Closure in Queen Creek (5/23)

This has been an incredible week. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord continues to bless us with miracles each and every day.

On Thursday we went on exchanges, which means that I was able to go with Hermana Adams again who is now in Queen Creek (my first area). Returning to my old area brought a wide array of emotions... I'm not ever sure how to express everything that I felt. First of all, I can not believe how it felt like it was not that long ago that we walked up the stairs to our apartment in the Johnson's home every day (the distinct smell brought me right back!), even though it has been a year. At the same time, I think about all that has happened since then and it feels like eons ago that I called that place home.

Thursday night we had dinner with a part-member family that we had started teaching over a year ago. Although Rigo has not been baptized, it was AMAZING to see the progress that he and his wife Sandra (who was just coming back to church) have made. That night we slept outside on the balcony - to remember the good times with Hermana Wilkins, and to create new memories with Hermana Adams :).

Friday was one of the longest days of my life. I was exhausted by the time it was over, but it was because we worked SO hard. We had set some goals, and were going to do everything possible to accomplish them. We totally pushed ourselves and the results of the day made it completely worth it. I don't have time or space to write everything that happened (my 7 page journal entry for this day took me an hour and a half to write!) but I will give you the highlights.

Thursday evening as we were planning, I looked at one of the teaching records I had pulled of people that I wanted to see, a lady named Monica. I told Hermana Adams the miracle of how we had found her (short version: inspired street contact) but was disappointed to see that someone had written on the record that they had moved to Phoenix. While we were studying as a companionship this morning we got a call from a woman named Monica. Since this is not my area anymore I had assumed it was one of their investigators, or someone the sisters in this area had taught sometime in the past year. Then she asked for Hermana Wilkins or Ouellette... what?! I talked to her and found out that it was the very same Monica we started teaching last year!! She happened to be in the area today and was hoping to meet with us! What are the chances that the ONE day I happened to be in Queen Creek was the day she called looking for me? Zero... if it had been any other day the sisters wouldn't have known who she was or what she needed and probably wouldn't have been able to help her.

Anyway, we ended up meeting with her that afternoon and it turns out she needs some help with something... basically a letter from a character witness (long, complicated story) but I'm the only one in the area that could help her. When we explained this miracle to her that she had been able to get in touch with me, and that it happened because our Heavenly Father knows exactly what she needs and how to help her, she was so touched. We had met at the church and she mentioned that she would like to see inside because she had never been before. Unfortunately we didn't have keys... BUT as we were finishing up our meeting at the picnic tables someone with keys miraculously showed up and let us in. They loved it... and committed to come to church (in Gilbert) on Sunday. You can imagine how excited I was to see Monica and her ENTIRE family in the chapel yesterday when we came in. They loved sacrament meeting, and she was excited when I told her we can send missionaries to her home in Phoenix... "Yeah! So we can go to church closer!" I love it!

It was an incredible experience, and it was not isolated... we had two others that day, just as powerful (which you'll have to wait until I get home to hear!). All I know is that Heavenly Father answers prayers, and as long as we provide that faith and action necessary, he will provide the miracles.

Rigo and Monica, along with several of the other people we were able to teach was such a powerful way for me to receive a little bit of closure to my mission. I was able to witness some of the "fruits" of my labors and see how some of the seeds I planted almost 18 months ago are still being nourished and growing. I am so grateful for the missionary program, and I know that this is Heavenly Father's work. There is no other way to explain the miracles and blessings that we witness every single day.

Much love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

PICTURE - Giant water cups... kept us going on our busy, miraculous day in Queen Creek.

NOTE FROM MOM: This coming week is Richelle's last as a missionary Next Sunday, she goes into the Mission home in preparation for her return to Connecticut. She arrives at Bradley airport, Tuesday, May 31 at 5:15 p.m.!!!

I'm pretty sure there will be another blog...just not sure when.

Thanks to all of your for your love and support of our missionary. She has had an incredible experience, and it's been fun to share this all with you!

Mission = Bootcamp (5/16)

We had zone conference this week, and I gave my departing testimony... it was pretty surreal. It still doesn't feel real that I'll be home in two weeks, and I don't think it will hit me until I get off the plane. I wanted to share with you some of the thoughts I had as I shared my testimony on Thursday, and some of the things I've been thinking about recently.

