Week 44 Arizona

"ALL THINGS HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE WISDOM OF HIM WHO KNOWETH ALL THINGS." -2 Nephi 2:24

"OH BE WISE, WHAT CAN I SAY MORE?" -Jacob 6:12

"...BE WISE LIKE SERPENTS AND HARMLESS LIKE DOVES..." -Matt 10:16

The first scripture of this email is what I like to call my "TRANSFER SCRIPTURE."  I found it sometime last transfer and it just jumped out to me. Our Heavenly Father really does have so much wisdom. He has prepared us far in advance and now all we have to do is trust in His great wisdom. (Ether 2:23-24) He, through his wisdom, prepares us, directs us, helps us grow, and gives us what we need. So why is it so hard to trust him sometimes? This is a thought I have been pondering for quite awhile. Why? We know that He knows all things, has all power, and loves us deeper and more fully then we could ever comprehend. So what is it that we lack yet?

In the General Women's meeting, I loved all that was said about temples. When you watch, listen, or read those inspired talks you get to learn what Father wants you to know. Here are a few things that He wanted to teach me.

1Corinthians 6 we learn that WE ARE TEMPLES. The Spirit is in us, just as it is in the temple. But we must be pure and holy. So with this in mind look at all we learned from our leaders.

From Sister Marriott (who was my favorite from the night) we learned how with every temple built the influence of Satan is lessened. So as each of us make it a goal to fulfill the scripture in 1Corinthians 6 we are helping to rid this world of Satan's influence. What power we have. We really do have a HUGE circle of influence around us. So how are we going to use that influence? If there are things you could be doing better (and there always are) to make yourself more like a temple, I invite you to make a goal and a game plan.

THE BEST TIME TO PLANT A TREE WAS 40 YEARS AGO, THE 2ND BEST TIME IS NOW. I know that you can do it because you have the power of Christ to make those changes. HE WILL HELP YOU. When we change to be better we change through the atonement. We are changing through Christ. So it only makes sense that He would be there to help us through the whole process. We've all heard the saying that it may not be easy, but it will always be worth it.

So I invite you all to close your umbrellas and soak in the blessings that Father has pouring down on you. I know that you will never regret it (Luke 9:62). Put your hand to the plow and don't look back. Look toward the temple. Keep the temple ever in you sights. There is so much power in this. You can't get to the temple if you are looking at the world. I know that to be true.

I know that God lives. I know that He is my Father and your Father. I know that Christ is His only Begotten Son who died for us but who now lives for us. I know that He Loves YOU/US with every imperfection, defect, or flaw. He loves us so much that He made a way for us to over come this world. We can do it now! I love this work. I love this gospel. And I know it to be true.

Sister Raynor

Philippines Week 49

FAMILY!!!

This week was pretty stressful for many reasons. The main reason is because we were informed of some potential danger in our area. This prevented us from proselyting in most of our area and not being able to go visit our baptism goal dates. We had two investigators that should have been baptized on Saturday. As we called them to tell them that their baptism would have to be pushed back, they expressed their excitement for their upcoming baptism and their goal of making it to the temple in a year. We really felt that we needed to work really hard and find another way to teach them so that they could be ready for October 4. As we were thinking about this, we got a text from a branch member that informed us that it was safe to go through the area on a jeepney. We were so excited! That day, the Calagos family had their interviews and were able to be baptized on October 4. I love this area so much.  The branch is so willing to do their part. As we hurriedly prepared for the baptism, members started to really respond. On Saturday night as we walked into the church, I was amazed. The Spirit in the room seemed to just “whoosh” around us. It was by far the most “rushed” baptism that I have had on my mission but because of the love of the members here it was the most spiritual and beautiful baptism that I have been to on my mission. We were able to complete the Calagos family (the wife and two daughters were baptized in September),

Quick share from my scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 2:9à “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”

I know that eternal and everlasting blessings are prepared for is if we but love God enough to keep His commandments and make sacred covenants with Him. 

