Truly Sunny

My Zone

Well, it is finally sunny outside! Today is I think the very first that I can go completely without a jacket. It has been warm, but the wind has chilled things down a bit, and so today for now everything is completely calm.  This week I was able to see the Hutterite family for only a few minutes, as they wanted to see the organ recital... It was kinda anti-climactic to be honest. I saw the daughter, and I said hello, and then she said hello, and waved me a goodbye. As for our investigators, no one seems to be really progressing, except N but she is from Brazil and Speaks Portuguese, so I don't feel a really great connection with her sadly.  However I do have a really sweet little story to tell you.  I was in the Assembly hall and I ran into this middle aged man from Haiti. He was really nice and I asked him if he was a member of the church. Sometimes I think that I should specify a little bit more, because he said yes, but I think that he thought if I was just wondering if he was Christian. Anyway I told him about the story of the Sego Lilly (The one

Sister C & me with our minis

Mini-me Missionaries my
Mom made for us...name
tags and everything!

about how the pioneers prayed, and God provided them with this to eat). When I concluded the story he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "Will you pray for me? Because God answers Mormons prayers." I told him of course that I would pray for him, but I also let him know that he needed to pray as well, that God really does listen to his as well. I told him that God will answer him, although it might not be in the way that he wanted to be answered. I told him to always remember that God loves him. It was a really tender moment, and although I have not seen him since, I know that he felt the spirit, because I did. His name is Alexander Paul... I thought this was funny, because we all know another Alexander Paul.   Anyway I can't think of much else that has happened this week to be honest. I will keep working though :)  Love you all, have a wonderful rest of your week! Sister Lybbert

the BIG update

March 30
This week has gone by so fast! I am loving my new companion, she is such a hard worker, and it is also really nice because she is the district leader. We go on exchanges all of the time, and so I have gotten the opportunity to get really close will my new district. They are all so amazing! My roommates are just awesome too! I know that Heavenly Father made this one really good, because he knew that I was struggling with my last companion. Sister C from the Ukraine is Sister S's new companion. They were really good friends before they were companions, but Sister C just came up to me yesterday looking really upset, and she gave me a hug and just said, "I have cried so much already, it is so hard." I think that it is really good that they were friends before though, because Sister S seems to be a bit more obedient with Sister C as her companion, because she does like Sister C. I am just praying for the both of them, I think that they can be really powerful if they can work together.  Sister C (My new companion) Is really funny. She really loves to clean, which is really nice, because our apartment is Celestial. She calls everything  that she does not like, whether it is food, or decorations in the house or out of it "porcaria" (Which essentially means junk) haha. Now I am using that expression a lot.  

With President and Sister Risenmay

Easter was really great, we were able to go to music and the spoken word. It was a special, and there was this guy that was singing opera... it was amazing!   This past week as well there was a little bit of a scare, because a Sister was poisoned... she was alright after going to the hospital for a bit. She had accepted food from a complete stranger, well she is alive, but that is defiantly something that we are taught not to do when we are little for a reason. The only people I accept candy from is the other missionaries, people I actually know and the security guards :) Don't worry the sister is fine!   I saw Hanna Henrie yesterday! She came onto the Square and Derek Strate was also in her group, but It was amazing to be able to see her as a missionary. I have to admit I teared up a little bit. I mentioned T a bit earlier, he is really awesome, and we hope that some how we will be able to scrounge up a ticket so that he can go to conference, but things are not looking good. You would think that should be an easy thing to get on Temple Square, but honestly it is easier for people in the wards to obtain tickets.  Sorry this letter is a wee bit Scatter-Brained, but I don't know that there was a particular event that I could go into much detail on. We did have one really cool miracle though this week. I was taking a tour in the Beehive house, and there was a member among the group. After we taught the people about the importance of prophets and the Book of Mormon, he asked us quietly if there was anything that he could do for us.. We replied that he could

 
 share his testimony with someone, and be a missionary when he can, because we are all missionaries. He took the challenge, and about two hours later, we received a note with his information, and the information of one of the families that had come on the tour with us. We are now teaching the family, and he is going to be a member present. :) Members are amazing, and I know that the work would not be complete without them.  Anyways I love you! I got the packages! Thank you all for sending them, my roommates and district greatly appreciate the candy as well! I love the little notes, The Big note (the one that I had to roll out) and the hankies too! But most of all I love all of You!  (I had to write the last part because it rhymes :) )   XOXO Sister Lybbs

April 6

Meeting Bishop ZoBell, his
wife, and two oldest daughters.
{our home ward was split two
months after Sister L left on her
mission. She had never met our
 new bishop. It was so nice of
the ZoBells to find her and
introduce themselves.} 

wearing Sister C's earmuffs.
She is sensitive to cold because
 she is from Brazil. We decided
 that these look more like two
 unfortunate cats whose tails
 are attached to each other. We
named it Schubert.

 Conference is over, and it was exhausting, but a blast at the same time! It is so amazing to see so many people from all over the world who come together to hear the prophet speak. It is insane that it has already been over a year since you guys came down for conference and I stayed home with Kaiah and made the marshmallow eggs. It really does not seem like it was that long ago.  Thank you again for the Easter treats. It was such a wonderful miracle that we were able to obtain a ticket from the Zobells for T so that he could go to general conference . Regrettably he acquired a fever and so he texted us right before and told us that he was too sick to go. We ended up praying for someone who really needed it, and we were able to find a little Hispanic Lady in the midst of all the people begging for tickets who we mutually felt the spirit tell us that she needed the ticket. I am still really sad that T could not come. On the Bright Side S should be coming back to the USA this month if everything goes as planned. We are really excited that he will be safe, and will be able to attend an actual church meeting again.  Sister C is the district leader, and so we are on exchanges a lot. It is really nice in a way though because it gives me the opportunity to observe the role at a closer perspective, and to also connect with all of the Sisters in my district. I was able to see so many people from Magrath, it was really great, and I do not get homesick when I see them :) I saw Kaylee Jackson for about 10 minutes we were able to talk it was really great to catch up with her, and to meet her new fiance. I also met Rehanna... sorry I do not know how to spell her name. She was Samara's friend when they were in Kindergarten.. it is super crazy that we were able to recognize each other pretty fast, because it has been years! She had another friend with her and her friend just said.."Oh a Canadian Where are you From?" I told her Alberta, and then Rehanna was like, "Wait are you Samara's little Sister?" It was so cool, and we got a picture together as well.  General Conference was amazing. I was able to attend the General Women's Session (because we get to go once in our mission), and I was also able to go to the Sunday Afternoon Session. I loved how the woman's session and the talk by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Seventy was focused on the Refugees. It really helps send the message to each one of us about what we really need to be doing. There are people in our community and out of our communities that need help, and we need to get out of our comfort zones and help them. I also really loved Elder Hollands talk  I wanted to share a little bit from the talk summery's, so here you go...  " Please remember tomorrow, and all the days after that, that the Lord blesses those who want to improve, who accept the need for commandments and try to keep them, who cherish Christlike virtues and strive to the best of their ability to acquire them. If you stumble in that pursuit, so does everyone; the Savior is there to help you keep going. …  Brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. That’s the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. …  … Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."  I really have come to know that this is true. On a mission I get a front row seat to observing how the atonement of Jesus Christ really does change people. Something that is common in every single person that it helps is that they want to be helped. God will NOT force us to follow him. He will not Choose for us the path that we will walk, but he WILL show us how we can be HAPPY IF we follow him. I know that we are getting close to the Saviors coming. It may be in a 100 years, it may be less, and it may be more, but for each of us it is coming. We need to prepare, if we choose not to start now, later might be too late. I always think that it is really sad when people tell me that they will research the gospel later, or that "right now is not a good time." It is always a good time, and when we decide to get closer to God later, we never will, because later seldom ever comes. We need to develop our relationship with him Today. I know that we are not perfect, and that we all have times when we do not do our best, but we cannot let those moments pull us down more, but instead to become a better person in the future. I love you all and I trust you all!  You are the Best XOXO!  Sister Lybbert

