tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12827409818025268452024-03-13T12:43:26.881-03:00Tami's Mission BlogCreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-4110357272177116632014-05-05T18:33:00.000-03:002014-09-06T16:24:43.103-03:00In the Right SpotI'm doing fine! I survived! I'm recovering! I did not baptize the surgeon, but I did ITL (invite to learn) the nurse as I woke up from anesthesia. It was really hard, because I couldn't remember how to talk at first, but after several attempts I was able to say clear enough for her to understand "I'd love to invite you to learn more about our church." She didn't go for it, so I moved on to family history. :) We were supposed to do it together but she never called. Go figure. Haha! The news of my "ITL under anesthetic" has spread like wildfire through the mission. I'm famous now. So funny! I also am pretty sure that as they were putting me under I kept praying too. Don't really remember too well... But I am SO GRATEFUL that I got that little monster out and that now I can recover and get back to being a MISSIONARY!<br />
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I got to take the brand new sisters out on my first day back proselyting. That is one of the most fun privileges of being a Sister Training Leader in Charleston. I got to teach Traci with a new sister who shared a beautiful testimony. Her family doesn't really have enough money for her to be a missionary. She lives with her mom, and her income helps support the family. Now that she is on a mission, she has been a little concerned about her family back home. She received a letter from her mom a couple days before explaining that they were receiving money in unexpected ways. Like an unexpected tax return, and other ways. How cool is that?!?! The Lord provides a way.<br />
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He does provide a way. He has a plan! In my situation with the surgery and everything, it worked out so perfectly. The Lord will put you exactly where He wants you. What a privilege to be so loved that you can KNOW that you are in the right spot.<br />
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Love.<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-76639351467940715092014-04-28T03:33:00.000-03:002014-08-26T03:34:21.726-03:00Providing a way for more happinessSurgery is tomorrow! Through a series of miracles insurance has cleared so that I can stay in WV! I have been living in the mission president's home for the last week. I am too sick to work. President and Sister Pitt are the most awesome people ever. It was been quite eye-opening to see how much they do! And how much they love EVERY missionary. It is a miracle that they are home for these couple weeks- they usually are traveling. And it is also a miracle that we suddenly had a sister who needed a companion who could come take my spot in South Charleston so the work can keep on keeping on. Everything has worked out perfectly and everything is going to be okay.<br />
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But can I express how difficult it is to not be a missionary right now. Oh my heck. I want to make a comparison between a Book of Mormon story, a pre-mission experience, and my current situation. So:<br />
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Very beginning of the Book of Mormon. Lehi was told to leave everything. His home, the land of his inheritance, his gold, ALL his precious things, etc. And for what? THE WILDERNESS. Gee, what fun. And what is more puzzling is that the reason why Lehi had to leave was because he was in danger, and the reason why he was in danger resulted from his obedience to the Lord. The Lord says; "because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life." What? Shouldn't Lehi receive blessings for his obedience? And he did... they just weren't immediate. The Lord does all things because he loves his children. And Lehi's blessings became more obvious as he (out of necessity) has to rely deeper and deeper on the Lord. Sometimes the Lord takes away what we love most in order to prepare the way for us to receive blessings that will fill us with more love and MORE HAPPINESS.<br />
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So. I can relate to this. Not to be awkward or anything but there was a time when the Lord took away what I loved most. In this case, who I loved most. Breaking up is hard. But through that, out of necessity, I relied on the Lord and came to know Him in a way I never had before. And I treasure that. Absolutely treasure it. And it provided the way for me to come on a mission and feel more HAPPINESS! (Wait, I could be more happy? Yes. Yes, I could!). The Lord doesn't have a happiness limit, actually. He wants us to feel a fullness of joy that never stops growing.<br />
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Here's the thing, though. I never imagined that when the thing I loved the most was being a missionary, it would be in jeopardy of being taken away. It's kind of a righteous thing. But Lehi was doing a righteous thing when he was asked to sacrifice. The point is. Even though this whole ordeal has kind of caught me really off guard, I trust in my Father. Everything He does is out of love, and part of His perfect plan for our happiness. I know that of a surety. I cannot deny it. That kind of confidence that comes from trust in Heavenly Father is worth any sacrifice.<br />
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Out of time, but I love you, everybody! Next time you hear from me I will be without a gallbladder :)<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-27847368193749002532014-04-21T03:30:00.000-03:002014-08-26T03:32:34.706-03:00I KNOW that He loveth His childrenI am ill. This week I got a HIDI-scan. What is that? Well basically you get injected with Radioactive dye and you get to lie in one of those intimidating machines that takes pictures of your gallbladder. It takes a really long time. Near the end of it, they inject what the nurse called a "liquid big mac" and see what my gallbladder does. It was not the most pleasant experience in the world... I have been eating fat free to avoid the more intense waves of nausea... so a big mac... anyways. The point of this procedure is to determine the functionality of my gallbladder. If it is working at under 35% they have to take it out. My gallbladder is working at.... drum roll please... 0%. Not kidding. No wonder I feel like garbage. HA! So it's going to have to come out. We don't know how the insurance is going to go down or anything, but I sure hope we can make this happen here in WV. I could get back to work a lot faster!<br />
