Time really does fly by. I honestly can not believe I have been home for over 2 weeks now. It's crazy to think that less than a month ago, I was a missionary and now I'm not.
But getting back into school has helped so much! I literally "jumped back into the swing of things". I spent 5 days in Texas with my family and friends there, then headed back to Utah State for School. It was hard saying good-bye to my family again, but knowing that they are now just a phone call or text message away really helps out.
The past 2 weeks have been full of emotions non-stop. I'll start with coming home:
Tuesday December 30, 2014 -- Sister Steinagel and I finished packing up our apartment. Never to be inhabited by sisters again (well as far as we know). It was sad to see the area be closed and really hard, but I know the Lord has a plan! Sister Freeman took us down to transfers and we were able to stop at Cook Out :) Cook Out is a restaurant in the East. I was able to get one last Cook Out Shake (what they are famous for), Banana Pineapple :) Yum!! Once we got to transfers it was so surreal. I sat on the stand, but I swear I was just sitting with the new missionaries yesterday. As I talked with the other missionaries going home, we all swore it had not been 18 months or 2 years since we had gotten off the plane in North Carolina. But it had. It has.
All us departing missionaries went to the mission home for a fireside with President and Sister Craven. It was a wonderful experience and I am excited to continue my mission forever!
The next day, New Years Eve, we went to the airport (way too early I might add). Said good-bye to President and Sister Craven and also some other missionaries who had different flights. I flew to Atlanta with a group of 20 or so missionaries. It was good to have them there and also to eat lunch one last time together. Their plane to Utah left 2 hours before my plane to Texas left, so I said good-bye and went to my terminal.
I think that's when it really started to hit me. I was alone. I was going to be released that night. I was no longer going to be a missionary. I tried to talk to some people sitting next to me, but every time I tried to bring up that I was going home, or had just been on a mission, I got choked up and couldn't continue. I felt lost in a sea of people, Not knowing who my companion was. It was a terrible feeling. But as I read over my notes and journal entries, I got courage. I could do this.
I landed in Austin around 6pm. It was so surreal seeing my family at the airport. AND my mom wasn't even with them! She went to go talk to someone else :P But I forgave her and still gave her the first hug.
I also had a surprise waiting for me at the airport. My (now) Boyfriend was there. I had no idea he was coming (although I had my suspicions). When I first saw him (across the carousel with the luggage on it) I turned around and started walking back. I had already spend at least the last 3 hours crying and I just couldn't deal with my emotions anymore. I was ecstatic that he had come. But at the same time I just couldn't deal with it at that moment. After talking to my mom for a moment, I said hi to him, but might have made him feel bad because I didn't talk or really pay attention to him for a couple hours...
My parents took me straight to the Stake Center and I met with the Stake President. There wasn't anything really special about it. I got my release letter and took of my name tag. It really didn't hit me until I got up the next morning and looked in the mirror. I could never wear that name tag again. It hit me hard. And it still does today. At least once a day I'll look in the mirror and think something is missing, but it's not.
My parents threw a New Years Eve/Mom's Birthday/Miriah's Homecoming Party that night. Everything from that night still feels like a dream though.
On Monday Jan 5, 2015 I flew to Utah. It was hard saying Good-bye to Texas again. I was sad, but I'm glad I could jump into things at school.
My mission was the best thing that could prepare me for the rest of my life. I know it won't be the best thing in the world that I will experience, but nothing could have prepared me better for where I am and where I am going than my mission to the North Carolina Charlotte Mission of Miracles! I loved every second of it! The good, the bad, and the ugly. The miracles that happened everyday. And the wonderful people I got to serve.
Love,
Sister (Miriah) Loosle
P.S. I mostly had to post this because now I have 100 posts :)
Monday, January 19, 2015
Monday, December 29, 2014
Ta Ta For Now! :)
Soooo... I'm gonna be honest, I really don't want to write an email today. There is just so much to do. But I'll doing it for y'all because I love all y'all!