April 13
First off I am really quite excited to see the Family of M Wurtz from Magrath on Friday, as they are such lovely people.  Yesterday we had a zone conference. They are always so powerful, and my favorite parts are always the testimonies at the end that the sisters that will be departing soon give. I always write down just a little bit of what the sisters say in each of their testimonies, and so I thought that I would share some with you today...  Sister O (USA) Spoke about 2 Cor 9:15 " Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."   I really love this scripture now, because I had never thought much about it before. We cannot fully understand The Atonement of Jesus Christ without the feelings that we obtain from the Holy Ghost. This is why so many people have a hard time understanding the gospel if they are just looking at the "hard facts" or just reading scriptures without praying for the Spirit to guide them. One reason why the the gospel is so precious is because much of it really cannot be just comprehended without God's help.   Sister O'D (USA) Said, "Go home, but never go back."  It makes me think of Lots wife, she wanted to go back. We should never try to just go back, otherwise the time that we spent on the mission has not truly changed us, so even when we go home, we need to let the good changes stay, and shape us into what God wants us to become. This can also be applied with anything that is good, not just a mission.   Sister B (South Korea) told us, "This is not the last time that we have to meet. We can always be eternal friends, through the gospel of Jesus Christ."   I think that this is perhaps one of the saddest part of meeting people from all over the world. We most likely will not meet again until we are all in God's presence... but who knows, perhaps I will be able to visit someday. :)   Sister C (Ukraine) testified, "Russians don't cry, but I am Ukrainian so it's okay... Don't tell anyone though ;)... As we do God's will we will find happiness."   I know that this is true. I have seen that as Sisters really just strive to do the will of God, they are blessed, and that when we trust in him we will find miracles.   Sister D from (France) stated, "You might not find the one investigator that you are looking for, but you are making a difference in the lives of people around you."   As I have talked with people, I have seen this happen. Most people that I meet on the square are only interested in hearing things at the moment, but do not feel ready to have the whole gospel. This is alright, because just like we all need to learn step by step so do they, we all need to strive to help each other. I know though that miracles do happen, and that we can find those who are willing to follow Jesus Christ. Just imagine what it would be like if each member of the church just prayed for a year to help just one person to make covenants with God. I think that we would see miracles, and we would find that each year each member would in fact be able to help one person if they tried.   Sister J (Finland) Said, "Without the gospel and the atonement, we cannot do anything with our lives, I am so grateful to serve a mission. I did not have a thousand baptisms, but at least I converted myself. I know that the Saviour lives."  and Last but not least, Sister T (Norway p.s. She is one of the  APs) "I am so grateful for the testimony that I have received. When the Savior sees me I don't want him to have to ask, "lovest thou me?" Because I want him to already know that I do through my actions."    I just love to be able to hear the testimonies of all of these sisters from all over the world. There is power in this unity that I cannot describe. The gospel truly does connect nations, and there are no boarders for the love that it brings. Sometimes there will be sisters who are companions and both from countries who are fighting with each other, or not in good terms. The gospel truly has no bounds, and it is amazing to be able to just take a glimpse into what Heaven really is like. I think that when the millennium does come, the world will be kinda like temple square, and the nations really will be joined together.   We also spoke much about the duty of the missionaries, and of all members. President Risenmay testified, "Duty is something that is required. In accomplishing our duty, there are critical moments, moments that almost history hinges on.... Great events are usually connected to duty, they are the critical moments, where everything is hinged. The thing that you will find is similar in most of your patriarchal blessings is that we were saved for this time, and that our children are covenanted to us.  The war in Heaven has not ended, it is our duty to continue to fight for God. It is not about us it is always about the Savior. When we serve with an eye single to the glory of God as we do this we will have the gospel unfolded to us, and we will be filled with the light of Christ."  Before President Poulsen left he said to all of us, "Motivation is closer to the natural man, because it is satisfying our own will. Nephi was probably not very motivated to get the plates and slay Laban. Samuel the Lamanite was not motivated to get up on the wall and be shot at. The Savior was not highly motivated to be crucified. However Christ and his followers fulfilled their duty because they understood duty, and love. They understood and lived Charity... With motivation it would always be easy, but we are made of tougher stuff...Every single person can learn to talk with God. Everyone can be better today than they were yesterday, and they can be even better tomorrow."    I know that I have been quoting a lot of missionaries today, but I just love the messages that they have to share. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that It is through the ordinances and covenants that we keep that we will be able to live with God again. I know that the Priesthood power has been restored, and I just wish that the whole world could know it. Everyone is children of God. I know the Holy Ghost will testify of truth, because I can see in the eyes of the people who we teach when they are feeling the Spirit testify to them of the Restoration. I went on exchanges with one of our zone leaders, and it was such an amazing experience, I do not know how Sister M (Ukraine) does it, but with every contact we would make I could really just feel that the people were being converted. Some of them even cried. I hope that I can become as bold and loving as she is, she is just a power house I swear she never even takes time to eat. I love this gospel so much, and I honestly cannot imagine my life without it. I love you all! XOXO

with Kaylee...besties
from High School

With Shelby Russell Oberg
She and Sister L used to be in
YW's together and did Highland
Dancing together.

with Rehannah (Samara's
 Kindergarten Friend)

