Hello everyone from The humidly HOT Ohio!
This week has been quite a week... and this next week is going to be crazy too! We have transfers this Thursday and I can't believe I have been out here for four and a half months! I don't feel like a 'greenie' anymore! I just hope I don't leave Moundbuilders yet... I feel like I'm just getting started-- but just in case, if you have any mail, send it to the PO box:
PO Box 939
Powell, Ohio 43065
This week we had a Stake Priesthood Leadership Training meeting and I was in attendance. It was kind of funny being one of two women there... but as a sister missionary, I'm getting used to being outnumbered!
It was really a wonderful meeting-- We're formulating new ways to help our ward mission program more successful and there was someone there who previously had implemented a ward plan that emulated a real mission with zones and zone leaders who's focus was the less active members in the ward. I thought that was genius and I'll spend the rest of my mission being a cheerleader and promoter of that!
WONDERFUL NEWS-- Tevon is getting baptized THIS Saturday! She went to girls camp last week and received the answer to her prayers that she should get baptized on the 26th. I know this is going to be exactly what she needs and I'm so excited! There's even talk about her going on a mission in two years! If for no other reason, I needed to be here in Ohio to meet that wonderful girl!! Keep her in your prayers--- Satan works really hard on people the week before they make covenants with our Heavenly Father!
I am so encouraged. The gospel is wonderful and SO VERY TRUE! I am so grateful I have this knowledge and I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who answers prayers. I know He is there and He knows what we need. I know if we work really hard in this life we can be happily with our families for eternity! I love being a missionary for the Lord-- He is so good to me! Who will you share the gospel with this week? Your brothers and sisters are waiting...
I love you!
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
"Yes, Say What is Truth? 'Tis the Brightest Prize to Which Mortals or Gods Can Aspire."
Hello!
It's the middle of June. Can you believe it? It's the middle of June!! The first day of summer is coming up next week, though based on the humidity here, I thought summer set in a long time ago... Never mind that though, I'm a Texan and I thrive in humid weather! I just need to realize that long sleeves and sweaters don't so much fly anymore as fare as wardrobe choices go! When will I learn?
So, we have been trying to meet with Whitney Stevens and her husband-- I can't remember if I told y'all about her-- we met her tracting and she said she really wanted to meet with us but she was completely taken down by the flu... She told us to come back, so we did about a week or so later. When we talked to her that time, she wasn't too interested in the message, but you know me-- I can talk for ever to anyone, so I did and it was after we really got to know her she invited us back. When we came back for the third time, we taught her and her 4 yr old and her 20 month old the restoration-- despite all the distractions that come with the little ones, we all felt the spirit really strongly. We left her with a copy of the Book of Mormon and asked her to read and pray about it. She told us that her husband (whos mom is a recent convert in Oregon) was interested in meeting with us but his work schedule is crazy busy-- we set up an apointment for yesterday to meet with their whole family all together. Well, when we got there yesterday, we found out that her little girl has a highly contageous staph infection... she had been in the hospital for the last three days. So, we had to reschedule. Whitney's husband made the comment that he thinks the new home they moved into is cursed because it's just been one thing after another since they moved in... When we got in the car, we decided the adversary is just trying really hard to keep them from learning the things that will make their family happy and together forever. Well, he isn't going to succede without a fight... Please keep the Stevens family in your prayers!
I love you all. I love this gospel. I love being a missionary-- Thanks for all your prayers and examples... Now, go out and do some good wherever you may be today!
Love,
Siste Chelsea LeSueur
It's the middle of June. Can you believe it? It's the middle of June!! The first day of summer is coming up next week, though based on the humidity here, I thought summer set in a long time ago... Never mind that though, I'm a Texan and I thrive in humid weather! I just need to realize that long sleeves and sweaters don't so much fly anymore as fare as wardrobe choices go! When will I learn?
