Dearest fabulous family,
I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you are all reflecting on the many blessings our Father in Heaven has been bestowing upon you. Remember, it isn't a blessing unless you notice! So, cultivate within your hearts an attitude of gratitude and take time so see all the wonderful blessings around you!
We had a way neat experience Saturday... We were looking up former investigators and we had two we wanted to look up on South Union Street here in Galion and the one had moved and a less active member now lives there and the other house number didn't exist. Well, we were about to get into the car and keep looking up other formers when I felt the strongest impression that we needed to knock on doors on that street... So we did. It was 20* outside and the first door was an argumentative man, but the second door the lady answered and right away said, "It's freezing out there! Come on in!" so in we walked and we introduced ourselves to her and she introduced us to her husband and three little boys ages 3, 2, and 1. We talked about the Book of Mormon and how the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families between excited show-and-tells from the 2 and 3 year olds... They listened and when we asked them if they would like to learn more, they said that they are willing to listen to anything which will lessen the tension in their home. When we invited them to church, they gladly accepted the invitation and ACTUALLY CAME Sunday morning! All three hours were perfectly suited to their needs, and I KNOW Heavenly Father planned everything out to help these little sheep of His come into His fold. I am excited to continue working with Lee, Marla, and their little ones. I know the gospel WILL bless their family, and I am so grateful that we listened to that prompting to knock on doors on that very cold day! Surely Heavenly Father is aware of all of us and our needs and if we are obedient, we can be the answer to someone's prayers!
Ooh! And, Jeff Boyd accepted a baptismal date of December 24th. He's quitting smoking by the 3rd to be smoke-free for three weeks-- that's his one hang up. When he is baptized Christmas Eve this year, his family can be sealed together the day after Christmas next year. I can't think of a better Christmas present in all the world :)
I love you all so much and I know the gospel is true!
26 days 'till Christmas <3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Oh there's sunshine, blessed sunshine, when the peaceful happy moments roll!
Dear wonderful family,
I love life. It was a beautiful sunshiney day on this, the 23rd of November. Heavenly Father loves me!
Thank you so much to all of you who have sent me birthday greetings-- I've felt an abundance of love this last week with all the mail that has come my way... Can it be my birthday every week? ;)
Just kidding-- we've been teaching the Plan of Salvation a lot this last week, so I know perfectly well that if it was my birthday EVERY week, it wouldn't be as cool. "There must needs be opposition in all things"! I get it-- but it has been nice, so thank you. Really, thank you :)
I went to send Cam a birthday present this last week and the only tape I had was duct tape to keep the brown paper package together... When I got to the post office, the lady looked at me funny then said, "next time you send a package, try not to use duct tape..." When I asked her why, she said, duct tape is the preferred tape of bombers. Haha-- that's me. The missionary mail bomber. Ha, it made me laugh. Don't worry, Cam, it won't explode upon opening. Scout's honor! :)
New awesomeness this week includes Jeff Boyd asking us about the logistics of being baptized and the epiphany he had that he doesn't have to be perfect to be baptized... HUGE developments with him this week and we're going over there tonight to teach him more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is SO CLOSE! Pray for him?
Brenda and Tyson are struggling right now. They have amazing experiences and then question them-- it is heart-wrenching to watch! I can only imagine how Heavenly Father feels when we vacillate between righteous and unrighteous choices.
Really neat experience Sunday when our 12-year-old recent convert, who was baptized right before Sister Lillywhite and I got here, was ordained into the Aaronic priesthood this last Sunday and his dad came for the ordination! He really enjoyed church, and sat in on Xavier's recent convert lesson which just happened to be on the Plan of Salvation which just happened to be PERFECT for what he needed. We gave Xavier a family proclamation and asked if he would read it with his family and HIS DAD, Joe, said they would! That was so amazing to hear. After the lesson, Sister Lillywhite and I were comparing notes, and as we were teaching them, we BOTH could picture Joe in white getting baptized. It'll happen :)
I love being a missionary. The gospel is so true. Jesus is the Christ. Families are forever.
Go be a missionary in your corner of the world <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea-a-Lynn LeSueur
I love life. It was a beautiful sunshiney day on this, the 23rd of November. Heavenly Father loves me!
Thank you so much to all of you who have sent me birthday greetings-- I've felt an abundance of love this last week with all the mail that has come my way... Can it be my birthday every week? ;)
Just kidding-- we've been teaching the Plan of Salvation a lot this last week, so I know perfectly well that if it was my birthday EVERY week, it wouldn't be as cool. "There must needs be opposition in all things"! I get it-- but it has been nice, so thank you. Really, thank you :)
I went to send Cam a birthday present this last week and the only tape I had was duct tape to keep the brown paper package together... When I got to the post office, the lady looked at me funny then said, "next time you send a package, try not to use duct tape..." When I asked her why, she said, duct tape is the preferred tape of bombers. Haha-- that's me. The missionary mail bomber. Ha, it made me laugh. Don't worry, Cam, it won't explode upon opening. Scout's honor! :)
New awesomeness this week includes Jeff Boyd asking us about the logistics of being baptized and the epiphany he had that he doesn't have to be perfect to be baptized... HUGE developments with him this week and we're going over there tonight to teach him more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is SO CLOSE! Pray for him?
