NEW and MIRACULOUS!!!

Hey guys!!> So to start off with I can't explain in words how wonderful everything is!> God is great and I literally feel like I am being blessed so much that I> don't have room enough to recieve it!> So, Wednesday I went down to San Antonio for training on how to train from> President Cutler and the Assistants. And it was wonderful, I think what I> took away from it was absolute peace and sense of the responsilibility that> was being put on my shoulders. I think the most profound lesson was that> many are called but few are chosen. And it is so true many of us have been> called by God to do different things, whether it be to be Bishops,> missionaries, young womens advisor, ward missionaries, teachers, etc... BUT> we have to chose to be chosen. I know that sounds funny, but thats how God> works. He gives us commandments and scriptures and prophets so that if WE> so choose, they can be great blessings to us. ANd also that as we live> righteously and step up to the plate in a sense that He can continue blessing> us, but we have to choose to be chosen. WE have to choose to answer the> call that we have been given, and when we trust in God in all things, then> He will strengthen us and mold us and we will learn those life changing> lessons.> So Thursday was transfers. And going into them I had no idea how I was> going to do it, but I did know and I do know that the Lord had called me to> do it and that if He had confidence in me and was going to stand by me that> I could do anything. So When my soon-to-be new companion walked in I knew> before it was announced that she was it. Her name is Sister Larsen and she> is from Boise ID. ANd she is WONDERFUL!!!! I absolutely love her. She> lived in Ecuador for a total for 10 months working in Orphanages and so her> spanish is better than mine. Which meant that she was in the advanced> Spanish group and that she is seriously fresh in the missionary life. 3> weeks is all. So the Old Settlers Area was on bikes and being that we are> sisters we were getting a car. (I had to pass a defensive driving course in> order to drive, I'll be good) And so we were taken to the Ford dealership> and I drove a brand new 2010 Ford fusion off the lot. (yeah I am a little> nervous and no that is not at all common, but none of this is)> Anyways, she is great, she said she was going to be a little awkward at> first, but don't worry thats almost all gone. She is such a hard worker and> completely obedient. SHe is such a blessing to me. She was a little> nervous when President told her that I was only 2 transfer, but I think> she's okay now.> SO pretty much there have been NON STOP MIRACLES SINCE THE MOMENT THAT WE> ARRIVED HERE!! We immediately met the Ward Mission Leader and the Bishop.> THis area was supposedly dead, but people are just falling out of the woodwork.> To the point that we have to seriously be effective in our planning> or else we wont be able to teach and meet all the people that we need to.> I can't even put it into words. WE probably have 20 people to teach> that are solid and we keep finding more and more people everyday. We have> already gotten farther with some less actives and part member families than> the Bishop has ever seen!!! And all the members are just giving us many> referrals of FAMILIES and they are willing to pray with us to see how best> to start teaching them!!! (I have only gotten 1 since I have been out before> this) ANd its so funny cause there have only been elders here for as far> back as I've heard at least 5 years maybe more so many of the kids and> families have never seen sister missionaries here. And they are so warm and> loving. My new district leader Elder Seymour was in awe as well as I have> been by the absolute miracles that have just been pouring down upon us and> this area. Both he and my companion and I have saying prayers of gratitde> for the mulitudes of blessings and we'll be doing a fast of thanks this> sunday. I just want to tell you about everyone we're going to be teaching> but there are too many.> And sister Larsen and I have the same work ethic, which for as much as I> loved sister Derenthal, is refreshing. Neither of us see the point to> taking an hour for lunch when it takes 10 minutes to eat. And we are taking> p-day and our nights to do serious planning and organizing because we don't> want to waste our time inside during the week!!!! THIS IS SO AWESOME!!! We> are already such a team. ANd we are exactly obedient in all things and we> are just seeing the heaven open.> We gained the Bishops trust and support within the first visit. We already> went through the ward list with him and he gave us a million people to go> see, many part member who are opening up. I don't understand how having> sisters here, has changed everything, but I do know that we are supposed to> be here. I know that the Lord has a plan for us. I have no doubts and> although we are to work diligently and obediently that we really don't have> anything to do with the miracles and blessings. I just feel honored that I> get to see it, be a bystandard to the greatness of God. This is the true> church of God. I know that without a doubt in my mind. I know that everyone> is searching and yearning for the complete peace and happiness from living> the way that we were meant to live. And I know that God's is preparing the> hearts of the sincere seekers of truth to recieve it, EVERYWHERE. WHether> it is in SOuth AMerica, Europe, Orange COunty, or ROund ROck Texas, there> are people who are prepared and God has a plan for both me and you in> bringing those souls back to Him.> THank you to each of you and your support for me as I am out here. It means> the world to me. I couldn't have even imagine the exquisite joy that I feel> now and that is something that each one of you can have. Through scripture> study, sincere prayer, church participation and SERVICE. Living the> principle, actually doing the things you know are right. THATS WHAT ITS ALL> ABOUT!!>> I LOVE EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!> Your Sister Rooney

Always More Work to Do in the Building up of the Kingdom.