Meeting unexpected people from home

February 19, 2016
So this week was a lot better! My companion and I have been getting along fairly well, although it is still a little bit bumpy I guess you could say haha. We are still trying to find people who are willing and ready to accept the gospel. Many people I had to drop, because they were very hard to get a hold of, but miracles do happen on Temple Square, so that is really good! This week we were able to show several people around, and teach many different lessons. Today we had the opportunity to take two ladies to the Temple Model. One of them was a member, and the other was her life long friend. It is always so wonderful to teach people about eternal families. Family is the best hing in the world and I am so grateful for all of you back home! We also took three men around that came in for business reasons, they were all religious, and each of them referred, we are looking forward to being able to teach them! This week was Sister Os birthday, and I made her some brownies :)  To be perfectly honest, not much has happened this week, but I did see a few people from back home, obviously the Pawlenchuk's were some of them. It was really fun to be able to see them again! I also saw Shenoa Lowry on the 14th and the Thompsons.  It is strange that most of the time I do not see anyone that I knew from home, and then in one day I saw a lot! Sister H, and Sister V  (my old companions) are amazing, they have been leaving me little notes in my mail box. They are so sweet, I miss them, but I have having another adventure so that is good. Sister S really is super funny, and very outgoing, her favorite lines are... "I'm from heaven, and my family is from the beautiful Island of Fiji.", and "Nice, Smile, nice tie, nice shoes", She always is complimenting people which is good, it is just sometimes hard to keep track of her, because she runs away a lot when she sees other sisters, but things have been a lot better, with balancing the conversations, and she now sometimes lets me know where she is headed when she starts walking a certain direction. It is fun I am learning alot :)  Anyway I love you all, I really wish that I could be at the baby blessing! It looked like it was a lot of fun! miss you xOXOX

Feburary 26, 2016
This week has been quite a bit better, things seem to be looking up. Although we do not have any really solid investigators, we have been able to have some really wonderful and spiritual experiences on the Square. Because of the storm in Fiji Sister S still has not heard anything about her family, we are praying that she will be able to contact them (president gave permission to do so). There are times when we really do work quite well together, and despite the storm she is working hard as ever, she is great, and loud.  The other day I got the cutest call from a lady during my teaching center time. Her name is Elizabeth, and she is a recent convert who wanted to know how she could get herself a missionary name tag. She said, "I have shared my testimony about 50 times since I was baptized in December." I explained to her that she would need to go on a mission, and she replied, "Perhaps I will do that then." It was quite a funny conversation, and she seemed to also enjoy it so much that she left me her cellphone number so I could text her, and gave me her home number as well. It is so great to see recent converts who want to do missionary work.  Stanley is still a rock-star, he is doing everything that we ask him to do and more. He has already read the Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon since we met him in December. We were talking about ponderizing and setting goals to help him to reach his full potential. Honestly when it comes to teaching him, he just jumps right into it, and absorbs every aspect of the gospel like a sponge. I just wish everyone were like that.  Today I had a very interesting conversation with two other ladies that are ministers, it was a good talk, but it was kinda strange because they said that they were married to God, and would say, yes my child, etc.. They were not really interested in the restored gospel, but another sister had given them a Book of Mormon, and they said that they did believe that it was inspired... I just felt like I stepped into a actual nunnery for the duration of their visit. They would raise their hands and say The Divine is wonderful, and it kinda reminded me of Skyrim... but they were sweet.  Sister V was very happy to tell me that Paulo, her investigator, whom we were teaching together, is getting baptized! We are continuing to pray for him that it will actually happen this time! :D  The missionary department updated our system for receiving calls, it is amazing! We are getting so many referrals, and we already have their information, because they give it to the department. This makes it so easy to just call them, and see if they are really interested/ not trolling or anti's and then send them the local missionaries right away. Most of them just come on because they are ordering free copies of the Bible, but when we explain to them what the Book of Mormon really is some of them are really amazed, and want that too. :D  Sister S and I also met two catholic ladies yesterday, they have been best friends since elementary school and one of them is a teacher in a Catholic school. They mentioned that they are very impressed with our community and the idea of temples. They were really funny, and by the end they both said that they would like us to marry their sons haha... you would be surprised there are a lot of mothers who think that we should marry their children. One time Sister S was joking around about how a lady should adopt her, and the lady actually took it seriously and started asking for her information. People are great! #gottalovetemplesquare So that is what has been going on on temple square, it's been good, and I have actually been impressed with the lack of crazies and times that we have had to call security of late it has been good, but summer is coming soon, and if I do not go outbound I should have many stories to tell you. The security guards are awesome, we have secret handshakes with them, and they always bring us candy. M (one of the guards) even brought us his shopping list of healthy foods that his wife is making him eat, it really is a wonderful community between the sisters, the guards and the custodians.  :D  Love you all!  #Templesquaresavestheworld!   I have a zone activity tonight and I will take pics to send next week!   XOXOX Sister Liberty

THIS PART IS BY SISTER L'S MOM:
This week I received a phone call from a Hutterite man named "Ben" from Old Elm Colony. He told me that his wife had been in Utah for a family issue and she went to Temple Square. The first sister missionary she met was Sister Lybbert. She was so impressed with Sister Lybbert that she told her husband, Ben  all about this wonderful missionary from here. He called around to try and find out who her parents were so he could call us and thank us for raising such a wonderful daughter. I asked Sister L about this  and here is her reply:
 No one else except for S  from Cardston] knows what a Hutterite is... I just ran into her and her family while I was on my way to the Teaching Center. To be honest I was having a hard time with my companion at the moment, and I did not feel like talking much, but then I saw them and I felt impressed to go and speak with them. It was really amazing I just suddenly felt really happy, and I knew that God really needed us to run into each-other. We talked about home, and I gave her a hug, and just expressed how happy I was to see someone from home. Then we talked a bit about what they saw on Temple Square and about the church. We only spoke for about 10 minutes, but the spirit was really good, and at the end I gave her another hug. It was good, I think that we both needed to run into each other :)

