Last Transfer in Canada!

We got the call last night and, I AM TRANSFERING & TRAINING!!! J I AM SO EXCITED!! I will be 'whitewashing' into an area (where both companions are new) into Peterborough.  It's in the Oshawa Zone and I cannot wait!!  It will be the farthest north in my mission I will go.

Last week I went on two exchanges!

-Don Valley: Sister Westerlind--She is awesome! She came to Mississasauga with me and we were able to teach Brian and talk about temples and family history.  As we talked about the temple, he got really silent and just looked down.  I said, "Brian... You'll someday be able to do temple work for your mom. I know that you are feeling the spirit and that is because the temple is the most precious and sacred place on earth. I know she is so proud of you right now..." Brian looked up and said, "...How do you know that?" I said, "The spirit has touched my heart and told me to say that.  Don't be too hard on yourself Brian and never give up!" "...Hey...That's what my mom used to say to me." Sister Westerlind and I had an incredible lesson with Brian and he got himself signed up for family history and we were able to put in his parents and grandparents. He is doing great! Lastly, we followed up with Brian about something... This is how it went:

"Brian! We're so excited to hear about your experience in watching the October 2014 general conference CD's we gave you last time. What talks were you able to watch from it?"
"All of them."
"Wait... You watched all of one of the CD's we gave you?"
"Yes.... I watched all of the CD's you gave me. It was good."
"Brian... [holding up CD case], did you know you watched 11 hours?! In two days?!" 
"[Brians smiles]"

Yes. He is doing great and he loves the Book of Mormon stories!! We also got to teach Sister Stranges about Patriarchal Blessings that day and she is now preparing to receive hers, so that's exciting!!

I was able to go on exchanges with Sister Arnold again!! Man... We did SO much that day!! We literally ran from appointment to appointment.  It was an incredible day where following the spirit in lessons was all we did.  She is such an incredible example to me and it has been amazing to see the progress she has made and the refinement that is brought into her life because of her mission, I love her so much!

Here are some updates on people!

-Brother Macdonald was taught the Word of Wisdom and Following the Prophet. At the end of the lesson we asked if there would be anything (other than smoking which he has nearly quit,) that would keep him from living this commandment. He told us he drank coffee... so under the direction of the spirit we simply asked him if we could take it and remove the temptation. He sat in silence for only a brief moment before stating "Okay" J He then proceeded to go and grab it all. Best thing ever! 

-We also met with our two Muslim investigators, one of which who has been meeting a little bit with the Farsi Elders as well, and they have both been reading a TON in The Book of Mormon! Hatem is learning more for an intellectual understanding and has read all of 1 Nephi in the past week, and Eghbal is learning on more of a spiritual level and is in Jacob already!! He LOVES the Book of Mormon!! He also told us that the more he reads, the lighter he feels and the more he learns. He will be flying home to the middleeast in just a few weeks and will not be able to take The Book of Mormon with him for safety reasons, so we are emphasizing developing faith in Jesus Christ so he can carry that in his heart over the next few months while he's away. 

Saturday evening was the ward chili cook off and the missionaries got to judge! Ooohhh, there were some good, spicy chili's! Our dear investigators and friends, Sandra and Sheryl came and really enjoyed themselves too! 

BUT GET THIS:

The Famous $250.00 PIE!

The craziest past of the evening was the bakery bidding. Members brought some amazing homemade desserts to have bid on as a fundraiser for the young women's camp this year. SO the bidding begins. Some pretty high prices were thrown out there! It then comes down to the last item; an apple pie made by Sister Ashe. Of course, as missionaries we were pulling our money to try and get this one, but to no avail. The price continued to rocket. Having lost all hope of getting this delectable dish, and simply enjoying the bidding war, we missionaries sat back as we watched the bids continue to climb on this miraculous pie. Final bid: sold for $250. Yep, That's right. But... The craziest part was when the Hitchens graciously placed the pie they had bought on our table for the missionaries!!! haha. We couldn't believe it! Well, long story short, we REALLY enjoyed the (expensive) pie! This ward is the funniest and nicest ward!