So, we have been trying to meet with Whitney Stevens and her husband-- I can't remember if I told y'all about her-- we met her tracting and she said she really wanted to meet with us but she was completely taken down by the flu... She told us to come back, so we did about a week or so later. When we talked to her that time, she wasn't too interested in the message, but you know me-- I can talk for ever to anyone, so I did and it was after we really got to know her she invited us back. When we came back for the third time, we taught her and her 4 yr old and her 20 month old the restoration-- despite all the distractions that come with the little ones, we all felt the spirit really strongly. We left her with a copy of the Book of Mormon and asked her to read and pray about it. She told us that her husband (whos mom is a recent convert in Oregon) was interested in meeting with us but his work schedule is crazy busy-- we set up an apointment for yesterday to meet with their whole family all together. Well, when we got there yesterday, we found out that her little girl has a highly contageous staph infection... she had been in the hospital for the last three days. So, we had to reschedule. Whitney's husband made the comment that he thinks the new home they moved into is cursed because it's just been one thing after another since they moved in... When we got in the car, we decided the adversary is just trying really hard to keep them from learning the things that will make their family happy and together forever. Well, he isn't going to succede without a fight... Please keep the Stevens family in your prayers!
I love you all. I love this gospel. I love being a missionary-- Thanks for all your prayers and examples... Now, go out and do some good wherever you may be today!
Love,
Siste Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, June 7, 2010
"Awake, ye Saints of God, awake! Call on the Lord in Mighty Prayer..."
Hello!
I hope you've been worried about me-- there has been a lot of tornadoey weather! But never fear... I am still alive! There are a lot of broken trees and such all around Newark, a lot of people need new roofs, and many a tree-dented car, but your cute sister missionary withstood the storm :)
Yesterday was fast Sunday, and as happy as I was for the opportunity to fast and such, I knew Dave Moran and Tevon would both be at church, and sometimes us Mormons with our loose cannon mouths can make a missionary worry! I prayed that it would be a great uplifting testimony meeting and, indeed it was! The Lord hears and answers our prayers, and awesomely enough, there seemed to be a theme during the meeting about prayer! That is exactly what both Tevon and Dave need right now. The Lord knew what they needed and prompted our wonderful ward to share their testimonies of prayer! How grateful this simple experience made me for a loving Heavenly Father who is so involved in and concerned with His children's lives!
Sister Seibel and I continue to find... I'm liking tracting more and more-- they say you get your best stories from tracting and I think that is definitely the truth! I continue to learn a lot from my wonderful companion... I know that we really are supposed to be together right now. Come to find out, she's a lot like my lovely sister and once I realized that, I knew better what to make of a lot of the situations we find ourselves in! I really love her and I'm so grateful for mission companionships!
I know the gospel is true with all my heart. I know we can be completely changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know families are together forever.
I love being a missionary! Thanks for your prayers, they are SO felt! <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
I hope you've been worried about me-- there has been a lot of tornadoey weather! But never fear... I am still alive! There are a lot of broken trees and such all around Newark, a lot of people need new roofs, and many a tree-dented car, but your cute sister missionary withstood the storm :)
Yesterday was fast Sunday, and as happy as I was for the opportunity to fast and such, I knew Dave Moran and Tevon would both be at church, and sometimes us Mormons with our loose cannon mouths can make a missionary worry! I prayed that it would be a great uplifting testimony meeting and, indeed it was! The Lord hears and answers our prayers, and awesomely enough, there seemed to be a theme during the meeting about prayer! That is exactly what both Tevon and Dave need right now. The Lord knew what they needed and prompted our wonderful ward to share their testimonies of prayer! How grateful this simple experience made me for a loving Heavenly Father who is so involved in and concerned with His children's lives!
Sister Seibel and I continue to find... I'm liking tracting more and more-- they say you get your best stories from tracting and I think that is definitely the truth! I continue to learn a lot from my wonderful companion... I know that we really are supposed to be together right now. Come to find out, she's a lot like my lovely sister and once I realized that, I knew better what to make of a lot of the situations we find ourselves in! I really love her and I'm so grateful for mission companionships!
