, but accepted the opportunity, then a member criticized us for teaching the struggling investigator wrong, which didn't help my already bleeding heart. It was in this moment that the Lord made me strong. I was able to give an okay talk, and keep a smile, and then I just balled after Sacrament meeting was over. After we left the church, I just felt numb, but I prayed in my heart and felt that we could go to the investigator's house. It took all I had to go. I thought for sure she wouldn't let us in. She didn't answer her phone. Luckily, her grandma was outside and let us escort her in. She let us in and brought up her concerns. We asked if we could begin with a prayer. She finally let us pray, and her heart was softened. She let a few tears drop, and let herself calm down. She became more teachable, and we resolved together to start from the very foundations to help her gain a more firm testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. It will be a long road for her, but a necessary one. If she will trust in her Heavenly Father, she will receive a an unshakable testimony for herself. I love this work.
My Sacrament Talk:
My brothers and sisters, today I read in the Liahona from the words of Brother Kucinas. This was in commemoration of the Church's' being in Lithuania 15 years. I want to compare that to my little over 15 months in Lithuania. " To some, it may seem that much has been accomplished, to others, very little. I'm reminded of Zion's camp, when early Saints marched with the Prophet Joseph Smith, but seemed not to accomplish their goal. Later, Wilford Woodruff explained to a member who had criticized Zion's Camp. (paraphrasing) "We gained knowledge from Zion's Camp which we could not have gained in any other way." I feel much the same about my mission, that because of it, I have gained knowledge which I could not have gained in any other way. I feel that I have learned to better apply the Gospel in my life, more especially what we teach others. I have learned to appreciate most the last part of the Repentance section of this purple book we teach from. "The most important part of repentance is to recognize the Savior, that he atoned for your sins (and weaknesses.) Through the atonement, you can overcome bad habits weaknesses, and experience true change of heart." I know that this is true, that through Christ we really can overcome those weaknesses. I know that Jesus is the Living Christ. I know that he restored his gospel through Joseph Smith. I thank you for your examples and for the opportunity to serve among you. I want to close with a verse from 2 Ne 2: 24, But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Of this I testify... Amen
Sister Paul
Letter - June 6, 2011
Wow!
Yesterday, I attended the first ever mission-wide mission conference. Attending were Elder Lawrence, counselor in the Europe East Area 70, and President Clayton, of the Presidency of the 70 and their wives. Majority of the conference was question and answer.
The conference was so wonderful. The impact of this conference will far outlast the time of the conference itself.
I was impressed by the importance of prayer, and the accessibility of spiritual gifts to each and every one of us. I felt my testimony strengthened of the ministering of angels. I was taught how better to study. I was touched by Sister Clayton's example of kindness and gratitude. She and I had the opportunity to talk for a few minutes after the conference. I learn about the Savior as I interact with his servants. He hears the desires of our hearts and grants liberally and upbraids not. What a wonderful work this is. What a wonderful God we serve. He invites us all to know him. Thank you for your own examples. Thank you for your prayers.
Sister Paul
Yesterday, I attended the first ever mission-wide mission conference. Attending were Elder Lawrence, counselor in the Europe East Area 70, and President Clayton, of the Presidency of the 70 and their wives. Majority of the conference was question and answer.
The conference was so wonderful. The impact of this conference will far outlast the time of the conference itself.
I was impressed by the importance of prayer, and the accessibility of spiritual gifts to each and every one of us. I felt my testimony strengthened of the ministering of angels. I was taught how better to study. I was touched by Sister Clayton's example of kindness and gratitude. She and I had the opportunity to talk for a few minutes after the conference. I learn about the Savior as I interact with his servants. He hears the desires of our hearts and grants liberally and upbraids not. What a wonderful work this is. What a wonderful God we serve. He invites us all to know him. Thank you for your own examples. Thank you for your prayers.
Sister Paul
May 30, 2011
Letter - May 30, 2011
Talking to Everyone...