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity of serving here in Mississauga. I have loved it ... Because the people make me happy.  I have loved getting to know the diversity of Heavenly Father's children. Teaching ESL is probably one of the biggest highlights for me. Karolina was able to go to the temple and she is doing great!!  Brother Macdonald was a hidden gem that is now under the polishing and refining process--I know he will make it to the temple someday.  He is so close. His courage to sacrifice and put aside old habits and come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have really touched my heart.  Sandra and Sheryl are just the funniest Jamican ladies I have ever met... But since I first met them to now, the change in their life is incredible.  They have physically changed in the peace that you can see in their life, but the spiritual peace is even greater than physical evidence. When you talk with them, you know that they are special. They have been touched by the restored gospel.  Their last hurdle that they need to come over (that's hilarious) is to not wear a swim cap for Sheryl and a life jacket for Sandra when they get baptized. J Hatem and Eghbal have really helped me develop a deep love for Heavenly Father's children in ways that can't be described. Sister Phelan's triumph over her Word of Wisdom problems have been an incredible leap of faith for her and she is reading New Testament stories, and just loves the gospel now!  I just LOVE it here!! Mississauga will have a special place in my heart forever and for Heavenly Father's children here. 

I cannot wait for the adventure of opening up a new area and for my new companion as she begins her mission serving in Ontario. J 

My scripture I am ponderizing this week is Matthew 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We love Sister Ennever (momma)

I know that as we live the principles of the gospel, that we fulfill what the Savior says in this scripture.  When we have this light, we will shine our light through our deeds and have the ability of influencing so many others for good.  I love what Joseph B. Wirthlin says, "...the influence of the gospel is to extend beyond each individual. It is to be as a light that dispels the darkness from the lives of those around us."   Continue to be a light J

Until next time...

Sister Robb

Days Never To Be Forgotten

Hello!  I am so grateful for this week and give thanks every day to be alive! Yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving and I am still counting my blessings today! They are endless... With that, this past week was great!  I learned so much this week and loved every second. I am so grateful for the simplicity of the gospel and the spirit. I have been able to come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because of it J

I was able to go on two exchanges last week with Sister Penrod (Mandarin sister in Mississauga) and with Sister Leung (Cantonese sister in Markham). They are both so incredible!!  I had such a fun time when I was with Sister Leung traveling on the buses and met so many Asians that can't speak English, so I just wrote on some cards in Chinese to give to them and invited them to ESL that way.  Several of them loved it and really appreciated the smiles and effort. 

There was also specialty training for three zones! The district leaders, zone leaders, and sister training leaders all were in attendance and we learned SO much from our meeting!  These trainings have really impacted me and have helped me--not only during contacting or teaching as a missionary--but as a person and have influenced me and strengthened my testimony.  I loved when we talked about the Restoration and how it's all because of revelation--I have always known this, but as I really emphasized this while I teach, I can see the light bulb (or in this case, the spirit) light in their eyes and countenance. The Plan of Salvation is because of Christ's atonement and in every aspect it truly is. I know this because as I studied it and have pondered and prayed about it... It all makes sense and has increased my love for our Savior, Jesus Christ even more. The Gosepl of Jesus Christ is the way or path in every principle or ordinance, it shows this. With the knowledge of revelation, the atonement, and the path we must walk on... EVERYTHING CHANGES.  There is SO much to learn and so much to apply, ponder, grow, and know!! I love studying these things!

ESL is going great!! There is a super cute Hungarian girl in her teens who came with her parents, her name is Sunshine [the name completely fits her] She came to church again this week and liked it and really enjoyed conference as well. We gave her a Hungarian Restoration pamphlet and cannot wait to talk to her about it and see what she thinks so we can begin teaching her. 