March 4, 2016
I just had a huge miracle happen today, but I will give you a little bit of background information first.(All of these individuals I met on chat and they are great I love them!)  Okay, So I was on Mormon.org chat, and I met a boy named JP. He is Catholic, but has been re-searching the LDS church for about two weeks now. We ended up having a really good conversation and he gave me his email. I emailed him a few days ago, and I was honestly a wee bit afraid that he would not email back, because most people do not. Today he wrote me the longest email I have ever gotten from and investigator. He is also becoming a pretty good friend. It turns out though that he asked a Priest that he knew about the Book of Mormon, and the Priest wrote him back that he had actually read it, and that he knew that Joseph Smith did not make it up. It is so amazing that even his leader in the Catholic church knows that the Book of Mormon is true. God is so incredible, He really does know exactly what we need, when we need it. JP is really an answer to my prayers and it is great, because he really is thirsting after the words of God, and I know that we were suppose to meet! He rocks, and he sort of reminds me of S in the way that he is so excited about the gospel.   My second little miracle was that I met a kid named Ben. He is from Alysa's mission and had been learning from missionaries around the same time that she was there! He is about to turn 18 and wants to learn again... If she knows him that would be a really cool connection.   #3: happened last night! I was talking to a little girl named Emmy, she is so sweet and her family is going through a rough time in the church, she is a member. I feel like she could be a little sister in a way though, and last night she said that she wanted to email me every day so that I could help her build her faith. It was really cute.   #4:  Sister Sam has been teaching a guy since before this transfer. His name is Kevin. Kevin is totally reminds me of Alma the younger! He just got out of prison not too long ago, but because of the gospel, he has realized that he is of great worth to our Heavenly Father. He has completely changed his entire life style! He is really honest which is great, because he tells us exactly what he is thinking, and so we can help him out! He is now sharing the gospel with everyone that he meets, he will text us and say "Hey I just gave a book of Mormon out," or "So here is my friends # they said you could tell them about God." He is getting baptized on April 2!     (Okay now these are people I met on the square)  #5: A K (A Brazilian recent convert that one of the Sisters taught) Has become a great missionary. He is a wonderful friend to all of us missionaries, and he loves to hear mission stories. He always is hanging out with the Elders (that helped  teach him) and the Sisters at Temple square (some of whom also were involved in teaching him). He has been telling all of his friends about the church, and one of them is interested! Although sometimes I wonder if it is just because he wants to practice speaking English, but hey! I will find out soon hopefully! It is so great when recent converts or even investigators get their friends involved with the gospel! He gave the referral to me, his friends name is Gean.. but it sort of sounds like John, he is currently living in Massachusetts. When he comes to visit salt lake  Alef wants to be the member present at the lesson!   #6: Last night we met two men in the Assembly Hall. One of them was a member, but the other was not. We ended up teaching a lesson with five missionaries present (Sister S (Fiji), Sister A (Philippines) , Sister B (South Korea), Sister G (Philippines) and I. It turned out really good though, and the member asked us if we could come to his house for dinner (Which we still have to see if we are even allowed to do that), and the non-member referred... who would have thought, some people just need five missionaries and a member present haha.   Well, blessings have really been poured out this week, and we are just really praying and hoping that all of these people will continue to discover the church, and have a desire to come closer to God. It is so great that they are willing, it is just sometimes sad, because we cannot always be right there with them, and so sometimes they do go through trials that brings them away from God. Today I got to go to the Temple, it is really nice to reflect on everything there. Sister S still has not heard from her family, please keep her and them in your prayers. I love you all! Keep being amazing! I am praying for you!   XOXO  Sister Lybbert

March 11, 2016
Well first off, Congratulations Daddy and Lysa on the jobs, I know that you will do great! I am praying for both of you! It is always great to hear good news, and even though new things are stressful, God never gives us anything that we cannot handle with his help! Remember He really is there for the both of you every step of the way! How much longer until it will be official Dad, do you know? I love all of the pictures that I have seen, and I am really sorry that I have been slacking on sending you some, I have a few that I will send you today.        So today was really nice, because it was deep cleaning day. This means that instead of going to the Square until 1:00 pm we get to clean our apartment. I never thought that I would enjoy cleaning so much, it is not that I dislike going to the square, but it is nice to have a break where I can wear my comfort clothes instead of a dress. We passed, with excellence and earned a cookie and a piece of cake each!
 Last night I was in the Assembly Hall with my companion, because that was our assignment for the hour. While there three East Indian guys enter (in late 20's). At first it was not that bad, they asked about the building and so I told them a bit about the pioneers and the Sego lily that is represented on the roof of the Assembly Hall. At the end I asked them if they had any questions, and one replied, "Actually yes I do, are you a nun?" Surprised at the change of subject, but having had to answer this question several times before I said, "No I am not a nun, but I am a missionary." I explained what a missionary was. Then they asked me if I could get married or date.. I told them not until after my mission... Well after that I guess they assumed that it was alright to try to flirt... It was a funny conversation, but It is always so awkward when you have to turn people down on your mission. haha...    
 Did I ever mention that I have also been asked to go to Kazakhstan and live there before? This little elderly lady was by the temple model, in her traditional outfit. I spoke with her for literally two minutes and then we said our goodbyes... Well about ten minutes later I was walking and I noticed someone following me... apparently it was her son or something and he let me know that his mother  would like a word with me.. I obliged. When I spoke with her she gave me a hug, got a picture with me, and then informed me that I was her new best friend and that I needed to come and live with her in her country... She said "It is alright, you can still be a missionary there, they also need a good church." It was really sweet, she also asked if I thought this would be alright with my parents.. she was sad to go when I said, that I better stay at temple Square. She even asked me if I did not want to go because I was scared of the country. It was sweet, people are so funny... I think I also need to start keeping a tally of how many mothers, that are not LDS ask us to marry there sons, because we are, "Good wholesome girls."  Well I guess that is my funny stories for the week.      As far as things with my companion are going... She funny, but does not mind breaking rules or being late. It is really hard to be obedient and be on time for things, when she does not want to be. There still is not as much communication as would be ideal, but we have been getting along, and even laughing together sometimes, it's nice. I really can't believe that this transfer is almost over... So Sister S likes to do things that are not in the norm, which is nice, but sometimes I wish that she were just a wee bit more mature, because she does not care what she does even while guests are watching. I do love her though, and things have been tons better, like night and day!
Like Dad mentioned in his email, General conference is coming up, and I have been out now for just over six months! Time fly's fast! I am really excited for conference, it is the funnest time to be on Temple Square, because there are so many people to talk to. I am a little bit nervous to find out who will be going outbound this upcoming transfer... I do not think that I will be going, but it is still a possibility. When I do get my call to go outbound though, I can call home on the phone for about 5 minutes... but again, I don't think that I will get the call because there are still so many sisters that are farther along in their missions than I am that have not gone yet. The calls don't come until next week, and the actual transfer is not until the 23rd. I think that Sister O will be going out for sure.. I took some pictures with her yesterday, I will send them.  Other than that I don't think that tons has happened this week. I am praying for all of you, and I love you!  XOXO  Sister Lybbs
P.S. My companion's family is alright, we finally got a hold of them! Her grandmother's house got blown away though... the members are helping them.
P.S.S. We met the general presidency of the Relief Society yesterday... They conducted our Relief Society, we have ours on Thursday. They are really sweet and we could tell that they were all really great friends. It was also really cool, because we had it in the official Relief Society Building, which really reminds me of the temple decor wise. There were paintings of all the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary general Presidencies since Emma Smith. It is really cool! They talked about How Relief Society really is there to help woman prepare to meet God. They told us to read John 16:33, D&C 25, and Mormon 5:2.  Love you!