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I'm doing all I can and the Lord is truly making a difference. I should be satisfied with that, but it is kind of really disheartening to not be able to do what I have been doing. We went on another exchange this week and my energy was so much lower than normal. I love being a missionary with everything I have, and now that I have less to give it is really frustrating.<br />
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But here is the great news. I can say with Nephi "I know that [our Heavenly Father] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:17). I don't understand why all things happen but I truly have a firm trust that he does nothing save it be for our benefit. He loves us with a perfect love. He has testified it to me through His Holy Ghost. I know it is true. And goodness, isn't that nice to know?<br />
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Have a good week because God is your FATHER and He loves you :)<br />
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Love,<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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P.S. These are pictures of our wreath and the wreath belonging to the sisters we exchanged with this week. Ours is disgusting. We tried to make it Eastery... but their's has a LIVE BIRD FAMILY. HA HA HA! I hope you find this as hilarious as I do.<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-48314443332380796402014-04-14T03:26:00.000-03:002014-08-26T03:27:17.086-03:00Front Row Seat"I got an ultrasound this week. It's a girl! Just kidding. :) I did get an ultrasound this week to check out my gallbladder. I'm NOT pregnant"<br />
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I said this to my ward mission leader this week. Unfortunately the two elders who serve as assistants to the president of the mission walked in at the wrong time and didn't realize that much of this statement was a joke. Elder Hansen's face... I will never forget it. This was probably the most embarrassing moment of my life! HAHA!<br />
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But anyways, how did my ultrasound go? Fine. I don't have gallstones, so they are going to do some more tests soon because I am DEFINITELY ill. How am I positive this is not just stress (everyone's first assumption). Well because #1 I was having the best time of my life and #2 I went on exchanges a couple areas over and threw up all night. Not the spiritually uplifting exchange I was going for... but... you know...<br />
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Wish I had time to update you on all the miracles going on. What a privilege it is to be serving in the middle of the mission. There are 4 sets of missionaries in this ward and they are all strictly obedient and fearlessly diligent which provides miracles in the lives of so many and I HAVE A FRONT ROW SEAT. I love being a missionary. Hopefully I can be well enough to do it more effectively soon.<br />
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Love ya'll. Thanks for the prayers :)<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-57578214212055555602014-04-07T15:12:00.000-03:002014-08-05T15:23:29.432-03:00With Charity, You Have EverythingSo. A stellar week. It was Sister Searle's last week in the WVCM and she really wanted to hit the standard of excellence. So we set off to hit it. The standard is hard to hit. It is REALLY hard to hit when you have MLC, Zone Meeting Planning, Zone Meeting, District Meeting, a Doctor's visit, 4 sessions of General Conference, and one final interview. (That was about 24 hours of meetings). Dear Friends. If your goal is embraced by the Lord, He will help you accomplish it. Actually, He will just do it for you. You have to work as hard as you possibly can, but He will accomplish it. This week, despite the DAY-worth of meetings this week, the Lord provided a way for us to have 2 people on date, 3 people come to church, 4 lessons with active members present, 7 lessons without members present, and 4 new investigators. <b>What. A. Week.</b> It is hard to say which one of these numbers represents the best miracle to report on. The Lord is not only in the work with us. He does the work for us -- when we give all we have.<br />
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I will tell the story of Traci. She was on date for Easter. At our lesson at the end of the week, we took her off date. She didn't want to get married for a year, and either marriage or moving out will be necessary for her to be baptized. Us missionaries were a little heart broken. She has been making such incredible progress. But Sister Searle was not going to give up. In our next lesson later in the week, Sister Herring was prompted to change our lesson plan to the Restoration of the Gospel -- something she definitely has learned before. Afterwards, Sister Searle proclaimed boldly that Traci needed to keep the law of chastity. It was the boldest and most loving commitment I have ever seen extended. We asked her to take her concerns to conference the next day and promised that through the living prophet and apostles, the Lord would answer her concern. She loved conference more than anyone else alive. She's back on date for Easter. Never give up, if there is even a spark of interest left. Be bold. True Christ-like love is more than being nice. It is caring enough to say the hard things. The Lord accomplishes all things through love, and this is what we need to do, too.<br />
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I love YOU!<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-73249431611707875192014-03-31T15:11:00.000-03:002014-08-05T15:12:13.085-03:00Mourn with those that MournSo my Birthday was pretty great! The night before our sweet new convert made an excellent dinner complete with cake and candles! Michael is progressing pretty well and came to church for the first time! There was so much joy on my birthday. I was mainly just happy to be a missionary even through other unpleasant things that were also happening.<br />