Hey,> Sorry, I forgot to tell you that its transfer week and therefore Tuesday> P-day. Its just how it works. So I didn't forget to write and I hope you> got more than a ps last week. Sorry. Daddy I am SO proud of you for taking> a nap!! I don't that I have ever known that to happen unless you were so> sick that your free agency was taken from you and you just passed out!! I'm> also very glad to hear that the backyard is coming along!! How's the> fireplace looking? Could you attach some pictures of it for me?? Thanks> Oh and where in Ohio are they from?? Thats where my trainer Sister> Derenthal is from. Cincinnati! And the church isn't too big over there.> She's in the Cincinnati Stake.> SO its been an eventful week as always in the service of the Lord. I got a> typewritter for $15 at the ROund Rock Serving Center that we volunteer at> and a member in my ward is going to order the ink ribbon thing for it... no> more hand writting letters. Its SO cute. And not that important, but still> fun. Dad I know I know I'm on a mission, BUT I'm going to be using it once a> week and its just so cute so I thought it through and although sister> Derenthal thought I was crazy at first I decided it was a good investment> even though I don't really have room in my very cute vintage but kinda small> luggage. SIster Derenthal has been continuing the fight of trying to teach> me how to be practical. But, I think the problems come in when we have two> very different definitions of practical.> Funny story: So we have been working with a lot of inactive sisters lately and> seen absolute miracles in actually being able to get in doors and into hearts> that have been closed for LONG periods of time. SO one sister just kicked> out her non-member boyfriend and we went over to help her clean out and deep> clean her house which she actually hadn't done even when they moved in 2> years ago (yes, I am grateful for weekly chores) Anyways she had her two> boys go into their room, while she gave us a disclaimer. The night before> she found a WOLF SPIDER in her bathroom. That was still there cause she was> too scared to kill it and when her 7 year old son went in to get it in the> morning IT WAS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND!! And that as she has been cleaning> their house they have been disturbing their comfy habitat. And that they> liked dark enclosed spaces. SO guess where we began... THE CLOSET. So> needless to say that although I think I have come a long way in the spider> department, I was a little bit nervous. So as we were taking stuff out,> there was a smaller spider and I calmly asked sister derenthal to kill it.> She told me that I was not allowed to scream unless it was bigger that a> quarter. I agreed. So then 30 seconds later, I ran away screaming. I have> never been so terrified in my life. I saw the biggest spider I have ever> seen...and it was ALIVE!!!!!! Sister Derenthal was even freaked out. SO we> called Ian her 7 year old son and sister Mitchell said, now Ian strike hard> and strike fast and kill it the first time. Well He didn't get it the first> time. THe GIGANTIC spider came running out of the closet and I was> instantly up on a chair. He got it, the brave little kid. But, it was> pretty much a near death experience. So I owe my life to a 7 year old!> Oh and I thought I was on a mission, but I keep having visitors so I am> starting to doubt it a little bit. I saw Sister McFerson on Saturday and it> was fun. But, its weird cause I have gotten so close to my ward here that it> kinda just felt like we were eating doughnuts (yes moma doughnuts) with just> another member of the Brushy Creek ward. And Momma she gave me the stuff.> And I love you, but I realize where I get the impratical stuff from. The> shoes were definately cute, but there is no way I can where bright yellow> open toe shoes or bright pink shoes. So I am going to be sending them> home. But, thanks for the thought!! I loved it.