I know the gospel is true with all my heart. I know we can be completely changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know families are together forever.
I love being a missionary! Thanks for your prayers, they are SO felt! <3
Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Count your many blessings every doubt will fly and you will be singing as the days go by!
Hello all you wonderful people! I hope you're all doing well and feeling the Lord's smile on you in whatever little corner of the world you may chance to be in right now!
Ohio is wonderful-- Although, I thought I was back in Texas last night with our Tornado warning, super strong winds, and power outage last night! Hah, we were at the church for our correlation meeting and so were all the kids for mutual and it was so funny to hear them talk/freak out when the sirens started going. I very calmly tried to explain to them that the sirens are only a precaution... it doesn't actually mean a tornado is heading straight for us! But... It's more fun to freak out, so I wasn't too offended when my advice wasn't whole-heatedly taken! When we got to our apartment, we were surprised to find that we had no power! So we watched the storm for a while and then talked as we were in bed... the power didn't come back on 'till 3:00 in the morning! This morning, we saw several trees with big branches that had been broken off. That always makes me feel so sad to see that! We must have had some pretty strong winds!
This week was great! David Moran came to church on Sunday. He was only able to stay for Sacrament, but he loved it! We extended July 3rd as a baptismal date to him and he's praying about it-- so, Ill keep you posted! He's really moving right along in his reading... He's at the end of 2 Nephi already!
We have started teaching a woman, Joyce Heckmann, and she seems really interested. We'll be teaching her the Plan of Salvation on Friday!
There's this interesting phenomenon up here... It's called 'Summer Snow'. Any guesses as to what it is? it's the 'cotton' from the Cottonwood trees! It's the craziest thing... It blows around up here like crazy and if you're just looking out the window, it really does look like it's snowing! I <3 Ohio!
I love this great work. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the healing power the Atonement has in our lives. I love my family. I have so many blessings!
Love you tons!
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Ohio is wonderful-- Although, I thought I was back in Texas last night with our Tornado warning, super strong winds, and power outage last night! Hah, we were at the church for our correlation meeting and so were all the kids for mutual and it was so funny to hear them talk/freak out when the sirens started going. I very calmly tried to explain to them that the sirens are only a precaution... it doesn't actually mean a tornado is heading straight for us! But... It's more fun to freak out, so I wasn't too offended when my advice wasn't whole-heatedly taken! When we got to our apartment, we were surprised to find that we had no power! So we watched the storm for a while and then talked as we were in bed... the power didn't come back on 'till 3:00 in the morning! This morning, we saw several trees with big branches that had been broken off. That always makes me feel so sad to see that! We must have had some pretty strong winds!
This week was great! David Moran came to church on Sunday. He was only able to stay for Sacrament, but he loved it! We extended July 3rd as a baptismal date to him and he's praying about it-- so, Ill keep you posted! He's really moving right along in his reading... He's at the end of 2 Nephi already!
We have started teaching a woman, Joyce Heckmann, and she seems really interested. We'll be teaching her the Plan of Salvation on Friday!
There's this interesting phenomenon up here... It's called 'Summer Snow'. Any guesses as to what it is? it's the 'cotton' from the Cottonwood trees! It's the craziest thing... It blows around up here like crazy and if you're just looking out the window, it really does look like it's snowing! I <3 Ohio!
I love this great work. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the healing power the Atonement has in our lives. I love my family. I have so many blessings!
Love you tons!
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, May 24, 2010
"Awake, ye Saints of God, awake!
Hello wonderful family!
It's your little Ohioan here bragging about the beautiful 70* blue sky I get to admire today! Oh man, these last two days have been gorgeous, and after the last week of solid rain, everyone is just soaking up the sun! I just love Ohio! There are so many trees that driving we get to enjoy a sea of different shades of green! It's kind of like Ireland, but a little more redneck :)
Sister Seibel and I had an amazing week and we're really teaching each other a lot! She has taught me a lot about exact obedience, and I have helped her come out of her shell a bit. I just love her and I know she is who I need in my life right now!