• MLC--Missionary Leadership Correlation-- At the mission home. I got to see Elder Jarvis, Sister Udall Sister Hart from my batch. It was super good to see them. Its crazy to see the changes that each of us have made in the last 12 months.
• It[s October! I am so excited for Halloween!
• We had a breakout in my apartment of lice and flees... that is all that I'm going to say about that.
• I got to hang out with Elder and Sister Gorringe at a zone meeting. I love them. They made my day.
• We got stuck in a rainstorm so we went to the nearest members house. It was a less active, tatay Perpecto. He is my favorite. As we were waiting for the rain to stop, he had the news on. A big warning popped up about a volcano spewing ash in another part of the Philippines. It was a warning for all pregnant women to evacuate. It then showed a room with 656 pregnant women. As all of this is happening, tatay goes " patay! No self control...Nope. None."
• This morning, we were able to wake up early and go play Frisbee at the mission home with the Assistants to the President, office elders and Sister Dahle (mission president's wife). It was super fun.
• We were also taught a lot about the importance of family history. I am not converted to family history. There is literally no other church and no other way to provide salvation for our deceased. They need ordinances performed on their behalf. If you have questions about this please visit:   https://www.lds.org/topics/family-history/purpose-family-history-work?lang=eng

I love you all! Until next week, Sister Raynor.

 Me and my batch at MLC (missionay leadership conference) Elder Jarvis and Sister Udall and Elder C and Sister Hart.

Week 43 Arizona

"WHEN YE ARE IN THE SERVICE OF YOUR FELLOW BEINGS, YE ARE ONLY IN THE
SERVICE OF YOUR GOD."

The antidote for all worry, sadness, pain, anxiety, etc. is service.
We were sharing a message with a member of our ward last night. As we
were talking about the love of God she told the story of her
conversion. It was filled with a lot of mistakes, loss, regrets, pain,
sorrow, but ended with hope, peace, fulfillment, and love. After 35
years out of the church she hit rock bottom. She told us she felt
hopeless and empty and nothing, that she was trying was getting her
out. So she went to God.

She could not find a job as she started her path back to her Father so
she spent her time totally immersed in service. "This service" she
said, "is what saved me. It healed my deep wounds and brought light
back into my life." What a powerful testimony she bears when she talks
of the Atonement. When we serve others we serve God. What better way
to happiness.

I can testify to the power of service. I am changed through the
service I have been blessed to give. It is all around us and I know
that it is one of the tools that Father uses to shape us into the Gods
and Goddesses He hopes and desires for us to be. When we throw
ourselves into service we are surrounded by His spirit. That is the
spirit that brings peace, love, healing, and guidance into our lives
and hearts.

The other day we were telling Brenda about the spirit. She is a recent
convert that struggling and she could really use some prayers. Brenda
has a heart of gold but no motivation right now to kick her desires
into action. She moved out of her boyfriends house to get baptized,
but after a few weeks...she found out that she was pregnant and now,
she is back to living with him.

We were able to share some very powerful scriptures with Brenda to
help her understand how much she NEEEEEEDS to be reading her
scriptures EVERYDAY and coming to church EVERY Sunday. It is these
little day to day things that help us have and keep the spirit. When
we have to spirit Satan has no hold on us. She cried and told us that
she knows but it is so hard. So guess what we did... (Caroline your
going to love this part!) We made a schedule with her. We gave her a
piece of paper and helped her figure out a time EVERYDAY that she was
going to read. And how she was going to prepare to attend church. Then
we made a plan on how we as missionaries could follow up daily to help
her. There is no point in committing someone to something if you are
not going to follow up.

Family: I know that God lives. I know that He loves me and each of
you. He has a perfect plan for you that you already agreed to. You
said Yes! In the words of Elder Malm of the 70 "we are all yes-
sayers." And guess what? that also means that everyone you see each
day said yes to this plan too. Sadly a lot of them have forgotten this
and so we are called to remind them. This plan is the plan of
HAPPINESS. This world always needs more happiness so lets teach
everyone this plan. As we do we will have Father's Spirit with us to
lift us, guide us, and help us all along the way. You are called to
serve. Grab your scriptures and put on your badge of honor and follow
the Savior.

I know as you do you will be blessed. I see it everyday. I know it, I
live it, and I love it with all of my heart and soul. You can do hard
things. Live each day with purpose. You will find joy and peace as you
do. Love you all.  