Not quite Valentine's Day

So it is not quite Valentine's Day, but it is coming up pretty quickly.  This week has been alright I guess. I have had to drop a lot of our investigators, because they are not sincere, interested, or they are literally insane. On the bright side, C (a sweet old lady) has a appointment with us tomorrow over phone of course, and we really hope that she picks up. If she does not I don't know if we will continue trying because she has canceled on us several times now, we need to understand where she is seeing all of this go. D is still doing alright, but since he said he would go to church he has not picked up the phone, we know that he works a lot so we will try on the weekend again. There is a less active member that we are also working with, and tomorrow is our first official appointment, and so we are excited to get to know him a little bit more. It is amazing that God works with us all one step at a time. This transfer I have been learning a lot of patience and humility which is always good, I just need to keep reminding myself of that. My companion and I have had a rocky start, but I have been praying that it will not end that way. I know that she really is very sweet and she is really excited about missionary work, which is really great!  We just need to communicate a little better and make sure that we are following the schedule that we have been given, because I know that it is really important, otherwise it messes other sisters up as well. We have done a lot of companionship inventory, and I think that this is helping quite a bit. I am hopeful that by the end of this seven weeks we will be able to really work in unison with each other and the Spirit, because the Spirit is really important to have. It is hard, but I still love her :)  I loved being able to see the video of dad's bees and hear about the plays that you got to go see, and Of course baby Lila is so Sweet she is definitely at the top, she is so cute, and I am hoping to be able to see some pictures fairly soon of her in her little blessing dress.  I love you all and Happy Valentines Day!

World Wide Mission devotional

January 20, 2016
Well, I am officially a auntie! This is crazy, and although I have not seen my niece yet in person, and I will not be able to see her until she is just over 1 years old  I love her so much! Her pictures look so darling! Luckily Mekaiah and Mom have been sending me some pictures/ videos so that I can see her. She is so cute, and I am very grateful to finally be a auntie. Today has been pretty good so far, there was a world wide mission devotional and my zone lucked out as so we got to see it in person! Not only that, but we got pretty much the best seats in the house, it was just a little intimidating though because President Nelson,, Elder Bednar, Elder Oaks,  Elder Renlund, and Elder Stevenson were all seated on the stand, and their line of sight went right where my companions and I were sitting. It is amazing though to think that only in the Salt Lake City missions we get the privilege of hearing the general authorities speak to us live and pretty much staring right into our souls. They said that this has been the first mission Broadcast that has gone world wide for an nearly a decade, it is amazing to see how the Lord truly is hastening his work.  Elder Anderson talked about our purpose as missionaries. We are here to Testify of the Savior and invite people to come unto him. He said, "Commit to the Lord to always have his name on our lips, and represent him." He said that in any situation if we are unsure of what to say, or how to start a conversation we should speak of the Savior. It is because of the restoration of the gospel that we have the fullness of the gospel, most people in the world do not have this or do not take it as seriously as they should and they need to. In the scriptures the Savior says "Whosoever will confess me before men, him will I confess to my Father in Heaven."

can you spot me in the crowd?

But we need to teach simply, and have faith and our own testimony for ourselves. Many people have heard of the Savior, and many of those individuals have also heard of the term repentance. Repentance is a vital part of the plan of salvation, it is how we us the atonement, and come unto Christ. Without repentance through the atonement, we cannot be saved.  Elder Anderson further explained how having real intent as we pray and study the scriptures, allows us to receive the revelations that we need in our lives. He said we need to be willing and ready to act on the answers that we are given by the Holy Ghost.  Elder Bednar then spoke on the topic of being worthy vessels for the Holy Ghost to dwell in. The Holy Ghost is not an instrument for us, but we are a instrument for him. We must continually strive to be in tune with the spirit so that we can know what to say, just as an instrument needs to be in tune for the musician to play it. We need to be worthy to receive his help and to let him speak and work through us. When we do this God will help us and bless our lives. When we teach people we are not really the teacher, but the Spirit is what teaches them through our words, and deeds. He said that the Holy Ghost is the great motivator to do good and that we should help people to recognize the answers that they receive from God through the spirit for themselves. All in all the whole conference was really helpful in remembering that our purpose as missionaries and members alike is to help others to come unto Christ, repent, be baptized and endure to the end.  Now earlier I mentioned companions as a plural term, and the reason why, is because I am now in a trio! Sister V and I have been given the wonderful opportunity to train Sister H (from Taiwan) for the first two weeks of her mission on Temple Square until Transfers! The reason why she has come so late in this transfer is because her visa was delayed, and the change of time in the MTC. So she actually arrived in Temple Square on Monday, after being in the MTC for nine Weeks and Serving four weeks in Taiwan. She is really sweat, and her English is improving each day. Although she is timid with her language skills at the moment, I know that she really is a powerful missionary, because the Spirit is there as she Testifies of the truth.   This last week has been a wonderful learning experience, our mission President is officially changed now, from President Poulsen to President Risenmay He and his wife are really sweet, and we are happy to have them in our mission.   This will be the end of my letter, but I love you all and appreciate everything that you do for me! XOXO

January 27, 2016
I love being able to here more about all of you, and I am so happy that baby Lila is doing well, every picture I get of her is just so amazing and cute! I really cannot wait to see her in 2017! I can't believe that I have almost been out for five months already, because in a way it seems like I have been here forever, but that I just left home at the same time... I know that is kinda strange and I have probably said that before, and this wont be the last time you here it most likely haha.  This past week has been alright, although it has been a little bit hard to get a hold of a few people, but everything happens in God's timing. I am so thankful for that because I know we all  struggle with different situations, but when we trust in the Lord everything will work out okay in the end. Remember to turn to the Savior all of the time, not just when we are struggling.  I am so thankful for the Savior and it has been amazing to me to be able to read and hear about him every single day. When I read the scriptures and pray about them it is incredible to see how everything all falls into place and makes so much sense in the end. Something that I know is that we are all going through our own stories, and it is so exciting because we have so many opportunities to trust in the Lord and show our faith. Every trial that we face is there for a reason, it kinda reminds me of a song that my companions and I always sing together it is called mountains to climb, and it talks about relying on the Savior.    I am still working in the Beehive house, I have to admit that before I had that assignment I really did not understand hardly anything about Brigham Young, and now I know more about him than any other modern day prophet with besides maybe Joseph Smith. Something that I love about them is that they are all human just like we are human. It is interesting that as I have read the scriptures that I never really thought about it until I really began to study the Bible and the Book of Mormon this year in complete depth. There are many mistakes that the apostles and the prophets make in the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon, because they are human, and we all mess up sometimes, none of us are perfect, but we all can strive for perfection through Jesus Christ. Something that is very comforting is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect,  it is perfect and it becomes clearer and clearer to me every time I give my time to God and study the scriptures prayerfully. I think I have shared this saying before but I will share it again because I think it is really nice, " If we give just 30 minutes to God a day, we will spend eternity with him." I like this because it really shows how important it is to have a relationship with God. Reading scriptures and really feasting on the words of Christ is more important than eating or drinking in a way, because it is what will shape our entire life. When we continually do the things that bring us closer to God, we will have strength to stand when we feel that we cannot anymore, and we will get that strength through the Savior.    A few of my favorite scriptures of the day are... Hebrews 13:8  "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Omni 1:26  " And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved" ??And last but not least... Moroni 7:12-13 " 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.       13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God" (My favorite one is verse 13 of that one)..  This truly is a remarkable time in the church of Jesus Christ, because we have just like the people in the past have had all throughout history, the priesthood keys restored directly through the resurrected apostles and prophets of God. Knowing that we can still have  guidance by those with authority is a blessing that I cannot thank God enough for. I cannot imagine a world without it. At times this mission has been difficult, but I have found so much strength in the words of the living and past prophets. When we just turn on the news, and look at the world it is not hard to imagine why God would send his servants in these last days to help us all to come closer to Christ. I am grateful for this time that I can spend at Temple Square, I am learning so much and it is really fun!  I love you all so much, and I miss you! XOXO