We've been tracting a lot-- and since that wasn't Sister Parry's forte, I have learned a lot in this last week and a half! We have found four new investigators, and actually, I use the term 'found' loosely. Heavenly Father lead us to them because of our faith and obedience. It is just amazing the way the Lord works! Dave Morin was a man we contacted in downtown Newark on the square Sister Seibel's first day here! We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon and told him we would call him in a week-- well, when we called him this last Thursday he apologised that he was only on chapter 5 but said he was enjoying it. We set up a meeting for Sunday (yesterday) and when we got there, he wasin the middle of reading chapter 14! We had a wonderful first lesson and we have another teaching appointment for this Wednesday!
We came across Andrew at a dinner appointment. When we went to the door, Sister Crook came to meet us and seemed very frazzled. She said, "I hope it's ok, but DarrLynn's friend Andrew wants to come over and talk to you. Is that allright?!" Of course we were super excited and said yes! Andrew just graduated and is reading the Book of Mormon now. We have an apt wth him the beginning of June! :)
Peggy and Abby are a mother/daughter-- we went to their address because it was a referral from Mt Vernon members for Drew Spalding. But when we got there, Drew didn't live there-- But Peggy and Abby were really enthused about hearing the gospel! We have another apt with them this Wednesday! It's truly amazing the way the Lord works-- Alma 16:16-17
I love being a missionary. I love serving others. I love the Lord and I am so grateful for the gospel!!
Love you bunches,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
It's your little Ohioan here bragging about the beautiful 70* blue sky I get to admire today! Oh man, these last two days have been gorgeous, and after the last week of solid rain, everyone is just soaking up the sun! I just love Ohio! There are so many trees that driving we get to enjoy a sea of different shades of green! It's kind of like Ireland, but a little more redneck :)
Sister Seibel and I had an amazing week and we're really teaching each other a lot! She has taught me a lot about exact obedience, and I have helped her come out of her shell a bit. I just love her and I know she is who I need in my life right now!
We've been tracting a lot-- and since that wasn't Sister Parry's forte, I have learned a lot in this last week and a half! We have found four new investigators, and actually, I use the term 'found' loosely. Heavenly Father lead us to them because of our faith and obedience. It is just amazing the way the Lord works! Dave Morin was a man we contacted in downtown Newark on the square Sister Seibel's first day here! We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon and told him we would call him in a week-- well, when we called him this last Thursday he apologised that he was only on chapter 5 but said he was enjoying it. We set up a meeting for Sunday (yesterday) and when we got there, he wasin the middle of reading chapter 14! We had a wonderful first lesson and we have another teaching appointment for this Wednesday!
We came across Andrew at a dinner appointment. When we went to the door, Sister Crook came to meet us and seemed very frazzled. She said, "I hope it's ok, but DarrLynn's friend Andrew wants to come over and talk to you. Is that allright?!" Of course we were super excited and said yes! Andrew just graduated and is reading the Book of Mormon now. We have an apt wth him the beginning of June! :)
Peggy and Abby are a mother/daughter-- we went to their address because it was a referral from Mt Vernon members for Drew Spalding. But when we got there, Drew didn't live there-- But Peggy and Abby were really enthused about hearing the gospel! We have another apt with them this Wednesday! It's truly amazing the way the Lord works-- Alma 16:16-17
I love being a missionary. I love serving others. I love the Lord and I am so grateful for the gospel!!
Love you bunches,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ne'er despairing though defeated, God speed the right!
Hello everyone... I love you!!
It's been a great week... crazy busy and super long, but wonderful nonetheless!
