Dear Family and Friends,
The Lord is amazing and has blessed me so much! I am loving my new area. The work is moving along well here and I know it is because of the ward. I am afraid that some of the people here will be translated. They love this gospel so much that they are willing to share it with everyone they meet! The bishop is really good. He is a very humble man. He is so caring and his testimony shines through his whole body.
I have also been blessed with an amazing companion. Her life and mine have a lot in common. She has two older brothers and one younger that is on a mission. Her dad went on a mission to Denmark! She is a really good missionary and tries to follow all the rules. We are both really excited to serve together and feel blessed to be in this area at this time.
The first day I was here we had a wonderful Zone meeting. We talked about how the power is in each of us to succeed. Our district leader made an acronym for power. P is for personality. He told us to always be ourselves because everyone else is taken. O is for originality. W is for wisdom. E is for emphasis. What do you want to emphasize in your life? R is for radiance. We all have the light of Christ and we need to let that light shine bright!!!
We taught a man and his wife later that afternoon. The husband is not a member, but is going to get baptized in February. We were about 15 minutes into the lesson and the husband asked if I knew sign language. I said I knew a little. He then told me that his wife is deaf. I was amazed because she had kept up with the whole lesson. She is a master lip reader. I hope that I can practice my limited signing skills.
The husband said that years ago he was in a store shopping. Two people walked up to him while he was looking at something on the shelf. He recognized them as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They asked him if he knew what would happen to him if he died right know. He said in a straight face “ I would hit my head on this shelf and I would land on the floor.” The JW didn’t like that answer and walked away. I laughed so hard when I heard this. What a good, peaceable way to deal with something that could have been contentious.
On Friday night we went and visited a little family. The woman is a member but her boyfriend is not. They live together and have two children. They are both from Mexico. As soon as we set down, the woman’s dad came out and made us food. My companion says that they always feed us even if we just show up. The dad made the most wonderful beef with onions and tomato’s. It was really good. The boyfriend doesn’t know much about the gospel but we are teaching him. We taught him how to pray this week. He has never prayed before. He was so excited to talk to God.
Saturday we had a movie night with the lady that is deaf and her husband. We made Carmel popcorn and watched the Testaments. The husband and wife were so happy together. The spirit was really strong and both were crying by the end. It is really neat to see how the gospel has changed this family’s life. They both have a desire to go to the temple and are willing to do what ever it takes to get sealed to their little boy. I love this family so much!!!
Sunday was amazing. The ward here is amazing. There is a lady in the ward that was living in Wurzburg, Germany in 1987. She was in our branch there in Germany. What a small world it is! The ward is so wonderful and I don’t think I have ever been in a ward that was more loving and caring than this. There is a lady that is dying but she still comes ever week in her wheelchair. She has a thing in her thought because of all the years she smoked. She was having a really hard time yesterday. The lady that was sitting next to her rubbed her arm during all of Relief Society. She rubbed her back as well. The lady that was giving this service didn’t even know the name of the lady in the wheelchair. What a Christlike example that was? I was so touched!!
There is so much more to write but I am running out of time! I love you all and am so thankful for my blessings!! I know that the Lord loves us and is very mindful of each one of us!
Love
Sister Comte
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
January 20th Email
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been another exciting week here in Florida. It was transfers week. I can’t believe that another 6 weeks has gone by. I thought I would be staying in Seminole. We had all made our guesses of where all the sisters would go and who they would be with. None of us were right though. I am now in Lakewood Ranch, which is in Sarasota. I am with Sister Stewart. She is from Idaho. She has two older brothers and one younger brother. Her younger brother is on a mission in Anaheim, CA. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? I think we will have a good time together.
We were supposed to have a baptism this weekend. On Sunday night the man that was to be baptized told his sister that he was only doing it for her. We were really disappointed but we knew that he had a testimony. When we met with him on Tuesday, he said he didn’t want to be baptized. He was progressing so nicely. He never really gave us a reason why he didn’t want to be baptized. We didn’t have to tell him the consequences of his decision; his sister did that part. She told him that he would be in spirit prison for a long time because he knew so much. She told him he better plead for someone to baptize him here when he is gone. I thought it was a little harsh but it is the truth. It broke our hearts.