Three week update

December 23, 2015

Merry Christmas everyone! This perhaps the best time of the year, because even those that do not normally celebrate the life of Christ are celebrating alongside the Christians, and hopefully they will be able to feel that it is not just about presents and stuff.

This last week has gone by so quickly! I feel like I just got on my mission, and technically I am still at the beginning, but it is already going by so quickly.  For Christmas we are allowed to have most of the day off and hang out with the sisters/ skype our families. We are all really excited about the last part :)  At 1:00 we are all going to have a Christmas devotional together, and then at 4:00 we are back to work on square! 

Yesterday I was able to watch a short Christmas video from Joseph's perspective, if you have not seen it yet it is well worth the 7 minutes. I never really thought about Joseph's love for the baby Jesus, because we always focus so much on Mary's. It is incredible to me to think about Joseph's thoughts and feelings throughout Christ's life. 

This last past week Elder Rasband came and spoke to us in sacrament meeting. It was exciting to hear the new general authority speak. He talked a lot about his own experiences on temple square, and said that he would come here to talk to people about the gospel and tell them the history when he was a young man that just got off of his mission. He said that he actually just got back from Lethbridge a little while ago. What was really sweet was that before the meeting he was there and welcoming all of the sisters in. He tried to spend a little bit of time with each, and then at the end of his talk he said he would stay so that those sisters who did not get to speak with him personally yet would have a chance. 

Last night Sister V and I also went to a lovely members home for Christmas dinner, we had pizza, but it was really fun! So that was my second members home, we usually only get fed by people other than ourselves on holidays, it is so nice to be able to connect with members. 

As far as teaching has been, it has gotten really hard to get a hold of some of our investigators, but Stanley is still progressing and we also are teaching Er (but he speaks Spanish so Sister V pretty much teaching him on her own). We are really hoping and praying that we will be able to find more people who are willing to progress and follow the example of Jesus Christ. 

I am sorry that this letter is really short, but we will be able to skype in a few days and I need some things to talk about haha :) Happy Birthday Lysa! 

You all are so awesome, and thank you so much for the packages and letters. 

XOXOX 

Sister Lybbert 

January 6, 2016

There have been so many miracles that have occurred in this past week.

# 1 S was Baptized and Confirmed! 

It was amazing to be able to be a part of teaching S, and we will still continue to work with him as he strives to learn more about the gospel. He has been such an amazing blessing in my life and the lives of the Sister Missionaries who had the opportunity to teach him. I am very impressed by his faith, desire, and willingness to follow the example of Jesus Christ. To be able to observe his testimony grow, has strengthened my own. Although everyone that we meet as missionaries will not be entirely willing and ready to receive the gospel, there are those who have been prepared. It is marvelous when we are ale to find those that want to truly come closer to Christ. It was funny because after his baptism when I was on the phone with him, he said that he was intimidated by us the first time we met. We are just missionaries, I guess we do look scary to some people, but Stanley is really tall and big so it is just funny that he though we were the intimidating ones. haha He is doing well though, although he is feeling a little bit overwhelmed by everything because it is a lot of information to process.   

# 2 E has a Baptismal Date!

E is 22 and is Sister V's investigator, He was having a very hard time getting support from his family about getting baptized,because they are Catholics and his dad even kicked him out of the house because E would not stop reading the Book of Mormon. However miraculously his grandparents said that they would like to attend his baptism even though they are devout Catholics! His Father still is not in agreement with his decision ( he is a pastor which explains why this would be a sensitive topic for him), but E is determined to go forward, and the date is set for the 9th of January.

# 3 The R Family's New Years resolution is to be members of the church! 

Sister V and I were able to take a English/Spanish Family on a tour around Temple Square. In the tour the Spirit really helped us to testify of eternal families. We took them to God's plan for His families, which is a room to room video presentation centered on the proclamation to the Family. When we were there both of the parents started to cry and told us that they really want to have a better Christ centered home, and that they are so thankful for their own families. They really loved the idea of the Family Proclamation. We took them to the Christus also and the Temple Model. It is so great to be able to help people to realize that families are suppose to be forever, and that through the Temple they really can be.Although last time we called them the parents had not been able to start the Book of Mormon (from lack of time they run a restaurant by themselves) The children have been reading and explaining things to them. They said that the children ask almost every day if they can go to church this upcoming Sunday. They plan on going with their LDS friend. :) 

# 4 I have had an investigator (D C) for a while now. Sister Lmet him on the square before she went outbound (we go to another mission in the USA for 3 months of our mission), and although I had tried calling him, and sending him emails he only replied back once and it was in an email...This week I decided that I would drop him because it had been about over a month since I had been able to get a hold of him. Before I dropped him I prayed that if he would be interested and progress that he would pick up the phone and we could talk about the gospel. It was the last time that I planned on calling him before he would be dropped. He answered! When I explained that I was a missionary from Temple square he got really excited. He told me that he works during the week, but he is home on the weekends and that is why he had not been able to answer before. "The Elders came last night!" He said, "And they gave me a Book of Mormon!" D C had many questions about the restoration and the apostasy. After our talk he told us that he really wanted to restart the Bible and continue to read the Book of Mormon. He felt a desire to learn more and we have another appointment with him this upcoming Sunday! 

This has been a marvelous week full of many different miracles! I am really happy that I can be here on Temple Square :) 

I love you all! Thank you for everything that you do for me. Keep reading the scriptures and praying, because that is how we can gain a testimony of the Gospel. I come in contact with people every day who have gotten into anti things or have not searched in the right sources when they have had questions, I cannot stress enough how important it is to go first to the Lord, Scriptures, Church approved articles and the Church leaders. As I have been able to help others who have been confused about different events in history, it has strengthened my testimony that Joseph Smith is a Prophet and that The gospel is restored in its fullness through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. I love you all!