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a fantastic day! :)
Transfer news... Well I'm actually transferring missions :/ I'll be in the Texas San Antonio Mission for a short lay over (couple days) and then off to the Utah Ogden Mission. It'll be good. I'm super sad to leave North Carolina, but I know the Lord has a plan. ... Also, another really sad thing, so there are 30 sisters going home this and next transfer and only like 4 coming out. Which means a lot of sisters areas are being closed. So Sister Steinagel is getting transferred too. We have to deep clean our apartment and get rid of the food and media. :/ not fun.
Ummm... I don't really know what else to write.
I want to thank all y'all for all the support you've given me. Whether vocally, through letters, or just through your prayers. It has helped me so much. Thank you. I couldn't have done this, and served honorably, without you.
I know that God is my Heavenly Father. He loves me and knows me personally. He is your Father in Heaven too. He loves and knows you personally. He sent His Son to die for each of us. Jesus Christ is His son. He is my Savior and Redeemer. While on Earth, He taught His gospel of Faith in Him, Repentance, Baptism by immersion, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the Laying on of hands, and enduring to the end. I know that if we follow His example and doth these things in this life, we will be eternally happy in God's presence. Joseph Smith is the prophet of this last dispensation that restored Christ's Church and Christ's Authority to the earth. Without this authority, baptism is incomplete. But it has been restored to the earth and is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thomas S. Monson is the prophet who leads and guides the church, under the direction of Jesus Christ, today. I have been called to preach the gospel in the people of North Carolina by President Monson, a prophet. I am grateful for my service here. I'm grateful for the people I've met and how I could be a part of their lives.
I love you all! :)
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a fantastic day! :)
Transfer news... Well I'm actually transferring missions :/ I'll be in the Texas San Antonio Mission for a short lay over (couple days) and then off to the Utah Ogden Mission. It'll be good. I'm super sad to leave North Carolina, but I know the Lord has a plan. ... Also, another really sad thing, so there are 30 sisters going home this and next transfer and only like 4 coming out. Which means a lot of sisters areas are being closed. So Sister Steinagel is getting transferred too. We have to deep clean our apartment and get rid of the food and media. :/ not fun.
Ummm... I don't really know what else to write.
I want to thank all y'all for all the support you've given me. Whether vocally, through letters, or just through your prayers. It has helped me so much. Thank you. I couldn't have done this, and served honorably, without you.
I know that God is my Heavenly Father. He loves me and knows me personally. He is your Father in Heaven too. He loves and knows you personally. He sent His Son to die for each of us. Jesus Christ is His son. He is my Savior and Redeemer. While on Earth, He taught His gospel of Faith in Him, Repentance, Baptism by immersion, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the Laying on of hands, and enduring to the end. I know that if we follow His example and doth these things in this life, we will be eternally happy in God's presence. Joseph Smith is the prophet of this last dispensation that restored Christ's Church and Christ's Authority to the earth. Without this authority, baptism is incomplete. But it has been restored to the earth and is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thomas S. Monson is the prophet who leads and guides the church, under the direction of Jesus Christ, today. I have been called to preach the gospel in the people of North Carolina by President Monson, a prophet. I am grateful for my service here. I'm grateful for the people I've met and how I could be a part of their lives.
I love you all! :)
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
Monday, December 22, 2014
The Shaking Jar of Life
Dear Friends, Family, Elders, Sisters, Wonderful People, Everyone!
Isn't it such a fantastic time of year? I absolutely love it here! So on Saturday we got our first "Snow fall" of the season. I just have to laugh because it didn't even stick! But it was very pretty :).
After writing this whole email I decided I needed to change the order, so I'm putting the sad stuff first, then everything happy! :)
So sad news, On Saturday we went to Bonita's lesson. And no kidding, in 17 months and 24 days this had never happened to me. I had only heard of it happening. We got up to the door and there's a grocery bag on the handle, with a note and the pass-a-long card we had given her. Well I read the note. Let me tell you I was not happy. I was actually so frustrated. I felt like people were hypocrites and immature. Being all nice, but then not telling us face to face that they don't want to meet. Well I got over it. What else can you do? And as we were walking around. Mind you it's literally freezing, and we're biking. I felt prompted to knock on a particular door. Scotty answered the door. And although he was not interested, he offered us Hot Chocolate for the road :) The tender mercies of the Lord are great!
