Week 36, May 25, 2015 TRANSFERS

yeah.  we got those last night.  Alfredo is super close to getting baptized.  the other day he told us he took off work on the 14 which is a Sunday, and then he asked if he could get baptized on the 13th.  IT WAS AWESOME!!!!  so we were starting to teach him all that.  then last night we got our transfer calls.  we are getting DOUBLE TRANSFERRED.  Sister Cordle is going to north Tahoe, so, if you want to go to Tahoe, you can.  I won't be there.  I'm going to be in Ely 2nd ward and the Eureka Branch.  #EASTSIDE!! :D  somewhere I thought I would never go!!! #Ely so I get to spend 5 hours on Wednesday siting in the transfer van.  the other Hermanas in the Rama Sierra are staying and taking over our area.  combining the two areas.  I'm also going back English, but our mission president told me that a general authority wants more Spanish missionaries on that half of the mission, so it is going to be a "Zebra area."  we will pretty much be speaking both. at least I will. It was a really intense experience yesterday.  I was not expecting this.  note to self, when transfer calls stress me out, I'm going to leave, even if I don't know it yet. ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT>  ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we thought for SURE I was staying.  so, I won't get to go to Alfredo's Baptism, but I'm happy.. I know the Lord needs me out in Ely.  I am not quite sure why yet, but I'll find out when I get there. #Ely 

~Hermana Riddle

Week 35, May 18, 2015 The Lord Showers Blessings

This week has been really good.  We had a really high goal in our district.  150 Lessons!  Although our companionship did not reach the goal, we exceeded the goal for the zone that we set!  It was great, because we were able to talk with everyone and we set up a lot of appointments.  Tomorrow there is only 1 hour that is not set! We have a lot of new investigators and are working on more finding opportunities.  it was raining really hard (for Nevada) for most of the week, so a lot of times people weren't outside at ALL. but it was still really fun.

One bummer that happened this week, is that Kevin decided not to be baptized.  That was really hard.  We know how happy he would be if he did choose that.  But in the end, our purpose is only to invite others to come unto Christ, by helping him receive the restored Gospel.  We did that.  He has been taught all of the Gospel as given to us in Preach my Gospel. It is truly his decision what he wants to do with that information, but he is in the Lord's hands now.  we still pray for him and his family,that his family's heart will be softened and that he will be able to accept into his life what he KNOWS is the truth.  On a Brighter note, our investigator Alfredo is progressing really well.  He even came to Sacrament Meeting yesterday!!! :D  he's not quite ready for baptism yet, but it will happen soon.

I know that the Lord is preparing people.  I read Jacob 5 this week, and my mind was BLOWN with information.  if we prepare ourselves the Lord will fill us with knowledge. He is working on his vineyard on his own time, and we are just the servant, under his direction. it is a PRIVILEGE I have to be here helping Him.

Thank you all for everything.  I LOVE YOU!!!!

~Hermana Riddle

so all the pictures of me look HIDEOUS.  but the picture of my salad looks AWESOME. http://nevadarenomission.blogspot.com/2015/05/may-6-2015-reno-zone-conference.html
Sister Hermansen makes me sound fat, but its mostly lettuce.

I held my arm too tight against my tag carrying my laundry.

Ice cream trucks are the BEST!

Our neighbors are members.

It Raines, a lot, and we weren't super prepared.  It was AWESOME.

Week 34, May 11, 2015 MOTHERS DAY!

A LOT of stuff happened this week.

Monday we went shopping with the Sisters in our District.  it was pretty fun.

Tuesday after Zone Training we had Chipotle with most of our District, and taught a bunch of lessons with Hermana Torres.

Wednesday we had Zone Conference, so we had 4 hours of meetings with the Zappes the Hermansens, and the APs.  our whole district bore their testimonies, it was AWESOME.
Thursday we taught several lessons.