Talking with everyone is so essential. Tuesday afternoon we went contacting in a neighborhood of homes. We stopped to talked to a couple of older men out working outside. One was interested to know more about what we are doing here, and asked for our information. The next day we were in a completely different part of our area, walking by a park to go harvest. We saw a couple playing badminton and I had the feeling, "Go and Harvest. Contact them when you get back." So, we harvested, and then headed home. We said hello, and they invited us to play. We told them we'd love to another time, got to know them, and invited them to an upcoming church activity. We exchanged information. When we called the first man we contacted two days previously, he was so excited. He said, "Hey! Do you know, you've already met my son!" What a wonderful blessing that the Lord leads us to families who are prepared.
Talking with everyone is so essential. Tuesday afternoon we went contacting in a neighborhood of homes. We stopped to talked to a couple of older men out working outside. One was interested to know more about what we are doing here, and asked for our information. The next day we were in a completely different part of our area, walking by a park to go harvest. We saw a couple playing badminton and I had the feeling, "Go and Harvest. Contact them when you get back." So, we harvested, and then headed home. We said hello, and they invited us to play. We told them we'd love to another time, got to know them, and invited them to an upcoming church activity. We exchanged information. When we called the first man we contacted two days previously, he was so excited. He said, "Hey! Do you know, you've already met my son!" What a wonderful blessing that the Lord leads us to families who are prepared.
May 24, 2011
Letter - May 23, 2011
A Beautiful Sunday
It was truly a beautiful Sunday yesterday. Our new convert Vitalij gave his first talk in Sacrament meeting. It was more or less his testimony, and his conversion story. I took a few notes so I could tell you more or less what he said. Even better, he received the Aaronic Priesthood during the priesthood hour.
Hello Brothers and Sisters. I want to testify that I know that God truly is. I know that he prepared me even years before I met the missionaries. He helped me to overcome habits. I remember the first day I walked into the church. As I neared the building, I hesitated, not knowing whether I wanted to go in. I almost changed my mind and walked-past, feeling that somehow going inside was going to change my life forever. When I entered, it felt warm and friendly. When the missionaries greeted me, I felt that I had known them for many years. My baptism day was very peaceful. I fell asleep without a blink that night, and woke up the next morning feeling peaceful. I know that this is God's true church. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
That's our Vitalij. Isn't he great? The Lord is preparing the hearts of the people of Lithuanija and of the Baltics. We have had many many baptisms this month. What a blessing.
Sister Paul
It was truly a beautiful Sunday yesterday. Our new convert Vitalij gave his first talk in Sacrament meeting. It was more or less his testimony, and his conversion story. I took a few notes so I could tell you more or less what he said. Even better, he received the Aaronic Priesthood during the priesthood hour.
Hello Brothers and Sisters. I want to testify that I know that God truly is. I know that he prepared me even years before I met the missionaries. He helped me to overcome habits. I remember the first day I walked into the church. As I neared the building, I hesitated, not knowing whether I wanted to go in. I almost changed my mind and walked-past, feeling that somehow going inside was going to change my life forever. When I entered, it felt warm and friendly. When the missionaries greeted me, I felt that I had known them for many years. My baptism day was very peaceful. I fell asleep without a blink that night, and woke up the next morning feeling peaceful. I know that this is God's true church. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
That's our Vitalij. Isn't he great? The Lord is preparing the hearts of the people of Lithuanija and of the Baltics. We have had many many baptisms this month. What a blessing.
Sister Paul
May 6, 2011
Letter - May 2, 2011
The Field is White
Sorry last week's letter cut off suddenly. It probably didn't' make a whole lot of sense. I don't know where the last paragraph went. Anyway, I want everyone to know that my cold is gone, and the weather is nice and cold here once again. I guess I can be grateful that it's not hot.