So much happened this week! We celebrated Santa Lusia with the Anderson's (it's suppose to be on the 13th, but that was the Ward Christmas Party. So they had it on Monday night with us. It was fun! Some of their non-member friends were there. It's a Swedish tradition and I want to do it in my future family :)
We saw Lourdes again. She's opening up more. And she let us into her house. We shared He is the Gift with her. She said we could come back after the 1st :).
We taught a Hindu family this week. That was an interesting experience. Haven't done that before. It's different because most people we teach at least believe in Jesus Christ. So we had to teach very simply. And we're going back in January.
We had Tri-Zone Conference this week! Super fun! I got to see Sister Morris, Sister Reading, and Sister Wood! We played Jeopardy like last year. It was so fun! My group would have won if we played the entire game, but we didn't have time :P.
In Zone Conference President talked about the Shaking Jar of Life. It's a jar full of black beans and a few Walnut. Well that's life for ya. When you shake it the little beans go to the bottom and the walnuts to the top. Some people are like the little beans, always thinking, "if I had *insert something here*, I'd be able to be on top." But they never change their attitude, so they stay small. However, unlike the bean, we as people can grow bigger, so we can be on top. It's all about our attitude and perspective. :)
So great news! Amy's mom got baptized this weekend!! She's in the High Point Stake, but we heard about it from Amy and the sisters there. It is so fantastic! :) She was so skeptical when Amy first started learning back in June. And now she's a member too! :) Multigenerational families firmly rooted in the gospel, (going to be) sealed in the temple!
The Christmas Program yesterday was great! :) in Relief Society we talked about the Role of LDS Women. If you didn't see my Facebook, here is a more accurate quote from one of the sisters: "The calling of motherhood is a divine calling that we received before we came to earth and extends far beyond that of having children."
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
Isn't it such a fantastic time of year? I absolutely love it here! So on Saturday we got our first "Snow fall" of the season. I just have to laugh because it didn't even stick! But it was very pretty :).
After writing this whole email I decided I needed to change the order, so I'm putting the sad stuff first, then everything happy! :)
So sad news, On Saturday we went to Bonita's lesson. And no kidding, in 17 months and 24 days this had never happened to me. I had only heard of it happening. We got up to the door and there's a grocery bag on the handle, with a note and the pass-a-long card we had given her. Well I read the note. Let me tell you I was not happy. I was actually so frustrated. I felt like people were hypocrites and immature. Being all nice, but then not telling us face to face that they don't want to meet. Well I got over it. What else can you do? And as we were walking around. Mind you it's literally freezing, and we're biking. I felt prompted to knock on a particular door. Scotty answered the door. And although he was not interested, he offered us Hot Chocolate for the road :) The tender mercies of the Lord are great!
So much happened this week! We celebrated Santa Lusia with the Anderson's (it's suppose to be on the 13th, but that was the Ward Christmas Party. So they had it on Monday night with us. It was fun! Some of their non-member friends were there. It's a Swedish tradition and I want to do it in my future family :)
We saw Lourdes again. She's opening up more. And she let us into her house. We shared He is the Gift with her. She said we could come back after the 1st :).
We taught a Hindu family this week. That was an interesting experience. Haven't done that before. It's different because most people we teach at least believe in Jesus Christ. So we had to teach very simply. And we're going back in January.
We had Tri-Zone Conference this week! Super fun! I got to see Sister Morris, Sister Reading, and Sister Wood! We played Jeopardy like last year. It was so fun! My group would have won if we played the entire game, but we didn't have time :P.
