Letters.

President Alba

Missionary Letter 4-28-14
God’s Great Gift to His Children – our free agency

Elders and Sisters,

I want to thank you for what you do. I know that this is a hard, difficult and stressful call from God that we are trying to fulfill. I myself get discouraged at times and then I seek for a quiet place where I can counsel with the Lord and as I raise from my knees, I feel better talking with Him and having Him teach me and give me direction. Many times, the direction that I receive is extremely clear, other times it’s somewhat clear and there are times that I must exercise every fiber of faith that I have that what I do is in accordance with the desires of God.

The following is an article written by Elder Monson that describes our responsibility that we each have to exercise our God-given write to choose for ourselves.

Three R’s of Free Agency

“I would like to discuss with you the three R’s of free agency: the right of choice, the responsibility of choice, and the results of choice. How grateful I am that a wise and loving Heavenly Father gave us free agency! In the very beginning, after He had pointed out to Adam the trees in the Garden from which he might freely eat, He then directed Adam’s attention to one tree and advised him that he should not partake of the fruit thereof. He then added, “… nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee. …” (Moses 3:17.)

We also have the responsibility to choose. We cannot be neutral. There is no middle ground. The Lord knows this; Lucifer knows this. There is a great contest being waged for the souls of men. On the one hand Lucifer has attractively painted his road signs. Have you seen them? They are bright and most enticing. They read like this: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” “It’s the popular thing to do.” Another one may read: “Just this once won’t matter.”
On the other hand the Lord has prepared his road signs for our guidance. They read: “As ye sow, so shall ye reap.” (See Gal. 6:7.)

“There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

“And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (D&C 130:20–21.)

Thus we have one of two roads to follow. To us has been given the responsibility of choice.”
We have been given another gift to help us in making the right choices – the Holy Ghost. What a marvelous and wondrous gift we have.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26.)

In addition to the right of choice and the responsibility of choice, we must consider the results of our choices.

Elder Monson then relates this story:

“Would you like to hear about a missionary who was prompted to make a wise choice? He was new in the work and was assigned to labor in the city of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, with a veteran missionary as a companion. They called at the home of a family by the name of Pollard. They knocked, and Mr. Pollard let them in. He invited them to present their material. After he had heard their message, and after he had prayed with them, it seemed as though the spirit of the adversary came over him, and he became angry with the elders and told them to leave and never come back again. As he showed them to the door, he said, “You can’t tell me that you really believe Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, anyway.” The door slammed shut. The two dejected missionaries walked away.

This young missionary turned to his senior companion and said, “We didn’t answer Mr. Pollard’s question.”
The senior companion explained the futility of attempting to return. But the young elder said, “I’m going back. I won’t feel right until I do.”

They returned to Mr. Pollard’s door and knocked on it. He opened the door and said, “I thought I told you fellows to leave.”

The next decision took all the strength of character and all the fortitude that this young man could muster, for his senior companion did not give him much help. I heard Mr. Pollard himself describe the experience. He said, “That missionary looked me in the eye. He hesitated for a moment, and then said, ‘Mr. Pollard, as we left your home, you made a statement that we really didn’t believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Mr. Pollard, I want you to know that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that this work is true.’”

After this declaration, the missionaries departed. Mr. Pollard later told me that all the rest of the day and that evening he kept hearing those words echoing through his ears: “I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know it. I know it. I know it.”

The next morning he telephoned the missionaries and asked them to come back. They returned to his home and taught him the gospel. They taught his wife the gospel. They taught his children the gospel. All became members of the Church.”

We must also be aware that as we share the gospel with all of God’s children, that they too have a choice to accept or to reject. Even though we may think they may the elect and chosen of the Lord, they have their free agency to be stiff necked and have hardened hearts. We must find and work with those who have a softened heart and who are ready to receive the Doctrine of Christ in their lives.

As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the great and wonderful right to choose how we will act and what we will say and do, we also have the responsibility to choose and not just sit on the fence, however, we have no say in the result of our choices. That is the Lord’s privilege and right.

Elder Monson concludes with the following: “We need not feel that we must be without fault in order to receive the blessings of God. He will take us from where we now stand if we will come to him. He will build us up, spiritually, and he will build us up with confidence in ourselves.”

I pray that we may think about the choices that we make, even our thoughts! It is imperative that we choose wisely and responsibly so that there will never be a question as to results of our choices. I am grateful for a forgiving God who blesses me even in my weakness and helps me.