XOXOX 

January 13, 2016
Wow! I can't believe that it has already been a week, time is going by really fast! 

The Good news for this week is that E was baptized! Even though his father was completely against him associating with the LDS church, E invited his entire family to his Baptism, and most of them showed up! Even his grandparents came! He was really happy about his decision and is already helping other people to find the gospel, he is a great example of faith. Everyone else has been doing alright, S is now out of the country, but he sent us some pictures of the Washington DC temple he took before he left, and we can call him through Skype, so it is nice that we can stay in contact with him. We are still waiting on pictures from his baptism, the Elders in his area still have not given him any, but he hopes that he will have some soon. 

Two days ago I took a chat on mormon.org and the person on the other side at first was not making any sense, and so I thought that they were probably another troll that thought it would be fun to mess around with missionaries. I ended up asking them if they were familiar with the church and they suddenly sent all of their phone number and address, this confused me, but I called the number. It turns out that the people who I was talking with do not speak English and are from Egypt, but their little 11 year old grandson spoke English well, and so I had a conversation with him and he was translating for his grandparents. It was so cute, because his voice was the exact voice of Charlie Brown, and I am not kidding. At the end of the conversation he said (not exact words but close), "If you have any religious books send them over, if you have missionaries bring them, because God is good, God Bless You." I just had to tell you about this one because he was so adorable.

Thursday is the last day that President Poulsen will be my mission President. We are all very sad to see the Poulsen's leave us. They have been wonderful examples to all of the sisters in the mission, and are always happy, and welcoming whenever we see them. I wonder what our new mission President will be like, his name is President Resenmae (I will figure out how to spell that when he comes). We do not know to much about him other than he has been a mission President before and has also been a 70, and so no one knows what to expect. I think he will be good for the mission though, otherwise he would not have been called here. He comes on Friday. 

 My district currently is...  Sister V(Guatemala), Sister M (Taiwan/Indiana USA), Sister S (Sweden), Sister F (Tonga, New Zealand, Australia) and Sister B (Maryland, USA). Today is our P-Day and so we are all going to the zoo, because a member said they can get us in for free! Afterwards we are going to Sister B and F apartment building (Brigham which is Celestial) and eat, Pizza, Peach cobbler and ice cream so it should be a lot of fun. Hopefully I can get some good pictures to send you all.

In companionship study sister Vasquez and I have been reading the Bible. I love the Bible so much, because it is like a novel! It is amazing to be able to see how the patterns of God really are the same throughout all of the ages of time, and how we can find things that point directly to the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I guess that should not be too surprising though, because it is the same gospel that they had in Christ's time, but the old testament is so great!

I also had the chance to watch a little bit of the Young adults broadcast online, if you have not watched it I recommend it, even if you are not a Young adult.         

I am still in the Beehive house, and I love it, because I learn more and more about Brigham Young each time. Now I have huge respect for the man, he was amazing! This week I had some unexpected visitors at the house, the Boyes'  came by, it was a lovely reunion, and it was great to see them again.   

I am SUPER DUPER excited for the arrival of my new niece, when she comes send me tons of pictures. I love you all so much, and I am sorry for kinda rambling, but I do that often anyways!

XOXO

Sister Lybbert 

Catch up time for Mom on three weeks

Hello, sorry I have been slacking the past three weeks with Sister Lybbert's posts but here they are from earliest to latest...it will be long.

(Nov. 17)
My first transfer is done! that went by so fast!I am now officially over half way done training! As I mentioned last week, I am in the Beehive House now! (Well, I think I mentioned it last week. I don't actually remember.) The Beehive House is so amazing and it is my favorite place now despite the fact that it is kinda eerie at night. :)
This week not much has gone on that is too exciting, so the email may be really short. Most of our investigators are still at the steady phase, but not really moving forward. We are hoping to help them realize how important the gospel really is. Our investigator, T is not doing well. Right now she is in the "do or die" phase. the bishop in her area cannot help her with her financial or physical needs right now. We don't know the full details, and so all that we can do is pray that she will be able to some how keep in contact with us over email because she may not have a phone anymore. We have not heard from her much since she told us that the church cannot help, which is really sad. However, I emailed her again today and we hope that she will be touched and realize that when we put our trust in God, He will help us to have peace and comfort during times of physical strife.She really is so sweet, and we hope to be able to speak with her on the phone again soon, or get a reply from her.
There have been a few miracles that happened yesterday! #1: a man named J came into the Assembly Hall and told me that he was Baptist, but that he really loved the community in the Mormon church and wanted to join. We got his information and he is going o call the bishop and go to church this Sunday! Members really do make such a difference in the lives of people! Before my mission I had no idea how much I influenced the people around me. Growing up in Magrath it is easy to forget that perhaps not everyone is familiar with the Church, or does not feel welcome for one reason or another, and so I have learned how important it is that every member reach out to each other. Miracle #2: Yesterday we met an elderly Methodist lady from Alaska that expressed to us her love of the LDS Church. We showed her a little bit of Alma 7 and she got teary eyed and said, "This is how people should live. If people only knew about Christ, and lived like they knew, the whole world would be different. This  church is amazing, this is how people should live." She then mentioned how we have the belief about the pre-existence and she said that she had always believed that God knew us before we were born, and that as she really studied the Bible, she had come to the conclusion on her own, that we lived with Christ before our birth.
These two people were just so amazing! The elderly lady told us that she was very set in her Methodist ways, and so would not be interested in having missionaries over, but she said that she has some LDS friends that she would talk to and that her son had a Book of Mormon she would borrow and finish reading Alma 7 on her own :)
It is amazing how God really does prepare people that come to temple Square to hear the message of the Gospel. A few days ago I went on an exchange with my new district leader, Sister L from Hong Kong and it was amazing teaching Chinese people with her even though they do not speak English. When I would say something, she would translate what I was saying and vice versa. the Spirit still really speaks to people even when there are language barriers. Serving in Temple Square I have learned how important the language of the Spirit really is. I am so happy that I have this mission call. Before, I did not know quite what I wanted to do for schooling afterward, but I think I really want to study cultures and linguistics mostly, (and perhaps a little music I would like to get better at that too). I love teaching people from around the world. I just really wish we could teach people while they are in China, because we teach them when they are on trips and out of country and we can give them a Book of Mormon, but as soon as they go back to China we cannot email them unless they go out on another trip. However, we get their information before they leave. temple Square gathers so many referrals from Chinese people. As soon as China is open to missionaries the church will already have thousands of referrals from Temple Square!  We love teaching them though, and a few of them get baptized when they are abroad.  That is pretty much everything that has gone on this week, not that much I know but some weeks will be more eventful than others;)
I love you all, and pray for you all of the time!
<3
Sister Lybbert

Nov. 23

We got to see Savior of the World this week! The performance was amazing, ( although it is true the Elizabeth was a little young). One of my favorite parts was when Mary is talking to her mother and her Mother says something like "You may wonder about yourself, but you needn't ever worry or wonder about the Lord." The song about this was so powerful , and I have really come to know that this is true. On a mission I have experienced many different things, but I never have to worry about the spiritual impressions that I am given. I just need to act on them. 