Brenda and Tyson are struggling right now. They have amazing experiences and then question them-- it is heart-wrenching to watch! I can only imagine how Heavenly Father feels when we vacillate between righteous and unrighteous choices.
Really neat experience Sunday when our 12-year-old recent convert, who was baptized right before Sister Lillywhite and I got here, was ordained into the Aaronic priesthood this last Sunday and his dad came for the ordination! He really enjoyed church, and sat in on Xavier's recent convert lesson which just happened to be on the Plan of Salvation which just happened to be PERFECT for what he needed. We gave Xavier a family proclamation and asked if he would read it with his family and HIS DAD, Joe, said they would! That was so amazing to hear. After the lesson, Sister Lillywhite and I were comparing notes, and as we were teaching them, we BOTH could picture Joe in white getting baptized. It'll happen :)
I love being a missionary. The gospel is so true. Jesus is the Christ. Families are forever.
Go be a missionary in your corner of the world <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea-a-Lynn LeSueur
Monday, November 15, 2010
I believe in Christ, so come what may...
Wow, dear family, it has been an amazing week here in the great OCM!
It all started Monday with an amazing lesson with Jeff Boyd where we invited him to pray daily, even if it is just to say, ''hi''. We had the former bishop and his wife, the Goodwins, with us, and they were the perfect people for the lesson. Before Bishop Goodwin was a member he had lived a little riotously and he helped Jeff understand how the Atonement can change people. It was an amazing lesson, but with so many people who love talking (and lots of good things to talk about) we left a little later than we had hoped and didn't get home 'till 915. Well, now let's rewind to the night before, Sunday. Sister Lillywhite had left the dome light on in our car without realizing it. So, when we got a knock on our door at about 1010, we weren't quite sure what to suspect. It was our neighbor from the building by where we park and he told us about our lit light. We thanked him, he said, "no problem, the boys used to do it all the time..." and took care of the light and when we came back into our apartment, I felt the strongest impression that we needed to teach him the gospel. I told Sister Lillywhite this and we were in agreement. So, now fast-forward to Monday night at 915 when we pulled into the parking lot, there was our neighbor, standing outside smoking. I have never been so glad to see someone smoke in all my life! We went and talked to him, and in so doing, found out that he wants to get married and have a family but there "just aren't any girls with morals anymore". We also found out that the way the country is operating now makes him nervous. He told us how he has been watching Glen Beck and totally agrees with much of what he says. Then he said, "I've actually been looking into his religion... do you know anything about mormons?"
AHHHH!!! YES!!! Thank you Glen Beck! We talked about how hope and faith in God allows us to do good things which will make the world a better place (Ether 12:4) then we asked him if we left him with a copy of the Book of Mormon if he would read it. He said, "Yes, I've actually been online looking at religion and where I could find one of these". There's no doubt in my mind that he has been prepared by a loving Heavenly Father to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ-- part of his preparation was all these missionaries who absent-mindedly leave the car light on!
This weekend we had stake conference in which the choir sang 'I Believe in Christ' arranged by Mac Wilburg. It was the most powerful rendition I have heard of the hymn I have ever heard... I got chills when they sang, "I Believe in Christ, so come what may... With Him I'll stand at that great day." As tears welled up in my eyes, I realized that no matter what happens, as long as I believe in Christ and let my actions show it, everything will be alright. I believe in Christ, so come what may...I am so grateful for our Savior who knows how to love us and take care of us perfectly. The Atonement is real and we must understand how it applies to us and the change it can bring about in our lives. I believe in Christ!!