Saturday was a long and wonderful day. To start the day off we had a meeting with the ward mission leader. His father-in-law owns part of the company named Mona-Vie. Mona-Vie is a drink that is supposed to cure all your health problems. I tasted some and thought it was the nasty stuff. I wouldn’t drink it if I was dying. Anyways, we had the meeting at his in-laws house. I felt underdressed as we went into their huge mansion. I have never been in anything near the size of that house. They had made us pancakes for breakfast. It was a really nice meeting.
After that we went with a less active family to the flea market. Tracting has not been working so we thought we would try a different approach while at the same time do some fellowshipping. We did get a lot of contacts, nothing promising but at least we got the word out. Some lady reached out and touched my tag and said very loudly “I LOVE JESUS!!!” I told her I did as well.
We also found out, on Saturday, about transfers. I wasn’t expecting what I heard. My companion and some of the other sisters had a hard time with the news. But I decided that I wanted to do what my Savior wants me to do. Some were upset because what they had asked President Colton to do was not what happened. I have decided that I will never ask for what I want because I want to do what the Lord wants me to do.
I also heard some of the best news from my beloved family. Saturday evening the president’s wife, Sister Colton called me. She said “Congratulations, Sister Comte.” I thought I had won something. She told me that Marley had been born. I was elated. I was so excited for Ryan and Sam. I looked at the pictures when we were making picture c.d’s this morning. But now that I am transferred I can’t look at attachments, so I will wait for more pictures that will hopefully come in the mail. Congratulations to Ryan and Sam. She is beautiful and looks like both of you. Sam, I am glad you were courageous.
Last night we went to say goodbye to a few people before I left. We went and saw the James family. Mia James was baptized a few weeks ago. A year ago her father was baptized and her mother has been a member all her life. They have two smaller children that are younger than Mia that I adore. Mia made sure that her mother bought me a card. There whole family had signed it. It was a wonderful card. They asked me to stay in contact with them. In the card was a picture of their family. I was so thankful for the picture. Mia had used cute scissors to cute around the outside. As I was leaving the father, Antoine, told his wife to give me a picture of the kids. She said that Mia had already given me one. As we got into the car to leave Mia came running out with something for us. It was a picture of her and her little sister. They had taken it right off the wall and insisted that I take it. I was so touched!! I love that little family. They don’t have much in material things but their love is wonderful!!!
Well, another week has already begun. It is really cold here now. I hope I can survive. I love you all and am thankful for each one of you! Have a great week!!
Love
Sister Comte
It has been another exciting week here in Florida. It was transfers week. I can’t believe that another 6 weeks has gone by. I thought I would be staying in Seminole. We had all made our guesses of where all the sisters would go and who they would be with. None of us were right though. I am now in Lakewood Ranch, which is in Sarasota. I am with Sister Stewart. She is from Idaho. She has two older brothers and one younger brother. Her younger brother is on a mission in Anaheim, CA. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? I think we will have a good time together.
We were supposed to have a baptism this weekend. On Sunday night the man that was to be baptized told his sister that he was only doing it for her. We were really disappointed but we knew that he had a testimony. When we met with him on Tuesday, he said he didn’t want to be baptized. He was progressing so nicely. He never really gave us a reason why he didn’t want to be baptized. We didn’t have to tell him the consequences of his decision; his sister did that part. She told him that he would be in spirit prison for a long time because he knew so much. She told him he better plead for someone to baptize him here when he is gone. I thought it was a little harsh but it is the truth. It broke our hearts.
Saturday was a long and wonderful day. To start the day off we had a meeting with the ward mission leader. His father-in-law owns part of the company named Mona-Vie. Mona-Vie is a drink that is supposed to cure all your health problems. I tasted some and thought it was the nasty stuff. I wouldn’t drink it if I was dying. Anyways, we had the meeting at his in-laws house. I felt underdressed as we went into their huge mansion. I have never been in anything near the size of that house. They had made us pancakes for breakfast. It was a really nice meeting.
After that we went with a less active family to the flea market. Tracting has not been working so we thought we would try a different approach while at the same time do some fellowshipping. We did get a lot of contacts, nothing promising but at least we got the word out. Some lady reached out and touched my tag and said very loudly “I LOVE JESUS!!!” I told her I did as well.
