Weekly Update 8-25-14

With Sister Egbert holding bunnies.

With Joyann- 2 recent converts.

So this week was pretty sweet. I hit my 15 month mark... not so sweet. haha That means I only have 3 months left on my mission.. WHAT?! Maybe i'll just extend a little longer:) Just kidding. ANYWAYS lets not dwell on the fact that this is ending soon any longer because it is really bittersweet. This week we had two sets of exchanges. Wednesday I went on exchanges with Sister Stoffers..(like the lasagna) she is a missionary for the YSA branch. It was great. We went and had dinner with a couple of members in the married student ward and they are just awesome! We had some really good conversations about following the spirit and it was so sweet! Later in the week we went on exchanges with the muscatine sisters. I went with Sister Robinson. She is about 3 weeks out and is such a stud!! Seriously, I was so impressed at how compposed and mature of a missionary she is at 3 weeks. It was a cool experience and I learned a lot from her. Cool experience that happened with her... I am not sure if I have ever talked about stephane before but I will give you a little background on him. Sister Andersen and I found him last transfer and he was progressing SO MUCH! This guy is just an honest truth seeker and awh he's just so cool. Anyways, after sister andersen left, sister egbert and I had one lesson with him and then the next lesson he cancelled and said "He needed time to think and pray." So basically he dropped us. But there was something inside of me that did not want to let this guy go. So I called him several times and he never answered. I continued this for 2 weeks, everyday calling him. I know it sounds creeper but I had faith that it was for a reason. That brings us to exchanges with sister robinson. We had about 20 minutes left before it was time to go in and we felt like we should go try by his apartment. We pull up, say a prayer and outside is stephane's roommate who lets us in to the locked apartment complex. We knock on stephane's door and he opens up. I think he was a little shocked to see us. haha We talked for a while and then finally he said, "You don't give up do you?" haha I smirked and told him why we didn't give up. He accepted the invitation to come to church again. And yesterday, he showed up! We are teaching him on tuesday. The principle of persistent follow-up! It works when following the spirit.

Everything else has been going really well! I love Iowa City.. the ward is seriously so great and missionary minded. They are always willing to help out. Three more weeks until transfers, so I might get transferred again before I go home but I am not sure what will happen. We will see.

I have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the only way salvation is gained. I love Him with all my heart.

And I love you!!! Have a great week!

Sister Rogers

Weekly Update 8-19-14

This is Mitchelann.  Halee's first investigator that was baptized.  Today she went through the Nauvoo Temple for the first time and was sealed to her deceased husband on what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.  Very special day!

Sister Gerber and Sister Offen from Mt. Vernon.

The whole group with Mitchelann.

With Sister Egbert.

Hey Family and Friends..

This week was quite fabulous. I won't share everything but I will share the highlights. Mostly just yesterday... haha

I got to go to the temple because Mitchelann my first baptism and also my first investigator on my mission was endowed in the temple and was also sealed to her deceased husband for all- time and eternity. It was such a special day and I am so glad I got to be there. What made it even extra special was that yesterday was her and her husband's 50th wedding anniversary. The ceremony was so beautiful. I cried for the first time in a while. The spirit was so strong and consuming and if that experience didn't make me trunky, I don't know what will! haha It made me want to get married!!! yikes. haha nah, I am still 100% focused for the work but it did get me real excited for when that opportunity does come that I can be married in the temple. It was SO GOOD to see Mitchelann. She is doing so amazing and I felt like Alma in Alma 17:2-3 when he is reunited with the sons of Mosiah and he sees that they are still strong in the gospel and it brings joy and gratitude to his heart. It was such a special day and I am just so so grateful for that experience. The sealer was so full of the spirit and bore such powerful testimony.

So that was one of the highlights of my week. Other highlight is.... I GOT INTO BYU! Looks like I going to be a cougar. I am so excited. I feel so blessed by the Lord.

The work here is continuing to go great. We found 4 new investigators last week and two of them came to church! We will be setting lots of baptismal dates this week.

Love you all!

Sister Rogers

Weekly Update 8-11-14

MLC with Polka Dot theme.

Norman got baptized!  Yay

With Norman and Sister Egbert.

Happy Day!

She really loves Norman.

With Sister Egbert!

Alright Team!

This week has been fantastic in the sense of the work! Norman was baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday!!! IT WAS AWESOME! I love that guy so much. He's such a stud.  We have four others that we are working with to be baptized on the 30th.