I love you guys so much... Next preparation day we're taking on Tuesday instead of Monday... Tuesday just happens to be my birthday (23 on the 23rd) and we're going to the temple. I can't think of any better way to spend my birthday than in the service of the Lord serving my brothers and sisters beyond the veil. It will be marvelous :)
Have a great week-- smile, the gospel is true!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
It all started Monday with an amazing lesson with Jeff Boyd where we invited him to pray daily, even if it is just to say, ''hi''. We had the former bishop and his wife, the Goodwins, with us, and they were the perfect people for the lesson. Before Bishop Goodwin was a member he had lived a little riotously and he helped Jeff understand how the Atonement can change people. It was an amazing lesson, but with so many people who love talking (and lots of good things to talk about) we left a little later than we had hoped and didn't get home 'till 915. Well, now let's rewind to the night before, Sunday. Sister Lillywhite had left the dome light on in our car without realizing it. So, when we got a knock on our door at about 1010, we weren't quite sure what to suspect. It was our neighbor from the building by where we park and he told us about our lit light. We thanked him, he said, "no problem, the boys used to do it all the time..." and took care of the light and when we came back into our apartment, I felt the strongest impression that we needed to teach him the gospel. I told Sister Lillywhite this and we were in agreement. So, now fast-forward to Monday night at 915 when we pulled into the parking lot, there was our neighbor, standing outside smoking. I have never been so glad to see someone smoke in all my life! We went and talked to him, and in so doing, found out that he wants to get married and have a family but there "just aren't any girls with morals anymore". We also found out that the way the country is operating now makes him nervous. He told us how he has been watching Glen Beck and totally agrees with much of what he says. Then he said, "I've actually been looking into his religion... do you know anything about mormons?"
AHHHH!!! YES!!! Thank you Glen Beck! We talked about how hope and faith in God allows us to do good things which will make the world a better place (Ether 12:4) then we asked him if we left him with a copy of the Book of Mormon if he would read it. He said, "Yes, I've actually been online looking at religion and where I could find one of these". There's no doubt in my mind that he has been prepared by a loving Heavenly Father to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ-- part of his preparation was all these missionaries who absent-mindedly leave the car light on!
This weekend we had stake conference in which the choir sang 'I Believe in Christ' arranged by Mac Wilburg. It was the most powerful rendition I have heard of the hymn I have ever heard... I got chills when they sang, "I Believe in Christ, so come what may... With Him I'll stand at that great day." As tears welled up in my eyes, I realized that no matter what happens, as long as I believe in Christ and let my actions show it, everything will be alright. I believe in Christ, so come what may...I am so grateful for our Savior who knows how to love us and take care of us perfectly. The Atonement is real and we must understand how it applies to us and the change it can bring about in our lives. I believe in Christ!!
I love you guys so much... Next preparation day we're taking on Tuesday instead of Monday... Tuesday just happens to be my birthday (23 on the 23rd) and we're going to the temple. I can't think of any better way to spend my birthday than in the service of the Lord serving my brothers and sisters beyond the veil. It will be marvelous :)
Have a great week-- smile, the gospel is true!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
Monday, November 8, 2010
Zion readies us to see the Savior come again
Dear mi familia,
Another wonderful week has passed here in the great Ohio Columbus mission-- It seems like I turn around once and already it's a new week. Can we please slow down! I don't appreciate time passing so quickly!!
SUPER exciting news-- Brenda and Tyson came to church yesterday!! They felt the spirit intensely, and we're still working towards the 27th of November for a baptism- we had a lesson with them Friday afternoon and Tyson received a blessing to help him with his Word of Wisdom struggles and we told them that they can't be hot and cold anymore. They're either progressing towards making baptismal covenants or they're not. They're either on the Lord's side or they're not. There is no grey area in the Lord's kingdom. They agreed and have been on fire ever since! We're meeting with them tomorrow night and then they'll be coming to the Book of Mormon class we teach Wednesday night... We'll meet with them Saturday after we return from our sister's sleepover at the mission home and then they'll be able to be fed spiritually at Stake conference on Sunday! I know the Lord loves them and if I do my job right, they will show the Lord how much they love Him back!
We also had an amazing opportunity to talk to a less active sister who wants to come back to church... There is so much rescuing to be done. Sometimes we need to be creative in how we do it, but it must be done and it it priceless work.
It is amazing to me how willing the members here are to help out each other. There are no 'clicks' really in our ward-- its nice! The members are also so willing to come help us teach or provide us with anything else we may need. It occurs to me that this is what Zion is. Zion is unity and being of one purpose. Our purpose is to prepare each other to see the Savior again and I am so grateful I have the opportunity to see Zion in action!
The gospel is true. Being a missionary is amazing. Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world <3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Another wonderful week has passed here in the great Ohio Columbus mission-- It seems like I turn around once and already it's a new week. Can we please slow down! I don't appreciate time passing so quickly!!
SUPER exciting news-- Brenda and Tyson came to church yesterday!! They felt the spirit intensely, and we're still working towards the 27th of November for a baptism- we had a lesson with them Friday afternoon and Tyson received a blessing to help him with his Word of Wisdom struggles and we told them that they can't be hot and cold anymore. They're either progressing towards making baptismal covenants or they're not. They're either on the Lord's side or they're not. There is no grey area in the Lord's kingdom. They agreed and have been on fire ever since! We're meeting with them tomorrow night and then they'll be coming to the Book of Mormon class we teach Wednesday night... We'll meet with them Saturday after we return from our sister's sleepover at the mission home and then they'll be able to be fed spiritually at Stake conference on Sunday! I know the Lord loves them and if I do my job right, they will show the Lord how much they love Him back!