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What things? Well, I spent the ENTIRE night before my birthday throwing up the glorious birthday meal every hour and then at church, I felt so sick I had to leave for the last hour. I am pretty sure my gall-bladder is not doing well. I have been sick A LOT and it is getting a little old. I am not sure what is going to happen. Will I be sick forever? Will I have to get my gall-bladder out? Is that going to keep me from Brazil? Is that going to send me home altogether? Just a lot of unknowns. I am not even positive if the problem IS my gall-bladder. But if it is, this is going to affect me now until the rest of mortality. No pizza. No burgers. I'll have something WRONG for the rest of my life. And that is kind of sad. To feel broken and unwell... forever... So I had a small pity party for myself as I was falling asleep and I was pondering the baptismal covenant<i> (side note: You know you are a missionary when you start a sentence "I was pondering the baptismal covenant as I was falling asleep")</i>. But, in the Book of Mormon we read that when you are baptized you promise to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort (Mosiah 18). Christ was baptized. And I am certain He keeps His baptismal covenant. When we mourn, He mourns with us. That night, when I was mourning the loss of pizza (haha... but really... pizza... forever) Jesus was mourning with me, because Jesus was baptized, and He keeps His covenants. He mourns with you. No matter how big or small your loss is. He loves you. AND I love being a missionary.<br />
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Til next week!<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-10721586478330557262014-03-17T14:40:00.000-03:002014-08-05T14:50:03.612-03:00HappyThis week was phenomenal. Like. Really. It was truly amazing. I didn't know how fully the Spirit could teach in lessons. It has been amazing. Sister Herring and I have really been striving to meet the new goals of the mission. In order to be "Master Teachers of Doctrine" for the week, there are 6 things you have to do EVERY DAY. We totally did them. And because of the exact obedience we saw miracles like you wouldn't believe! Can you feel more happiness, righteousness and excitement? I submit you CANNOT! YAY! Guess what else we did? WE REACHED THE NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE (2 on date weekly, 2 at sacrament with one of those being on date weekly, 3 member presents weekly, 3 new investigators weekly, 5 unplanned invitations to learn- ITLs - EVERY Single Day). The new goals are focused on creating a Zion mission so we are celebrating successes to these goals as a mission and not as individuals. So each week we get a percentage of Master Teachers of Doctrine and a percentage of those who hit the Standard of Excellence. Last week was pretty discouraging- well - motivating actually because only 24% where completely obedient to the new requirements of being a "Master Teacher" and 0% reached the Standard. We were a little chastened and really really really encouraged to strive to hit these standards as we are the leaders and need to provide hope for the mission. Sister Herring and I have agreed that neither of us have ever worked so hard in our lives, but we are SO HAPPY! YAY!<br />
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I only have time to write one of the many miracles this week: We have been focusing on finding 5 people to invite to learn every day. We invited this one guy to learn and he looked at Sister Herring with the saddest, most urgent eyes and said "Can you save me right now?" Sister Herring explained that WE can't save him because it doesn't work like that, but we can show him the way to secure his eternal salvation. He gave us his address and we set off to find him after church. The address wasn't quite right. We knocked on the door and said "Does Michael live here?" Then he said, "Michael who?" and we didn't know. haha. He gave us directions to the "Michaels" in the area. We went to one of the houses, down this crazy hollah (that means 'hollow' --- generations line little dirt roads in the middle of nowhere). He wasn't home so we traveled all the way down to the end of the hollah where it ended up his parents live. Guess who was visiting his parents? Michael. He was so surprised but we knew that we were supposed to find him that day and that we would. We taught a lesson and put him on date to be baptized on the 27th! WOW!!<br />
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Missions are full of ups and downs. But the ups are extreme and they are what you remember. There is no work as happy as this.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-53968976042113359402014-03-10T15:07:00.000-03:002014-08-05T15:07:51.139-03:00Holy BusyIt was such a busy week! First we had the snowstorm Pday, the next day was MLC (Mission Leader Council). It is the big meeting with all of the zone leaders and Sister Training Leaders (STLs) in the whole mission. It was super intimidating. But guess what?? I COMMENTED! I was so happy that I was brave. It is intense being the Charleston STLs. It was really fun to be part of the council, discussing issues, fixing problems, chilling with the mission president. It's good stuff. The next day we prepared for the zone meeting. Thursday was the Zone Meeting. At zone meetings, the zone leaders teach and so do the STLs. It was so intimidating to be on the planning and teaching end of the meeting because I know how much everyone counts on those meetings to uplift them and motivate them and receive the answers they have been praying for! It went well, I think, though. I am just glad that it is over... until the 20th. Then we are teaching 2 zones combined at a specialized training. Whoa. It is safe to say that I am growing out of my comfort zone. Shoot. I might even go so far as to say I left my comfort zone in the dust of Salem and I am living in discomfort. Haha! It is so good though. What is crazy is: I am so happy! When you lose yourself in the Lord you truly are blessed with joy.<br />
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So immediately after the Zone meeting I went on an exchange with a sister in her area and immediately after that I went on another exchange with the sisters in another area in our zone. Exchanges are when one of the Sister Training Leaders (or Zone Leaders if it's with Elders) switches places with one of the missionaries in their zone to observe how they are obedient and teach and stuff while at the same time setting a perfect example while at the same time digging for concerns, while at the same time doing everything you can to correct and encourage. They are so stressful. 2 in a row was crazy! But good. At the same time it really is so wonderful to be using every effort you have to serve others. We have really good sisters who are easy to love! Amongst all that we somehow fit in some teaching. We have a new investigator named Ruby who is in her 70's. She is the funniest old lady. She came to church yesterday and was an absolute joy. We expect her to get baptized this transfer. No joke.<br />
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So in summary. We are busy! But, right now, I would rather be here than anywhere else. What a blessing to serve the Lord with ALL of your heart, might, mind, and strength!<br />