> Oh and a woman from Iran named Pershia (she changed her name from Vita to> Pershia) is going to be calling you. She joined the church in Germany like> 20 years ago, but she didn't know it was here. ANd she does the hair of a> member of the church and they made the connection. ANd the Elders from the> ward she'll belong to asked if I could go visit her and it was wonderful.> She was so perfectly persian. And she really wants to talk to you... And> could you send me my Book of Mormon in Farsi? I am going to give it to her.> English is still hard for her to read.> SO we went to visit Patrick and I can't contain my joy to see the change> that has taken place. We were almost laughing because he couldn't stop> smiling. We walk in and he was COOKING!!! and he had put pictures up in> his place and he couldn't stop smiling. I have never seen a happier person> in my life. THAT IS THE GOSPEL IN ACTION! He said that he was talking to a> lady at work and she asked him why he was so happy. He kinda told her his> story and that he had gotten baptized and stuff. And she was like thats> amazing, what church did you get baptized into? And he said the Mormon> church And her mouth dropped open. SHe was shocked!! He said it was the> funniest thing. He is a perfect example for me that although things aren't> perfect, he's been wating for his wife and she's just been messing with him,> so he's done and work isn't perfect, but he is PERFECTLY happy. He knows> what its like to live without the spirit and sometimes it takes the> perspective of someone else to make you realize how blessed you have truly> been to have that with you always. DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!! SHow your> gratitude for heavenly father for the blessing of the gospel and the access> to constant companionship of the spirit. I'm here for Patrick I am here for> the Lord I will continue doing everything I can to help people who are> searching to find him. THere is NO GREATER WORK IN THE WORLD. ANd I am> humbled and grateful that He loves me for who I am and is patient with me> through my weakness. I finished the book of mormon and I was really touched> my Moroni's insecurities in his writting. Because he knew how important it> was he was scared that his weakness' would minimize the importance of its> meaning for our generation. But, then came some of the most beautiful> scripture Ether 12:27 The Lord gives us weakness' to help us to be humble,> but through Him weakness' can be made stong. And Ether was comforted by> that.> This was an important thing for me to realize because this next transfer is> going to be character building, very humbling and its going to bring me even> closer to my Savior than I have ever been. President called last night and> told sister Derenthal that she was going to be staying in Brushy Creek and> training again. Which meant that I would of course be leaving this ward and> my companion that are now a part of me. Then President told me that I would> be getting doubled in to a new area. They are taking the Elders out of a> struggling area and putting sisters in and not only that, but he asked me to> train. I said that if he was asking me to do that I knew that I could and> that of course I would do it. So, I am very humbled by this oppotunity that> the Lord has put in front of me. But, He has been preparing my heart and> mind for a while. I wasn't shocked because I knew in my heart that I would> be training. But, I feel a little like Moses or Isaiah, when called to do> something I am not quite sure how I am going to do. I am the youngest> sister in the mission. I am with my trainer and there is SO MUCH I don't know,> and now I will be training and going to a completely new area! But, I know> whom the Lord calls he qualifies so I am excited for the things I will be> learning in the time to come. BUt your prayers would be MUCH appreciated.> I'll get her this thursday and Im actually going to be taking my District> Leaders area so Sister Derenthal and I will stay in the same district.> Which in many ways none of these things ever happen, but the Lord is with me> and although I AM WEAK, with Him I can do all things!>> Well till next monday!> Sister Rooney

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!