As I'm sure you know my family (especially Mom) has been counting down the days until I come home... it stresses me out to get the weekly reminder, and every time I think about leaving everything I'm doing right now it puts me into anxiety mode. I've been putting my all into missionary work for the past 18 months, and this is who I've become... I don't know how I'm going to go from doing that and BEING that to being a normal person with a less defined purpose when it all comes crashing to an end.

Something that has been helping me reduce the stress is NOT thinking about this experience as the climax of my life and feeling that it's all downhill from here. It's difficult, since this year and a half has been the most intense, wonderful time of my life (cliche, I know), but that doesn't mean things have to be different afterwards. I've come to realize that the mission is pretty much like bootcamp... a really intense growing period meant to prepare us for continued service. As I've been pushed to the edge physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually I know that I have been molded to continue consecrating my life in service to our Father's work.

We have been doing a Jillian Michael's workout video in the morning for exercise, and every time she says something that's supposed to motivate us to push harder physically I think of the spiritual application.

For example, "If you want change, you have to put stress on your body." Often we face struggles with the attitude of "why can't this be easier?", or "why can't this problem go away?" But if we want to grow (which I'm assuming each of us does) we need to experience the hard times to help us push to the next level. There have been many times during the mission when I've felt that I can't do it, that I'm not capable, or strong enough, but the thing about the mission is that giving up is not an option! We take our struggles to the Lord, continue to be diligent, and in the end we come out stronger than we were before.

I am so incredibly grateful for this bootcamp experience that has pushed me every single day. And the beautiful thing is, the challenging moments are quickly and easily forgotten (in fact hard to remember) because of the intense joy we feel as we experience the miracles of missionary work.

Furthermore, I am amazed at the results. As Jillian says, "they don't come for free", and they certainly haven't. I have grown so much in every aspect of my life - most importantly my testimony. I am looking forward to "graduating" from missionary bootcamp and moving on to more challenges. I am grateful to have had this "training", and I know that it has prepared me to be a better wife, mother, and servant of the Lord than I would have been otherwise. Thank you to each of you who have supported me during this process!

But.... It's not over yet! :)

Love always,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

PICTURE - Hermana Mugar and I at the Mesa Temple this week.

Message Received (5/9)

Ok, so I know I talked about technology a couple weeks ago, but can I just say how awesome it was to be able to Skype with my family! It was so great to be in different parts of the world, and talk as if we were in the same room. Love it!

Along the same lines of technology... this week we were eating dinner with the Cowgurs (which we do once or twice a week) and following our spiritual thought we said the usual closing prayer. Cindy offered it, and literally as soon as we all said "Amen" her phone went off. That wouldn't be an interesting occurrence, except for the fact that it is programed to say "message received". Now I know Heavenly Father answers prayers, but it was fun to have an extra confirmation that he had received this one :)

Once again, we saw many prayers answered this week. One night last week I was thinking about how we've been trained that our nightly planning sessions should be a spiritual experience. To be honest, I am usually so exhausted at the end of the day that they are usually far from spiritual. Anyway, as I was thinking about it I tried to follow the spirit and really be guided in who we needed to visit and at what time.

The next day, I saw just how guided we had been. We decided to visit Zobeida and her family (the cute family that came to the Easter Pageant with us). Unfortunately, she has not been progressing because her husband is not ready to commit to anything yet. Still, I had felt we needed to see her that particular day, and when we showed up she invited us in, and we were able to talk about how important the gospel is for the family. We also found out that it was her son's first birthday. The adorable four-year-old Amelia kept saying how she wanted to have a party, and her Mom would kindly explain in somewhat of a hushed voice that they can't have a party right now because they don't have money for a cake or balloons. It broke my heart!

So, Hermana Mugar and I called for permission to go to the store, and we came back later in the evening with a bouquet of balloons, cake and ice cream. They were so excited!!! I want to show them how much we love them, even if they can't progress in the gospel... so even if our service doesn't translate to them meeting with us, or attending church, I was so grateful for the opportunity to brighten their day... it certainly improved mine!