Speaking of ESL, we met with Hatem and Eghbal again. It was a great lesson. Something that really touched my heart was when Hatem asked how I can read people so well.  I asked him what he meant and he said, "You have a special gift of knowing myself--like if something doesn't make sense, you know that I feel that and help me come to know. I remember my first day, I knew you didn't know me... But you did know me I felt like... It's a very good gift to have." Wow! It was a really interesting experience to take a step back and to look at things from a different perspective and his outlook. I was able to explain that it's the spirit that I was able to do that and he said, "Well... Don't get too good or else you'll know everything about me!" Haha. It was a good laugh... But it's true! Heavenly Father does know our spirits perfectly and that we truly are all of his spirit children. He knows us and loves us perfectly.  I am just so grateful for the experiences I have to be able to see this every day.  J

Yesterday was the annual Turkey Bowl for the Canada Toronto Mission, every Thanksgiving the zones that are close to the mission home get together and celebrate Thanksgiving by eating some pie and treats, playing football, soccer, and being with each other. It was so much fun! Best preparation day ever!

After I pondered the scripture from last week [D&C 100:4], I have come to realize that suffer means to allow.  I am SO grateful for the Canada Toronto Mission. It is such a sacred mission and is absolutely amazing. There is sooo much sacred history that is in this mission with Joseph Smith being here along with Brigham, Hyrum, Parley P. Pratt, and so many more people! I am so grateful for Thomas S. Monson and his service here as a mission president. In a talk called "Days Never to Be Forgotten" (October 1990 General Conference), he talks about the events that have changed his life as he served as a mission President here. He says:

"During the period 1959 to 1962, my family and I lived in Toronto, where I served as the mission president. We are witnesses to the love God has for the Saints in that area. May I describe some of these “never to be forgotten” events?" [He tells of stories of places and people in Ontario] 

"...All of this history and much more crowded my mind during the dedication services of the Toronto Temple. I reflected on the many nationalities represented by our members there. English, Scottish, German, French, and Italian predominated, but there were also members from Greece, Hungary, Finland, Holland, Estonia, and Poland. Surely, Toronto is an example of the promise of the Lord found in Jeremiah: “I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” (Jer. 3:14.) This He has done; and from this Zion called Toronto, the word now goes forth in these native tongues to the home nations of those He has gathered."

"...When I prepared to leave Toronto following the concluding dedicatory session, I gazed upward toward heaven, that I might offer a silent prayer of gratitude to God for His watchful care, His bounteous blessings and for “days never to be forgotten.” High above the gleaming white temple, which personifies purity and reflects righteousness, is the gold-leafed statue of the Angel Moroni. I remembered being told that from that height of 105 feet, on a clear day one can see all the way to Cumorah. I noted that in Moroni’s hand was his familiar trumpet. He was gazing homeward—homeward to Cumorah. The beautiful Toronto Temple prepares all who enter to return homeward—homeward to heaven, homeward to family, homeward to God. That all of us may travel safely to our eternal home..."

I know that everything said by Thomas S. Monson is so true. I love serving here and love every person I get the opportunity to come in contact with.  May we continue to strive for the spirit in our life everyday by reading, praying, partaking of the sacrament, and going to the temple often. We will all be able to return back to our Heavenly home together J  I love you all.

Until next time...

Sister Robb

"Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together"

So many deep, rooted feelings were planted this week that really expanded my vision and broadened my testimony of the Savior and the love that Heavenly Father has for all of his children.

Fall is here, and the colors are beautiful!

At MLC this week, we learned about the Work of Salvation in a physical display of how it's an incredible, eternal reaction that reaches out to all of God's children. We did a yarn activity where there were 'people' in the story involved who the missionaries were seeing--an investigator, a family whose husband is less-active and married to a non-member, a recent convert, etc. The missionaries were connected to these individuals by a string. The Work of Salvation was then in place to help the missionaries connect with the ward through ward council and then have the ward council help fellowship to support and find growth to more people in the ward for these individuals. During this role-play, I was the recent convert who was baptized last year! The missionaries shared a lesson and said in the beginning to pay attention to the spirit in the lesson to feel of any impressions of anyone that can benefit from this message. After the lesson, I thought of my sister who will be moving to Canada in two weeks and wants to learn more about Christ! The missionaries then took that and just began making connections in the ward.  All in all... The end result was INCREDIBLE!! Every single missionary was connected in some way.  When President said, "This is the Lord's vision where we will all be connected and rise together." After he said that, each of us automatically raised our hands in the air with the string in our hands. I felt the spirit so strong and I knew that everything that has been displayed and put into place has confirmed to me again and again is what the Lord needs the Canada Toronto mission to do. It's hard to explain, but I do know that this truly is heavenly inspiration that is received and gave me a glimpse of how all of Heavenly Father's children are connected one with another.  It's incredible!! President Clayton said in the meeting, "I don't know why this mission is different... But I DO know this, He is saying USE ME!" I just love it!