We also had an amazing opportunity to talk to a less active sister who wants to come back to church... There is so much rescuing to be done. Sometimes we need to be creative in how we do it, but it must be done and it it priceless work.
It is amazing to me how willing the members here are to help out each other. There are no 'clicks' really in our ward-- its nice! The members are also so willing to come help us teach or provide us with anything else we may need. It occurs to me that this is what Zion is. Zion is unity and being of one purpose. Our purpose is to prepare each other to see the Savior again and I am so grateful I have the opportunity to see Zion in action!
The gospel is true. Being a missionary is amazing. Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world <3
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, November 1, 2010
I know that my Savior loves me...
Dearest Family,
Happy November and happy month of Cam, Beau, Sister Lillywhite, Sister Lewis, Bethany, and my birthdays-- and a whole lot of other cool people too! Wow, I can't believe November is here. 22 days 'till my birthday :)
Yesterday was the primary program, and our cute little primary of about 20 kids sang touching songs about the theme (which is also the new song this year) "I know that my Savior loves me". They did a phenomenal job and I had to laugh as I watched the overly-enthused 4 and 5 year-olds and the 11 year-olds who looked like they were about to keel over and die of embarrassment . The best thing about the whole day/ordeal? Jeff Boyd, one of our investigators was there with his wife and kids who are members, and I KNOW he felt the spirit bear witness to him that his Savior loves HIM. He has been struggling to understand just how infinite and eternal the Atonement of Jesus Christ actually is... What better way for him to learn than from the simple and completely true gospel principles taught through the primary songs. I love primary songs and I am so grateful to my mama for instilling this love in me! Thanks Mom!
It really has been a wonderful week here in Galion. We're beginning to get our bearings-- the GPS has been an invaluable tool (once again-- thanks Daddy!) and we have been able to meet some great people. There are a ton of less active members on the ward roster, and so we have been trying to systematically visit them all and assess their needs. It is difficult with how HUGE our ward boundaries are to see everyone and mesh schedules, so we're still looking for a system that works for us. Another thing we're finding is EVERYONE here works during the day it seems-- this hasn't been the case in either of my other areas, and so we're working on adapting to these new challenges we're finding! Any ideas? Email me :)
We had an interesting experience when we had dinner at Sister Weidinger's home on Saturday night. Her daughters (who are both members) were both there with their kids (and grandkids) and so was her son-in-law who is not a member of the church. He was a nice guy until the subject of religion was brought up and then he became very contentious and argumentative. He talked of the lack of 'evidence' surrounding our faith in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and because he is relatively well-read in the Bible he feels that he knows everything he needs to in order to get into Heaven and in order to know that we are wrong in our faith. Things between him and his sister-in-law were getting heated when Sister Lillywhite said, 'whether you read the Bible or the Book of Mormon, Christ tells us that contention is not of Him... I feel like there is a lot of contention right now, and I think we shouldn't talk anymore about Him like this." It was perfect and exactly what needed to be said and I was so proud of her. After sharing a scripture, we left and the spirit was beginning to come back into the home. When we were in the car, I felt this overwhelming sadness for him because his heart has been hardened and he won't believe until Christ Himself reveals the truth to him... and even then, I wonder if it will be enough... It also dawned on me that I want my family and extended family to share in the knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel. I am grateful for the opportunity Heavenly Father has given me to strengthen my foundation so I will be worthy of a man who has an equally strong foundation so that "when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds... it shall have no power to drag [me] down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which [we have] built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if [we] build [we] cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12) How grateful I am that I have been given this opportunity-- and to think that I came so close to missing out on it. God's plan for each of us is perfect, even if it includes something we never thought we would do... like serve a mission!
I love this gospel. It is true. I love my Savior. He lives and he loves me. I love my family. We can be together forever as we keep the commandments. I love being a missionary. It is the greatest thing I have ever done-- Go share the gospel with those around you. You will be blessed and they will be blessed immeasurably. Be happy-- The gospel is true <3
LOVE YOU TONS,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Happy November and happy month of Cam, Beau, Sister Lillywhite, Sister Lewis, Bethany, and my birthdays-- and a whole lot of other cool people too! Wow, I can't believe November is here. 22 days 'till my birthday :)
Yesterday was the primary program, and our cute little primary of about 20 kids sang touching songs about the theme (which is also the new song this year) "I know that my Savior loves me". They did a phenomenal job and I had to laugh as I watched the overly-enthused 4 and 5 year-olds and the 11 year-olds who looked like they were about to keel over and die of embarrassment . The best thing about the whole day/ordeal? Jeff Boyd, one of our investigators was there with his wife and kids who are members, and I KNOW he felt the spirit bear witness to him that his Savior loves HIM. He has been struggling to understand just how infinite and eternal the Atonement of Jesus Christ actually is... What better way for him to learn than from the simple and completely true gospel principles taught through the primary songs. I love primary songs and I am so grateful to my mama for instilling this love in me! Thanks Mom!