Friday we taught some really good lessons.
Saturday we walked around for several hours, and met some really cool people. no one was home though, so we ended up helping our Branch Presidente out with the Dia de los Madres party.  we missed a lot of the festivities because we had to go teach a lesson.

Sunday was kinda hard.  We got to Skype our families but it was a bummer because Kevin wants to postpone his baptism, because he doesn't feel he knows everything, even though all we have left to teach him is Endure to the End.  (we are teaching him later today).

I know this is the Lord work, and that He has a plan for each and every one of His children to be happy!  He knows what is best and He will do all in His power to help them WILLINGLY return to live with Him.(Good thing He's All-Powerful!! :D )

~Hermana Riddle

Mother's Day Skype (Mark is taking the picture)

Week 33, May 4, 2015 BIG WEEK

This week has been awesome.  We were able to see sop many miracles, and our area is building up.  We have been able to find several new investigators, and 2 of them are being taught and have accepted baptism.  Also, one of our investigators we have been working with for a long time (since August) kind of stopped progressing.  We weren't really sure what to do to help him, so we just started teaching his whole family.  On Friday, our investigator Kevin was talking to his friend who went with some of the elders in our zone for the mini mission, and is waiting on his papers.  We got a text from Kevin saying that he wanted to get baptized! It was a great miracle.  We followed up with him the next day (because it was late) and he wants to get baptized on the 16th!!!

We also had a specialized training with our whole mission (in thirds)  so we went to Carson City, and Fallon came too.  We got little black boxes installed in our cars.  They monitor our every move, bump, speed, seat belts.  It seemed pretty horrible, but so far, its only had to tell us to slow down once (even though we were going the speed limit and there were no other signs :P ).  Our mission president also talked to us about the importance of going to church, and how important the church experience is for EVERYONE.  Two great quotes were:  "What is said is hardly relevant to what is felt." and "We must give our sabbath day to the Lord. 6 days with Him on our side is much better than 7 days without Him."  I know that with this new push on the importance of church will allow us to see even more miracles!

~Hermana Riddle

"Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead.Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come." Jeffrey R Holland

I have seen this on my mission.

Week 32, April 27, 2015 Gloriosa es!

HI EVERYONE!!!

This week has been really GREAT.  We went on exchanges with the sister training leaders, and Sister Simmons came down to our area with me. I learned a lot.  We were really striving to talk with everyone, and right when we went out, there were so many people walking, it was GREAT!  We ended up finding 7 new investigators, and we had Hermana (I don't know what sister is in french) Torres with us, (she is going to serve her mission in Montreal Canada.  It was so cool, we got to see her open her call, and I remembered when I got my call! that was forever ago!), but some of those lessons turned into member present lessons!  

I have really learned the importance of working with members an talking to everyone this week.  We have also been able to see so many MIRACLES! I know the Lord has blessed us with this month long initiative of fasting and praying for missionary opportunities.  I know that as we continue to work in the service of our God, it will be amazing!! or even better GLORIOUS!!

Sister Cordle and I bought Meet the Morrmons last week, and we have already watched it more than 10 times.  its GREAT!! Elder Archuleta slaps people with the spirit with his voice.  EVEN IN SPANISH!!

Meet the Mormons is my FAVORITE MOVIE<3  and I know it sounds crazy, but I like it even more than the shows I watched before my mission.   

We had Mini Missions this week too!  those are cool.  Its where youth 16-18 are assigned to go out with the missionaries for the whole day.  They came with us on Sunday and it was really cool to see them learning Spanish!

Thank you for everything!

~Hermana Riddle

Cool things at the LDS Bookstore here in Reno

Mini Missions!

Week 31, April 20, 2015 El Libro De Mormon

This week was great.  We have been able to see how much the Book of Mormon is affecting our investigators positively!!  It is amazing to see the Spirit working in them and helping them to be closer to Christ.  Yesterday we read 1 Nephi 3 with our investigators, and when we explained verse 7 to them, Aida, who is 13 took out a pen and underlined it!!! Her Mom is always telling us how CLEAR the Book of Mormon is, and how, sometimes you read the Bible and then you're like: wait.... what just happened? what did I just read???  its AWESOME!!

