Where do I even begin?! I guess from the
morning I left the MTC in Utah. We woke up at 2:00 AM and were on the bus to
the airport at 3:30 AM. Just imagine... 31 Elder and Sister missionaries
running through the Detroit Airport to catch our next flight. It was hilarious!
I landed safely in Toronto, Canada but... Half of us (including me) were
praying that the other half of our bags were on the next flight coming in.
We waited for about an hour and a half and sighed with relief that
our bags finally arrived. We then were met by President & Sister
Clayton. First off... They are absolutely amazing! I love them SO
much! Whenever they talk, you can feel the spirit so strong. We were their
first new missionaries for their mission since they just arrived about 3 weeks
ago. They are like my parents here in Canada :)
We all met at a Hilton Hotel in Toronto for the
night to have a nice dinner, meet with President Clayton, and have a testimony
meeting. As I bore my testimony, I knew that I am meant to be here. It was the
most peaceful feeling I had experienced since being away from home.
The next day we were called to our first
location and to meet our training leaders! Drum roll... LONDON! I am in London,
Ontario! London is about a two hour drive from Toronto. It is pretty up here!
It rains quite a bit and is a little humid but it's okay! I can say
this... People are interesting here! I have met Italians, Hispanics, Africans,
Jamaicans, and many more nationalities. We are a bike and bus area but we
walk a ton. OH! You wouldn't believe this... My companion is a red head!
Everyone laughed and laughed. I think President Clayton has quite a
sense of humor :) Just kidding. I know I am meant to be with her. Her name
is Sister Shurtliff. She is from British Columbia in Canada and is quiet
in a way. She has been a great teacher! I can assure you that people
notice both of us everywhere we go because of our red hair but mostly
because of the spirit that we both bring. I have been stopped by people in
stores and asked who I am. I have talked to people who want to know.
It's amazing.
That first Tuesday after I had dropped of my
bags, it was go time. I didn't have much time to settle in but just asked what
we were doing tonight, packed my mission bag, and left! I can say this... A mission
is hard. Without a doubt. But... I have had some of the most amazing
experiences already.
 |
| Thinking of you Brother! |
My favorite teaching moment was with our
investigator named Alli. She is married to Jamie Boez who is an inactive
member and is a mother of two children--Anthony (7) & Abby (10). Alli is so
interested in the gospel it's incredible. We taught her the restoration the
first time we met her and she loves us! Why it was my favorite was because she
wants to do this as a family and not alone. I then promised her that "if
she has faith in Jesus Christ, has her family with her in this journey... There
is no need to fear. Christ is with you and he loves you so much. I know that
the gospel has blessed my family so much and can testify to you, that if you
try your hardest, repent, and want to be baptized... You will be so blessed and
your family will be so blessed. " Her kids went silent. She looked down
and thought in silence for about a minute. The spirit was so strong. She then
looked up and agreed and smiled. AH! It was amazing. Sister Shurtliff and I are
teaching her tonight about Baptism/Confirmation and Keeping the Sabbath Day
Holy. I will be inviting her to baptism tonight so... Wish me luck! I pray that
the spirit is there again like it was last week!
One thing I love about Sister Shurtliff is that
she is so dedicated in missionary work. She pushes me to be my best--memorizing
missionary stuff, to greet people, and shows me our boundaries and wants me to
guide us to the houses—she has truly taught me how to be the best missionary I
can be.
One of the funniest things that happened was on
the first day in London, first time about to go out to teach, we knelt in
prayer before we left our apartment. I said this deep, heartfelt prayer and
then stood up and... RIP! I heard my skirt rip! I looked at her and said,
"Well... That doesn't sound good..." She then began to laugh and
laugh and laugh. It was funny!
My favorite scripture this week is 2 Nephi
31:20, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ,
having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men.
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting up on the word of Christ and
endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal
life." I know that I need to press forward everyday, every moment, every
prayer, every time I teach... With Christ. I have learned and felt so much love
for the people of London since I have been here. I hope and have faith in
Christ and when I do... I have seen the blessings of Him. EVERYTIME. As I read
the scriptures for two hours every morning, feasting on the words of Christ...
I am changed. I am becoming like Christ. Yes... My feet are swollen from
walking miles and miles a day. My back hurts from the weight of my bag
filled with missionary stuff. But.... All of that goes away when I focus on my
brothers and sisters here. I have learned to love them. I feel sad when
they don't want to hear about the gospel. I have cried with them. I
have laughed with them. I bear my testimony to them. I have experienced the
charity of Christ for his sons and daughters. It's been incredible... Words
cannot describe.
Some stuff I have figured out:
1. Canadians do say "eh"!
2. People in London drink milk from bags
3. They do say words differently like
"washroom" instead of "bathroom"
4. They only have sidewalks in certain areas!
It's weird! So I bike and walk a lot on the streets!
5. Smarties are chocolates... Not American
Smarties candy.
6. And... London people say their
"A"s different like bag--the A sound is like pAy... and the O sounds
are long... I don't know how to explain it! It's funny.
7. Canadian money smells like maple syrup!
Crazy!
I am so grateful to be here. Honestly... I have
seen so many blessings on my mission so far. I wish I could type more in.... I
will go into more details about my other investigators like the Eastons, Alli
& Family, Christina & Family, Courtney, and Kissie & Karim. I have
learned to not judge people... TALK TO EVERYONE! No matter where you are at!
Whether it be in a food place, bus, walking in the pouring rain, riding your
bike to an appointment, or even just walking down the street. Talk to someone
you have never met before or do some service for them. I promise you that you
will be amazed at what experiences and blessings you will receive and
strengthen your testimony in Christ.
I know that the church is true. I cannot deny
the blessings, promptings, miracles, love, and strength my Heavenly Father has
given me. I know that he is our loving Heavenly Father--he knows us, cares
about us, and loves us more than we could ever imagine. The gospel has been
restored! I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and through his
faithfulness, love, and hardships for the church... We are truly blessed. He is
with us every day, every hour, every minute. May we read, ponder, and pray
everyday. I know that we will receive so many blessings and be strengthened
through these dark times in the world. I know that my Savior lives.
I need to head out now but I want you to know that
I LOVE this gospel and I absolutely LOVE this work! Of course it's hard, but it
was hard for Him. Why should I expect that this would be easy when it NEVER was
for Him? I know my Heavenly Father lives and is leading Sister Shurtliff and I
to those who He has prepared for us, and I am going to do my absolutely best
out here, every day! I love you all and appreciate your love and support, I
truly can feel your prayers on my behalf, every day!
I love you all, until next
week…
Sister Robb
New Address: 45 Pond Mills Road #207
London, ON N5Z 4W5
Canada
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