We also found out, on Saturday, about transfers. I wasn’t expecting what I heard. My companion and some of the other sisters had a hard time with the news. But I decided that I wanted to do what my Savior wants me to do. Some were upset because what they had asked President Colton to do was not what happened. I have decided that I will never ask for what I want because I want to do what the Lord wants me to do.
I also heard some of the best news from my beloved family. Saturday evening the president’s wife, Sister Colton called me. She said “Congratulations, Sister Comte.” I thought I had won something. She told me that Marley had been born. I was elated. I was so excited for Ryan and Sam. I looked at the pictures when we were making picture c.d’s this morning. But now that I am transferred I can’t look at attachments, so I will wait for more pictures that will hopefully come in the mail. Congratulations to Ryan and Sam. She is beautiful and looks like both of you. Sam, I am glad you were courageous.
Last night we went to say goodbye to a few people before I left. We went and saw the James family. Mia James was baptized a few weeks ago. A year ago her father was baptized and her mother has been a member all her life. They have two smaller children that are younger than Mia that I adore. Mia made sure that her mother bought me a card. There whole family had signed it. It was a wonderful card. They asked me to stay in contact with them. In the card was a picture of their family. I was so thankful for the picture. Mia had used cute scissors to cute around the outside. As I was leaving the father, Antoine, told his wife to give me a picture of the kids. She said that Mia had already given me one. As we got into the car to leave Mia came running out with something for us. It was a picture of her and her little sister. They had taken it right off the wall and insisted that I take it. I was so touched!! I love that little family. They don’t have much in material things but their love is wonderful!!!
Well, another week has already begun. It is really cold here now. I hope I can survive. I love you all and am thankful for each one of you! Have a great week!!
Love
Sister Comte
January 12th Email
Dear Family and Friends,
Hi! I hope all is going well in Utah. Many people have told us that it is cold and snowy there. I hope all are well with the bad weather. Last week my companion and I went out tracting and it started to rain. We kept on going even though we were cold and wet. We found a really nice lady that is interested in the church. I know we found her because we were diligent despite the rain. After we found her the rain stopped. It might rain again today. It looks pretty gloomy here today!
We had a Stake Mission Conference on Wednesday night. It was really good. The high councilor who is over missionary work talked first. He talked about how missionary work is the life blood in the church. He talked about how we need to have an even pulse throughout our lives of doing missionary work. Then we watched a movie about member visits and member referrals. A lot of missionary work is done through the members. A person is 5 times more likely to listen and join the church if they have a friend that is already a member. We talked all night about how we can work together, missionaries and members, to do the Lord’s work. Please always be looking for opportunities to share the gospel. Imagine being in heaven, before judgment day and one of your best friends comes up to you. Your best friend, who never heard about the church, says “I can’t believe that you had the most valuable thing in the world and you never told me about it.” I don’t want my friends to say that to me. Always be an example and share the good news!
On Thursday for studies, Sister Anderton and I read some talks from conference. We read the talk entitled “Lift Where You Are Standing.” I really liked this talk. We can get so much more done if we will lift where we are. We need to build the kingdom in our own homes and communities. We also need to strengthen people in our specific callings. We need to fulfill our callings to our best abilities. We do not need to worry about someone else calling, we have been asked to do ours for a reason. Fulfill that reason!!!
We had interviews this week with the Mission President. We do training before the interviews start. We talked about member work again. We also talked about something called the refinement list. The refinement list has some of the rules we are suppose to follow. President Colton again reminded us that we are not out here to be on vacation but to work hard and follow the rules. I know for my self the following the rules, pays off. It is easy to be obedient and from this we will be blessed.
Saturday was a very special day because we had a baptism. My companion, Sister Anderton has served most of her mission here in Seminole. When she was here last year, she worked with the James Family. The wife is a member and a year ago, her husband was baptized. They just had a baby boy about a month ago and they have two older daughters. Their oldest, Mia, is 8 and she was the one that was baptized this weekend. Her mom and dad did the whole program except for a musical number that Sister Anderton and I did. Her dad talked on baptism and how it has blest his life. It was really neat for my companion to see his growth. Her dad then baptized her. The spirit was really strong. Her mom talked on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Both of her parents did a really good job. It was a small baptism but the spirit was powerful. The only people that were there were the Mom and Dad, Mia, her little sister, their baby, and the bishop and his wife. I felt bad that there weren’t a lot of people there but they all missed out on a great opportunity.