We have still been working on finding new people to teach.  We are working even harder to do that.  There is just so much area in our area, we are not sure where exactly to look, but we know that the Lord will direct our efforts to be able to help the people here in Reno Sur.

QUE TENGAN UN BUEN SEMANA!!!!

~Hermana Riddle

#GraciasaqueÉlVive podemos ser feliz.  

Se Feliz.

:)

Week 30, April 13, 2015 FUN STUFF!!!

This week has been great.  I am doing AWESOME.  super pumped for this next transfer, because both Hermana Cordle and I are staying in South Reno!!  we are working really hard to get an escalator effect of teaching people in our area.  We are also focusing more on getting the Members to be more anxiously engaged in missionary work.  which will be exciting, because our super investigator, Alfredo, only knows so many people.  He is doing awesome! I love to see how the Book of Mormon is helping him in his life!

I am still really pumped about Conference! I can't wait for next months Ensign!  

Sorry I'm not writing much, the Computer is being spazy and deleting as I type!

cool quotes:

"Sin is the decision to trust more in Satan than in God. it is what puts us in an (enemyship) with our Heavenly Father" (enemistad in Spanish, I didnt know the exact translation)

OOH! speaking of translation, I helped translate Stake Conferece for the branch this week!!  I felt bad because one of the elders was going to do it for the whole 2 hours,m so I helped out! it was kinda scary because half the branch was there listening!

another cool quote!

"A letter from your premortal self might say: 'Dear me, I hope you will remember that my GREATEST DESIRE is to be a Disciple of JESUS CHRIST' "

#BecauseHeLives

#GraciasaqueÉlVive

~Hermana Riddle

FunRun for all the missionaries in Reno, Reno North and Sparks.  This is all the Spanish ones!

Our District!

Us and the Lakeside/ Skyline Sisters

Week 29, April 6, 2015 CONFERENCE 2

This week has been good.  It's still hard having to start up an area, but as we strive to find more people to teach in the different parts of our area, we are sure to be able to find people.  Especially when we have the faith, fasting and prayers of the mission behind our efforts.  They are doing this thing where one family is fasting from each ward in the WHOLE MISSION!  Hermana Cordle and I are really excited to get out this week and find people.  

We have already seen many miracles this week, such as an investigator at conference, and wanting to meet with us almost every day.  I know that he is gaining a greater view of the light of Christ because he is really reading the Book of Mormon.  I can see how powerful that is for him, as well as the hymns that truly touch his heart. Our Mission President encouraged a greater focus on the Book of Mormon last Zone Conference, and especially the first 15 chapters.  The WHOLE GOSPEL is basically in there!  I hope everyone will read the Book of Mormon, and gain that joy and Desire to keep learning.

"What did you do for Easter and conference?" "Where did you watch conference and how was your Easter Dinner?"

Well, Dinner was just a regular dinner, with a member.  I watched Conference in Spanish at the Stake Center on Golconda.  I LOVED IT!!!  I also thought it was funny how many of them were on Marriage. Thats icky.  However, There were so many Talks that really spoke to me.  I really liked Elder Holland's talk about how someone has made it so we dont have to be in a constant freefall. is this life pointless? NO!!!!!! Christ Suffered for each of us to overcome our fall.  WE WILL CONTINUE! NOT FALL!!!!