The meeting was incredible and I feel so fortunate to be able to learn so much! For me personally, I learned more about the spirit... Not only in me, but in everyone.  Being able to serve a mission has really broadened my view of other's spirits and seeing them that way. I know that this has been possible to me from much prayer, study, and linking arms with our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the restored gospel with all of my heart and what I love more is sharing that with others! 

Now for miracle time!! We met with Sandra and Sheryl last week and after walking in and giving Sheryl a hug I said, "How is the ginseng?  Has that helped in replacing coffee?" She said, "Sister Robb, I quit cold turkey.  I haven't had coffee for a week." I was blown away!! We began talking about it and she is incredible. She said the first day was the hardest, the second and third day she had a headache, and the fourth day she was good.  Sheryl decided to walk up 11 flights of stairs to avoid the coffee at work when she walks in!! AH!! When Sister Jensen and I sat down with them both, you could just see it in their countenance's that they are more at peace and that the gospel is truly blessing their life. We talked about baptism for the rest of the time.  Now, we just have to teach tithing next J   I'll keep you updated!

Here is an incredible experience that brought me to tears. Eghbal--our ESL student--from Iran is learning the gospel. We got in contact with the Farsi Elders and told them about Eghbal and set up a time to have them teach him more [just so he understands better and is more comfortable] We met at the church and had the opportunity of sitting in with the Farsi Elders talking with Eghbal.  The language is out of this world! [By the way... There is no MTC training for Farsi. It's the mission field] Eghbal began to explain that he is leaving next month to go back to Iran and will come back in 5-6 months. After the elders told him more about the Book of Mormon, he said, "Sisters... You understand that if I take this book and they find it in the airport, they will hang me..." I had learned that it's very dangerous for Muslims to go back to their home country... But this took on a whole new meaning.  Someone that I know and love to pieces--like Eghbal—well let’s say it broke my heart to think about such a thing. My respect for the Farsi Elders and their calling that many lives truly are in their hands and respect for Eghbal and those who learn. It brought tears to my eyes after Sister Jensen and I talked about it in the car and I was blown away and in awe.  I have a deeper understanding and such love for my Freedom to worship.

During Saturday's general conference, Eghbal wrote a note and passed it to me.  I looked at the note and it said, "Sister Robb, how can I get many talks of this in Farsi on CD to listen to? I would like to hear them again." As I looked down at the note, it brought a smile to my face. He is so great! 

General Conference was truly incredible. It was perfect timing in my life and I am eternally grateful for the speakers and the spirit that was felt.  I was pillow talking with Sister Jensen last night when we had more time to speak about conference. I asked her, "Did you notice the different feel of conference this time than others?" It was interesting to talk about it and realize that this conference truly was special.  Conference was incredible and it did have a different feel! It was as if everyone took a step outside of the 'conference' bubble... And it was more light. The things that were learned are there and placed.  We need to make the conscious effort to reach for them and apply them in our life, to ACT on what we were taught.  I am so grateful for all that was said and it inspired me to become better and refine myself as a daughter of God so that was great. [I hope that makes sense... It's hard through typing] I learned so much from conference! Words cannot describe all that was learned, but that my spirit was touched and I cannot wait to apply the things I learned.  My testimony was strengthened, and my goal is to become a more refined disciple of Jesus Christ J

The scripture I chose this week to “ponderize” is D&C 100:4, "Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls." This section is the great Canadian section where Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon travel.  I know that I have been called here fore a reason and I cannot wait to read, ponder, pray, and learn more about this sacred scripture and what Heavenly Father wants to teach me. I am here for the salvation of souls :) I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY.