The James’s are Polynesian. After the baptism they went to a barbeque at an Uncles house. They invited us to come along. This was the second party that we have gone to with them. We had a really good time. The party was a great time to talk to non-members since the majority of people there were not members. Everyone at these parties seems to know who we are. Everyone loves us and we also are some of the first people to eat. They always ask one of us to bless the food. We love these parties!!!
We have a baptism this week as well. The man that is getting baptized is 71. His sister is a member. He is in an assisted living facility because he has dementia. He remembers most things we teach him. Every time we ask him what a prophet is he says that it is making money. We tell him every time that we are talking about a prophet of God not a profit. He laughed the other day and said he just wanted to see our reactions. Well he certainly got one. He is really funny and always makes us laugh.
Transfer calls will come this weekend so I don’t know if I will be here in Seminole anymore. But I don’t think I am going to move. I hope I get to stay. I really like it here. I won’t be emailing next week on Monday because it is a holiday. But I guess everyone at home will be busy with the new baby that will be coming!!!! I am excited to see Marley and hope that maybe on Tuesday when I check my email that their might be a picture of two that someone might send. I hope all is going well with everyone. I love you all!!!
Love
Sister Comte
Hi! I hope all is going well in Utah. Many people have told us that it is cold and snowy there. I hope all are well with the bad weather. Last week my companion and I went out tracting and it started to rain. We kept on going even though we were cold and wet. We found a really nice lady that is interested in the church. I know we found her because we were diligent despite the rain. After we found her the rain stopped. It might rain again today. It looks pretty gloomy here today!
We had a Stake Mission Conference on Wednesday night. It was really good. The high councilor who is over missionary work talked first. He talked about how missionary work is the life blood in the church. He talked about how we need to have an even pulse throughout our lives of doing missionary work. Then we watched a movie about member visits and member referrals. A lot of missionary work is done through the members. A person is 5 times more likely to listen and join the church if they have a friend that is already a member. We talked all night about how we can work together, missionaries and members, to do the Lord’s work. Please always be looking for opportunities to share the gospel. Imagine being in heaven, before judgment day and one of your best friends comes up to you. Your best friend, who never heard about the church, says “I can’t believe that you had the most valuable thing in the world and you never told me about it.” I don’t want my friends to say that to me. Always be an example and share the good news!
On Thursday for studies, Sister Anderton and I read some talks from conference. We read the talk entitled “Lift Where You Are Standing.” I really liked this talk. We can get so much more done if we will lift where we are. We need to build the kingdom in our own homes and communities. We also need to strengthen people in our specific callings. We need to fulfill our callings to our best abilities. We do not need to worry about someone else calling, we have been asked to do ours for a reason. Fulfill that reason!!!
We had interviews this week with the Mission President. We do training before the interviews start. We talked about member work again. We also talked about something called the refinement list. The refinement list has some of the rules we are suppose to follow. President Colton again reminded us that we are not out here to be on vacation but to work hard and follow the rules. I know for my self the following the rules, pays off. It is easy to be obedient and from this we will be blessed.
Saturday was a very special day because we had a baptism. My companion, Sister Anderton has served most of her mission here in Seminole. When she was here last year, she worked with the James Family. The wife is a member and a year ago, her husband was baptized. They just had a baby boy about a month ago and they have two older daughters. Their oldest, Mia, is 8 and she was the one that was baptized this weekend. Her mom and dad did the whole program except for a musical number that Sister Anderton and I did. Her dad talked on baptism and how it has blest his life. It was really neat for my companion to see his growth. Her dad then baptized her. The spirit was really strong. Her mom talked on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Both of her parents did a really good job. It was a small baptism but the spirit was powerful. The only people that were there were the Mom and Dad, Mia, her little sister, their baby, and the bishop and his wife. I felt bad that there weren’t a lot of people there but they all missed out on a great opportunity.
The James’s are Polynesian. After the baptism they went to a barbeque at an Uncles house. They invited us to come along. This was the second party that we have gone to with them. We had a really good time. The party was a great time to talk to non-members since the majority of people there were not members. Everyone at these parties seems to know who we are. Everyone loves us and we also are some of the first people to eat. They always ask one of us to bless the food. We love these parties!!!