Dearest Loved Ones,

This is what I sent my mission president today... :)

I have learned a lot these past few weeks with Sister Murphy. It's been hard, but I think that the past few days have been very good. She has won her way into my heart, just as Sister Zenger and Sister Henry both did. I look forward to getting to know her as well as I was able to get to know them.

The work is hard. My faith is being tested. I'm struggling a little, I will admit. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I know that I'm starting to get the hang of it. I think I know Santa Rosa like the back of my hand... I very rarely need a GPS. This is funny, because back home in Utah, I couldn't ever find my way around even with the numbered grid system! I know that it is a blessing that the Lord has given. It's something so small and insignificant (I could just use a GPS. It's not a big deal), but yet, it is one way that my Heavenly Father is helping build my confidence. 

I really liked what you wrote in your letter today about that green missionary that wouldn't let the senior companion walk away without bearing testimony. Sister Murphy is awesome. I feel like she is follow-up training me. We are so similar, yet we have so many differences. It's been a learning experience for me, but a good one. 

I've done a lot of praying lately, and it is wonderful that although Heavenly Father doesn't always take away the trial, He provides moments of peace. These moments come at the most random times, recently. For example, I was driving to church, with a lot of stress yesterday, and we were stuck at this endless red light, with no other cars around. My natural instinct is to tap the steering wheel and express my needs to the light, but this time something was different. I noticed how beautiful the clouds were, and the hymn of "Oh how lovely was the morning!" came right on cue. It was perfect, and I knew it wasn't just random. I felt this overwhelming feeling of peace come over me. I got lost in that moment, and time froze. It felt like I was there for about ten minutes, breathing deep and full of the spirit and light, yet I know it was only for about a minute. It was a beautiful moment that my Heavenly Father provided me so that I could to church not stressed, but happy and calm. Those are the miracles that happen every day. I see them everyday that I look for them.

The area is slower than usual. We are having lots of lessons fall through. I feel frustrated, but it is amazing how my Heavenly Father always centers me back on what is the most important. His Son, Jesus Christ.

I know that I am supposed to be out here. Without a shadow of a doubt. I know that I am supposed to be on a mission. I know that I am not perfect, but that He is. There really is no other place that I would rather be. I'm to the point where it seems that nothing else matters... school when I get back, family, friends, things I'm "missing out on" really don't even matter. Nothing that I have given up could compare to what I have gained out here. I have seen things and felt things that I would never have had an opportunity to see or feel. I have felt my testimony tried, and then strengthened because of it. I KNOW that Jesus is the Head of this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and that it is in His hands, and that He will never abandon this work. Neither will I. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, along with Thomas S. Monson and all the prophets. I know that God is in control, and that He knows what He is doing with me, and with all of His children. All I have to do is trust and obey. 

It's been interesting, how I do not feel like I am the same person. I long to show my family and friends back home that I am not the same, that I have changed. I hope that when I go home, they can see the Savior in me. If that's all that ever happens from me being out here, so be it. This is God's work, not mine. I can't take credit for anything that happens, because I can got through the names of every person that we teach, and each is a miracle. And it's all because of My Heavenly Father, because I really have no clue what I am doing most of the time. It's all on trust. I'm just a 19 year old girl, sharing her testimony with as many people as will listen.

Thank you for all your love and support. I really do need the weekly email. Such a boost for me, especially before I write home to my family.

I will do better this week. I will follow the Spirit 100%, be exactly obedient, and I will pray fervently for a love for everyone around me, and I will be more like my Savior. That is the desire of my heart. I want Him to trust me enough to lead me to the elect.

You and Sister Alba are in my prayers,

Sister Darby Eleyce Miller

As a little child. Atonement. Change: Week One, Tranfer Three

Dear Family and Friends,

I love you all. Thought I should let you know :)

and here's a letter from Sister Alba. It says President, but I can tell from her voice in my head as I read it ;)

President Alba

Letter to the missionaries 4-21-14

“HERE AM I SEND ME”

Now is our time, and now is our season. Each one of us, in our own way has said, ‘here am I send me’, and the Lord has heard and answered our prayers and sent us one by one to the California Santa Rosa Mission. We know what He expects of us. We know we are His children. We know we have been given much. This is an extraordinary time we live in and we are riding on the crest of the wave into the future. So, how are we doing?