I hope everyone gets a chance to watch Conference this week.  It was really AMAZING.  My favorite session was..... Both Sunday Sessions.  and also Saturday Afternoon.... and morning... :P  ok just watch all of it please!!!!  its THE BEST!!!!!!!                                              but really.  watch it.

oh and this! watch this!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZqTRSVA1YA

~Hermana Riddle

#BecauseHeLives

#GraciasaqueÉlVive

ps. this is my favorite video, even before my mission.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w49_1a9X0Q

pps.  watch conference :)

Week 28, March 30, 2015 Change of Area

This week, our Mission President decided to change the boundaries for the missionary companionships that are in the Spanish Branch, so that the areas conform to the ward boundaries.  that way we can more effectively work with the other missionaries and the office.  it was an interesting experience, since one of the wards we split in half, due to the number of Hispanics, and we had to give that part up.  it was a sacrifice that we were willing to make in order to help the other missionaries in the area.  I know that the Lord will help us to find new people.  we have a new investigator from Guatemala from this area who really wants to meet with us so that she can learn English. It is a great opportunity to help her learn the Gospel!!!

I hope you all take the chance this week to remember that it is la Semana Santa, that Jesus Christ did everything he could possibly do just for YOU so that YOU could have ETERNAL LIFE.  the FULNESS OF JOY that our Heavenly Father could give us.

http://www.mormon.org/spa/pascua
#BecauseHeLives

#GraciasaqueÉlVive

http://www.mormon.org/easter

~Hermana Riddle

Week 27, March 23, 2015 #GraciasaqueElVive

This week has been great. We have been able to talk to a lot of people this week.

We committed someone to baptism this week, which hasn't happened in the Sierra Branch, especially Reno Sur (South) for a long time.  It was AWESOME.  she is so cool, and wants to have the Gospel in her life.  We also went with the mini missionaries from Sparks, and they were a huge help in having a lot of lessons. While we were out with people, I met someone who is from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico!!  there was another guy who wanted us to visit him, because he really wants to stop smoking! The Lord truly prepares people to receive the Gospel when they are ready.

We are working hard to help people progress in the Gospel, which at times is difficult, but I know that as long as we simply invite people to make those changes in their lives, they will begin to see the truth that Jesus Christ lives and loves them.

I hope you all get a chance to see the new initiative the Church is putting out.  I know all the missionaries will. :) It is a great way to remember the Lord this Easter season!

http://www.mormon.org/easter
http://www.mormon.org/spa/pascua

#BecauseHeLives

#GraciasaqueÉlVive

~Hermana Riddle

#BecauseofHim

 

Cool Picture!

Hermanas at the TEMPLE!!

a guy doing a crossword puzzle while driving!

WORLD MAP! for the Plan of Salvation

HOBBIT HOUSE!! in a member's BACKYARD!

ELOTE TRUCK DINNER!!

Week 26, March 16, 2015 TIME FLIES

I CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE PAST THE IDES OF MARCH!!!

I still feel like its November...

This week I was a little bit under the weather, but only at the end of the week.  It was a huge head cold, but we continued forward when we had set lessons, so we were able to teach still.  we could have been more effective, but it was still good, because we had members with us to help us teach.  it was also good, because we were able to more fully establish the area, with maps, and planning who to see, and we prepared to have a REALLY great week this week. 

The 8 missionaries in the Branch got to sing in Sacrament Meeting yesterday.  We sang Yo Trato de Ser Como Cristo.  it was really cool.  It was some sort of conference, where the Stake leaders spoke, and they spoke in english, so they had to break out the translation.  I'm just glad we weren't in charge of setting it all up like we were in Carson. 

We had a movie night with the Branch last night and we got to watch the Saratov Approach (with permission from President Hermansen).  Our investigator cried.  I cried... again. The spirit in that movie is greater than I thought.  I am so blessed to be able to be serving the Lord.  I was really motivated to work even harder after watching it!!! :D

our zone goes to the TEMPLE tomorrow!!! so that will be awesome.  It is always such an amazing experience to be in the house of the Lord, and feel such peace.  :)

Thanks everyone for all that you do, and I hope that you have a wonderful week.  :) 

~Hermana Riddle

Week 25, March 9, 2015 SPANISH AGAIN!

