HOME! - March 23rd, 2016

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED😊
These past 18 months serving the Lord were packed with miracles and life changing experiences that have given me an even greater love for my Savior and the restored gospel! 

Week #81 - March 16th, 2016 -- FOREVER HIS DISCIPLE

Hello! (:

   

Sister Sughroue, Rajah & Vasi

This is strange writing my last email as a missionary, well I have mixed emotions right now and am horrible at expressing myself.  I feel like it was just yesterday that I got dropped off at the MTC... unsure what was in store. Little did I know I was going to have the most life changing 18 months ahead. My hands are shaking and I am holding back tears as I write this. haha. This morning I made a list during studies of all the things I have learned on my mission, the Lord filled my heart and mind with so much, I have 5 pages in my study journal, I didn't intend for it to be so long, but so many things came to my mind as I continued to look back on all that the Lord had taught me. I can't express in words what my mission has met to me and what I have experienced. I came on my mission to change the world, and didn't realize how much it would change me and all that I would learn. God used these 18 months to mold, refine and teach me and I am forever grateful for it. And I will live the rest of my life for this Gospel. My mission gave me more than I could ever possibly give it. I know with out a doubt God needed me to serve him and his Children at Temple Square in Salt Lake City Utah. 

 More than anything on my mission my Love and relationship for the Savior Jesus Christ has grown more than I could ever have imagined. I know he lives, he is the very son of God. He is our Savior and has redeemed us that we may be

Our recnt convert Michelle!

able to return to the presence of God, clean and worthy to live with him. His atonement is infinite. He suffered for us, he died for us, He rose again and He lives. And because He lives, we can to again, and be healed, forgiven of everything. Because He lives, he is at the head of his Church, this Church today. The Savior is the source to all light and hope in this world.He knows me and has been with me on this mission. He hears my prayers and I know he hears yours too.He is aware of every single person in this entire world, it still blows my mind, but I have witnessed it countless times these past 18 months He loves you and is always waiting with arms wide open to receive you, no matter what. . 3 Nephi 9:14,18, 21-22. " 14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.  18 I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.  21 Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. 22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as alittle child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved."

The entire mission had Relief Society
with the General Relief Society
Presidency

I know that this is Christs Church Restored back to the earth today, with the same Priesthood Christ gave his apostles during his mortal ministry. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and He did see God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. That because God loves us, he called Joseph to be a prophet to bring back the fullness of the Saviors teachings, we need not wander confused and lost. All truth is once restored! I know the Book of Mormon is Gods word and the evidence of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the key stone to our faith, it so purely teaches us the doctrine of Christ, and outlines the plan of salvation. If you haven't read it, I invite you to do so, to pray and to ask God to know the truthfulness of it. You will know by the holy spirit, and that's a promise that has been fulfilled to millions who have done the same. How blessed are we to have a living Prophet and Apostles today to lead and guide us. Thomas S. Monson is inspired by God and is truly a prophet. Because of the Restoration we have so much reason to rejoice! I know we can be with our families for eternity eternity. Our Father in Heaven is so eager to bless us as we prepare to enter and make covenants with him. 

Following the Savior and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way for us to be happy in this life and in the life to with out a doubt. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is beautifully simple. Bearing my testimony fills me with so much Joy! I am forever his disciple.

Look who stopped by ffromTemecula!
Brian Lampman!

come. I know that

2 Nephi 4:30,34 "30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. 34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever..."

Well this is it... See ya next Wednesday! 

MUCH LOVE, 

Last lunch with my Tongan Family!

Sister Sughroue

Crashing Sister Asay's wedding!

Week #80 - March 9th, 2015 -- NO COFFEE, NO SUGAR

Hello!!!! 