It really has been a wonderful week here in Galion. We're beginning to get our bearings-- the GPS has been an invaluable tool (once again-- thanks Daddy!) and we have been able to meet some great people. There are a ton of less active members on the ward roster, and so we have been trying to systematically visit them all and assess their needs. It is difficult with how HUGE our ward boundaries are to see everyone and mesh schedules, so we're still looking for a system that works for us. Another thing we're finding is EVERYONE here works during the day it seems-- this hasn't been the case in either of my other areas, and so we're working on adapting to these new challenges we're finding! Any ideas? Email me :)
We had an interesting experience when we had dinner at Sister Weidinger's home on Saturday night. Her daughters (who are both members) were both there with their kids (and grandkids) and so was her son-in-law who is not a member of the church. He was a nice guy until the subject of religion was brought up and then he became very contentious and argumentative. He talked of the lack of 'evidence' surrounding our faith in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and because he is relatively well-read in the Bible he feels that he knows everything he needs to in order to get into Heaven and in order to know that we are wrong in our faith. Things between him and his sister-in-law were getting heated when Sister Lillywhite said, 'whether you read the Bible or the Book of Mormon, Christ tells us that contention is not of Him... I feel like there is a lot of contention right now, and I think we shouldn't talk anymore about Him like this." It was perfect and exactly what needed to be said and I was so proud of her. After sharing a scripture, we left and the spirit was beginning to come back into the home. When we were in the car, I felt this overwhelming sadness for him because his heart has been hardened and he won't believe until Christ Himself reveals the truth to him... and even then, I wonder if it will be enough... It also dawned on me that I want my family and extended family to share in the knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel. I am grateful for the opportunity Heavenly Father has given me to strengthen my foundation so I will be worthy of a man who has an equally strong foundation so that "when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds... it shall have no power to drag [me] down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which [we have] built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if [we] build [we] cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12) How grateful I am that I have been given this opportunity-- and to think that I came so close to missing out on it. God's plan for each of us is perfect, even if it includes something we never thought we would do... like serve a mission!
I love this gospel. It is true. I love my Savior. He lives and he loves me. I love my family. We can be together forever as we keep the commandments. I love being a missionary. It is the greatest thing I have ever done-- Go share the gospel with those around you. You will be blessed and they will be blessed immeasurably. Be happy-- The gospel is true <3
LOVE YOU TONS,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, October 25, 2010
...And pray for strength that we may say, as He, "Thy will O Lord be done."
Well, "The time has come,"President Jensen Said, "to transfer you again."
"You'll be doubled in to whitewash an area, and be prepared to train!"
"What?" I cried! "Doubled in again? But I just got here and I don't want to go! What will happen to those I've grown so much to love!? And surely there are so many more qualified to train a new missionary than I. Nevertheless, If this be the Lord's will, Here I come..."
And here I am. Galion, Ohio in the Columbus North stake with the amazing Sister Kelly Lillywhite from Salt Lake City, Utah. I love it here. Hah, I'm in another mushroom hut like I was in Moundbuilders-- but the tossing and turning I was doing Wednesday night before transfers was all in vain. The amazing Elders Conley and Hepworth cleaned that apartment up really well-- Mad props to them. I think a question I will ask my future spouse will be what shape his missionary apartments were in... But I don't even have to think about that for a really long time! :)
So, Sister Lillywhite is going to be a preschool teacher, was a theatre major, loves music, her birthday is 11 days before mine (Nov 12th) and is a HAPPY person! I am SO excited for this transfer!
Galion is a tiny town and our ward has huge boundaries with only about 80 people that come regularly. Most of the ward is related to each other in one way or another, there are two active laurels to come out with us and they are both the bishop's daughters! There is definitely some good work to do here!
We have been trying to meet the members and all the current and former investigators. Friday we met Brenda and Tyson. Tyson is Brenda's 32 year old blind son. They live together and have been meeting with the missionaries for about a year. They had some huge concerns after family members showed them lots of anti literature... We sat down and explained through the spirit the doctrine behind their concerns. After they felt the spirit, we felt prompted to invite them both to be baptized on the 27th of November. Tyson LOVED the idea of being baptized near Thanksgiving and they both accepted. They still have a long way to go, but we are excited to be their guides!
Thursday night, we met with Jeff. Jeff's wife and two sons are members of the ward and he's got some big things to overcome before he will be baptized, but I think that he needs sisters... We've heard that from a lot of people-- that sisters NEED to be here right now. Well, I'm happy to oblige, and it is a nice change from Springboro where the bishop and the WML were mortified that the Lord would send them sisters. Haha, that turned out to be fine, we won them over-- but It it neat to see the contrast :)
Well, dear family, I feel so blessed to be a missionary. I feel blessed to have a testimony of the gospel. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be with you for all eternity. Lets keep our covenants so that will happen!! Go out and find someone to lift up today-- You have the power to be an angel in someone's life :)
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
"You'll be doubled in to whitewash an area, and be prepared to train!"