Let me start by saying to each one of you that President and I love you like our own children. I didn’t know that I would feel that way… I didn’t know that it was even possible…but it is true and when I look at you I see you as you really are and I see your astounding potential.
Every one of you is like a shooting star, brilliantly flying across the sky leaving your trail of light wherever you go. Do you feel it? Do your understand that you are in His hands? Do you know that you are surrounded by angels? Do you know what power you carry when you testify of the doctrine of Christ?

“We teach the Doctrine of Christ, we will know it, express it and live it.” (CASRM motto)

The time of the second coming of Christ is drawing near. The church is forever changed in the way the missionaries work and teach and more change is yet to come. You have been on the forefront of it all. You have led the way. Will we be called on to continue to lead the way? It is all up to us. So, how are we doing? Are we still striving every day to be the most obedient mission in the world? Are we true to the commitments we have made? Are we living the challenges He has already given us?

Your time in this mission is short. It flies by at warp speed. Are you on the train? Are you all in? If not now… when will you do it… When you go home?

Now is your time, now is your season… the season of giving up your will to God. The season of working until you drop each day. The season of obedience. The season of love one another. The season of joy. Don’t wait another day. Change your attitude if you need to… only you can do that. Don’t wait another day… live up to your astounding potential and be like Nephi, be like the sons of Mosiah, be like Christ.

77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.
82 Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.
83 He that seeketh me bearly shall find me, and shall not be forsaken.
84 Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come;

Sisters and Elders, let nothing stop you. Over come your fears and ‘Trust in the Lord.” Turn away from temptation and ‘Hold fast to the rod’. Step forward into the light of your sacred calling and ‘Arise and be Great’.

You can do this… you were meant to do this… you were prepared to do this… you were born to do this.
Now is your time… Let this season in your life be truly ‘Divine’… only you can make is so.

Love you my mission children, my lambi

Thank you for all your love and support.

This week has been a whirlwind. Probably one of the hardest I've had since being out here. Yet, the Lord always provides a balm in Gilead. Always. He gave me stake conference to lift me up.

I love talking to everyone. I'm learning to change. Change is hard, but it is good.

I am overjoyed to say that I still am entirely IN LOVE with being a missionary, a servant of Jesus Christ! There is no other place that I would rather be.

I think I have thought a lot about the Atonement and about change this week. I am not one that naturally likes change, and I cried and cried after Sister Zenger and Sister Henry left. It was the strangest feeling. I felt like a part of me was leaving, and I still kind of feel that way. But the Lord provides! Funny enough, before the last transfer was over, I let Heavenly Father know that I wanted to change more. I pleaded for His guidance in becoming a better missionary, especially with contacting. Look! Now I have Sister Murphy, who talks to everyone she sees, and won't let a person walk past her without hearing her testimony. So many miracles have happened because of her. I want to be more like that!

The point is that Heavenly Father knows me. He knows me perfectly. He loves me so much. He answers every prayer. We just have to have eyes to see.

I loved how President Henderson (our stake pres) talked about how the Atonement is all about the word "CAN." Because of the Atonement, I CAN find the elect. I am recommitting to being the most obedient missionary. I want to find the elect. This is the desire of my heart. I'm out here of my own free will, and I want to obey with exactness. "Choose the right let the consequence follow."

I will not submit to discouragement, for I am a daughter of God. Discouragement is beneath my divine nature. God never gives up. I am His daughter, and I will not give up, either.

I love how the Atonement really does cover everything.

I've pondered this week over how I have changed, but the past day or so I've had the reoccurring that more change is coming. Change is not easy, but it is possible.

This morning on our run we met a 87 year old man, who dismissed us politely because he thinks he is "too old to change [his] ways, and [is] content with [his] life the way it is."

I thought a lot about that. I don't agree. It just doesn't set right in my heart. One of my favorite poems comes to mind. (I'm paraphrasing, because I don't remember it exactly...)

"If in vision thou couldst see

Thyself, the man God meant,

Thou couldst never remain

The man thou art, content."

Am I happy? YES. I love being here!

Am I content? No. I can't stand it. It's just out of my reach. I'll keep reaching. Maybe I'll grow a little taller. :)

Eternal progression truly is an exciting thing!

I am so excited for this week! It's going to be amazing!

Goals for this week:

Work the hardest I have ever worked before.

Talk to literally everyone.

Love the sparkles and giggles out of Sister Murphy.

