Fall...

Well Hello Everyone,> I hope everything is wonderful with everyone. Things here in Encino Park> couldn't be any better, EXCEPT its getting cold. I have brought out the> sweaters, scarves and tights. They tell me it doesn't last very long....> thank goodness. I really have a strong testimony, that I would have died> anywhere else. Missionary work, is an outside kind of work. Not a curl up> in a blanket, drink hot chocolate and look at the cold from the inside kind> of work. So yet another testimony that Heavenly Father knows us> personally.> Tuesday I had dinner with Br. DeBord. He made a feast!! Gumbalaya,> chili, blue corn bread, potatoes and green beans, with a honeydue with> prickley pear smoothie. I had a very little bit of each and it was all> incredible. He is quite the cook. And the whole time I was boggled that I> was actually eating dinner at his house. Like we'd always joked about.> Prophecy fulfilled. He is really the nicest man. I see Roxanne in him;> and I finally saw Sandy at church too. And word traveled fast. I think> within less than two days, EVERYONE in multiple wards, knew that I was> Roxanne's roommate. And it kinda throws me off every time somebody> mentions it because it was like it happened in my past life and so its not what my> mind immediately jumps to, so it takes me a few seconds to make the> connection to Roxanne, Roxanne.> As far as everything else goes, it couldn't be more beautiful. I love love> love Sister Snow. We get along SO well. We are so much a like, which seems> to be a little dangerous. You see we have both had companions who were on> top of remembering things, and checking the phone and not loosing things> etc... So Heavenly Father is making us both step up and improve. He's> really good at that. We just laugh at ourselves all the time and try to set> goals to get better. But, at the same time we both love to work hard, love> the people, and love obedience. So its working out, we've just got to get used> to the logistical stuff. Like putting the keys in the same place every> time. Every day I am more astounded by her strength and dedication. Because> her opposition arises from those closest to her. Yeah maybe our family is> working on things, but her family sends an email every once in a while,> telling her that she is ruining peoples lives and that they are so> disappointed in her and that she has destroyed their family. But, she knows> the truth. She knows this is the best thing we could ever be doing. It is> the best thing anyone could ever do.> Jonathan Gadbilou got baptized that Sunday in Windcrest and I couldn't be> more overjoyed. Here Tracy and Carmin are doing great. We had dinner> all together at a members house and it went WONDERFULLY. They want a quad> and nothing is going to stop them from getting baptized. They recognize the> truth and they have the courage to follow it. There is no greater joy, than> seeing the lives of those you love change and come in accordance with the> plan of our heavenly father. To see the fire to learn everything they> possible can be ignited is powerful indeed.> I have such a testimony of the Lord's timing. It is essential to recognize> it. Because whether someone is less active, not a member or struggling> with something else or another... it all comes down to timing. I have not> been called to convince anyone that this is the truth. It is the truth. It> stands alone. I am not going to convince anyone that the Book of Mormon is> the word of God and that Joseph Smith in reality spoke to Heavenly Father> and Jesus Christ and was called to be a prophet, anymore than I can convince> them that Jesus is our Savior. When someone isn't ready they harden their> hearts to the spirit and cast it off as a thing of naught (2 Nephi> 33:1-2) . But, when it is the Lords time, they readily accept and are> taught by the Holy Ghost the truth of all things and then THEY ACT on it.> We can all help to find those people. To help prepare them. This is not the> responsibility of a full-time missionary alone. The softening most often> occurs through good friends and neighbors. So be that, reach out to> people. At baptism, we promised to take Christ's name upon us. To do as he> would do.> Well, I love you!!! I hope all is wonderful! If its not... pray and give it> to Heavenly Father and be grateful for the opportunity to learn. Every> person that doesn't want to talk to us, is just another answer to our> prayers, because we pray to find those who are ready, and so they don't> know, but when they say I have a church or I am not interested or> etc... they are following the spirit cause what they are really saying is> ..." I am not yet ready at this time to accept the message of the restored> gospel, but if you give me time I'll get there, but if you keep going you'll> find my neighbor who is." It is such a blessing. And it isn't just positive> thinking, its the truth. Heavenly Father answers all our prayers, we just> need to look for our answers.> Love,> Your Hermana/ Sister> Rooney