In Zone Conference President talked about the Shaking Jar of Life. It's a jar full of black beans and a few Walnut. Well that's life for ya. When you shake it the little beans go to the bottom and the walnuts to the top. Some people are like the little beans, always thinking, "if I had *insert something here*, I'd be able to be on top." But they never change their attitude, so they stay small. However, unlike the bean, we as people can grow bigger, so we can be on top. It's all about our attitude and perspective. :)
So great news! Amy's mom got baptized this weekend!! She's in the High Point Stake, but we heard about it from Amy and the sisters there. It is so fantastic! :) She was so skeptical when Amy first started learning back in June. And now she's a member too! :) Multigenerational families firmly rooted in the gospel, (going to be) sealed in the temple!
The Christmas Program yesterday was great! :) in Relief Society we talked about the Role of LDS Women. If you didn't see my Facebook, here is a more accurate quote from one of the sisters: "The calling of motherhood is a divine calling that we received before we came to earth and extends far beyond that of having children."
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Dear Wonderful Family and Friends,
I hope your Christmas Season is going well. :) I know mine is. We are seeing many miracles, especially from the video He is the Gift! Have you shared it yet? It is a wonderful tool that the church is using this season, to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Please share it! Many will be blessed because of it.
We got in contact with Sihban again! :) She's been reading since we last saw her back in begging of November. She's in Alma now! We also met Derek on Monday. He is so prepared! We just need to stay in contact with him.
We met Robin on Tuesday. She is so wonderful! We shared "He is the Gift" with her and she loved it! We also met Sarah that night. She's was a former investigator, and our other appointment fell through, so we tried her. She let us right in! It was great!
On Wednesday we met Whitney. She's had a hard life, but the gospel is the cure. We are seeing her tomorrow and I'm excited! :)
So on Saturday we got up at 4:45am, to drive down to Charlotte, to hear from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Elder D. Todd Christofferson came and spoke to all the missionaries. It was a great conference! I don't even know where to begin. He really just did a question and answer. He talked about the Priesthood, Grace, and more. It was so wonderful!
Saturday night was the ward Christmas Party. It was really good, focused on Jesus Christ. We took some left over food to the Wagner's. And Sister Wagner wanted to come to church. So we got her a ride! And she came! For the first time in a few years! It was so great. She only stayed for sacrament because she's still getting over pneumonia. But it was still good to see her!
Church was wonderful as always! :) We didn't have any recent converts or investigator at church, so the missionaries went to Mission Prep to help teach.
We had dinner with the Mitchell's. They also signed up for the 26th (my 18th month mark) which is super weird, because they saw me when I first came out.
I love y'all! :) Never stop believing in yourself.
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
I hope your Christmas Season is going well. :) I know mine is. We are seeing many miracles, especially from the video He is the Gift! Have you shared it yet? It is a wonderful tool that the church is using this season, to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Please share it! Many will be blessed because of it.
We got in contact with Sihban again! :) She's been reading since we last saw her back in begging of November. She's in Alma now! We also met Derek on Monday. He is so prepared! We just need to stay in contact with him.
We met Robin on Tuesday. She is so wonderful! We shared "He is the Gift" with her and she loved it! We also met Sarah that night. She's was a former investigator, and our other appointment fell through, so we tried her. She let us right in! It was great!
On Wednesday we met Whitney. She's had a hard life, but the gospel is the cure. We are seeing her tomorrow and I'm excited! :)
So on Saturday we got up at 4:45am, to drive down to Charlotte, to hear from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Elder D. Todd Christofferson came and spoke to all the missionaries. It was a great conference! I don't even know where to begin. He really just did a question and answer. He talked about the Priesthood, Grace, and more. It was so wonderful!
Saturday night was the ward Christmas Party. It was really good, focused on Jesus Christ. We took some left over food to the Wagner's. And Sister Wagner wanted to come to church. So we got her a ride! And she came! For the first time in a few years! It was so great. She only stayed for sacrament because she's still getting over pneumonia. But it was still good to see her!
Church was wonderful as always! :) We didn't have any recent converts or investigator at church, so the missionaries went to Mission Prep to help teach.