Sister Raynor

This is the creepiest thing I've ever seen...it's a tree stump 

This is our fort-like set up from our last apartment. 

Philippines Week 48

I've been transferred!!!!

I’ve been trying to think of what I should write all week and I still don’t know exactly what to say. I guess I’ll just share my thoughts with you.

Transfers- It always hurts a little when you leave an area. I had been in Abucay for 6 months and so, of course, it was hard but exciting saying goodbye. It was hard to say goodbye to the members and less actives that I have come to love with all my heart. (It was especially hard to say goodbye to one of our investigators who, hopefully, was baptized last Saturday). But of course, I am so excited to meet the people here in Subic.

Companion- Sister Empalmado is literally amazing. Our lessons are amazing. She is a great teacher and I look forward to learning more from her. As we discussed this last transfer, we both agreed that we really felt that President had prayed specifically for us. We know that there are amazing opportunities awaiting us here. I look forward to seeing the work of the Lord fulfilled in our area.

Sister Smith- My last week with Sister Smith was very stressful but I actually really miss her. I pray for her and think of her daily. I can’t think of anytime in my life where I have experienced more change in myself. Our companionship was not easy but it was probably one of the greatest learning experiences of my mission. I am so grateful for the time that we had together. 

• So we found out about transfers early. SO I was able to say goodbye to everyone in Abucay.
• I got transferred to Olongapo--Subic specifically. I got called to be a Sister Training Leader. So we are the mission home STLs. So I go to church with the Assistants to the President and the Office Elders. 
• Elder Christensen (from my first area) is now an office elder and his companion is his trainer. They live right up the street. Its like a blast from the past. 
• I see the Senior Couple (The Gorringes) all the time.
• My new apartment has air con, hot water, and a washing machine. I'm living the life. :)
• My area is all mountain on one side and then ocean on the other. We just hike all day. It is gorgeous because the ocean is right there every time we look off the mountain. 
• MY companion, Sister Empalmado, is the best. She is Filipina and we go home at the same time. Which apparently is getting pretty close.I got called a pauwi this week. which pretty much means someone that is close to going home.
• We've also been introduced into a new concept--I2L-ing jeepneys. SO basically we get up in front of the whole jeepney while we are riding to appointments and invite everyone in the jeepney to learn about the gospel and we hand out pass-a-along cards with our numbers on it. So we contact 20+ people in a 3 minute period of time. Its kind of scary talking in front of everyone but it is worth because you are giving so many a chance to learn. 

I'll send pics next week when i get my camera fixed. We are planning a trip to hike this HUGE mountain in a few weeks. So excited. Love you all. Be good. Love Sister Raynor

Bus station goodbyes. Sister Hart is now south in the mission and I am in the center/heart of the mission. BIg CITY!!

​This is the branch president that went less active for 25 years and then we helped him return to full activity. He cried when we said goodbye and then told me to come back when he goes to the temple next year--- looks like we might need a family vacation here in the Philippines. :)

Week 42 Arizona

Hey Mamma-

Its been a crazy week so I've just put in all of my journal entries for this week... sorry I don't have a lot of time to write

We just finished having an amazing week. 

       Tuesday, my companion was super distracted and upset about something. She was driving us to District Meeting and we reached a stop light and then she just treated it like a stop sign. She stopped, then went. After District meeting, she asked Elder Diaz for a blessing. It was one of the most spiritual blessing that I have ever gotten to be apart of and it was awesome because he gave it to her in Spanish. Ever since Tuesday, we've been so much closer to Elder Diaz...that blessing was a moment. I know that God's power is once again back here on the earth and I'm so grateful for worthy priesthood holders and leaders. We found a new investigator that day and she is really awesome, her name is Irma.

        Wednesday was also a way Awesome day.. The Evergreen Ward had us teach the young women's activity that night and we taught about what mission life was like and why we chose to go on missions and we were able to bring an investigator and a recent convert with us to meet all of the girls and listed about what we do as missionaries. We then read from chapter 10 of Preach my Gospel and taught the girls how to use the scriptures while teaching someone about the gospel. We divided the girls into 4 companionships and Hermana Smuin and I were 2 investigators and then the recent convert and the non member were 2 investigators and they taught us their favorite scriptures using the model of explain the context, read with them, then apply it or their lives. The spirit was so strong. The nonmember, Julia, approached us afterwards with a bunch of questions about the baptism process. We ran from there to an awesome lesson with the Lindor family and a Ward missionary couple came with us and they provided great fellowship.