This past weekend was very special for Sister Jansen and I. We saw two of our investigators baptized. The first was Julija. She's 12. Her mom was baptized about a month ago, and seeing her mother take this step of faith softened her heart as well. She was so so happy. It's a pity her mom wasn't there, because her little brother had the flu. We missionaries put on a dessert buffet of different varieties of a Lithuanian dessert called "log." It's basically a log of frozen chocolate with assorted candy-bars mixed in. When it's set up, it's thinly sliced and it looks like the center-cut of a log.
The other investigator's name is Loretta. She's got a cute 4 year old daughter, is a dance teacher, and loves health food (she even gave me a carton of wheat-grass for Easter!) It was really cool that she got up and bore her testimony on Sunday, and then right after a branch-member who is one of her former students also was able to share her testimony. She is a former investigator of our trainers, who we just happened to call one night three months ago. It was awesome to see that sometimes people just need a little more time. It gives me hope for people I have previously taught.
We hope to see another investigator, Vitalij baptized this Saturday. He's the first investigator that I've taught from beginning to end on my mission. (Loretta and Julija were taught by members of our district after we found them.) Our work here in Vilnius is being incredibly blessed. The whole mission is wondering what is going on in Vilnius because there have been so many miracles. I feel like this scripture is the theme of my mission right now: Jacob 4:7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weaknesses that we may know that it is by his grace and his great condescensions unto the children of men that we may have power to do these things.
I love the Baltic people. I know that the Lord loves each one of these people SO much. There's a lot of missionary work that goes into this area, and from the outside, it may seem like there's very little result. I struggled with similar feelings for a long time. However, I would not trade places with any missionary in the world because I know without a doubt that every member of the Church here (as anywhere) is by miracle. I've gained a glimpse of how, "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." I have gained a new appreciation for the phrase, "If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be worth it."
Love you all, hope things are going well for you. Thank you for your prayers and concern and letters. They mean the world to me.
Sister Paul
Sorry last week's letter cut off suddenly. It probably didn't' make a whole lot of sense. I don't know where the last paragraph went. Anyway, I want everyone to know that my cold is gone, and the weather is nice and cold here once again. I guess I can be grateful that it's not hot.
This past weekend was very special for Sister Jansen and I. We saw two of our investigators baptized. The first was Julija. She's 12. Her mom was baptized about a month ago, and seeing her mother take this step of faith softened her heart as well. She was so so happy. It's a pity her mom wasn't there, because her little brother had the flu. We missionaries put on a dessert buffet of different varieties of a Lithuanian dessert called "log." It's basically a log of frozen chocolate with assorted candy-bars mixed in. When it's set up, it's thinly sliced and it looks like the center-cut of a log.
The other investigator's name is Loretta. She's got a cute 4 year old daughter, is a dance teacher, and loves health food (she even gave me a carton of wheat-grass for Easter!) It was really cool that she got up and bore her testimony on Sunday, and then right after a branch-member who is one of her former students also was able to share her testimony. She is a former investigator of our trainers, who we just happened to call one night three months ago. It was awesome to see that sometimes people just need a little more time. It gives me hope for people I have previously taught.
We hope to see another investigator, Vitalij baptized this Saturday. He's the first investigator that I've taught from beginning to end on my mission. (Loretta and Julija were taught by members of our district after we found them.) Our work here in Vilnius is being incredibly blessed. The whole mission is wondering what is going on in Vilnius because there have been so many miracles. I feel like this scripture is the theme of my mission right now: Jacob 4:7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weaknesses that we may know that it is by his grace and his great condescensions unto the children of men that we may have power to do these things.
I love the Baltic people. I know that the Lord loves each one of these people SO much. There's a lot of missionary work that goes into this area, and from the outside, it may seem like there's very little result. I struggled with similar feelings for a long time. However, I would not trade places with any missionary in the world because I know without a doubt that every member of the Church here (as anywhere) is by miracle. I've gained a glimpse of how, "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." I have gained a new appreciation for the phrase, "If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be worth it."
Love you all, hope things are going well for you. Thank you for your prayers and concern and letters. They mean the world to me.
Sister Paul
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