Transfers were Thursday-- Sister Parry got transferred down to Greenfield and Sister Seibel got transferred up from Greenfield! Sister Seibel is wonderful... She's from Boise, Idaho and she's been out 10 months. This is her third area, Miamisburg over by Dayton being her first. She has a fraternal twin and is the youngest out of her three other sisters-- the only one to serve a mission. She's known she has wanted to be a missionary since she was 14! She's an amazing cellist and will be finishing her degree at Boise State when the mish is through. She's got a guy, Ted, back home... They met three months before she left for Ohio and they're really cute together. She's wonderful and very diligent and we've already done some wonderful work together... I'm so excited to work with her!! :)
Friday was our first full day together and it was so weird... I've spent 2016 hours during the last 3months with one companion and all of a sundden she was gone-- CRAZY!! But we got our weekly planning done and then went out to Pataskala to visit our people out there. We had an amazing lesson with Nancy about Family history and temple work. She got all excited to participate in it, it was wonderful! Then we tracted. Oh man, I wish people knew what they were turning down when they say they're not interested. Does anyone have any tips for a tracting missionary?
We found out that Sister Schofield ( a less active member) needed help disinfecting her house from the hand foot and mouth disease her little ones had contracted, so that's what we did for a good chunk of time Saturday... Disinfected!
Sunday was wonderful... but time is now out. I love you all... Thanks for your love and prayers!
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
xoxox
It's been a great week... crazy busy and super long, but wonderful nonetheless!
Transfers were Thursday-- Sister Parry got transferred down to Greenfield and Sister Seibel got transferred up from Greenfield! Sister Seibel is wonderful... She's from Boise, Idaho and she's been out 10 months. This is her third area, Miamisburg over by Dayton being her first. She has a fraternal twin and is the youngest out of her three other sisters-- the only one to serve a mission. She's known she has wanted to be a missionary since she was 14! She's an amazing cellist and will be finishing her degree at Boise State when the mish is through. She's got a guy, Ted, back home... They met three months before she left for Ohio and they're really cute together. She's wonderful and very diligent and we've already done some wonderful work together... I'm so excited to work with her!! :)
Friday was our first full day together and it was so weird... I've spent 2016 hours during the last 3months with one companion and all of a sundden she was gone-- CRAZY!! But we got our weekly planning done and then went out to Pataskala to visit our people out there. We had an amazing lesson with Nancy about Family history and temple work. She got all excited to participate in it, it was wonderful! Then we tracted. Oh man, I wish people knew what they were turning down when they say they're not interested. Does anyone have any tips for a tracting missionary?
We found out that Sister Schofield ( a less active member) needed help disinfecting her house from the hand foot and mouth disease her little ones had contracted, so that's what we did for a good chunk of time Saturday... Disinfected!
Sunday was wonderful... but time is now out. I love you all... Thanks for your love and prayers!
Love, Sister Chelsea LeSueur
xoxox
Monday, May 10, 2010
You can live a happy life in this world of toil and strife, if there's sunshine in your heart!
Hello, dear family!
What a beautiful day it is here in Newark-- sunny with clear blue skies and it's about 60*. We are so blessed to be able to live in such a BEAUTIFUL world!! I just love springtime, although, I'm sure for you Arizonans summer is a little more near than you would like. Just remember y'all get 60* winters whilst I'll be donning a parka and long johns under my skirt!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I sure enjoyed talking to my family yesterday... Family is so important and I am so blessed that I have such a wonderful one! Families truly are eternal and I am grateful for this plain and simple truth!
This week went really well! This last Saturday we dubbed it our 'Super Service Saturday'. We spent the whole day performing service-- some of the things we did include lawn work for Sister Hull, stripping wallpaper for Sister Brunn, and helping Sister Neville pack and move. Sister Hull is wonderful and we really enjoy helping her out-- I really do quite like edging! Sister Brunn has been stripping wallpaper for the last year and a half, so we were happy to be a small part of that ongoing project-- plus she's hilarious and a really cool lady to know! Sister Neville moved from a big house into a timy apartment-- plus she doesn't throw anything away ever. Her apartment is packed from floor to ceiling with boxes and such and she is moving to Michigan on May 15. I don't feel like we got too much done there, but we made a little dent! Service truly is wonderful, it helps you get a small slimse into the savior's life and it helps us see others as Heavenly Father sees them... even if it is only for a split second. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve!!