       Thursday was also bomb. It was the first time I have ever gone on splits. We got so much done and we were able to work in the Spanish and the English Ward at the same time. We finished the night with an awesome lesson with a Ward missionary couple. The work is much more fun when we are with the members.

       Friday we had a surprise meeting with President Toone and the whole entire mission, even all of the missionaries from Yuma came up. And he laid down the hammer! It was a blunt meeting, a lot of how we need to use Facebook and how we need to be examples. I really liked it. It helped me know exactly how I needed to change. There was no beating around the bush. 

And the cherry on top of this huge chocolate cake of a week, Saturday.....

       Saturday, we had the amazing opportunity to hear from a member of the Presiding Bishopric, Bishop Davies, a member of The Seventy, Elder Corbridge, and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Christofferson.  The power in the room was definitely felt as we filed through and introduced ourselves while shaking these leaders' hands.  They talked to us about so many things, I took 4 pages of notes. At the beginning, he talked a lot about The Second Coming actually and our role in gathering a group of righteous people to welcome Jesus when He comes. But something that really struck me at the end was what Elder Christofferson taught us about the sin of rebelling against God. He said we need to stop all rebellions against Him and start doing His will. We must ask Him what He wants of us and then do it. He made the comparison to Satan and said that he was cast out of heaven because he rebelled against God and we need to be so cautious and careful because he is still recruiting. The time we have to serve the Lord as full time missionaries is too short to be wasted. That day we saw a lot of miracles and just had the greatest desire to work in the Lord's vineyard. That night we were driving in the car and Sister Smuin asked me, "alright, where to?" I felt super strongly like we needed to go visit this girl named Florentina, so we headed her way, and we had an amazing lesson about the peace that comes through the Holy Ghost with Florentina.

       Sunday was even more amazing. I was literally shocked that each day just got better and better. A recent convert's daughter came to church on Sunday and instead of going to Relief Society, we stayed out in the hall and talked to her. We had one of the most spiritual lessons. It was incredible. She accepted to be baptized on the 19th of October :) it was an absolute miracle. She's so prepared. Her name is Julia Morales. We ended the night with a Mission President's devotional and it was good to see everyone there. I was getting really nervous about transfer calls because usually they come around 9 or 10 on Sundays, right? But they never came!! I was so antsy. The zone leaders told us they were going to tell us in the morning. I was dying.

Today, we've been writing letters and still no calls. It's Killer. We just got a call...Sister Smuin is stepping up to be a Sister Training Leader. I'm so happy for her because I know this is what she wanted, but I'm also so sad because I know we wont be companions...my fate is still to be determined. Leadership calls go out before transfer calls. I'll let you know if I get a call.

(Sounds like I'm staying!!  - YEA!)

Love Sister/Hermana Raynor

This transfers transfer board...its like march madness for missionaries

Weekly district pic

 Me, Sister Smuin, and Elder Diaz- we found some name tags that say "Hello my name is"  I was Hope, she was Staci and he was Maru.

Ward Party

Philippines Week 47

Sa aking magandang pamilya--

Kumusta na kayo?? Namimiss ko po kayo palagi pero napakaganda ang gawaing misyonero dito sa Pilipinas. Sana malusog at maligtas kayo sa inyong mga gawain. Sobrang crazy ang linggo ko.!!

To my beautiful family--

How are you? I miss you always but missionary work is very good here in the Philippines. Hopefully, you are all healthy and safe. My week was crazy.

So I am going to go through and bullet my week because all of the days kind of blurred together because of all the typhoons that hit here. (Sorry, my camera is broken and so I have 0 pictures). 