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Love ya'll!<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-69937146274207018282014-03-03T14:32:00.000-03:002014-08-05T14:35:04.879-03:00Little Tender MerciesSo I was sick on Tuesday. And Thursday. And part of Friday. We had to push our exchange to next week, so that's going to be a crazy week. But good things happened too! We were able to teach some great lessons this weekend and the Zone Leaders' Investigator got BAPTIZED. I got to lead the music at the baptism. I looked like death still, but oh well. :)<br />
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But the miracle that I want to write about this week is a small tender mercy that the Lord gave us on Tuesday, because it meant a lot to Sister Herring and I. I felt like garbage on Tuesday and the Zone leaders were at the mission office, so Sister Herring and I drove there so I could get a blessing. That is a beautiful blessing in itself... Dear everyone: the Priesthood, or power of God, is on the earth today and there are many wonderful men who live worthy so they can bless others with it. But on the way back, we stopped at a gas station to pick up gingerale and crackers, and we were able to invite someone to learn about the gospel, who really needed us at that moment. She was having a particularly rough day during her rough life, which she told us about after we talked to her about Christ. It really is mind-blowing how Heavenly Father puts us in the right place at the right time for the benefit of His beloved children. Even on a day where we couldn't accomplish hardly anything at all, the Lord put someone in our path that we could help. That little thing meant the world to us. I love the Lord.<br />
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I'm feeling better now, so I am ready to attack next week! So excited!<br />
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Love,<br />
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Sister Larrabee<br />
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P.S. Here is a picture our District. They rock :)<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-91431249072535486622014-01-27T19:43:00.000-02:002014-07-09T20:34:15.202-03:00Of mice, and bedbugs, and frozen pipes, and... yeah.So. As you can tell by the title... this week was great.<br />
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We caught five mice in our apartment. We named them Korihor, Sherem, Gadianton, Amalickiah, and Nehor (affectionately known as Kori, Sherm, Tony, Al, and Nick). They now reside in the trash can in our back yard. Our pipes froze and we were without water in the house for days. Thank goodness for the Cook family! Our house is on their property and they are the sweetest, kindest people in the whole world. They gave us mousetraps and let us use their bathrooms and showers without complaint - EVEN in the midst of their own car troubles and their heater going out! We haven't told them about the bedbugs yet. The work was slow this week as well, and sister Larrabee was WORN OUT!<br />
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But. Here is what was wonderful about this week: Sister Ostler. My companion has been so wonderful as she has stayed humorous about our situations. She works hard and she loves me. We were talking the other day about the "love languages" that people have, the different ways people show that they love someone or feel loved. I mentioned that mine was 'touch' and 'service' and even though she isn't really a hugger, she has hugged me so much this week. She is always looking to serve me and helped me through my struggles this week without realizing it.<br />
<br />
Our mice are gone, and our water is back, and Sister Ostler and I are closer friends.<br />
<br />
God love you, no matter what. Never doubt it. No matter what goes on. If you look at 1 Nephi 1:1, Nephi says that he is highly favored, but also that he saw many afflictions. A blessed life is not affiction free, but as we seek the help and love of the Lord, we can trust that He is there. He will never forsake us.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Sister Larrabee<br />
<br />
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<br />CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-44988897397848740882014-01-20T19:29:00.000-02:002014-07-09T20:34:23.946-03:00Where Can I Turn for Peace?"Valerie" got baptized. It was the most beautiful thing in the world. Her grandkids flew in and gave the talks and the Spirit of LOVE was so strong. Valerie is SO HAPPY. I can't even explain how happy she was. She's 78 years old, and finally looked into the church because of her grandson. She's reading the Book of Mormon and knows, KNOWS that she has found the truth. The happiness on her face and on the faces of her family was priceless. Sweetest thing I have ever seen. What an incredible blessing to be a part of that. So that was amazing...<br />
<br />
...and there must be opposition in all things. :) We were dropped by 4 investigators this week and our progressing investigators officially stopped progressing. We have also been tracting a little more than normal to try and pick up some more investigators without much success. But the great thing is, that even though things have been a little slow, and a little discouraging, at the end of the day, <u>I can look back and feel peace and joy from the gospel.</u> Not fake peace. Not a band-aid fix of joy. True contentment and assurady that the gospel is true and I am where I should be. "When other sources cease to make me whole" I can always rely on my Heavenly Father for peace. It doesn't matter what goes on around you - Christ is the Prince of Peace, and He is true to that title. I am so excited for Valerie, and I know that she has found that peace. And that peace is available to everyone. Seek for it and you will find it. I can promise you that as you learn about the gospel, you will come to know the Prince of Peace more than you ever had before.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Sister Larrabee<br />
<br />
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<br />CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-16759389959017792132013-12-16T19:16:00.000-02:002014-07-09T20:34:29.098-03:00Hastening of the Work!!Yesterday was GOLD. James and Janessa were both confirmed and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. That was awesome. I also randomly saw some of my beloved friends from the Lexington ward who were randomly in Salem and they told me that Julie and Steve were baptized yesterday as well. Life is really good and the work is progressing. This kind of happiness is pretty much unbeatable.<br />
<br />