Sister Sughroue, Sister Haight & Sister Weidman

      As the weather warms up on Temple Square, the flowers and the Antis seem to be coming out more andmore. They come in field trips, its super funny... hahaha. Well our week was great, besides the fact we are on a sugar fast now. I'll explain, we had a lesson with a less active member we have been working with for a while, hes come along great but this time we talked about giving up coffee to live in accordance with the word of wisdom. He seemed a little frustrated by the end, and said, "Fine I'll stop drinking Coffee if you stop eating sugar!!!!" My eyes got real big and before I could say anything Sister Haight agreed for all of us! So thats the deal, their is power in fasting and prayer so I know God is helping both of us! But now it seems like there are more desserts being offered to us than ever before, but its nice getting stronger will power! hahah

Sister Vasi, Sister Sughroue,
Micah & Janna.

Sister Vasi and I ate Dinner at Micah and Janna's last night, to say goodbye! Not really Good bye though because we will be at their sealing in a year! (: I love them so much, talking with Micah strengthens my testimony so much. He is truly converted. Whenever I have a question about the scriptures or anything he is the person to ask! Its been such a blessing to be a small part of his journey to find the Gospel in its fullness. I know God puts people in our lives for a reason, and every person I have met and taught on my mission has in return taught me something. The people I have met will always hold a place in my heart, and I can't wait to see them in the temple, and their children serving missions! 

This past week we all committed as a zone to invite everyone we meet to be baptized. Everyone!. And let me tell you, its awesome. More people say no then yes, but it is worth it when you ask 100 and 10 say yes. We have seen a huge difference in the sisters in our zone! They have more courage, and are on fire! I love it! It is the

This is the place!

only way they are going to be able to receive salvation, the only way to receive the mercy of our Lord and to be cleansed through the power of his atonement. We where his name and we have authority to invite all to come unto him, which is only possible through baptism. A scripture was shared with me this week, that I absolutely love, " Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"  (Titus 3:5).  We invite others to be baptized, we are inviting them to receive the Mercy of our Savior Jesus Christ. We think of all the blessings we have of the gospel, and how their are people living in a world with no hope, faith, love, peace and through this invitation they can access all of that. 

Keeping warm!

The gospel is beautifully simple. I have been studying the new testament and my testimony of that grows stronger

This is the place!

as I study the way the Savior taught, and lived.  

Derek is still preparing to be baptized on Saturday the 19th in California! (: 

Well until next week,

I LOVE YOU ALL. 

Sister Sughroue

Week #79 - March 2nd, 2016 -- Visitor Center Missionaries are like snipers!

Hello Family and Friends! 

This cute little girl wanted
to be a missionary

       Well to start out let me explain my subject line, "Visitor Center Missionaries are like snipers... because they got one chance and one shot." This comment was made by a sister in a mission meeting and I love it! Its soooo true! People are coming and going through Temple Square constantly, unfortunately they can't stay forever but its our chance to help them learn more of the restored gospel in that very moment! Sometimes it may be less than 5 minutes we have with them. But we have what they need. We may be the first impression they have with the church or let alone missionaries, this may be the only chance they have to realize we don't practice polygamy hahaha, and most importantly that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored back on the earth today in its fullness! So being a "Sniper" perfectly depicts a visitor center missionary, except our mission is with lots of LOVE for the people we meet! Every person that walks through those gates was sent by God, most of them don't know it though... and thats why we are there.  Sometimes we get to continue teaching them over the phone, other times they head back to their own homes from all over the world more prepared to talk to those 2 young people with the black name tags, excited to tell them they saw the Mormon temple and got a Book of Mormon! (: Temple Square is where miracles happen! 

Michelle's Baptism

   This past weekend we went to Michele's baptism. And our experience with her is a perfect example of that. We first met Rick (member boyfriend) and Michele right when they were leaving the visitor center, we started a casual conversation, because I assumed they were both members, it came up that she wasn't and they started to walk out the exit ...... the first thought that came to my head as she was leaving was "Give her a Book of Mormon!" I asked her quickly if she had one, her boyfriend had already given her one, but it drew them back inside to give us more time to talk about the Book of Mormon! Michele has always had such strong faith in Christ and I felt that as we talked and through out our lessons too. We stopped meeting with her for a while, she still attended through out our lessons too. We stopped meeting with her for a while, she still attended church, but used this time too personally study. We got back in touch and she had a desire to be baptized. I was sooo happy! Gods timing is different yet perfect for everyone. Her baptism was a special experience, her love for the Savior will greatly bless those whom she serves and teaches within the church!
Rick (member boyfriend) and Michele right when they were leaving the visitor center, we started a casual conversation, because I assumed they were both members, it came up that she wasn't and they started to walk out the exit ...... the first thought that came to my head as she was leaving was "Give her a Book of Mormon!" I asked her quickly if she had one, her boyfriend had already given her one, but it drew them back inside to give us more time to talk about the Book of Mormon! Michele has always had such strong faith in Christ and I felt that as we talked and