I know that we were sent there for a reason that day; and that we are guided every day as we seek to follow the promptings of the spirit. As we ask the questions "where should I go?", "what should I do", and "what should I say?" Heavenly Father places thoughts and ideas in our minds. As we act on those thoughts we are led to the places we need to be in, and the people we need to meet. I am amazed by trust God places in us as he sends us out to serve his children. I love seeing those miracles every single day!

Happy (late) Mother's day... actually Mexican Mother's Day is tomorrow... so I guess I'm a day early! I truly appreciate all those of you who have played a motherly role in my life!

Love you all,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

PICS - 1. Zobeida and her four adorable kids celebrating Sebastian's birthday! :)
2. I hit a bird... and it didn't make it... oops!

Just Do It (5/2)

Another week... they just keep rushing by!

Funny experience of the week: We were going to visit an investigator and when we got to her home there were a bunch of men out front (drinking, of course). We didn't get out of the car immediately because we had a few phone calls to make... so, we did that, and as we waited most of the men began to leave. When we finally went to talk to them, we found out that they had all left because they thought we were the immigration police. Oops! I felt bad that the situation is that horrible that everyone is so scared of being deported. But on the other hand, really? We're two 22 year old girls in less than official clothing (except for our badges, I guess). Anyway, I laughed pretty hard, and just told them that we weren't from immigration, but we had still been sent there... by God. :)

I've been thinking about commitments this week... wondering HOW in the world to get people more committed to the gospel. In every teaching situation (lesson, or street contact) we always leave people with an invitation to act on our words - an action that will help them come closer to Christ.

However, rarely do they seem to follow through on their promises. It seems we are forever committing people to do the same three things - read the Book of Mormon, pray, and come to church (they are learning the primary answers - the most important basics!!). Anyway, it reminds me of when I taught piano lessons, and if the children hadn't practiced their songs we couldn't move on to the next one. Until we master the basics we can not progress to the more difficult (yet more enjoyable) challenges (and blessings that come with them).

Our investigators are more than aware of the commitments we leave. Recently we were teaching our investigators Ixchel and Rodrigo about the importance of the Book of Mormon and as we finished I said, "Now, I have an important question." Ixchel responded before I even got it out and said... "I know what you're going to ask... will we read?" That actually isn't what I was about to ask (at least at that moment) but I was so pleased that they understood the importance of acting on the things we have been teaching them. Similarly, every time we teach Lionel and Connie we ask them, "So what are you going to do..." Lionel always grins, and it seems no matter what the lesson is on he says "I know, I know! We need to get married, and get baptized!" Yep.

So, let's be honest, we all KNOW the things we need to be doing, but the question is, are we committed enough to be DOING them? And really, what is stopping us? Many of our investigators say they don't have time to read the Book of Mormon, etc. because they are so stressed and busy with day-to-day life. I realized this week if we look at these things as more "To-do's" on our giant list of accomplishments, it's easy to push them to the bottom because we can't always see the immediate effects of doing them.

Really though, these are the things that need to be at the top of our list! If we are going to procrastinate things to do, this is what we should be doing it with... I don't know if that made sense... but what I'm trying to say is if we feel too stressed to read or pray, that is the exact moment that we need to do it! What a wonderful gift it is to have these stress-relieving tools that make our lives so much easier! To be able to take 10 minutes and forget about all of our concerns and stress, and feel the peace of the gospel. People pay for prescription drugs, massages, and expensive vacations for this kind of peace, but I can't think of anything better that the gospel - because the peace is permanent!

And in one of those paradoxes of life, we are always blessed with more patience and calmness as we move on to our other responsibilities... and somehow we have MORE time in the day to be able to accomplish the rest of our "to-do's". I know that as we put the Lord first, literally everything else falls into place. He will not let us fail, so let us not fail him. Commit yourself to putting the Lord on the top of you list, and then do it! You will feel a difference in your stress level, and in your ability to do things you need to this week.

Love you all,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Happy Day After Easter (4/25)

Surprise! P-days were changed to Mondays... so it's only been a few days since I last wrote... and not a whole lot new has happened since then.