We are working with several investigators. "Ashley" is the wife of a member in the ward and she has started opening up more to baptism. She is the sweetest thing and I am so privileged to know her. We are also working with an investigator named "Mike." He is 60-something and takes care of his 98-year-old mom. He shared his testimony with us about how he knew that he was supposed to answer the door when the sisters tracted into him, and that feeling of 'knowing' that he needs to continue is the same feeling that drives him to continue reading the Book of Mormon. We are so excited about his progress. The work is hastening. It is such a happy thing to be a part of!<br />
<br />
Dear friends! Look up the October 2013 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God sends us prophets to tell us what we need to do right now. The people in Noah's time needed Noah to warn them to repent right NOW because there was going to be a giant flood. What has our prophet asked us to do right now? Missionary work. I PROMISE happiness, and support from the Lord as you 'thrust in your sickle with your might.' It doesn't matter if you are afraid. The Lord will be with you and He has all power. I know it. Find this happiness. It is real. And it's in your grasp.<br />
<br />
Lots of Love,<br />
<br />
Sister Larrabee<br />
<br />
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<br />CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-91316520460481448672013-12-02T19:55:00.000-02:002014-07-09T20:34:34.415-03:00A wonderful wonderful crazy day.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Yesterday
was crazy! ANOTHER BAPTISM – one of our investigators, “James”, is the husband
of “Rose” who has been a member for 22 years now. James finally decided to take
the discussions and then he committed to baptism! YAY! He had a stroke or
something and so his legs do not work now. Yesterday was his baptism! It has
been such an ordeal getting this baptism together because #1 getting James in
and out of the font took a special wheel-chair like invention and 6 people in
the font and #2 his granddaughters are also getting baptized and they wanted to
do it together. So that is a dual-ward baptism which is really hard to
coordinate apparently. :) But yesterday we showed up for church and the power
went out. And because of liability reasons, the stake president cancelled
church. Everyone was freaking out because no one was coming to fix the lights
until 1:30 and they were thinking it would take hours to fix and that means the
baptism would have to be moved because the font takes 2 hours to fill, bla bla
bla. So we prayed. The lights turned on at exactly 11:30. So there was no need
to cancel church. Anyways. It was cancelled. And after all the chaos, the
baptism happened at 3! Right on time. It was incredible to see all of the men
in the font dressed in white who all worked together to baptize James. It was truly
a testimony builder as we saw the power of the Priesthood work to lift their
fellow man. It was great.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I also want
to say how awesome my companions are. We are all trying to improve and be
better missionaries and it is SO NICE. No one has to worry about saying things
we think we could improve because we are all moving towards the same goal. They
are so sweet and great. I really love them. It was a really good week. Full of
daily ups and downs, but the Lord is with me every step of the way. He truly
answers my prayers and is so aware of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Until next
time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-89393792436655597232013-11-25T19:54:00.000-02:002014-07-09T22:03:26.288-03:00Salem!<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Salem</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> is great. It is not like <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lexington</st1:place></st1:city>. My companions
are great. They are not Sister Pierson. I will get used to it I think. But the
members are so fun and loving. I don't get their humor yet… but I'll get there.
And the best part of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salem</st1:place></st1:city>
is that someone got BAPTIZED yesterday!!!! Her name is “Janessa”. She's 15 and
she is awesome. I got to speak at her baptism which was so super fun. And super
nerve-racking. I have never spoken at a baptism before! But we get fed here a
lot more than <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lexington</st1:place></st1:city>
and that is good -- especially since no one here feeds us shredded rabbit, possum
chili, or leftover casserole. Ha ha! I'm just kidding around. Although the food
in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lexington</st1:place></st1:city>
was different, I did like it. Twas just an adjustment. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I don't have much time,
so I'll have to go, but love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-67398033916221083022013-11-20T19:53:00.000-02:002014-07-09T20:34:46.004-03:00Ode to Lexington<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Today is
the last day of my first transfer in the field. I cannot believe how fast 6
weeks has gone. </span><st1:place style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Lexington</st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">
is the </span><i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">promised land</i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">. The Bishop, the
members, the scenery, the investigators... I will miss this place immensely. I
am being transferred to </span><st1:city style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salem</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">
which is in the Roanoke Zone (my neighbor zone). I get to be in a trio which
includes SISTER HABIBPOUR </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> my companion from the MTC! Win.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I am sad
to leave <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lexington</st1:place></st1:city>
and Sister Wood and Sister Pierson, but not as sad as I thought I would be. It
is very unusual that I would be leaving after 6 weeks because I am only half
way done with training, and usually you stay with your trainer (sister Pierson)
for 12 weeks- until training is completed. But it has actually been such a
tender mercy to be leaving so unexpectedly because I realized how much trust I
have in the Lord, which I don't think I quite realized before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I do not
want to part with Sister Pierson, but I am not as upset as I thought I would
be. I know I'm going where the Lord wants. But Sister Pierson is the bomb. I
love her so much. When we have been in interviews with President Pitt has
apologized to both Sister Pierson and I so many times about splitting us up.