• Teresita, my favorite investigator ever, is getting baptized on Saturday (right after transfers so I don't know if I will see it but it was cool because I was able to find and teach her all the way through the lessons). Love her.She is about 60 and CRAZY! I love it.
• Teresita was interviewed this week by our District Leader and his Samoan companion came too. On the way back, a typhoon hit, umbrellas broke and we got pummelled with rain. So, the islander decides to try to start a water fight in the middle of the street in a HUGE DEEP baha (flood). Good times in the Philippines.
• There were two bagyo (typhoons) that hit this week. We lost power. I think we probably changed clothes 2 or 3 times a day everyday this week because we were just constantly soaked. We also hardly slept because the rain was SOOO loud.
• Because of the above bullet point, I have had a super wicked cold and sinus infection for about a week. I just started antibiotics.
• I had exchanges with Sister Pilkington. It was like a slap of reality. She goes home in 3 months. 
• I'm loving the members here in Abucay. We have transfers on Wednesday and i will be kind of sad if I leave the members buts I've been here 6 months and i could really use a change. 
• Tender mercies that I listed in my journal this week:

1. Teresita made us hot chocolate when she saw us coming to her house during the typhoon.
2. Members that love the gospel. 
3. The gift of tongues. So real.
4. The knowledge that I will be going home in less than 6 months. This is the best part of my mission, because during the hard times it's starting to feel like there's some hope at the end of the tunnel, but during the good times I can still feel like I have some time left to enjoy my mission.

Well, I love you all so much. I hope everyone is doing good. I'm enjoying life on my little island in Asia.

Love (the better) Sister Raynor 

Week 41 Arizona

The Book of Mormon is so powerful. In Alma 31:5 we are encouraged to try the virtue of the word. In Alma 37:9 Alma tells us that is was the Book of Mormon that converted and changed the hearts of the Lamanites. This has been the message that I have received all week long. 

I don't have a lot of time today and I have a million thoughts that I was wanting to share today so I will do my best to get them all out and still make is understandable.

So on exchanges, which I love, I was talking with Sister Roth, who with Sisters Smuin and Haar is one of my favorite people EVER. We talked about so many things but the one that I feel impressed to share today has to do with comparing ourselves to others. We were talking and she said how when we do this we are being prideful. We are either putting ourselves above another or someone else above us, and both are wrong. As a missionary it can be extremely hard not to compare, but you are always left with feelings of inadequacy, which it says in the PMG will result in the loss of the Spirit. When we lose the Spirit we are more vulnerable and susceptible to the adversary and his tricks. At this point I agree, but I pointed out that it can be used for the good as well. When we use it to compare our weaknesses to others strengths and the results are self-deprecating thoughts, it is negative, but when we use it to measure ourselves it (in my mind at least) can be very positive. If we compare ourselves to Christ for example, it is easy to get discouraged, but if we use it as a gauge (okay I need to work on patience or charity or humility) it can help us to keep progressing.

So what can we do to avoid the negative while still using the positive? This has been a question I have asked myself many times. I cannot say that I have one sure answer, but at the same time I can. That answer is Christ. We need to focus on Him. Don't look at Him and compare who you are right now, because that is the worst comparison you can make. He is perfect like our Father, we are not and cannot be until we to are resurrected. But look to Him. Take the attributes that He exemplified and apply them. Focus on how you can be Father's hands. It's all about letting His love replace your feeling of inadequacy. 

Trust. What a powerful word. This is what I strive for. Trust from Him and all trust in Him. He is the way the truth and the light. He is how we get to our Father. We have to trust in Him. We really have no other choice. I learned this again this week when one of our investigators Maria told us that that lesson with her would be the last that we have. Loosing an investigator is always hard, but as I prayed about it that night, I felt peace. I had to trust that the Lord knows what is best  for her. I know that one day she will act on what she knows is true. She told us when she finally does gets baptized that Sister Smuin and I get all the credit. I shared my testimony to her and the Spirit was so strong! I know that she felt it and I know that she'll make the right choice someday.

I love being here in Tempe, It's become my second home. These members are my friends, my brothers and sisters, but transfers are looming and I can feel that my time here in Tempe might be coming to a close. 

The Church is True, The Book is Blue, and Moroni stands on a ball.

Sister Raynor

  Tempe - just before the rain storm.

After a long day of no lessons, Sister Smuin bought us slurpees with some sweet mustache straws!