Friday we came to our apartment and there was a desk by the dumpster... We have been wanting a desk in our room since I got here, so it was like divine intervention. Sister Parry was a little embarrased to be bringing up a desk from the dumpster, but she did and carried it up the stairs and it looks great in our room. Well, Saturday, we decided it was actually a changing table. So we have a changing table in our room. But I write in my journal at it every night... Ahh, the life of a missionary!
Transfers are this Thursday... So next Monday I'll let you know of the outcome. You never can tell what's going to happen even if you really really think you know. The Lord likes to shake things up every so often, or so I hear!
I love being a missionary. I love Ohio. I love the Lord, and I Love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Never stop smiling, singing, or praying. They're all of great importance!
Love you all tons,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
What a beautiful day it is here in Newark-- sunny with clear blue skies and it's about 60*. We are so blessed to be able to live in such a BEAUTIFUL world!! I just love springtime, although, I'm sure for you Arizonans summer is a little more near than you would like. Just remember y'all get 60* winters whilst I'll be donning a parka and long johns under my skirt!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I sure enjoyed talking to my family yesterday... Family is so important and I am so blessed that I have such a wonderful one! Families truly are eternal and I am grateful for this plain and simple truth!
This week went really well! This last Saturday we dubbed it our 'Super Service Saturday'. We spent the whole day performing service-- some of the things we did include lawn work for Sister Hull, stripping wallpaper for Sister Brunn, and helping Sister Neville pack and move. Sister Hull is wonderful and we really enjoy helping her out-- I really do quite like edging! Sister Brunn has been stripping wallpaper for the last year and a half, so we were happy to be a small part of that ongoing project-- plus she's hilarious and a really cool lady to know! Sister Neville moved from a big house into a timy apartment-- plus she doesn't throw anything away ever. Her apartment is packed from floor to ceiling with boxes and such and she is moving to Michigan on May 15. I don't feel like we got too much done there, but we made a little dent! Service truly is wonderful, it helps you get a small slimse into the savior's life and it helps us see others as Heavenly Father sees them... even if it is only for a split second. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to serve!!
Friday we came to our apartment and there was a desk by the dumpster... We have been wanting a desk in our room since I got here, so it was like divine intervention. Sister Parry was a little embarrased to be bringing up a desk from the dumpster, but she did and carried it up the stairs and it looks great in our room. Well, Saturday, we decided it was actually a changing table. So we have a changing table in our room. But I write in my journal at it every night... Ahh, the life of a missionary!
Transfers are this Thursday... So next Monday I'll let you know of the outcome. You never can tell what's going to happen even if you really really think you know. The Lord likes to shake things up every so often, or so I hear!
I love being a missionary. I love Ohio. I love the Lord, and I Love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Never stop smiling, singing, or praying. They're all of great importance!
Love you all tons,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, May 3, 2010
I am a child of God... Rich blessings are in store!
Hello all you beautiful people!
It is a beautiful May day here in Ohio, and things are so brilliantly green it is so amazing to think about the contrast of the white deadness that ensued when I got here three months ago!