This week we had Mission Leadership Council I always learn so much and am so excited to train what we learn with the sisters in our zone! We are going on exchanges with all of them this week so we will be busy! 

Sister Goncalves, my brazilian granddaughter!
 (Meaning, The sister I trained,
Sister Eging is training her)
 We look soooo much alike! (:

 I felt a lot like Enos this week.... "And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave (home), having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world. And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen." (Enos vs 26-27).

I probably don't need to explain how this relates in more than one way hahaha. until next week..... have a good one!

Much love, 

Sister Sughroue  

Week #78 - February 24th, 2016 -- MISSIONS ARE HARD

Hello! 

Playing in the rain!

Karlie stopped by
after going to the
Provo City Center Temple
Open House

   Its starting to warm up on Temple Square and more people are coming out! We had awesome week, I know Isay that all the time. Its true though. Seriously, I love serving the Lord everyday.... there is no greater joy than preaching his gospel, doesn't mean that we have great success, that antis didn't attack us online and on the square everyday or there aren't hard times, but this time is such a privilege and is way to short to not focus on the positive. This week I will hit my 18 month mark and have 4 more weeks to go, honestly I don't know how in the world it went by this fast. I have reflected a lot on this past year and a half lately. All I have learned, experienced and became with the help of the Lord. I can't even begin to list all I have learned about my self and the gospel. O geeez, there have been so many life changing, testimony building and inspiring experiences. Times where I literally felt the Savior walking side by side with me. There have been times of humbling, testing of faith, times where I didn't know if I could keep going. But if we push through those hours, days, weeks, and months there is always something better ahead, always. "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." The Lord never ceased to surprise me on my mission, he always came through.... sometimes he just asked me to hold on a little longer than I thought I could, to make me stronger. Now I'm here at my 18 month mark, looking back thinking "How inthe world did I do it?" I know how, it was Him. It is only possible to do his work with him by your side. It was not a sacrifice, it was a blessing. It is the best decision I ever made, and the fact I get to do 19 months is just icing on the cake. haha. I am far from perfect. So please don't expect that when I step off the plane, but I have been able to become more of who my Heavenly Father wants me to be, and will continue to try to do that everyday. 

A Mission buddy, Sister Worthen, who has become a life long best friend summed it up perfectly: 

Spring is here...
it will snow again!

"Missions are hard because you think you know the gospel once you leave
the MTC and then all of a sudden you don't know anything beyond the
first article of faith (and sometimes you even forget that!). Missions
are hard because you are assigned a friend who has no choice to be
around you 24/7. Missions are hard because you care about people who
don't care about you. Missions are hard because all your weaknesses
are magnified and you feel you don't have enough time to work on them.
Missions are hard because you feel so strongly about the message you
were sent to share and no one wants to listen. Missions are hard
because you feel like you will never be good enough...for anything or
anyone. Missions are hard because sometimes people forget to email.
Missions are hard because sometimes you just want to sleep in past
6:30a.m. Missions are hard because sometimes you eat cake at 9:30 am
and can't fall asleep by 10:30 pm. Missions are hard because everyone
always talks about how much weight they have gained. Missions are hard
because sometimes people just drop off the face of the earth when you
thought they were progressing so well. And missions are hard because
by the time you finally think you know what you are doing, you are
down to last 4 weeks and it's time to think about the fact that there
will be a life after this is over.