I got good news yesterday.. Mitchelann, my first convert on my mission is going through the temple on Monday to receive her endowment and to be sealed to her husband for all time and eternity and I get to go!! I am so excited!!

We had interviews and MLC this week so that was fun! It was weird without all the missionaries that went home this transfer. It's especially weird and hard without having Sister Andersen here as well. But she is doing good things and I need to bloom where I am planted! Still a work in progress...

Sister Egbert is pretty cool.  My faith has definitely been tested this week with all this change going on and I know its going to continue to. So I am sticking to prayer and the scriptures and just trying to be as obedient as possible. Happiness will come!

Interviews went great! Sister Jensen told me that my countenance has really changed and has softened but radiates the spirit more now. That made me feel good!

Love you guys! Pics to come.

Sister Halee rogers

Weekly Update 8-4-14

We received this video from the family that Halee lives with.  It's a few missionaries practicing a musical number for their zone conference.  Click on this link to watch:    "Come Unto Christ"

This is Elder Jackson who currently serves as Halee's District Leader.  They went to high school together but this is the first time they've served in the same area.  I was so excited to meet his mom Jenni the same day these 2 were emailing home.

No details on this picture but it's pretty self explanatory. 

Maisha, Sila & Amani.

Stephane- one of their investigators!

Saying good-bye to Sister Anderson and many other missionaries she has served with.

Sister Anderson- she will miss her so much!

NEW COMPANION!

Excited about her new companion, Sister Egbert!

Hey there!

So this week was Sister Andersen and I's last week together and then she left on Friday to go back home to Utah. I most definitely miss her. She helped me to become better. I am sure I will hear from her soon though!

I have a new companion now here in Iowa City... her name is Sister Cassidy Egbert! She is awesome. She is from Idaho Falls, Idaho and has previously served in Ames, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. She has been out for 13 months. She's way cool and I like working with her!

This week we sadly moved out of the Hachtman's home and happily moved into the Blau's home! They are great and we have a sweet set up! I feel so blessed! 

Norman got his baptismal interview and passed with flying colors! So his baptism is set for this week on Saturday at 4pm! He is such a stud and I am so happy for him. He really just loves the gospel and his heart is always so open which allows the spirit to teach him! Funny Story.. Earlier this week we were going over the baptismal interview questions with him before his interview and we asked if he believed that Thomas S. Monson was the current prophet on earth.. and he responded by saying that he wasn't too sure about that one yet. So thankfully we had a dvd in the car called, "On the Lord's Errand" Its an hour long and its all about the life and ministry of Thomas S. Monson. So we gave that to him to watch that night and to pray about it. A few hours later we got a call from him telling us that he had already watched it twice!! And then the next day when he returned the movie back to us he told us he had watched it a third time that morning. Needless to say, by the power of the Holy Ghost, Norman now believes Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on eart today. It was sweet!!! And he even fasted on Sunday!! I am so excited for him/

Other than that we just had a lot of planning we did. But I am excited for this transfer.. good things are happening!!!

Love you guys!!!

Love

Sister Rogers

Weekly Update 7-28-14

Last District Meeting before transfers.

With Sister Anderson and Norman.

Holy Smokes you guys this week was so great and I know this email won't do it justice so I apologize now!!!

But we will give it a go!

Monday- it was Pday and we had a zone BBQ with cheeseburgers. My favorite! We played lots of kickball and ultimate frisbee and it was way fun!!

Tuesday- We taught a lot! I was actually on exchanges while Sister Andersen was in Nauvoo for the departing temple trip so she was gone all day. But it was still good! It was also my 14th month mark... crazy stuff. I also got my awesome birthday package from my family on this day, so I opened all of my presents then because I have the patience of a 2 year old and just couldn't wait! I was thrilled at all the lovely things you sent me!!! You guys rock:)

Wednesday- MY BIRTHDAY! 21 years old folks and we did exactly what I wanted to do on my birthday... the Lord's work! Sister Andersen was back from Nauvoo so we just went and taught a lot. Highlight of my day was teaching these three young African boys, Maisha, Amani, and Sila. They are 13, 15, and 17. And they are STUDS! They remind me of Riley, just African:) haha No but really, these boys are so prepared to hear the gospel and absolutely LOVED the Plan of Salvation. Awh it was such a cool lesson.. Sister Andersen and I left that lesson just feeling so excited and grateful that Heavenly Father led us to them We set up an appt. to teach them again the next night!