We had dinner with the Mitchell's. They also signed up for the 26th (my 18th month mark) which is super weird, because they saw me when I first came out.
I love y'all! :) Never stop believing in yourself.
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
Monday, December 8, 2014
He is the Gift
Christmas is only in 2 and 3 days! Oh my goodness, where does time go?
This week was really good. We had exchanges and Sister Steinagel found 3 new investigators while I was in Guilford with Sister Holmon (she came out with me).
This week was also very difficult. And I did not handle some news from the ward very well. But a surprise visit from President put everything back into perspective and it's all good now. :) We got a call Saturday after exchanging back from Sister Craven asking if they could visit with us in 40 mins. My stomach dropped, because there were leaves all over the apartment! We had biked all week and it was wet, so we dragged them in. Thank goodness she didn't say anything. I think she understood.
President wanted to speak with both my companion and I, privately. So while one talked to Sister Craven on the couch, the other was in the bedroom talking to President. Let me tell you it was the weirdest interview with him I've ever had. I was sitting on my bed and he was sitting on Sister Steingal's. it was strange. But just what I needed.
At Zone Meeting we got our He is the Gift initiative cards...finally. If you haven't seen or shared the video....do so now! :) It's so great! :)
Church was great yesterday! :) Relief Society was all about Charity. It was a fantastic lesson!
The Christmas Devotional was amazing as well. My favorite was D. Todd Christofferson's talk about how we are of noble spiritual birth and we need to live up to it.
I love y'all ! :)
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
P.S. Remember don't send me anything for Christmas, I'll be having a
late Christmas at home with my family, so send it to:
This week was really good. We had exchanges and Sister Steinagel found 3 new investigators while I was in Guilford with Sister Holmon (she came out with me).
This week was also very difficult. And I did not handle some news from the ward very well. But a surprise visit from President put everything back into perspective and it's all good now. :) We got a call Saturday after exchanging back from Sister Craven asking if they could visit with us in 40 mins. My stomach dropped, because there were leaves all over the apartment! We had biked all week and it was wet, so we dragged them in. Thank goodness she didn't say anything. I think she understood.
President wanted to speak with both my companion and I, privately. So while one talked to Sister Craven on the couch, the other was in the bedroom talking to President. Let me tell you it was the weirdest interview with him I've ever had. I was sitting on my bed and he was sitting on Sister Steingal's. it was strange. But just what I needed.
At Zone Meeting we got our He is the Gift initiative cards...finally. If you haven't seen or shared the video....do so now! :) It's so great! :)
Church was great yesterday! :) Relief Society was all about Charity. It was a fantastic lesson!
The Christmas Devotional was amazing as well. My favorite was D. Todd Christofferson's talk about how we are of noble spiritual birth and we need to live up to it.
I love y'all ! :)
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
P.S. Remember don't send me anything for Christmas, I'll be having a
late Christmas at home with my family, so send it to:
11421 Kingsgate Dr. Austin, TX 78748
Monday, December 1, 2014
Miracles, Transfers, Thanksgiving, and Early Christmas
Happy December Y'all! :)
Goodness can y'all believe it is already December! My oh my how time flys when your having fun!
This week has been full of miracles!
But first! Nana sent me a package with some (3) presents in it. One for my companion and two for me. One of them for me and the one for Sister Pulley said to open them right now. So we did. It was fun to open presents already. The other one is under our tree. Have I told y'all about our tree? It's a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. It has 3 ordainments right now, one present, and a star (from a yellow sticky-note). It's cute! :) Nana also gave us Santa Hats.
On Monday night we had FHE with the Murchison's, who told us hey are moving in December to California! Just out of the blue! Well Brother Murchison got a job out there.
Tuesday was transfers. I said good-bye to Sister Pulley. It has been a good past 3 months. She has grown so much! And I said hello to Sister Steinagel, from St. George, Utah. So Utah wins 5-3 with companions.
I also said good-bye to Sister Tucker on Tuesday. That was super weird! (She was my MTC companion). So she's home now, along with Sister Kenyon (she was in my MTC district). They went home early so they can get to school on time.