What an incredible week!

Until next time,

Sister Robb

President Monson has said, “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together…” 

Faith, Hope & Love

This week I learned a lot about the spirit and I know that everything that I was able to experience was for a reason--it strengthened my testimony of our individual worth and that He KNOWS us perfectly.

I went on exchanges last week with the Markham Cantonese sisters!! I thought Chinese was interesting, but Cantonese is a whole new world!  There are nine dialects (I believe)!  The only words I was able to say were, "I know that is true." in Cantonese. Yes, it took a lot of practice, but I was able to get it.  Here are some neat experiences I had!

While on exchanges, we taught a really neat lesson to one of their investigators William, in English. He is 17 years old and we had the opportunity to talk about the sacrament and how he can deepen his testimony of Christ through the sacrament.  He attends every week and I know will be baptized someday after he turns 18 J One really neat experience we had was when I pulled out my pocketsize, hymn book and read "As Now We Take the Sacrament" [hymn 169]. In the song it talks about:

LINE (1) Why we partake of the sacrament

LINE (2) What we do while partaking of the sacrament

LINE (3) What we do after partaking of the sacrament

William was really silent and said he had never thought of the sacrament like that.  We ended off with the scripture D&C 138:1-4

"I sat in my room pondering over the scriptures; And reflecting upon the great atoning sacrifice that was made by the Son of God, for the redemption of the world; And the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world; That through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, mankind might be saved."

I know what President Joseph F. Smith said is true!  The scriptures and spirit are really the key in unlocking personal revelation for our lives.  I have done this as I read more about Christ and pray after my studies, the spirit has confirmed to me that Jesus Christ is truly our Savior.  Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and that as we live the gospel and are obedient to the commandments and our covenants, we will one day return to live with them again J

It was also interesting to sit in a language lesson and to really see the spirit work with those we get to teach.  As I focused in as hard as I could and paid attention to the spirit, there was a time in the lesson that the spirit came suddenly while Sister Chu was talking and went away.  At the end of the day I was so physically and spiritually drained……It was the best!! 

Last week was Sister Jensen's birthday!  I woke up and thought, she's going to have the best mission birthday ever!!  Lots of people were able to call and text her that day, we went out to a surprise sushi lunch with our district, and she received countless letters and hugs throughout the entire week J She is still getting wished happy birthday!  She's just the cutest, and I love serving and learning from her!

Another great present was Zone Conference! Wow!  We really focused on the spirit and bringing it into our lessons even more!  We had some really incredible role plays and when I said the first vision, it brought me to tears (as well with the elders... shh...). Haha.  I just love recognizing the spirit and feeling the love that Heavenly Father has for his children!  There was so much that was talked about that has really just refined me as a missionary J I am so grateful for Heavenly Father in inspiring those who talked and to share their message with us. 

Saturday was the women's broadcast and I loved everything that was said! Wow.  I loved when Sister Wixom said, "He knows who you can become!  He needs YOU. You need HIM!" I have really come to learn that as I have relied on Heavenly Father every single day.  He's the one that truly helps the people here as I am just an instrument for him, it's incredible to see.  Most of all, I learned from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf about FAITH, HOPE & LOVE.  As we increase our faith, our hope and brightness will uplift our spirits and we will have greater confidence to face those challenges we face and will love and come closer to our Heavenly Father.  I can testify that what he shared is a very special message and is one that needs to be shared. 

Increase your faith in Christ as you study the scriptures, pray for faith, and go to the temple.  The hope that will be created will be an eternal anchor in our life, not allowing us to sway and will help us overcome doubts and darkness.  As we push the door of darkness with our faith and hope, we will open the door to feel the pure love that Heavenly Father has for each of us.

Conference will be great this weekend and I am so excited!  I know it's going to be a very special one.

Until next time...

Sister Robb