Hey everyone!!> From the sounds of things everything is going well, which makes me happy but> doesn't surprise. Of course everything is going well the Lord promised me> that He'd bless my family while I served Him and He keeps His promises!!> Dad I am impressed with your effort in the backyard. I think it'll be done> before I get home! THats great! Kyle I hope finishing up your> sophomore year goes well. Good luck with finals and everything. Study hard> cause whether or not you believe it right now, it does matter. I am a> little jealous that your working at the YMCA and get to be in your bathing> suits all the time. But, not all that much. I e-mailed from the library and> there are three little boys like 8 years old sitting next to me playing war> craft and it makes me laugh and remember when Cami would play it at about> the same age.> Anyways everything here truly couldn't be ANY more MAGICAL and wonderful.> Mom's right I do live in this nice little dream world of sunshine (with> humidity) and wildflowers (which are starting to die because of the intense> sunshine) and I love it!! Patrick was baptized on saturday by Brother Rebstock> who has only been a memeber for about a year and a half. So it was his> first time baptizing which made it even more special. It was amazing. We> decided to spare Patrick and the ward members of our singing this time> around. And afterwards we went over to the Turley's and had homemade pizza> and ice cream and Zoo (his daughter came and loved it) It actually reminded> me of all the little girls a little cause these little girls invited us to> their talent show outside invitations and all. It was cute. But, most> importantly the more I have gotten know Patrick the more I understand a> little more of the love of God and how God truly loves all his children. He> is VERY mindful more than any of us can truly comprehend of our> circumstances. If we are humble he will guide us to Him and to true> happiness, which is what I am experiencing now.> I am so grateful to be in this INCREDIBLE area. President Cutler talks> about how the Lord is preparing us to be the fututre leaders of His church.> His plan is so much greater than what we see. I know that I was meant to> serve here with Sister Derenthal and yes in this middle class predominately> white area in the middle of suburbia speaking english, yes mom even speaking> english because that is honestly where I came from. I see my family and my> friends in this demographic. And I see the challenges that people face, and> the lack of faith that can come to even return missionaries. Because that> kind of missionary work can only happen in South America or something like> that. I can see first hand the benefits of home teaching and visiting> teaching, in a way that Im not sure I would have been able to really see as> my future (I'm also planning to live in other countries too, but you get> it!)> Sister Derenthal and I have made a goal to read the Book of Mormon in this> transfer and its been so amazing to get a little bit more of the big> picture. To watch the people come unto Christ and then fall and then repent> and fall and to see the excuses and the hardened hearts. I guess to see the> hand of the Lord in all things as well as the hand of Satan. Examples to> follow and warnings of what can happen when you let your guard down. Its> pretty funny, but yesterday I got pretty heated after I had read 3 Nephi> 3 of Giddianhi's epistle to Lachoneus. I was ticked that such an evil man> would say such blatant lies and be so evil. Sister DErenthal was laughing> at me. But, I guess what I love most from what I read that even when people> are evil and wicked the Lord sends prophets to them and begs them to> repent and come unto God. His hand is ALWAYS stretched out! Repentance is> the greatest blessing we have. We haven't been asked to be perfect, only to> progress. To keep trying.> As I have been here and served with Sister DErenthal I have truly been able> to understand that concept more than any other. We are WEAK!!! we are not> perfect, YET the Lord works through us because our hearts are in the right> place. Isn't that incredible. Also that the Lord needs me to be me. He> needs me to progress and be better, but to use my words from my heart as He> gives them to me to help others. We have had absolute miracles happen> especially with many less-active members. And even if they have been> inactive since they were 13 they still have certain values and truths and> voids they can't get away from. You want to know why? BECAUSE ITS> TRUE!!!! You can't get away from it because you can feel it. ITS TRUE.> Less- Actives who don't accept home teachers or visiting teacher or any> contact with the church have been asking us to come back and accepting> invitations to read the book of mormon and to let God back into their> lives. Is there anything better. And I know its because they can feel that> we are doing it out of love. We are not here to judge or guilt trip only to> let them know that their Father in Heaven loves them and that true happiness> is in the gospel. Gosh I know its amazing!!> I am thankful for you guys. Especially for my family. I am thankful for> the sincerity and Christ-like love you have for me. Our families aren't> perfect (but I think ours is as close as it gets) but that whats so> beautiful about it God uses us to bless and build our family (immediate,> extended, ward, stake) even through our weakness'. It doesn't mean we> shouldn't continue to work a little harder. But, we don't need to get down> about it because man are we blessed! I know I could have only made it> through my life up until this point because of the incredible examples of my> parents who taught me through their actions about love for everyone, devtion> to the lord and diligence. THANK YOU!!!!> Love> Your sister ROoney>> GOd loves you exactly the way you are, but let Him turn you into the person> you have the potencial to come!!>> P.s. just in case you think I'm boring my district leader said the other> night. "wow I didn't know that sister had fun." Sister DErenthal really> wanted to be laying in a hammock at the beach one night. SO I delivered. We> made a two story hammock. Pretty ingenious and one night we couldn't sleep,> when in my former life I may have gotten up and gone running or done> something crazy, I made her put her bed on the ground, which she fought me,> but it was just for fun and now she likes it so much that they are still on> the ground and our box springs are up against the wall. And we probably> talk in funny accents all the time. And when we are walking down the street> even though she's completely embarrassed of me I make her sing hymns and> primary songs even when people stare at us. And the best is that she's kind> of anal about being perfectly organized. She doens't understand the> concept of a junk drawer cause "everthing has a spot." So I just mess with> her sometimes and will leave things just a little out of place. Like open> her drawer and have a shirt hanging out while she goes to the bathroom or> something. She can't handle it. But, I tell her I am preparing her for> motherhood when she wont be able to have everything perfect cause her kids> will just mess it up!! She is really one of my best friends. The elders> think we're crazy... which we are, but we're changing the sister missionary> stigma fo "boring and lazy" cause we break that mold in every way!!> We're just following presidents counsil. Work hard, be obedient and HAVE> FUN!!!! SOmething I think every one should partake in!!