I know that this gospel is true. The more I pray/ponder/act on this, the more I know that it is true. 

The way to know is so simple. Try it out. Pray. 

I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. I know that He loves each and every one of us, and that His love never ends. When we are discouraged with ourselves, when life pulls a fast one on us, when our hearts ache and we feel like nothing can ever heal us, all we need to do is trust. Stop. Stop listening to the voice of the adversary. Stop listening to your own voice, if it's yourself that is putting you down. Listen to the Voice of Truth, who won't mince words, but who won't lead you astray.

Living the gospel is so worth it. Is it sometimes difficult? Sure. But so is everything else in this life.

Let us live worthy of the Spirit. Let us try. 

It's amazing what happens when we try, when we committ.

Our area is struggling a little. I'm feeling a little in over my head, but I've come to a conclusion. I WILL DO THIS. 

Can I do it alone. Nope. I'll be the first one to tell ya that.

But I'll also be the first one to tell you that I know that it will happen. Why will it happen? Because it's not really me that is doing this. It's HIM. He who rose the third day. He conquered death, and hell, and all my weaknesses. Very literally. 

He can and will do it again, if I let Him. 

Because of Jesus Christ, nothing will ever be the same again.

#BecauseofHim.

Look up the video "Because of Him" from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I know that "come what may!" I will stand with Him. I do not know what my life holds. Quite frankly, I'll walk that path when I get to it. Right now I am here to serve Him. I will follow His lead. I will walk in His footsteps, just like a child walks through the snow, in the footprint of someone who watches over her. I know that no matter what happens, my testimony can never be taken away. Oh how my heart burns! Can you feel that too? Do you want to feel that? It's simple. The gospel never is as complicated as some make it out to be. It's hard. BUT it is possible, and so simple. It can be summed up in two words: 

Follow Him.

I know that Jesus Christ lives.

I know it. 

Do you know it?

Love you all with all my heart,

Sister Darby Eleyce Miller

Oops.....
I forgot to mention that my "baby's" name is Sister Murphy, from Wendover UT. She's great!  :)

more to come later.

GUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear family and friends,

GUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm training!

 

crazy, I know!

 

well..... that's that. 

this week was awesome. I've thought and prayed a lot about being the best missionary that I can be. It's been eating at me. I know that this is the time to decide. Sister Zenger, my mission mama, is going home, and so is Sister Henry. Time to step it up a notch. I am no longer a greenie. 

Friday we went to have their departing interviews. Right before, President Alba pulled me into his office. Being a greenie, I had no idea what was happening. When he told me, I thought he was joking. Nope. He was for real. I walked out of the room with my heart on my sleeve, laughing and crying. My companions asked me, and I half-choked, half-laughed my words out. "I get to train!"

I have been in shock ever since friday.

 

Miracle this week:

We were leaving a parking garage. We were done with contacting, and we had things to do, people to see. I've been struggling to have the courage to follow random promptings to talk to people. I saw a lady, and just felt that I should talk to her. I voiced my prompting, and out of the car Sister Henry and I went, while Sister Zenger pulled the car around nearby. This lady looked depressed, reading a handwritten letter. I approached her, and asked her how she was doing. I expressed to her that Heavenly Father loves her. She jumped up, starting cussing. I was about to walk away, but I couldn't. I didn't say anything, but looked her deep in the eyes. She just apologized, started crying. Long story short, she had been homeless, raped, and was starving, and her husband was in jail for stealing food. She was scared. She took a restoration pamphlet, some money and a card with the stake job thingy or what not to get help. 

 

Tender Mercy.

 

 I love you all. I know that Heavenly Father hears ALL prayers. We must be willing to follow the answers we get, or we won't recognize them.

 

I gotta go. :) I do love it here though. I am so blessed, and I am loved. I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.

 

Happy Easter! Remember Him!

 

Love, 

Sister Darby Miller

Just Before the Break of Day

President Alba

Dear California Santa Rosa Missionaries,

I want to thank you for all you do. Each of you is a son and daughter of God. He lives! His Holy Son, Jesus Christ is the only name given by which we all can return to the presence of the Father.

What a glorious weekend this was for me. I learned so much and was moved by the Holy Spirit as to the areas I need to improve. I have so much to improve upon and I'm grateful that I learned this now. I know that each of you had at least one or two spiritual moments and many had a feast of spiritual energy that came as you partook of this great spiritual feast of knowledge, wisdom and counsel from our Heavenly Father through His servants.