Does it sound hard to you? Maybe not like it has felt to me? However,
let me finish this email by completing my sentence "Missions are
hard.... But they are also wonderful. "

Missions are wonderful because you don't have to know everything, you
just to know how to rely on the spirit. Missions are wonderful because
your companion becomes not just an assigned friend, but a best friend!
Missions are wonderful because you learn that the greatest commandment

Sister Eging, Lauren, Griffin
& Sister Sughroue
You make life-long friends
on a mission!

is to love, no matter what the return is. Missions are wonderful
because your weaknesses can be turned into strengths (Ether 12:27)
and that is a promise. Missions are wonderful because you learn about
agency and that there is only so much we can do to help. Missions are
wonderful because you don't have to be good enough for anyone here,
you just have to remember you are good enough for Him, who suffered
and died for you. Missions are wonderful because on the weeks when
people don't email, you can send really long emails home instead of
rushing to respond. Missions are wonderful because waking up after
6:30am is never worth missing out on the miracles that come from
obedience. Missions are wonderful because you understand weight
doesn't matter, health does. Missions are wonderful because God will
always prepare people for you to teach as long as He can trust you
with them. And missions are wonderful because they never really end,
the memories don't, the work doesn't, and the world is waiting with
its arms wide open, full of opportunities, ready to receive you."

Life is Wonderful. Keep your eyes open and look around, God is there by your side. 

Behind the scenes at Deseret Dairy, free chocolate milk!

Have a wonderful week, 

Much love, 

Sister Sughroue

Week #77 - February 17th, 2016 - HAPPY LATE VALENTINE'S DAY!

Hello! 

Thanks Mom for the goodies!

Happy Late Valentines Day! Hope you had a great day!  Besides being asked to take pictures of all the couples here, we had a great one too! hahaha. Thanks to moms package we passed out valentines and heart stickers to little kids all day, they loved it! 

Rockin' our Valentine's Glasses!

We had Zone Conference this week and it was amazing, the departing missionaries got to bare testimony, and I couldn't believe that met me. I remember sitting my whole mission watching sisters get up and testify  and give such good advice, and it was finally my turn. Is this real life?! I testified of my love for the Savior and how this is his work, we must never forget him. We must study his life, come to know him through prayer and applying the atonement so we can do his work his way. Say what he would say and do what he would do. When we focus our lives on the Savior the rest seems to fall into place. He is the only source to light, hope and happiness. Zone Conference was  on the unique message of the Restoration we have to share as missionaries. It was all focused on the core things God wants his children to know, and all that we have because of the restoration. We made a list on the board with President Risenmay and it all comes down to because God loves us and wants us to know the fullness of Christ teachings, he called a Prophet again, Joseph Smith who literally saw God and Jesus Christ, as a result to his humble prayer searching for truth. Everything we have the priesthood, baptism, temples, the Book of Mormon, Eternal Families, knowledge of the plan of salvation, hope, happiness,  BYU football and soooooo much more is because of the Restoration, because God loves us. That is the most important message we have to share, and we tie everything on Temple Square back to it. We have seen the power in our contacts and lessons this week as we have been focused on testifying of this Message to everyone! 

The Moore's came to visit!

Last week Sister Weidmann met Derek in the Assembly Hall. Derek was visiting for business and decided to come by, he is the only non member in his family. His wife and children all converted a few years ago. After a good conversation, Derek left feeling tugged by the spirit that now was time to know. He felt the spirit so strongly that he didnt want it to leave him, he went home and everything changed. He began to read the Book of Mormon everyday to have this feeling with him, he felt a difference in his home and family, and the biggest of all, himself. We kept in touch through the phone, and He told us that he knew he needed to be baptized to stay this way and really knows that this is Christs true church. Well on Monday Derek was back in town for business again and came by to visit with us at Temple Square. We got to have a lesson with him as we walked around Temple Square. He is prepared, he really has humbled himself before God and desires to have an eternal family more than anything. He plans to be baptized

The Blond Trio!

before march. Miracles on Temple Square happen everyday. Every single person who walks on to the grounds is here for a reason whether they know it or not, Derek didn't come expecting to have that experience. And we were blessed to see what came of his experience here. Most of the time we don't see all the fruits of our work here, but that's okay because I have a strong testimony that God is in control and knows all his children perfectly, he will take care of them. I am just so blessed  to be an instrument here at Temple Square. 