I have been having a great time on my mission.  My companion is Hermana Cordle.  she is from Juneau Alaska.  She is working hard on learning Spanish.  This area is HUGE.  We cover most of Washoe County.  this branch is awesome.  there were about 75 people there yesterday.  I am so grateful to be back in spanish.  my last area was a great experience, learning to preach the gospel in english.  its a hard transition between the two though.  its like i'm 2 different people!  we are working hard to build up the area.  and finding people to teach.  the other day we committed someone to baptism, but not with a date.  another investigator, we were teaching the gospel of jesus christ and he wanted to know about tithing. :P sometimes people are funny.  they forget that the gospel must be learned line upon line, precept upon precept.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great week this week, and dont forget to PRAY!!!!!

LOVE YOU!

~Hermana Riddle

Week 24, March 2, 2015 so... It's March

Yes.  MARCH.  that means I've been on my mission for 6 months tomorrow.  THAT'S CRAZYTALK.

I have spent half of my mission so far in a Spanish area, and the other half in an English area.  and now its transfers......

I"M BACK IN SPANISH!!!!

I'm going to South Reno, the Sierra Spanish Branch with Hermana Cordle.

I can't believe I've been out for this long.  I am so excited to see what the next YEAR has for me, and each of you.  I will change so much in the next 365 days, and I continually rely on my savior to help me through challenges that I face in my life on my mission.  I cannot even begin to describe the amazing things that I have seen so far.  I hope each and every one of you will take the opportunity to grow closer to your heavenly father.  build that personal relationship with him, and just look around at all the things he has done to bless your life.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God.

I love you!!!!!

~Hermana Riddle

Week 23, February 23, 2015 The Book of Mormon and Pictures

I am so sorry about last week.  the computers were broken, and all I could type was:

We have 3 people getting ready to enter into the waters of Baptism!!!!

But a lot has happened in the past two weeks.  Our baptisms are this Saturday, for and elderly couple in one ward, and a mom in the other ward, which hasn't had a baptism in 2 years.  I really have enjoyed being in Reno.  Sister Lawson is awesome.  I hope we can stay together one more transfer! 

I want to testify that I KNOW the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  We have been listening to it in the car this week, and I could feel the spirit testifying to me that it is TRUE.  there are no words to describe how awesome that is.

If you DON'T know that it is true, I challenge you.  READ IT and KEEP READING IT.  Until you KNOW IT'S TRUE.

cool quote.

The Book of Mormon.

The Temple.

Valentines day

RENO Nevada

Sister Lawson and Me

Week 22, February 16, 2015

My Companions name is Sister Lawson, she is from Arizona.  She is super cool. 

Week 21, February 9, 2015

This weeks has been awesome!! I don't have very much time today, but I want to say how much I know the Gospel is True and how much I love my Savior, and all he's done for me!!!! The Book of Mormon is SO important.  EVERYONE should read it and pray to know that it is true.  even if you are a member of the church.  I have grown to understand it so much recently.  I hope all of you take that challenge.

Remember, the evil spirit teacheth a man not to read and pray.  God is always there for us, and we just have to TRY.  reach for him.  KNOCK AND IT SHALL BE OPENED UNTO YOU.  it requires effort on our part.

~Sister Riddle

I promise, pictures and more next week.  I LOVE YOU!!  :)

Week 20, February 2, 2015

This week has been really good. We have been working hard on getting more people to teach and so that has been a lot of fun.  we have been street contacting in Downtown Reno.  its EXCITING.

we are also working on helping our investigators progress to baptism.  we have a really cute elderly couple preparing to be baptized, and an awesome young mom.  I am so excited to be helping them come closer to their heavenly father, and to Jesus Christ.

as we strive to know and follow the plan of salvation, our lives will be blessed.  muuch more than we can even understand.

I hope that you all have an excellent week, and will strive to come to know more about theplan that our heavenly father has for each and every one of us!!

I love you all!!!

~Sister Riddle