We have a baptism this week as well. The man that is getting baptized is 71. His sister is a member. He is in an assisted living facility because he has dementia. He remembers most things we teach him. Every time we ask him what a prophet is he says that it is making money. We tell him every time that we are talking about a prophet of God not a profit. He laughed the other day and said he just wanted to see our reactions. Well he certainly got one. He is really funny and always makes us laugh.
Transfer calls will come this weekend so I don’t know if I will be here in Seminole anymore. But I don’t think I am going to move. I hope I get to stay. I really like it here. I won’t be emailing next week on Monday because it is a holiday. But I guess everyone at home will be busy with the new baby that will be coming!!!! I am excited to see Marley and hope that maybe on Tuesday when I check my email that their might be a picture of two that someone might send. I hope all is going well with everyone. I love you all!!!
Love
Sister Comte
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
January 5th Email
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been a good year and there is so much to look forward to in the year of 2009!!! Mom, I don’t want you to be alarmed, but I cut my hair this weekend. My companion is a hair dresser. I decided to try something new and put highlights in my hair. They are light brown. Pictures are attached. I hope they come through. I would have sent more but this computer is being really, really slow. I like them. I think it gives my face more dimension. Mom, don’t be upset. I won’t keep them in my hair forever.
On New Year’s Eve we went and watched the last sunset of the year. There were too many clouds and it wasn’t very good. We came home and we were both exhausted from the long day we had had. I had a personal countdown at 10:00 because my companion was asleep. I was asleep by 10:15. We didn’t even open our sparkling grape juice.
We went to a lady’s house on Thursday and picked grapefruit at a members. The grapefruit is amazing. I really have enjoyed them. They smell so good. We also went to a party with one of our investigators. It was a Polynesian Party. There was tons of food. We didn’t stay for the dancing because our investigator was leaving. We then went and visited with some other members of the ward that are less active. So all in all it was a good first day of the year.
We have been doing a lot of finding. We have decided to start teaching one principle at the doors we knock on. I love doing this. The people that we talk to can’t feel the spirit unless we open our months and testify. By doing this we are starting to teach a lot. People are really busy with the holidays but maybe know that they are over will want to come to the church and learn more.
I love you all!!! Sorry this is short but not much has happened this week. Maybe this week will be a little more exciting. I love this work. I know that my Savior lives. I don’t have to die for this religion but I do have to live for it. I hope all of us can set some good New Year’s resolutions and keep them!!
Love
Sister Comte
It has been a good year and there is so much to look forward to in the year of 2009!!! Mom, I don’t want you to be alarmed, but I cut my hair this weekend. My companion is a hair dresser. I decided to try something new and put highlights in my hair. They are light brown. Pictures are attached. I hope they come through. I would have sent more but this computer is being really, really slow. I like them. I think it gives my face more dimension. Mom, don’t be upset. I won’t keep them in my hair forever.
On New Year’s Eve we went and watched the last sunset of the year. There were too many clouds and it wasn’t very good. We came home and we were both exhausted from the long day we had had. I had a personal countdown at 10:00 because my companion was asleep. I was asleep by 10:15. We didn’t even open our sparkling grape juice.
We went to a lady’s house on Thursday and picked grapefruit at a members. The grapefruit is amazing. I really have enjoyed them. They smell so good. We also went to a party with one of our investigators. It was a Polynesian Party. There was tons of food. We didn’t stay for the dancing because our investigator was leaving. We then went and visited with some other members of the ward that are less active. So all in all it was a good first day of the year.
We have been doing a lot of finding. We have decided to start teaching one principle at the doors we knock on. I love doing this. The people that we talk to can’t feel the spirit unless we open our months and testify. By doing this we are starting to teach a lot. People are really busy with the holidays but maybe know that they are over will want to come to the church and learn more.
I love you all!!! Sorry this is short but not much has happened this week. Maybe this week will be a little more exciting. I love this work. I know that my Savior lives. I don’t have to die for this religion but I do have to live for it. I hope all of us can set some good New Year’s resolutions and keep them!!
Love
Sister Comte
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