I will make more remarks with my favorite quotes from this weekend in next week's letter. Golden nuggets that will help each of us be better Servants of the Lord.

I asked Elder Eaton to share some parting thoughts with us and here is his message. Ponder these things and let us all determine to be diligent in this our Heavenly charge.

My love to all and let us remember that we are building up for the 101 later this year. Thank you for your goodness and the love you have for the Savior.

Love,

President Alba

Elder Eaton's parting thoughts:

Dear California Santa Rosa Mission,

I am honored I have the opportunity to share with you a few things that changed my mission that might provide those seeking with greater joy as they serve. I pray that those seeking revelation will receive it and my thoughts might be clear and simple to apply.

As a servant of Jesus Christ, you have the responsibility to astonish all those you talk to. You have been called to be bold and teach the truth. When you teach pure doctrine and teach so a child might understand, you will astonish those with which you will interact. Let me refer you to a few scriptures which show what I mean. Matthew 7:28 “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:” Another example is Matthew 22:33 “And when the multitude hear this, they were astonished at his doctrine.” Elders and Sisters, when you talk with your brothers and sisters on the street, astonish them. Love them enough to be bold and testify with love of the truthfulness of your message.

ASTONISH PEOPLE WITH THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

As a new missionary I had heard many stories about missionaries receiving impressions to knock on a door or talk to a man they saw sitting on the side of the road. After doing so almost every story ended as an answer to a prayer of that individual. So, I took this idea to heart and I strived to be sensitive to the spirit so I might have my own special moments. I recall many times where Elder Hatch and I would be driving and I would see someone on the street. After driving past them, I would suddenly blurt out “Elder Hatch, we have to go back and talk to them!” He would give me a smile and turn around and we would pull over and follow the impression I received. This gave me confidence and helped me understand how the spirit speaks to me. As I look back at the end of my mission, I notice a vast difference about this approach to the work. I don’t believe that I received the same simple impressions as often. I believe this might be because I thought I knew how to do missionary work and I didn't depend on the spirit as I did as a new missionary. Don’t let this be the case for your mission. Those simple impressions will come as you strive to receive them.

USE YOUR SPIRITUAL EYES AND SEE THE MIRACLES AROUND YOU

Finally, I wish to explain the impact your mission can have for generations to come. I heard the quote at the beginning of my mission “You can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples in a seed.” This is the case for your mission. You can count how many contacts you have, you can count how many people you baptize, but you can’t count the impact your mission will have on generations to come from your efforts. Don’t spend your energy trying to count the seeds you think you have planted. But rather be constantly planting seeds by reaching the twenty contacts and in a few years you will be able to enjoy the fruit of your labors. This fruit may include study habits you acquired as a missionary that will bless your family. It may include a convert family sending their own missionary out thanks to your service. You and your family will be blessed for generations to come as you faithfully strive to reach the High Expectations set by the Lord. Reach them. And become who the Lord sees you will become.

DON'T COUNT THE SEEDS, BUT ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABORS

I love you all and leave you with my testimony that Christ lives and he directs this work. He wants all to come back to the Father, and through this wonderful work we can fulfill his holy purposes. I know the gospel blesses families and that we are all apart of Gods family. I pray my thoughts helped those who were open to the spirit while reading. I send you my love and support, and know that I care about your success.

-Elder Christian Eaton

Dear President Alba,

This week has been interesting. I feel like this week all we did was push really hard, and have all our appointments flake on us. Nonetheless, I feel that Heavenly Father continually showed us small beautiful miracles everyday. Nothing too flashy, nor grand enough to share here, but they meant all the world to me at the time. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and is there for me. General Conference always comes right when I need it. The first session I sat glued to the screen, jotting notes as fast as I possibly could. That was probably the shortest two hours of my life!

Elliott came to watch the last session at a member's house for the YSA conference BBQ. He said that the things that he understood best about what the apostles were saying were the things that we had taught him so far. Another tender mercy from my Heavenly Father.

I think that I've learned a lot about missionary work. It's not what I expected at all. It's harder. It's so much more beautiful. It's not really getting easier, but I think that I'm learning to choose to love it more. It's becoming my life. I woke up Sunday morning just full of light. Usually I am not a morning person, but this feeling was just so overwhelming. I felt so happy to get up for the coming day, but I also had this moment of peace. I felt that that moment was frozen in time, and I was just breathing, and I could feel that Heavenly Father was very aware that I was feeling that peace that He had sent to me. Such a tender mercy. I am so grateful to be here, that He would send me here, with these companions and sisters and elders that are my family out here.