The work continues to progress! Michele's baptism was moved to next weekend, but we will still be attending. I have been contacting lots of formers and dropped lately to find out they are more prepared to learn now, so we are excited to see what comes of those. 

Staying warm!

On Fridays they have a program for the departing sisters through LDSBC for us to prepare to get jobs when we get home. Its mostly too help the international sisters, but its just a perk for us americans, we get some sort of certificate for completing the course too. Anways its super fun, we talk about how we can apply everything we learned on our missions to after in the work field. Pretty cool!

Well have an amazing week!

Love,

Dad came by to say hi!

Sister Sughroue

The Konold's stopped by
with a package from MOM!

Week #76 - February 10th, 2016

Hello everyone! 

Jason.... our new movie star friend.
He stars in 17 miracles and Ephraims rescue! 

    ".... for the man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7.Well let me tell you God definitely has taught me a lot this past week. I thought that as a missionary I got pretty good at not judging others.... I was wrong, I still got a lot to improve. I have developed love and charity for people so deeply, that before I didn't think I could. There is nothing more amazing than Christlike love, and I know its not from me, but him just merely him working through me. It comes through earnest prayer, humility and service. 

    Our focus for our zone this transfer, is for our sisters to come to know the Savior and be more converted. And then in return they can become like him and help others come unto him. We can't say what he would say, teach what he would teach, and be like him. Unless we are trying everyday to come to know him more and more. Serving at Welfare Square goes perfectly along with this, as the whole tour is based off of the way the Savior served and loved others. 

    The Trio life is quite entertaining, instead of just 1 person to laugh at and with, now I have two! Plus we have

Ran into Addisons old companion! 

not only 2 witnesses of the this message now but 3, all the more powerful! All 3 of us have very strong personalities and it works, it was an adjustment at first but now its pretty fun. Sister Haight is the most blunt and straight forward person I have ever met, so we are constantly laughing in shock of what she says hahaha. This week Sister Haight and I were talking about how excited we were to have grilled cheese and soup for dinner, we asked Sister Weidmann if she wanted some and she got super excited and said, "Yeah! I think ill put mine on top of some chips!" we looked at each other so confused, and just started busting up laughing.... she thought we were literally going to grill just plain cheese and then needed put it on something!  We all just died laughing. hahaha. Grilled cheese is truly american. 

    Good news! Michele is getting baptized on February 20th, in SLC! So we get to go in person!!!!  I can't believe it, It's been over 6 months since the first time we met and I stopped them from leaving the VC with out asking if she got a Book of Mormon and exchanging information. haha. 

    We had an amazing tour yesterday with a boy band! They aren't too famous but were touring and stopped in SLC, one of the guys is a member of the church and brought his 3 bandmates here

Early Valentines day gift, from Sisters who I love so 

to learn more. At the beginning I asked them if they believed in God, they all gave an on the fence answer. Through out the tour we were really able to get to know them and their concerns, they have been through so much losing a loved band member in an accident that they have so many questions and doubts. The spirit touched their heart and we promised them they could find those answers in the Book of Mormon. They were like sponges soaking everything in the whole time. When we offered a Book of Mormon they leaped at the response to have one, and all referred to learn more. We are really excited to teach them!

    Monday we had Mission Leadership Council, Tuesday Welfare Square training and tomorrow we have zone conference!  I am excited for all I will learn tomorrow! 

Sister Brooke Carpenter!
Returns With Honor!!!

And shout out to my best friend Sister Carpenter, for Returning with Honor from Montreal, Canada!!! Can't believe we are at this point, seems like yesterday we were at BYU-idaho so confused with life trying to decide if we were going to serve! And now I can't believe why I made that decision so difficult hahaha.Then being right down the hall from each other in the MTC. I honestly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your example, love and encouragment, before and throughout the mission. I love you. You did it. You fought a good fight, you gave the Lord everything you have. <3 Continue to move forward and upward!

MUCH LOVE, 

Sister Sughroue