February 22, 2010 "Every Member a Missionary!"

Me riding on a tractor. This is all souped-up with drink holders, a radio that plays only country and a motor that would make you all jealous

How many cats can you find? PS There were 4 more that are not in the picture

Sister Hafen being sure to close the fence so the cows don't get out (member home)

Our typewriter in the basement. I love Kansas

Hello readers of this email,

I wanted to follow up with you and let you know I am disappointed with your responses to my Atonement request. Repent now and write me a letter explaining how you have come to see the Atonement working in your life and a suggestion of how I can better understand it. Thanks (insert emoticon).

We were able to see a lot of success this week because the members of this branch are so willing to help. We had quite a few team-ups this week, which led to more lessons with members present, which led to more investigators at sacrament meeting, which led to more people wanting to be baptized. Things are going well! I was surprised in an interview over the phone with my district leader. He used the phrase everyone hates and said Mound City was known as a "dead" area" before the Lord inspired Pres. VK to send sisters. I love being here! I don't know if I have already mentioned this, but I have not been an ounce homesick since I got to Kansas. People here are just...family.

We keep meeting people who are not interested to listen to our message, but are totally willing to introduce us to all their friends and family. Instant new investigators. Just add water.

I had an interesting experience this week with someone we had stopped teaching. We were in his neighborhood and I thought maybe Sister Hafen would have some insight into how to help this man see we didn't have horns or have 8 wives. Last time, we had mentioned the Book of Mormon and he got upset, said he already had one and that it was full of lies. This time, I found his Book of Mormon and went into the bathroom to dust it off. I stood above him (he was sitting) and bore my little testimony as strong and pure as I could. I had never felt so empowered before. It was incredible. There were no fighting words. I just invited him to open his heart and expressed my feelings on how the Book or Mormon had changed my life. He was very kind about it and said we could come back. It's so sad how closed people can be to something they have never tried out before.

We had some more Blue Mound fun this week. Most of our appointments fell through, but we found a few new, really nice people. I may just move there when I get off my mission. I'm fixin' to ask 'em about an opening at the Station.

Funny quotes from this week:

"How can we best get the mom more involved in the lessons?" -Me

"Make her cry." - Elder Nielson

"Honey, your sisters in Christ are here." - investigator's mom

With an absolutely serious voice: "Hi, this is Elder Mapas. We need you sisters' opinion. We made cookies for our investigators, but they're not home. Should we leave them on the porch?" I told him no, but Sis Hafen and Sis Chandler said yes. I asked him to "let us know how it goes" and he called like 2 mins later to say "We did it." He waited like he expected me to say something. So cute. It reminded me how I am known among my guy friends as Dr. Roo. I kind of miss that.

Everything that I "sacrificed" has been 100% worth it to come here. It's funny. Sis Hafen and I had a silimar experience when we knew it was right to come on a mission. "Me? But I don't want to. I'm not prepared. I'm not a cheesy sister missionary. But I'll do it." She and I are becoming really good friends. I'm sure I will think of more to say, but for now I just want to leave you with my testimony.

The Book of Mormon has a power. It helps people to get to know what it's like to hear Christ's voice. That way, when He tries to tell them something, they recognize it and have more courage to act on it. I know this is the Church of Jesus Christ. It must have been important for Him to organize a church 2,000 years ago and it is vital that He organized it again in 1930. The message we share is all about familes. I know through the priesthood power and within the walls of the temple families are sealed for eternity. I love knowing the Truth. Even more, I love sharing the Truth. I invite you to find a way to share it this week. Go "visit teach" someone you aren't assigned to, go serve someone, go to the temple. Do what you can and God will make it worth it. Thanks for reading. I love you!

Sister Roo Adamson