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

Week #75 - February 3rd, 2016 TRANSFER 13... Where did the time go?

Hello Family and Friends!

Bowling last P-Day!

Bowling with Sister Vasi

    This week we had transfers.... so we got the big news. I am staying with Sister Weidmann as Zone Leaders, and we are in a trio with Sister Haight (from Virginia) as our Junior Companion. It is super random, we were shocked to say the least, so it will be interesting as she will be on lots of exchanges while we have meetings and zone leader responsibilities, but here we go! I have never been in a trio before, Sister Haight and I finish our missions together, so poor Sister Weidmann has to kill the 2 of us at the same time. hahaha. Trio's are just awkward, but gonna make the best of it because it's my last 7 weeks.  They took us out of the Beehive and put us over Welfare Square. So we will be giving tours there on Mondays. I am going to miss the beehive house and the amazing sisters in our zone! I have grown to love the history of the church so much, especially Brigham Young and the Pioneers. Knowing the

Sister's Rasheeds
(Twins from Pakistan) left home to Pakistan
 They are the only Mormons I know
in Pakistan and are my favorite! <3

history helped me better understand the gospel, and appreciate all the sacrifices the early members of the church made to come here. The Mormon pioneers are my heroes. They were chosenpeople, and I believe they had the strongest testimonies and that's why they had to come at that time... I don't think all of us could handle leaving everything behind to move west. Thousands come to temple square each year to hear the history, to look at the flowers and buildings, but I always ask them, "Would you like to know WHY they came here?" The WHY is what matters. The WHY is their faith in Jesus Christ and knowing he had called a prophet again to restore his church. I fell in love with the history of that scary old beehive house, I sure will miss it!

       I can't believe I am going into my last transfer!!!! It is crazy, I remember coming into the mission my first

The Moores, a senior couple in our mission finish this next week. 
I have adopted them as my mission parents.
They have become family and life long friends,
They had us over for a delicious dinner
 <3 I'm gonna miss them! 

transfer and feeling that march 2016 was so far away, and now its almost here. Wow, I am glad I still have 7 weeks to finish strong and do my best work for the Lord. I know I am going to learn a lot this transfer! My only goal is to become more converted every day, and I know that will happen as I testify to everyone I meet. One of my favorite feelings in the world is "the missionary high" being filled with the spirit while testifying to others about the restored Gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ. It's really hard to describe, but you just feel filled with the spirit from head to toe, on spiritually on fire, you don't think about what to say, and the words aren't coming from you at all... completely from God. You leave the conversation, having your testimony strengthened 10x. It is amazing. It's true that the more you share your testimony the stronger it gets.... but I never experienced it as powerful as this until my mission. We have been working with a less active who is our age... he just moved here and is ready to find answers for himself. Our lessons are amazing, because I leave with a stronger testimony each time, we talk about the simplest things, but the gospel is simple. It's beautifully simple, and that's what we are trying to help him understand. We have some great people we are working with and have met that we hope to help them prepare for baptism this transfer! 

I hope everyone has an amazing week!

Much love, 

Sister Sughroue

p.s. We went bowling last week, and I won!!!! So not only has my testimony grown, but also my bowling skills.... I got two strikes! I'll send pictures. (:

Yes, I got a Strike!
No Bowling Pins behind me!

P-Day fun Bowling!