Things continue to go wonderfully up here. I have definitely felt your love and prayers this week, as well as the love and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
We had a wonderful experience this week as we visited with a less active family in our ward. Their granddaughter is living with them and she has had such an incredibly hard life for the short nine years she's been alive. When we got to their house, Brother Dowell asked us if rather than discussing the Book of Mormon chapters they had read this last week if we could talk to their granddaughter, Ravon, instead. He briefly told us that there were some custody issues going on and told us about the rough time she is having at school and he feels like it would do her some good to talk to us as an objective third party. Of course, we said yes. We went in the house and sat there and listened to this bearutful little girl cry as she talked about the meanness of her other grandma, of the fear she feels at her mom's house because her boyfriend has tried to choke her mom before, and of the loneliness she feels at school. My heart ached for her, and I had to hold back tears of my own. Sister Parry cleared her throat and asked Ravon if she knew she is a daughter of God who loves her perfectly and has a plan for her life. She said no. As we continued to tell her about her divine nature and individual worth, we told her that she can always pray to Heavenly Father no matter what and He would always be there to listen to her and comfort her. We then kneeled down with her and taught her how to pray. The three of us each said a prayer out loud asking for the strength, comfort, and guidance Ravon needed. Sister Parry and I said a prayer first and when it was Ravon's turn, she offered the sweetest most innocent prayer I have ever heard asking for help with this hard thing she was facing. After we prayed, we talked a little more and then she got quiet. When we asked her what she was thinking, she smiled and said, "That Heavenly Father loves me!"
I am so thankful for the knowlege I have that we are children of God. He loves us all and cares for us all and it is our job to remind one another of this simple truth. Who will you share this gem of knowlege with this week?
On a less spiritual note, I could really use some stamps... I sure do love writing my wonderful family, but--- the post office requires stamps before they'll deliver them!
I love you all a ton and I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's Day!
Have a happy week and remember to smile-- You're a child of God!
Lots and Lots of Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
It is a beautiful May day here in Ohio, and things are so brilliantly green it is so amazing to think about the contrast of the white deadness that ensued when I got here three months ago!
Things continue to go wonderfully up here. I have definitely felt your love and prayers this week, as well as the love and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
We had a wonderful experience this week as we visited with a less active family in our ward. Their granddaughter is living with them and she has had such an incredibly hard life for the short nine years she's been alive. When we got to their house, Brother Dowell asked us if rather than discussing the Book of Mormon chapters they had read this last week if we could talk to their granddaughter, Ravon, instead. He briefly told us that there were some custody issues going on and told us about the rough time she is having at school and he feels like it would do her some good to talk to us as an objective third party. Of course, we said yes. We went in the house and sat there and listened to this bearutful little girl cry as she talked about the meanness of her other grandma, of the fear she feels at her mom's house because her boyfriend has tried to choke her mom before, and of the loneliness she feels at school. My heart ached for her, and I had to hold back tears of my own. Sister Parry cleared her throat and asked Ravon if she knew she is a daughter of God who loves her perfectly and has a plan for her life. She said no. As we continued to tell her about her divine nature and individual worth, we told her that she can always pray to Heavenly Father no matter what and He would always be there to listen to her and comfort her. We then kneeled down with her and taught her how to pray. The three of us each said a prayer out loud asking for the strength, comfort, and guidance Ravon needed. Sister Parry and I said a prayer first and when it was Ravon's turn, she offered the sweetest most innocent prayer I have ever heard asking for help with this hard thing she was facing. After we prayed, we talked a little more and then she got quiet. When we asked her what she was thinking, she smiled and said, "That Heavenly Father loves me!"
I am so thankful for the knowlege I have that we are children of God. He loves us all and cares for us all and it is our job to remind one another of this simple truth. Who will you share this gem of knowlege with this week?
On a less spiritual note, I could really use some stamps... I sure do love writing my wonderful family, but--- the post office requires stamps before they'll deliver them!
I love you all a ton and I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's Day!
Have a happy week and remember to smile-- You're a child of God!
Lots and Lots of Love,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
Monday, April 26, 2010
There is gladness in my soul today, and hope and praise and love, for blessings which he gives me now, for joys "laid up" above!
Hello all you wonderful children of God!