"What?" I cried! "Doubled in again? But I just got here and I don't want to go! What will happen to those I've grown so much to love!? And surely there are so many more qualified to train a new missionary than I. Nevertheless, If this be the Lord's will, Here I come..."
And here I am. Galion, Ohio in the Columbus North stake with the amazing Sister Kelly Lillywhite from Salt Lake City, Utah. I love it here. Hah, I'm in another mushroom hut like I was in Moundbuilders-- but the tossing and turning I was doing Wednesday night before transfers was all in vain. The amazing Elders Conley and Hepworth cleaned that apartment up really well-- Mad props to them. I think a question I will ask my future spouse will be what shape his missionary apartments were in... But I don't even have to think about that for a really long time! :)
So, Sister Lillywhite is going to be a preschool teacher, was a theatre major, loves music, her birthday is 11 days before mine (Nov 12th) and is a HAPPY person! I am SO excited for this transfer!
Galion is a tiny town and our ward has huge boundaries with only about 80 people that come regularly. Most of the ward is related to each other in one way or another, there are two active laurels to come out with us and they are both the bishop's daughters! There is definitely some good work to do here!
We have been trying to meet the members and all the current and former investigators. Friday we met Brenda and Tyson. Tyson is Brenda's 32 year old blind son. They live together and have been meeting with the missionaries for about a year. They had some huge concerns after family members showed them lots of anti literature... We sat down and explained through the spirit the doctrine behind their concerns. After they felt the spirit, we felt prompted to invite them both to be baptized on the 27th of November. Tyson LOVED the idea of being baptized near Thanksgiving and they both accepted. They still have a long way to go, but we are excited to be their guides!
Thursday night, we met with Jeff. Jeff's wife and two sons are members of the ward and he's got some big things to overcome before he will be baptized, but I think that he needs sisters... We've heard that from a lot of people-- that sisters NEED to be here right now. Well, I'm happy to oblige, and it is a nice change from Springboro where the bishop and the WML were mortified that the Lord would send them sisters. Haha, that turned out to be fine, we won them over-- but It it neat to see the contrast :)
Well, dear family, I feel so blessed to be a missionary. I feel blessed to have a testimony of the gospel. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be with you for all eternity. Lets keep our covenants so that will happen!! Go out and find someone to lift up today-- You have the power to be an angel in someone's life :)
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, October 18, 2010
Time flies on wings of lightning; We cannot call it back. It comes and passes forward along its onward track...
Well hello all-- It has been another amazing week here in The Ohio as a servant of the Lord! How blessed I am to be a part of this great work!
Yesterday (the 17th) was the day I designated as my 9 month mark since I left home on the 27th of January and will be leaving my new home on the 7th of next July. Improve the shining moments was the opening hymn in sacrament meeting with the second verse quoted above, I felt that it was an incredibly appropriate hymn for the occasion. Wow... Time sure does fly.
As I sat in the first hour of church yesterday after greeting all the members as they arrived, I was looking around the chapel and I realized that I truly and completely love everyone who was sitting in that chapel and so many who weren't. I love this area. I love this ward. I love the members here. I love the people we're teaching... I am so filled with love. What an amazing '9 month mark' present from the Lord :)
Earlier this week when we were volunteering at the Springboro Food Pantry we met this wonderful 89-year-young woman, Louise Rugland. She has been receiving help from the food pantry and decided she would come help out before picking up her food. When she saw us, she asked us what ward we were in... When we told her, we asked her if she was also a member of the church-- she explained that she wasn't, but she took lessons from the missionaries in California years ago. She was almost baptized 'till someone she worked with who was a bishop of his ward was found to be a polygamist :-/ Hah, so we talked to her for a while and set up a time to come by and learn more about her... When we went to her house, we got to learn more about who she is and I think she will one day be baptized. She needs to work to be more secure temporally first, and we will help her with that, but when she gets more stable, the Lord and the gospel will be there!
Ahh, time is up-- but there was lots of good things that happened this week. Look for a letter coming soon!
I know the gospel is true. I know it with all my heart and mind.
I love you all so so much-- Have a really great week :)
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Yesterday (the 17th) was the day I designated as my 9 month mark since I left home on the 27th of January and will be leaving my new home on the 7th of next July. Improve the shining moments was the opening hymn in sacrament meeting with the second verse quoted above, I felt that it was an incredibly appropriate hymn for the occasion. Wow... Time sure does fly.