Thursday- We taught all of our main investigators. Norman- he is still smoke free!!! and is progressing SO MUCH! Then we taught Stephane, he's an African from the congo. That was a great lesson as well. he has a lot of great questions. And then we taught Maisha, Sila, and Amani again. STUDS! Holy cow, I don't even know what to say. But all of these people are hearkening to the voice of the Lord because of the Light of Christ that is in them and it is amazing! So blessed.

Friday-Great day... lots of planning.

Saturday-We taught Mario again! He is also an African. Way cool guy. We went over the restoration and he is preparing to receive an answer about whether or not he should be baptized.

The spanish elders had a couple baptisms that night and the service was all in spanish. By the end of that thing I was thinking in spanish.... well actually I was thinking in english but in a spanish accent! haha It was so funny too because at the baptismal service they asked if anyone would lead the music. Someone volunteered and then one of the english ward members goes, "Are you sure you know how to lead in spanish?" I about lost it. ahahah it was probably way funnier than what I just explained. Sorry. haha

SUNDAY- What an amazing sunday. It was Sister Andersen's last one as a missionary:( BUT it was a great one. We had 4 investigators at church! And our investigator Norman wore the white shirt and tie we bought for him:) He looked so cute! Don't worry, i've got pictures! But he had to leave after sunday school cause he said his pants were too tight and they were hurting him. haha he's a funny guy. But as of right now, we have 5 souls on date for baptism! Norman for Aug. 9th and Stephane, Mario, Maisha, and Amani for August 16th! I'm so sad sister andersen won't be here for it all. We have experienced so much together with these people helping them to progress and seeing the spirit work in their lives. It's going to be really hard to say goodbye to her on thursday. Soeaking of which... we get transfer calls today, but i surprisingly haven't got one yet... which is a little weird because I usually get it in the mornings. But I am pretty sure I am staying here in Iowa City. Then lastly a miracle happened last night... after our dinner appointment Sister Andersen and I had planned to go finding. First door we knock on out comes Kendall. He's is ready to receive the gospel and we teach him the restoration right there on his porch. He readily accepts the message and is excited to read the Book of Mormon and to have us come back to teach him more. He even understands that he needs to be baptized again by the proper priesthood authority. It was a sweet lesson and such a tender mercy of the Lord! Sister Andersen and I went home and sat in the car and just blasted "I Believe in Christ" for a minute while we gloried in the goodness of God! So many great things are happening. Again, it's going to be sad to see Sister Andersen leave. This week might be a little hard for me!

But anyways... I love missionary work. I LOVE serving the Lord. I have faith in Jesus Christ. All things are possible through Him because of His atonement.

I love you guys!!! Have a great week! And thanks again for all that you do!!

Love

Sister Halee Rogers

Weekly Update 7-21-14

British Pageant in Nauvoo!

British Pageant!

Got to go to Keokuk for Charley Scudder's baptism.

The Salyers Family!

With the Keokuk Sister Missionaries!

Hey There!!

SO a lot of good things happened this week... I'll go through by day:)

Monday- p-day. Nothing super special. Except for the fact that I got to email you all!

Tuesday- We had some really good lessons with Norman and Jacob and The Adams family. Norman is progressing SO MUCH.  We moved his baptism date to August 16th! Jacob, we haven't met with in a few weeks but it was awesome cause we were able to just pick up right where we left off! He is progressing to be baptized on the 16th of August as well!

Wednesday- We were on exchanges here in Iowa City with the sisters from Muscatine. Sister Muirrbrook and Sister Barney. They both are just total bosses! We got a new investigator named amanda who LOVED the restoration and wants to get baptized! She is YSA age so we are passing her off to those sister missionaries.

Thursday- We had zone conference! There were 6 zones there... thats a lot of missionaries!!! Thankfully I didn't have to give a training BUT I did sing in a quartet for a musical number with Sister Alston Elder Ellsworth and elder Annino. We sang the youth theme song this year "Come Unto Christ." Man it was really great. I LOVE that song. I took a video of our practice cause I felt weird having someone record the real thing in the chapel. I will try and send it, but if not I will try and have Sister Hachtman send it. I think you guys will like it. A lot of people came up to me afterwards and said they didn't know I could sing. haha It made me feel pretty good. And on top of that we went and ate at Texas Roadhouse afterwards. I got me a steak. And it was oh so sweet!