"I tried to work around it, but the Lord has different things for you to
do." He really doesn't want to split us because he sees how much love we
have for each other and how well we work together, but he would not be doing
transfers as the Lord intends if her didn't. In the last interview he said
"I wish I could explain to you how strong the impression was that you
should be with Sister Pierson." I can't explain how much I love her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
I love this place. I am sad to leave, but happy because I know it's where God
wants me. I know nothing about it, but it feels kind of like Christmas Eve: God
has blessings for me in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salem</st1:place></st1:city>,
and I have no idea what they are, but I get to start finding out tomorrow!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Till I
write again in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salem</st1:place></st1:city>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Sister Larrabee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-29530355200511507942013-11-18T19:51:00.000-02:002014-07-09T20:35:00.524-03:00Weak Things Become Strong<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Since the last post, Sister Pierson and I got a new companion, Sister Wood. She
is so great. The two weeks with her in our companionship have been the best on
the mission. Sister Wood is a great example of courage and hope. Our last
companionship studies together have been mind blowing :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I have
some fun stories that tie into some deep thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Last P-day
I played touch football with our district. For anyone who knows me well, this
is a huge shock because I am deathly afraid of sports. Like. Seriously. :) But
It was so incredibly fun. I had no idea what was going on. It was a blast. We
are doing it this P-day as well. I am so sad we did not start doing this
sooner. I was sooooooooooo sore. For DAYS after. I am so excited. I still don't
quite get the rules and I feel like an idiot the whole time, but it's great. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Also, today
we had a District meeting/ hike that was super great. It represented the
apostasy and there were "clues" or "pieces of truth" that
were all spread out along the trail and the further we walked the more
scattered. We tried to follow the clues as best as we could according to our
knowledge, but sometimes we took wrong turns. It was super symbolic and really
fun. After, we all took pictures. Elder Jackson and Elder Bogguss wanted a
picture together, so they handed me their camera... and I dropped it. Sorta.
The wrist strap detached and the camera fell and shattered into a million
pieces. It was awful. Elder <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jackson</st1:place></st1:city>
wouldn't even look at me. He was like "all my mission pictures from my
whole mission were saved to that camera!" I felt like dirt, but I was
still like "I DIDN'T DROP IT!! IT FELL APART!!" I was still holding
part of the camera. After about ten minutes of me freaking out and total
awkwardness they finally told me that the camera was already broken and that it
was all a joke. They had pieced it back together. I was so full of emotions of
confusion, guilt, sorrow, more confusion, and surprise I screamed when they
told me. Not might finest moment. But it was really really funny! HA HA HA! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">So. There
was a time, not long ago at all, where I was afraid of everything - especially
if it had to do with people. For example, team sports, or associating with a
group of people. I remember having panic attacks where I forgot how to breathe
because there were people around me, wanting to go to parties or do other
things but giving in to my fear and staying home. I cried so hard when I found
out my dad had been called in the Bishopric of the Young Single Adult Ward and
I knew I would have to associate with people. I love people. A lot. I am just
afraid of them :) I would look at the scripture that said weak things could
become strong in the Lord and hope it could be true. But I never really thought
I would improve. My fears, however irrational, were extremely real and - to a
certain extent - they controlled me. But I have always tried to push forward
and trust in the Lord. I was pondering everything I do on this mission.
Teaching, knocking doors, being in charge, having responsibility, building
trust with everyone, talking to EVERYONE, having friends who are close enough
they convince me that I broke their camera, PLAYING FOOTBALL FOR GOODNESS
SAKES. Never did I think that this would be possible. Never. I know the Lord
can make my weaknesses strengths. I have seen it. I testify that God is real.
He is all powerful, and all loving, and we can trust Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Sister Larrabee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-13359834832705101552013-11-04T19:50:00.000-02:002014-01-18T20:34:04.143-02:00I Stand All Amazed<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">This week
included the best day of my life. We taught our second Lesson with Julie and Steve.
It was on the Plan of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Salvation – a </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">lesson that addressed the questions of
"Who am I? Why am I here? and Where am I going?" We began to explain
why bad things have to happen – how we have to experience pain in order to
experience more joy. They understood about that. They explained how this
horrible ordeal of cancer has brought them deeper joy in their marriage than
ever before. They explained how they wake up each day more in love than the day
before. It is because they have put their collective life in the hands of Christ.
He has unified them. No matter what happens, it will be okay because Christ
loves them and they love Christ. Julie is confined to her house of the
hospital. She can leave once a week and she has chosen to use that to go to
church on Sundays. She is so sick, and yet her focus is "Now that I'm
Mormon, how can I use my talents to serve others?" They are both so
positive and happy in the middle of everyone's worst nightmare because they
have put their life in God's hands and they trust Him. What an example they are
to me. She also spent the last 5 minutes of the lesson encouraging us. She said
that although not many receive us and listen to what we have to teach, there
are people – like them – who are searching for this truth. We have spent about
3 hours total with them, but they told us that those 3 hours have changed their
lives and brought them so much peace and knowledge. The hour I spent with them
that day was the best hour of my life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">And my day
got even better. After that, we got to attend the baptism of another
investigator. The other missionaries in our ward have been teaching a man named
“Richard”. He's 29. He is so awesome. The Spirit at his baptism was amazing. He
knew he was making the right choice. I marveled all day that God let me be the
one who came to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Virginia</st1:state></st1:place>
and be the one to teach Julie and Steve. He allowed me to witness the miracle
of Richard's baptism. He allowed me to be companions with Sister Pierson (who
is so incredibly wonderful). All God asked of me was to be worthy and willing
to preach His Gospel and He FILLS my soul with happiness. It is difficult to
describe the Joy that I feel from forgetting myself and sharing the true Gospel
with God's children. I stand all amazed that God offers this opportunity to me.