One thing that really dawned on me during the singing practice yesterday when Sister Alba had (your grandchildren?) on facetime... We are all a big family. All of us are siblings, children of the same God. This week I am going to see the contacts as my brothers and sisters. I feel like that is a struggle for me sometimes, because I want to guard my heart, but they need to feel that love, just as I feel it when I am around all the other missionaries. I feel so loved here in this mission. Thank you for leading everyone in that way.

I want to share a few stanzas from my favorite poem with you.

Near the Dawn

Round the way we travel here

When the hope the glad heart lightens

No voice speaks a word of cheer

Then the thought the shadow scatters

Giving us a cheering ray

When the night appears the darkest

Morning is not far away

Pain cannot affect us always

Brighter days will soon be here

Sorrow may oppress us often

Yet a happier time is here

All along our earthly journey

This reflection lights the way

Nature's darkest hour is always

Just before the break of day.

One day I'll share the whole poem with you.

I know that this is true. Heavenly Father lets us go through hard things. He lets us feel this way so that we can choose His Son; so that we can recognize the blessings when they do come. I loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk. It is so true. Even in times of trial, He still blesses us. Jesus Christ is an eternal blessing whose light cannot be dimmed by trials. He is ever constant. He is always there.

We love you and your dear wife.

Sister Darby Eleyce Miller

Aright, now what else would I like to share with all of you?

I am so sad. Sister Zenger and Sister Henry are both leaving next week. They go home. I love them so much. Sister Clawson thinks that she is leaving as well, so that makes me sad because I feel like she is my big sister. Oh well. We'll see what happens. One comfort I have found is that all the sisters that I have met thus far I wouldn't mind being companions with. Whoever is stuck with me will be loved by me!

This week was hard, and good. We have been pushing hard, trying to teach. No one wants to meet with us, or they are busy. Almost all of our appointments fell through, or the people didn't show. Always frustrating, but good for growing patience, I guess.

Elliott came to conference, and brought a room-mate because Jessica is up north visiting her family. (which is really awesome! Her grandpa is a bishop!) Our ward had a BBQ for the last session. I love this ward. I never liked singles ward until I came out on my mission. (might have something to do with the fact that I am not open to date right now ;) but nonetheless I have repented. When I go home, I will be fully involved. I can see the difference in the members who serve and those who don't care. Those that are willing to come out with us to lessons, serve one another, and come to church every Sunday have testimonies that just glow. It's amazing. They have truly shown me love. 

We missionaries need the members so much.

We are struggling to find people who want to hear the gospel. 

You members know them. They are your friends and loved ones. Why are you more concerned with how it could be awkward? You should be concerned about them. You have something that will bless them; why are you keeping it to yourself?

I understand it is hard. I love you members. You are faithful and kind. You are tolerant. You don't want to stir up any hard feelings.

Trust God. Pray to have opportunities. Pray to have the eyes to see those that need the peace and blessings of the gospel. 

We missionaries need you. We cannot do this without you. Thank you for being willing to feed us, but what we really need are referrals. So invite a few friends over when you have missionaries over for dinner. 

If your friends are less-active, invite them back. Love them. That's what they really need. A true friend. You.

I loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk. That's basically summing up my whole experience out here. Feeling so much sorrow, yet being blessed by so many tender mercies. I wouldn't be anywhere else. This is my home away from home. 

I love you all. All of you.

Sorry my letters are really quite scattered. I don't know how to say all the things that I want to say. I'm not to that stage yet. My only goal is to uplift you, not perfect my writing style. I don't have time to reread and correct. Just know that I love all of you. I know that some of you are going through a hard time. I may not know what that is, but I do know this: 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to be happy.

My life is a witness of that right now. 

I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, and as His servant, that He lives. He loves us. When we feel like it is impossible for us to go onward with our willpower and grit alone, we are correct. We cannot go on alone. We need His load. We need His gospel, covenants, Spirit, blessings, and we need His love. 

All things must fail, but charity, which is the pure love of Christ, will never fail.

He will never fail us.

I leave this with you as my special testimony. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Darby Eleyce Miller