It hit me this week what my job as a missionary really is-- I am to tell those who don't know how much their Heavenly Father really, really loves them. I'm slightly ashamed to admit that it has taken three months to realize this... I think I was getting all caught up in the extra stuff-- but really, my job is to tell those who are sad and lonely how much our Father in Heaven has a perfect love for them! What good news to those who don't know it!
It's been another wonderful week here in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission. I feel so blessed to serve the people here!
We had the opportunity do some service for Sister Hull this last week... She's a 73 year old woman who is recovering from cancer and when we were at her house last last Saturday she was telling us about how she was going to mow her lawn after we left. We told her how much we would love it if she would let us mow her lawn for her... So we made a service date for this last week-- Yes, I got pictures because I knew none of you would believe me when I told you I edged a lawn all by myself! Sister Parry was a natural on the riding lawn mower and the edges of the lawn were pretty straight when I was done! There's nothing quite like service to put a smile on your face!
Another family in our ward that is near to my heart is the Haltoms. They are an elderly couple from Mesa, Arizona and were married by a Bishop LeSueur in the early 90s I think. When we went to visit them last week, she was in the hospital with infections complicated by her congestive heart failure. We spoke with Brother Haltom for a time and then called the elders who covered the area where the hospital is to go and give her a blessing. We were pleasantly surprised when she was there this week when we paid them a visit. They are the cutest, happiest, most caring people I have met up here-- Dispite the rough circumstances they find themselves in, they are always trying to make us laugh and figure out what they can do for us. We were thrilled when Brother Haltom (who always refuses our offers to help them around the house) finally let us do their dishes-- a little coersion was involved... but we all ended up happy campers!
The world is such a beautiful place, and despite our circumstances, we can always CHOOSE to be happy. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and all the wonderful knowlege I have because of it. I am grateful that I get to be a missionary. I am grateful for all the people I've met in the short time I've been here who have touched my life forever. Thanks for all your love and prayers--- They're felt and very much appreciated :)
Loves,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
It hit me this week what my job as a missionary really is-- I am to tell those who don't know how much their Heavenly Father really, really loves them. I'm slightly ashamed to admit that it has taken three months to realize this... I think I was getting all caught up in the extra stuff-- but really, my job is to tell those who are sad and lonely how much our Father in Heaven has a perfect love for them! What good news to those who don't know it!
It's been another wonderful week here in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission. I feel so blessed to serve the people here!
We had the opportunity do some service for Sister Hull this last week... She's a 73 year old woman who is recovering from cancer and when we were at her house last last Saturday she was telling us about how she was going to mow her lawn after we left. We told her how much we would love it if she would let us mow her lawn for her... So we made a service date for this last week-- Yes, I got pictures because I knew none of you would believe me when I told you I edged a lawn all by myself! Sister Parry was a natural on the riding lawn mower and the edges of the lawn were pretty straight when I was done! There's nothing quite like service to put a smile on your face!
Another family in our ward that is near to my heart is the Haltoms. They are an elderly couple from Mesa, Arizona and were married by a Bishop LeSueur in the early 90s I think. When we went to visit them last week, she was in the hospital with infections complicated by her congestive heart failure. We spoke with Brother Haltom for a time and then called the elders who covered the area where the hospital is to go and give her a blessing. We were pleasantly surprised when she was there this week when we paid them a visit. They are the cutest, happiest, most caring people I have met up here-- Dispite the rough circumstances they find themselves in, they are always trying to make us laugh and figure out what they can do for us. We were thrilled when Brother Haltom (who always refuses our offers to help them around the house) finally let us do their dishes-- a little coersion was involved... but we all ended up happy campers!
The world is such a beautiful place, and despite our circumstances, we can always CHOOSE to be happy. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and all the wonderful knowlege I have because of it. I am grateful that I get to be a missionary. I am grateful for all the people I've met in the short time I've been here who have touched my life forever. Thanks for all your love and prayers--- They're felt and very much appreciated :)
Loves,
Sister Chelsea LeSueur
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