I am humbled. I am blessed. I am so loved. I could never deny His love for me,
His spirit reassures my heart every day, and I see beautiful witnesses of His
love for me everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">If you seek
for truth with faith in Christ and real intent, He will manifest truth unto you
through His Holy Ghost. I know it, because I know Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lots of
Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-60207674445539570432013-10-28T19:48:00.000-02:002014-08-05T14:31:13.016-03:00A week of MIRACLES :)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Last week
was a week of miracles. It would be impossible to name them all, but here are
the two most blatant ones.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Yesterday I
invited our new investigators to be baptized and they said yes!!! They are so
prepared to receive the Gospel, it is unreal. “Julie” and “Steve” used to be
Catholic but it "doesn't fit them anymore." Julie has cancer. She is
friends with a lot of Mormons. She received a blessing from the Bishop and when
she went to get her lymph nodes taken out, the masses inside were no longer
malignant. She has researched the church so much and during the lesson she
answered more of her husband’s questions that we did. Ha ha. The spirit was
incredibly strong. We talked a lot about Priesthood authority and then I talked
about receiving answers through the Book of Mormon. Steve got so excited... He
was like "This makes sense, I was wondering how to go about getting an
answer, but this makes sense. I'll do that :)" Julie says her goal is to
go to the temple one year after baptism. Is this even REAL?!? The most
beautiful thing about this is that I can see God answering their prayers. They
have been searching for the church that God wants them to join and during the
lesson, the Spirit told me that this was His answer to their sincere prayers.
God answers prayers. Not only their prayers, but mine. Which brings us to the
next miracle...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">We met “Bob”
at the Buena Vista Library which isn't in our area. We had to go there for our
first p-day (preparation day- once a week we can shop, do laundry, do email...
basically get caught up) because Sister Pierson (my companion) was going to
meet someone from her old ward there to get some of her stuff she left. It
turns out that her friend didn't actually work at that library. But we were
there to meet Bob. Because it is a small library, we were the only ones there
and I talked to him about the church. We both felt something special about him,
so we started praying that we might run into him again. So on Thursday, The
assistants to the President texted us and asked Sister Pierson to send
baptismal pictures from her last area. Sending the pictures didn't even work,
but we were supposed to go to the library on a Thursday because Bob was there
(IT ISN'T EVEN THE SAME LIBRARY WHAT) and he's coming to the Ward party on
Wednesday. He seemed so happy that we invited him. Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I know God
answers prayers. He is aware of every one of us. Miracles are real. Although
those are pretty amazing miracles, we see innumerable tender mercies from the
Lord every day. Pray to the Lord. He listens and will give you the miracles you
need. Hope you all are doing well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lots of
Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-41237776773464973182013-10-11T19:47:00.000-03:002014-07-09T20:35:31.403-03:00West Virginia!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">So my Visa
has not come. And I have been called to serve (temporarily until my Visa comes)
in the West Virginia Charleston Mission! I know this is where I am supposed to
be :) My new companion's name is Sister Pierson. She is the Sister Training
Leader (which means she is in charge of all the Sister missionaries in our
zone). We are the first sisters to ever serve in our area. Our area is </span><st1:place style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Lexington</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Virginia</st1:state></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">.
It's awesome. I don't have much time to write, but I do want to say that the
Lord takes care of us and I love Him. It is a little hard for me to transition
to the field. I couldn't ask for a better companion... or area... or ward...
but I do miss the MTC. Nevertheless, the Lord is giving me the tools I need to
adjust and succeed. I have never felt the type of love that I feel when I teach
real people in the real world. I love them because God loves them. So so so
much!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">God Loves
you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-31804120512863105302013-09-27T19:47:00.000-03:002014-07-09T20:35:41.523-03:00He does more...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Today I want
to talk about how my love for the Lord has grown for two reasons.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Reason One:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Elder
Johnson left. HE LEFT! He got His Visa and he went to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region>. WHAT??
For those who don't know, a district is a group of missionaries in the same
area. In the MTC (missionary training center) we spend all day every day with
them, studying the gospel and studying Portuguese. I know the Lord loves me
because He gave me this district of missionaries. I can't even explain how much
I love them. I love each of them SO SO SO much. I am not a crier normally. The
night before Elder Johnson left we sang "God be with you till we meet
again." And I couldn't even sing because I was weeping openly. Ha! It was
pretty pathetic. I didn't even know what we were singing because it was in Portuguese.
HA HA! I can't believe how close our district is already. I LOVE God so much
for blessing me with the opportunity to serve with them. I cannot even express
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Reason Two:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">As a
refresher, here in the MTC we teach people who pretend to be investigators
(people taking missionary lessons and learning about the church). They pretend
to be people that they taught on their mission, and we take it really
seriously. The experiences that I have had while teaching are amazing. I feel
so much love and help from the Lord, it's almost hard to believe, but it's
real. One of our "investigators” is named “Maria”. She had committed some
very serious sins in her past and she was so weighed down with guilt. So
weighed down. I have studied a lot of scriptures that describe how real the
despair and bondage of sin is and how glorious and real the saving power of
Christ is. I'm not perfect by any means, but I've never committed any super
serious sins, so I had never really thought about how strong the power of sin is.