Thanksgiving was fun! We went to three members homes. The Bellows for lunch. Then Sister Arny, who by the way, made my families Oreo Cream Pie! It was great! I still have some in the fridge! I gave her the recipe last Sunday. Then we went to the Bennett's for dinner. And Sister Bennett's daughter-in-law is Sister Ball (from Kernersville)'s daughter! And she was there, so they said hi to Sister Ball for me :)
Friday we started seeing miracles! We met Keith and taught him about the Book of Mormon and have a return appointment to see him and his wife this week. We also got back in touch with the Soyars and taught the Plan of Salvation. Something else needs to click for them and I'm not sure what yet. We're going over to read with them this week. So we'll see.
Sunday we saw a lot more miracles. We decided to contact a lot of formers and part member families. Most of them have return appointments for this week and are interested! It's so amazing to see people's heart soften.
We got back in contact with Bonita! :) and she is still loving everything we teach her. We taught her about the Book of Mormon last night. Although we can't meet with her until the 20th of December. I just pray she will gain a testimony as she reads the Book of Mormon. I love y'all! :) have a great week! :)
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
P.S. Don't forget to #DiscoverTheGift #EmbraceTheGift and #ShareTheGift :) Find out more on Christmas.mormon.org The First Presidency wants to flood the world with the gift of the Savior! :) So I invite everyone who reads this to share the video "He is the Gift" with someone every week until Christmas :) that's only 4 times :)
Goodness can y'all believe it is already December! My oh my how time flys when your having fun!
This week has been full of miracles!
But first! Nana sent me a package with some (3) presents in it. One for my companion and two for me. One of them for me and the one for Sister Pulley said to open them right now. So we did. It was fun to open presents already. The other one is under our tree. Have I told y'all about our tree? It's a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. It has 3 ordainments right now, one present, and a star (from a yellow sticky-note). It's cute! :) Nana also gave us Santa Hats.
On Monday night we had FHE with the Murchison's, who told us hey are moving in December to California! Just out of the blue! Well Brother Murchison got a job out there.
Tuesday was transfers. I said good-bye to Sister Pulley. It has been a good past 3 months. She has grown so much! And I said hello to Sister Steinagel, from St. George, Utah. So Utah wins 5-3 with companions.
I also said good-bye to Sister Tucker on Tuesday. That was super weird! (She was my MTC companion). So she's home now, along with Sister Kenyon (she was in my MTC district). They went home early so they can get to school on time.
Thanksgiving was fun! We went to three members homes. The Bellows for lunch. Then Sister Arny, who by the way, made my families Oreo Cream Pie! It was great! I still have some in the fridge! I gave her the recipe last Sunday. Then we went to the Bennett's for dinner. And Sister Bennett's daughter-in-law is Sister Ball (from Kernersville)'s daughter! And she was there, so they said hi to Sister Ball for me :)
Friday we started seeing miracles! We met Keith and taught him about the Book of Mormon and have a return appointment to see him and his wife this week. We also got back in touch with the Soyars and taught the Plan of Salvation. Something else needs to click for them and I'm not sure what yet. We're going over to read with them this week. So we'll see.
Sunday we saw a lot more miracles. We decided to contact a lot of formers and part member families. Most of them have return appointments for this week and are interested! It's so amazing to see people's heart soften.
We got back in contact with Bonita! :) and she is still loving everything we teach her. We taught her about the Book of Mormon last night. Although we can't meet with her until the 20th of December. I just pray she will gain a testimony as she reads the Book of Mormon. I love y'all! :) have a great week! :)
- Sister Miriah Loosle -
John 3:16-17
He came to save!
P.S. Don't forget to #DiscoverTheGift #EmbraceTheGift and #ShareTheGift :) Find out more on Christmas.mormon.org The First Presidency wants to flood the world with the gift of the Savior! :) So I invite everyone who reads this to share the video "He is the Gift" with someone every week until Christmas :) that's only 4 times :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)