As I sat in the first hour of church yesterday after greeting all the members as they arrived, I was looking around the chapel and I realized that I truly and completely love everyone who was sitting in that chapel and so many who weren't. I love this area. I love this ward. I love the members here. I love the people we're teaching... I am so filled with love. What an amazing '9 month mark' present from the Lord :)
Earlier this week when we were volunteering at the Springboro Food Pantry we met this wonderful 89-year-young woman, Louise Rugland. She has been receiving help from the food pantry and decided she would come help out before picking up her food. When she saw us, she asked us what ward we were in... When we told her, we asked her if she was also a member of the church-- she explained that she wasn't, but she took lessons from the missionaries in California years ago. She was almost baptized 'till someone she worked with who was a bishop of his ward was found to be a polygamist :-/ Hah, so we talked to her for a while and set up a time to come by and learn more about her... When we went to her house, we got to learn more about who she is and I think she will one day be baptized. She needs to work to be more secure temporally first, and we will help her with that, but when she gets more stable, the Lord and the gospel will be there!
Ahh, time is up-- but there was lots of good things that happened this week. Look for a letter coming soon!
I know the gospel is true. I know it with all my heart and mind.
I love you all so so much-- Have a really great week :)
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Hello!
Hello dear family!!
Como Estas?
Today is the day we're celebrating my 9 month mark... but it's actually on the 27th. but I'm going home on the 7th. so we split the difference and decided it would be yesterday/today for p day! How's AZ/TX? Was Trev's birthday good?
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Lord has said a heartfelt song by righteous ones is prayer
Hello all you wonderful people!!
I am one of the luckiest people alive because I get to share the gospel with my brothers and sisters here in The Ohio, do lots of wonderful service, and meet and serve with so many wonderful sisters in the gospel whom I have a lot to learn from. Am I not just incredibly blessed?!
It has been an amazing week which got interesting when we got a phonecall from the assistants on Tuesday night telling us we would be going on EXCHANGES with the Beaver Creek sisters the next day. Well, for some of you returned missionaries who were elders, this might not be anything special-- but for me, this is the first time in nine months I have had the blessing to learn from a temporary companion! I was thrilled! Sister Iottita came to Springboro. She's from Kidibest (spelling? a tiny island by the marshall islands) and she is so humble and gave me a good dose of humility. My goodness-- she's a canvert since 14 and the only member of her family. She has no support from her parents and she went to the MTC with a pair of flip flops and a backpack. The MTC hooked her up with clothes and suitcases... She's only been speaking English since April and she's amazing. We went tracting that night after a few appointments, and she was fearless-- people just LOVED her. It was an amazing experience. Sister Angell learned a lot from Sister Seibel in Beaver Creek, and when we got back together on Thursday, we were both rejuvenated with a lot of great ideas to implement here in Springboro and with our companionship!
I am one of the luckiest people alive because I get to share the gospel with my brothers and sisters here in The Ohio, do lots of wonderful service, and meet and serve with so many wonderful sisters in the gospel whom I have a lot to learn from. Am I not just incredibly blessed?!
It has been an amazing week which got interesting when we got a phonecall from the assistants on Tuesday night telling us we would be going on EXCHANGES with the Beaver Creek sisters the next day. Well, for some of you returned missionaries who were elders, this might not be anything special-- but for me, this is the first time in nine months I have had the blessing to learn from a temporary companion! I was thrilled! Sister Iottita came to Springboro. She's from Kidibest (spelling? a tiny island by the marshall islands) and she is so humble and gave me a good dose of humility. My goodness-- she's a canvert since 14 and the only member of her family. She has no support from her parents and she went to the MTC with a pair of flip flops and a backpack. The MTC hooked her up with clothes and suitcases... She's only been speaking English since April and she's amazing. We went tracting that night after a few appointments, and she was fearless-- people just LOVED her. It was an amazing experience. Sister Angell learned a lot from Sister Seibel in Beaver Creek, and when we got back together on Thursday, we were both rejuvenated with a lot of great ideas to implement here in Springboro and with our companionship!
On Friday we were blessed to be able to help the Leisz family dig potatoes. This might not sound like much, but we have been trying to teach this very less active family since I got here FOUR months ago. We really have been wanting to get into their home and help reactivate them and teach the dad/grandpa the missionary lessons, but there are always excuses... Finally through the over the top enthusiasm I had at the prospect of helping them dig the potatoes on their farm, Sister Leisz agreed to let us come help... So help we did, and we had some good conversations while doing so. We'll be back to help Wednesday. I have never been so grateful to be out in the dirt in 80* weather in my life! haha, Through small things are great things brought to pass.
Happy birthday this week Trev... and Happy Columbus day today!! Ohio COLUMBUS mission represent!
I love the Lord, I love this gospel, I love the scriptures, I love you guys, and I love being a missionary. Life is good :)
Have a good week and go do some good!
Love,
Happy birthday this week Trev... and Happy Columbus day today!! Ohio COLUMBUS mission represent!