Sin was weighing Maria down for years and years and years. Sin makes it
impossible for us to return to God. Impossible. Unless – we have a Savior. I
love the Savior. I love God's plan. I love God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">So in
Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">We would be
lost, helpless, and basically damned without the Savior. We all sin, therefore,
we are all separated from God. We would be separated forever if we did not have
a savior. We would be lost forever. But we aren't. Christ suffered and died an
INFINITE amount so we can be saved. Isn't that enough for us to love Him
forever with everything we have- to serve Him with all of our heart, might,
mind, and strength? But He did more than suffer for our salvation, He suffered
for our pains, sorrows, and sicknesses- everything we feel, He felt. He suffered
for it so we don't have to do it alone. But He does even more than that!! He blesses
us with amazing opportunities and blessings. For example: the opportunity to
live in an MTC with missionaries that I love more than life. He blesses their
families while their gone. He answers their prayers. He answers my prayers. He
blesses my family. He blessed me with the best family there is on the earth.
There is no end to his goodness and mercy. I love Him. How could I ever love
anyone more than I love Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">te amo,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-38371656890149598692013-09-20T19:54:00.000-03:002014-07-09T20:35:49.152-03:00We doubt not the Lord nor His goodness<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Hello
There. Today I want to talk about Hope. And why is that? Because Portuguese is
Hard, that's why :) We have begun doing these things called "English
Fasts." That means you can only speak Portuguese. That is unfortunate
because I don't really speak Portuguese. Teaching lessons in Portuguese is
hard. Planning lessons in Portuguese is even harder. It is really hard. I know
that the Lord can help me, but sometimes I am afraid to hope that He will. I
have seen too much in my life and in the life of others to doubt that the Lord
has all power, and He chooses to use that power in our behalf because He loves
us. A lot. I have faith that He can help me, because He has helped me and those
I love, but will He help me? Sometimes I'm afraid to hope that He will. What if
He let me down?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">On days
where we have English fasts, we can speak Portuguese for the last 15 minutes of
the day so we can discuss goals and thoughts and such. I expressed the desire
for planning lessons to be allowed in English, because when I am planning in
Portuguese, I get frustrated and then I don't feel the Spirit. After I said
that, one of the Elders in my district, Elder Gray, said that the Portuguese
does not limit the Spirit. God asked us to speak Portuguese and He will not withhold
His Spirit when we try to do what He says. He completely contradicted what I
said, but he amazingly did it in a way that did not cause offense, or anything.
In fact, I felt this wave of realization as the Spirit told me that what Elder
Gray said was true. I knew the Lord will not forsake me. I have learned that He
will support me in the past. Why have I not applied it to my life now? So. I've
started applying it to my life now. Guess what? The Lord is helping me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I know that
we can have faith AND hope in God and His promises. He will never forsake us.
We can ALWAYS feel His help. Sometimes things don't go as we expect, but we can
ALWAYS feel His love and His help and His peace when we have the Gift of the
Holy Ghost. He has promised us. And He keeps His promises. So now, I am trying
not to doubt the Lord. We've proved Him in days that are past, and He does not
change. He loves us. He will help us. We can count on it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lots of
Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1282740981802526845.post-27367993006698029382013-09-13T20:02:00.000-03:002014-07-09T20:35:56.613-03:00Let the Mission Begin!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Hello friends and family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I have
spent 2 weeks at the <st1:placename w:st="on">Missionary</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Training</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype>
in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Provo</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state></st1:place>.
Although it has been a FANTASTIC two weeks, it has been a little overwhelming.
We were teaching "investigators" in Portuguese on our 3rd day here,
and we are constantly studying from 8am to 8pm. It's a lot of work and a lot of
pressure. But as I have struggled to keep up and keep positive, I have felt the
Lord strengthen me. I am tired, but sustained. I am lacking understanding, yet
the Lord helps me know how to respond. I don't know Portuguese vocabulary, but
the Lord organized my small arsenal of words into meaningful messages when I
need them. The Holy Ghost can truly bring all things to our remembrance. Our
first lesson with our "investigator" was hilarious. We wanted him to
read <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Moroni</st1:place></st1:city>
10:3-5. For those who don't know that is about how each person can pray to know
if the Book of Mormon is true and they can receive the answer through the Holy
Ghost. And that is true. Unfortunately, we don't speak Portuguese and we
accidentally gave him Mosiah 10:3-5 which is about the history of a people and
how the women sewed clothes "to cover their nakedness." It. Was.
Hilarious. But we improve every day :) </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">A couple lessons later, we weren't
allowed to bring in a written script any more. We met with our
"investigator" (named "Carlos") and the lesson went so
well. One of my companions took 5 years of Spanish, so she is picking up the
language pretty quickly. She was talking to Carlos, and I was trying my best to
understand the words (or even just ONE OF THE WORDS!!!) And then she turned to
me and said something like "Now Sister Larrabee will add
something..." And I was like. "WHAT THE???" (in my head of
course). And then I felt peace. And my pathetic vocabulary arranged into a
message about how I knew that what Sister Bagley had just taught was true; that
God loved Carlos and wanted him to have peace and happiness in his life, and
that I knew the Lord could help him feel that in his life. It was a wonderful
experience. The more I teach, the more I feel God bless me with peace and
knowledge of what to say and when to say it; when to listen and how to
respond... even when I don't even fully understand what they are saying. It is
such an opportunity to learn to love those we teach and feel the spirit in our
lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I know the Lord will make up for the weaknesses you have. No
matter how weak your best is, the Lord can make up the difference if we offer
our best to Him. I know that by giving him our hearts, He will make us into the
best person we can be. He loves all of us. I love you all. Be good and Stay
happy :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sister
Larrabee</span><br />
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CreativeCarrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182272078917986729noreply@blogger.com0