The simple life

SO everything sounds like its going great back at home. Although I will be> honest and this may sound crazy, but I totally miss working in the back yard> for hours on end with the family. Especially if Grandpa came down to help I> am sure its starting to look incredible. I would love for you to send> pictures of how its going. Happy birthday to Sean!!! I lvoe you bud and I'm> sending a hand writen letter your way very shortly!> So sorry this is coming to you at a later hour than normal. But, this> morning we went up to this big property of a member of our ward who is> getting ready to their 25 acre plot of land. Even though they have the> skeleton sort of a barn and just a young little orchard, it was an> amazing experience to just walk through the brush and sit and ponder on the> simplicities of life. Something I thought a lot about while I was in> Paraguay. And how true happiness comes back to the gospel of Jesus Christ.> It really is just that easy AND that complex. Some times I feel like Naman> who was commanded to wash in the river Jordan to be healed from leprosy and> he almost didn't do it because it wasn't grand enough. I think I might> stand and fight if asked to do so, but before it seemed sometimes that> reading my scriptures and praying just was so easy that I didn't understand> the miracle of it. Lets be honest with ourselves we waste SO much time on> SO many other things, but we can't take 30 minutes out of our day to sit and> ponder the scriptures and how they are applicable to our lives and then> think about all the blessings we have and truly show our gratitude to the> Lord for all that we have been given. I think that its so easy to do that> we just don't understand or appreciate its value. Like home teaching and> visiting teaching (aka being a real friend to a member of our ward family)> not that hard to do. It can strengthen the ward and is just so easy to> procranstinate. Its absolutely INSANE how satan has made these incredibly> important things just seem slightly insignificant to the worldly eye. He is> good at what he does, sadly enough.>> Anyways it was great. I am SO happy! I really don't know that there is> quite a full and complete joy as the joy in seeing men and women take that> VERY scary and life altering step towards God and covenant that although> they haven't lived their lives a certain way previously that they trust Him> enough to do it His way for the rest of their lives through the beautiful> ordinance of baptism and recieving the holy ghost. These people I have the> absolute privledge of coming in contact with have truly enlarged my soul.> They have become a part of me in a way that I can't quite put into words.> Patrick the man of miracles had plenty more this week. He worked every other> Sunday and he doesn't have a car. BOth of which have been obstacles for him> coming to church. (the car was much less of an obstacle) But, when he> finally recieved his witness that it was what the Lord wanted for him he> still had to work the next three Sundays because he had said he'd cover for> his friend because he wasn't planning on getting baptized anytime soon (the> Lord obviously, like in most cases, had other plans!) So this past week the> Lord heard the prayers of the many people praying for Patrick and his> company wants to change his hours so that he doesn't work any Sundays> EVER!!! And if that wasn't enough he got a car this last thursday. So his> baptism was orginally planned for the 12th (a great day and I think Sean> would agree) but it was going to have to be pushed back cause he had to come> to church one more time, but he was still going to have to cover for his> friend. And so we told the PEC having seen Patrick on Saturday that it was> pushed back. But as we were sitting in church next to Jessica, she points> over and says hey look, and another miracle, PATRICK IS SITTING THERE!!! So> last minute somebody called and covered for him and he was going to stay> home but he realized why he got it covered so he drove over in his car that> he now had and was able to come to church. Making his baptism this coming> weekend! The 12th of June. I think one of the greatest feelings in the> world was sitting next to Shawn and Jessica, have Patrick come sit by us and> then April come in and sit by us. And to know that it was ALL THE LORD. I> continue to be the most spoiled daughter of God ever!!> There is no joy like missionary work. ANd guess what y'all can get in on it> too! every member a missionary!!> The ward is great. Our entire dinner calender was filled in one sunday.> I am more blessed than I can put into words and I know that this is all the> Lord and very little of what I have done!> Well have a spectacular week! I love you all. THanks grandpa for taking care> of the family and great grandma thanks for your email. YOur a doll!> Love> Your sister Kimi Rooney!