An example of this came today. Sister O and I were on our way to TC (Teaching Center where we call people and email them) when we spotted a couple beside the pictures of Christ. We felt the prompting that we needed to speak with them, and as we did we found out that they were going through a really hard time. The wife was about to get surgery, and she was very devastated about it. We were able to talk to them about Jesus and his love for them both, along with his awareness of her needs. We both felt very prompted to tell her about The Savior of the World. Sadly the couple cannot go tonight, but they will be back on the 18th with their son. When she heard about  this though she started to bawl uncontrollably and express her gratitude for Christ. She told us that she was an actress, and that the reason why she was frightened about the surgery was because if it went wrong, she would not be able to do her job anymore (we assume it is a vocal cord surgery). She loves plays and so for Christ to be able to tell her about his love for her through a play, was a miracle. Afterwards expressed that when we stopped by she needed to hear about the savior from some one, and that it was amazing that we were both there for her right when we needed to be. The play Savior of the World truly is incredible! There are so many people who go to see it who do not know about Christ. It is a form of missionary work in itself. We even came in contact with a man who said that he had never seen the play, but when he heard the music he felt the spirit so strongly that it made him want to learn more about Christ, As a result of those songs he is now a strong member of the church, and has read the book of Mormon and gained a testimony about it for himself. Because Christmas is such a wide spread holiday, many people even when they don't know much about Christ are willing to learn more about him. This time of year is the best, and I am so excited for the lights to come out on Friday! 

One more thing about the Savior of the World that I really loved was in the second act ( I loved it all though and the first act was the best in my opinion) was the perspective that is portrayed through Thomas. I had never thought too much about the importance of the fact that Thomas was the only one out of the twelve not to see the risen Lord right away. He had to believe on the Saviors words and believe on the words of the other disciples. He had a hard time with this and in the production he is told by peter " Come let us go fourth and be a witness of these things, because we are all witnesses of the Christ." to which he replies "How can I believe, what I have not seen?" His initial reaction is the reaction that many people have. Thomas then has to go through a change of heart until he is humble enough to say that he has faith in the Savior Jesus Christ and it does not matter if he sees him, but he will believe, and bear his testimony of the Savior. It is not until after he puts his faith in the Savior that he beholds the resurrected Christ. 

This part reminded me of Ether 12:6. 

  

The church has made a few new Christmas video clips that are very powerful, we as a mission got to preview them so that we know what we are going to be showing guests this year. They do not come out publicly until this Sunday, but when they do I encourage everyone to watch them. 

This week Sister O and I were also able to spend some time with B  (Sister O was his missionary when he was baptized on September 5th ) He has talked to us quite a bit as we have helped him to continue to build his testimony. However the past little while has been very hard for him, because his grandpa is dying. This week we were able to go with him to the church history museum and watch a panoramic video of the first vision (I love this version the best). We were able to re- testify to him about the importance of the Restoration of the Gospel, He understood it before, but I feel that as we went through the museum, he was able to have the spirit witness to him again that this Church is true and that the restoration happened so that we could have a greater knowledge of God and receive the blessings of the temple, and be with our families forever. I am so thankful for the knowledge that we have that Jesus is the Christ. 

Thank you for all of your emails! I love you all! XOXOX

Sister Lybbert

Dec. 1

Christmas is coming! It seems like time is flying by so fast, I cannot believe that I have already almost been out for three whole months, it does not seem like it has been that long. We are all busy as bees here on temple square. We all got a new Christmas schedule which is so fun to do! It was amazing to see all of the people here when the lights came on! Everything is so colorful! 

 It is also nice because I am on late schedule so I get to go to bed at about 11:45 pm and wake up at 7:45 pm! Normally we get up at 6:45 and go to bed at 10:45 pm (if we are on late schedule if not then normally it is 6:15- 10:15). 

Our investigators are doing alright, but as I may have mentioned last week they are still not really progressing. The problem I find the most is that they are not keeping the commitments to pray and read their scriptures daily. The difference when people do these things is literally the same as night and day. One of my favorite sayings is something like.. "There has never been anyone that has gone less active who had been reading their scriptures and praying every day. That just does not happen." When we commit ourselves to think about the Savior for just a few minutes a day it will strengthen us more than we know. 

Being out here on a mission I have observed many people who use to be very strong members in the church, with firm foundations who have let everything slip away, because they were not doing the basics. I never realized just how important giving even just 10 minutes a day to the Lord is. Ten minutes really is not that much time, but it makes all of the difference. There is another saying that I heard that goes "If we give 30 minutes a day to the Lord, we will spend eternity with him." Of course we do not go and do things that are against the commandments as soon as those 30 minutes are up for the day, but as we take a half hour out of our day to think about things that are really important, we are able to have the spirit with us for the rest of the day to help us cling to the word of God, and act on it. 

It is very upsetting to see multiple returned missionaries who come to temple square that are inactive. Some of them will tell us what it was that drove them away from the church, but the foundation of the reason is always the same. They did not have a Testimony of the Book of Mormon, because they had not been sincerely reading it. There is a difference between just reading and reading something with the intent to learn more. Many sources that are out there have the intent of driving people away from God. It is so very important that we do not buy into these tricks even when they may seem harmless. 

This past week was the first time that we got fed by members! I miss being able to have real home cooked meals so much! Because it was thanks giving in the U.S.A. some members of the Salt-Lake city stake decided to invite us to their homes. Sister O, Sister W, Sister L and I all went to a lovely Tongan couples house! It was so amazing! Before the meal we all talked about what we were thankful for, bore our testimonies, read some scriptures together and sang some songs in Tongan! After the meal we learned the hula and feasted on Ice-cream cake! It was amazing to be able to experience coming into other peoples homes to teach people. That is something that most of the Sisters envy about those that are not serving on temple square. When the sisters here go out bound they always say that teaching people in their homes is the thing that they miss the most. The one thing that is really hard to get on temple square is a true bond with your investigator. Do not get me wrong I do have a few that we are really tight with and call us almost everyday, some I have even met in person, and others have plans to come to temple square so that we can all meet. However it usually takes just a little bit longer to gain peoples trust if you are not always there with them in person, and it is harder to help them keep their commitments other than sending them texts to remind them every once in a while.  

All in all though everything has been going pretty well. I love you all and I miss you so much! I love to hear from you in letters and emails! 

Love 

Sister Lybbert XOXO