Friday- Sister Andersen and I went to town! Heavenly Father just let everything fall into place. We taught 5 lessons in a matter of about 4 hours. All were wonderful! We got a new investigator named Tia whose mother in law is a member, and we had a great lesson with one of our African investigators, Stephane. He is such a cool guy... AND he came to church on Sunday! He has a baptismal date for August 16th as well. THEN... that night Sister Andersen and I got to go up to Nauvoo and watch the new British pagaent that is new this year. It alternates nights with the regular Nauvoo Pageant. THIS PAGEANT ROCKS! At the end of it they have all the full time missionaries in attendance go line up somewhere and then walk through the crowd and go up on satge and we sing a few songs. It's like the big finale to the pagaent. Its so sweet! So we got to do that and it was way cool. Of course there are pics to come. I unfortunately didn't get any pictures of when we went up on stage though... sorry! After the pageant we stayed the night over at the Keokuk sisters apartment.

Saturday- The whole reason we even got to go to the pageant the night before was because someone that sister andersen and I both taught was getting baptized in keokuk on saturday. So we went to the baptism and it was amazing. Charley Scudder. He's a stud. We also got to see some of the people we taught there. It was a really really great day. That night we drove back to Iowa City with Sister Hachtman.

Sunday- Great day at church. Stephane came!! It was really really great. And thats pretty much it.

It was a really great week. Sister Andersen go home next week. I'm dyin. haha I am really gonna miss her but she's just gonna be great at life when she gets off her mission. 

You all are so great. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored and I know that we have a prophet today. 

I love you!! Have a great week! And Riley... go tear it up out there! I'll be thinking about ya all day wednesday. Youre such a stud! See ya in a couple bud!:)

Love

Sister Halee Rogers

Weekly Update 7-14-14

HAVING SOME FUN!

CUTE SISTER MISSIONARIES!

GOT KICKED PLAYING SOCCER!

Hey There!

So this week has been a really great one! A lot of good things happening. I heard you guys got some pretty heavy rain and storms down there. SO DID WE! haha I thought Arizona Monsoons were crazy.. but they are nothing compared to the thunder storms here. haha I literally thought the world was ending. haha There were so many just outrageously loud claps of thunder and lightning in the middle of the night! It was scary! I couldn't sleep... not because it was scary or too loud, but because if it was really the end of the world, i didn't want to sleep through it! haha But then I remembered there are probably a few more prophecies that need to be fulfilled before that happens:)

This week on monday and tuesday we had exchanges in Ottumwa with Hermana Eggett and Hermana Howell. It was so fun!  We had a zone p-day in fairfield and played a bunch of games. I got kicked in the leg pretty hard and now my ankle is bruising at random places, but all is well! It was a 2 hour drive to ottumwa so Sister Andersen and I got a lot of time to talk in the car which means we got to know each other even better than we do. It was great and I am still just continually impressed with Sister Andersen. She's just incredible and I look up to her a lot.

Wednesday and Thursday were really good days... we did a lot of teaching. BIG NEWS! Our investigator Norman... he's this old guy that smokes and drinks a ton and has been taught for over 7 months now... has been completely living the word of wisdom for 4 days!!!!! He is preparing to be baptized on July 26th before Sister Andersen goes home. It has been so incredible to see how much The Atonement of Jesus Christ has affected his life. He is a changed man! And when he is baptized with water and the spirit he will be a new creature in Jesus Christ! I can't wait. We are praying a lot for him that he will hold out faithful.

Friday and Saturday and Sunday we had "mini missionaries" with us. They are youth ages 16-18 from the Iowa City Stake that get assigned to an area and they go out with the missionaries and live all the rules for the weekend and in effect serve a "mini mission." It's pretty cool. A lot of good things happened and I even learned a lot. There were the occasional times where I felt like a babysitter... but overall its a really great program. It made me realize too being around a bunch of 17 year olds how grateful i am for my mission. It has made me grow up for sure. I mean, I am not all the way there yet, but it has helped:) haha

Anyways, I want you all to know that I have a testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and it is this: He lives! And He loves us. He is a perfect respecter of agency and is our advocate with the Father. His Atonement is infinite and the blessings that can come from it are imponderable but can only be received through obedience to the laws and ordinances established in HIS gospel. He is the way and the light and the truth. I know with all my heart and by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ and he manifests Himself unto ALL people, nations, kindreds, and tongues. The Book of Mormon and Bible are convincing evidence of this. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that Christ's church was restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith just as it was in times of old with other prophets. I bear solemn testimony, in the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, that I know that we have a prophet today, that through him, Christ leads this church. Christ is at the Helm and no one else. How grateful I am to my Father in Heaven for the divine gift of His only begotten son.

I hope you all have a great week! I love you! Keep choosing the right! 

Love

Sister Halee Rogers