Week 7 December 14, 2015 ARIZONA!

Arizona Sunset

New Companion

Sister Haycock

Hey!

 So I am having a wonderful time in Arizona! My new companion is wonderful! Her name is Sister Haycock, and she is from California. She has been out for 14 months, and does NOT like to think about it. It is actually colder then I thought it would be (45 degrees), that and wet. My companion has let me barrow a coat that she wasn't using, so I am being taken care of. I don't know if it is just getting used to the food, but I have thrown up twice, day one was the first time actually, but I am well just the same. I am in the Queen Creek area, Spanish speaking.....yup. So, I am working hard so as to learn Spanish too! So far I am known as just sitting during the lessons, saying nothing....just smiling.....what else can I do?! I understand the conversations a little, but I don't know how to respond. Luckily most of the ward members speak English too. Sunday was fun (haha), and not just because I couldn't understand anything for the full three hours INCLUDING Branch council meeting, but because our investigator Patricia finally came to church! Yay!! She has been taking the missionary discussions for a few years (I think), and has heard all the lessons several times, she just will not commit to baptism or getting married to her boyfriend of over 20 years. Coming to church was an answer to prayers though, and we pray that she will continue to progress. This is a slow area, and I have found that we are working with a lot of less active members. So many of them don't go to church, or commit to leaving the gospel which makes me sad. I want to help them feel the love of their Savior, especially during this Christmas season. I love all y'all, and pray that you are well!!!

Forca e Honra

-Sister Randall

Week 6 December 7, 2015 On My Way to the Gilbert Arizona MIssion!

I am exited and nervous at the same time! I can't pack my things yet, so I am taking the time to email now. I am well! I can't believe that the time for me to leave the MTC is tomorrow! I'm sorry to hear that you and the rest of the family are not feeling well, I hope you get better soon. I thought about our family yesterday (knowing that it was Sinterclaas Day) and am happy to hear that it was a good experience. Yesterday was a good last Sunday here at the MTC, and I feel that I have grown spiritually from it. I am sending y'all a letter that should arrive in about two days. As for packing, I made a list last night of everything that I need to get done before I leave. I am really looking forward to Christmas day!!! I can't wait to talk to you!! Oh yeah, I will have the opportunity to call you before I fly away to Arizona!  

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I have grown so much here in the MTC. I am amazed at the amount of Portuguese that I have been able to learn! What I have learned about the gospel, and my purpose has changed me for the better. I am looking forward to the continual growth when I am in the field (Tomorrow!!!) I have found great joy in serving, and teaching others. I cannot help but have a smile on my face everyday!!! I love my teachers Irmao Machado and Irma Smith, My fellow missionaries, and my Branch President. I love my family soooooooooo much, and do not want to disappoint them, but to continue to fulfill my mission so that they might receive the blessings which the Lord is ready to shower upon them. Mom, Dad, I love you so much! Thank you for always being there for me, and teaching me of what is truly important. I am so excited to officially start sharing the wonderful message of the Restored Gospel to everyone!! I know that I am ready! I love you all so much!! Next email will be from Arizona!!!!

Week 5 December 1, 2015 Re-assigned!

This week has been an inspiring week full of blessings in abundance. I received news that I will be re-assigned to Gilbert Arizona!! I do not have flight plans yet, but I should hopefully receive them on Thursday or Friday. 
There will be things that I would like to box up for grandparents to pick up. How many times can I say it, you're right when it came to a few unnecessary things.... All good though! It's amazing how I have come to enjoy the small and beautiful things in life. I can't believe that I will be leaving the MTC soon, it feels like forever, and yet very short. I love my my teachers, my zone, and my Branch Presidency. Haha, the Branch President says that if he could, he would have me here forever; meaning that he would find a way to postpone my Visa.... Nope, I'm going, but I will never forget the people who have made me a better person. My Teacher, Irmao Machado says that he loves you mom. He and my teacher Irma Smith have helped me stretch and grow sooo much! Muito!! This is all I can send for now! 

-Tchau! Sister (Jessica) Randall