I love the Lord, I love this gospel, I love the scriptures, I love you guys, and I love being a missionary. Life is good :)
Have a good week and go do some good!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, October 4, 2010
Priests of heaven's royal line bear the keys of truth devine!
Wow Wow Wow... What an amazing weekend we've had. After listening to/reading the conference talks, is there any question that Heavenly Father knows us, loves us, and guides us today? We are so incredibly blessed to be a part of this last dispensation with living prophets and apostles to guide us through these perilous times. I know that Thomas S. Monson is indeed a prophet of the lord, just as Adam, Noah, and Moses are prophets of the Lord. I know we can be happy and eternally blessed when we keep the commandments He has given us for our protection. I know that it is when we have an attitude of gratitude that we can feel more deeply of God's love for us. The gospel is true!! Yes, The gospel is true!
Earlier in the week we had a really wonderful experience volunteering at the Springboro food pantry. With the new Relief Society presidency, this is one of the community organizations they have chosen to become involved with. As we filled bags with food for families to pick up and organized the back room where they keep all the food, it really hit me just how good people are. After we had been there about an hour, a lady came and knocked on the window of the storage room we were working in-- we went to meet her at the door. Her church had spent a Saturday at various grocery stores collecting donations for four different food pantries and she had a CAR FULL of food she needed help unloading. We were happy to assist her in this and as we began to sort the food into the places it needed to go to, I realized that people helping people selflessly really does still happen today. Then my thoughts drifted to the church's welfare program. Isn't it amazing that the Lord has put in place a program to keep members of His church watched over and provided for? Yes, the people in this particular community are lucky because someone took it upon themselves to start this program-- BUT not all communities have things like this, and not all the needs are able to be met in other communities that do have similar programs. I am grateful to know that no matter where I am, the Lord has a system in place through the channels of stewardship that I will always be able to survive temporally.
We received a referral for a house we needed to just tract into about a week ago. By the time we were able to do it, it was Friday and we knocked on all the doors on the street. When we got to 'the' door we were nicely rejected and Sister Angell said, "well, that was a waste of time..." I said "no... you never know what seeds we have planted. Lets keep going." So we did and the next door we knocked on we got a return appointment with. I know the Lord is preparing people to receive the gospel in our lives, though it isn't always who we might expect. Sometimes he just needs us to exercise faith and do the things we know we need to do before we see a result. I don't know if anything will end up happening with Isabella, but I do know the Lord lead us to her for a reason through a referral that someone faithfully passed onto us after they were prompted to do so. We MUST pay attention to our promptings!
I love you all so so much, I know if we heed the council we received in general conference this weekend, we can be a forever family. Nothing brings me greater joy! Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world this week! You will make your Heavenly Father and this missionary very happy-- plus, you will affect generations :)
Love,
Earlier in the week we had a really wonderful experience volunteering at the Springboro food pantry. With the new Relief Society presidency, this is one of the community organizations they have chosen to become involved with. As we filled bags with food for families to pick up and organized the back room where they keep all the food, it really hit me just how good people are. After we had been there about an hour, a lady came and knocked on the window of the storage room we were working in-- we went to meet her at the door. Her church had spent a Saturday at various grocery stores collecting donations for four different food pantries and she had a CAR FULL of food she needed help unloading. We were happy to assist her in this and as we began to sort the food into the places it needed to go to, I realized that people helping people selflessly really does still happen today. Then my thoughts drifted to the church's welfare program. Isn't it amazing that the Lord has put in place a program to keep members of His church watched over and provided for? Yes, the people in this particular community are lucky because someone took it upon themselves to start this program-- BUT not all communities have things like this, and not all the needs are able to be met in other communities that do have similar programs. I am grateful to know that no matter where I am, the Lord has a system in place through the channels of stewardship that I will always be able to survive temporally.
We received a referral for a house we needed to just tract into about a week ago. By the time we were able to do it, it was Friday and we knocked on all the doors on the street. When we got to 'the' door we were nicely rejected and Sister Angell said, "well, that was a waste of time..." I said "no... you never know what seeds we have planted. Lets keep going." So we did and the next door we knocked on we got a return appointment with. I know the Lord is preparing people to receive the gospel in our lives, though it isn't always who we might expect. Sometimes he just needs us to exercise faith and do the things we know we need to do before we see a result. I don't know if anything will end up happening with Isabella, but I do know the Lord lead us to her for a reason through a referral that someone faithfully passed onto us after they were prompted to do so. We MUST pay attention to our promptings!
I love you all so so much, I know if we heed the council we received in general conference this weekend, we can be a forever family. Nothing brings me greater joy! Go and do some missionary work in your corner of the world this week! You will make your Heavenly Father and this missionary very happy-- plus, you will affect generations :)
Love,
Sister Chelsea Lynn LeSueur
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