Easter was great! We participated in a gratitude fast with all of the missionaries in the mission, and it was an amazing experience! Yesterday during every prayer I offered I ONLY gave thanks, and although it was a bit of a challenge to not ask for things, it helped me learn a lesson. I loved how I felt all day as I thought about all the things I was grateful for! Also, Lionel and Connie were fasting with us, not out of gratitude, but to know if they should be baptized on May 14. That made it an extra-interesting experience for me because normally I would be praying for them to get an answer, but because I couldn't ask for it I had to change the way I addressed it in my prayers. Instead of saying "please help them to get an answer" I was able to express gratitude for the opportunity to have met them and teach them, and for the knowledge that I have that they WILL receive an answer. My faith became perfect knowledge in "that thing" (Alma 32:34).

We went to the Easter pageant again this weekend, which was fun. I enjoyed the pageant last year, but this year everything felt so much more real to me. Of course everyone in the production is still an actor playing a part, but the stories, and the truth of the message are REAL. I testify of the reality of the Savior, that he lived, that he died for us, and that HE LIVES. It was wonderful to ponder the significance of these events yesterday, and to grow in my faith and testimony of His resurrection. I know that because of these acts, we too, will live again in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and everything that comes with it. I know that I am truly happier because I live according to these eternal truths, and I am so grateful for my knowledge and continually growing testimony of each principle.

Have a wonderful week,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Pray Always (4/11)

We had an amazing baptism this week! Javier and Guillermo (I know I've mentioned them before) were baptized on Saturday, and it was so great! We had tons of support from the branch, and everything worked out smoothly (turns out the more baptisms they have the better they get at planning them... good to know!). Javier and Guillermo shared their testimonies right after they were baptized - it was so awesome to hear their simple, yet powerful testimonies of how they felt, and why they chose to be baptized. Again, I am so impressed with the strength of the youth in this area... they do things I'm not sure I would have been able to do when I was that age. The boys return to Mexico in a few weeks, but hopefully they will be back here in the fall with a student visa. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know them and teach them.

We had a training on prayer last week, and although it seems like a simple concept, I feel like my prayers have been taken to a whole new level. We have made a conscious effort to pray more often (I counted once at the beginning of my mission - we pray at least 15-20 times a day). Anyway, as we have been doing this I have felt that each prayer is literally a continuation of the one it follows. My conversation with my Heavenly Father is not one that stops and starts throughout the day, but it never ends, as I sometimes vocally express myself, but carry a prayer in my heart through the rest of the day.

It brings a whole new meaning to the commandment to "pray always". I think of Amulek's testimony of prayer, and how he exhorts us to pray in our houses, and in our fields (mission field!), morning, mid-day, and evening. "Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually..." (Alma 34:27) As I have increased the power and frequency of my personal and companionship prayers I have felt my relationship with my Heavenly Father grow. I'm not just checking in with him every morning when I wake up, or at night before I go to bed, instead I have a consistent TWO-WAY conversation throughout the day. As I strengthen that relationship it helps me understand His love, and I see answers to my constant pleas, I know that he really does hear and answer us according to our faith, just as any loving father would.

I challenge you to carry a prayer in your heart at all times this week. And as often as time allows, take the time to kneel down and express to our Heavenly Father gratitude for the little things. I know that you will feel a closer bond to Him and that your lives will be blessed because of that.

I love you!

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

PICTURES

TOP: Baptism! Hermano Manjarrez, Pablo, Guillermo, Javier, Hermana Adams & Me!
BOTTOM: Our adventure to the park this morning... we found a turtle! We named him Tim, which is short for "timido"... he was pretty shy :)

Happy Birthday Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (4/6)

General Conference was AMAZING! I loved it, as usual, and was so grateful to hear the words of our prophet and apostles, men that I know are called of God to speak His will. I am so thankful for my knowledge and testimony of these things! It was such a blessing to be able to be so edified and uplifted by their words... I think Elder Holland summed it up when he called it a phenomenon. The only difficult thing for me during the weekend was to be so spiritually fed, and then have to talk to people that just didn't get it... that didn't want to feel what I have felt, or understand what I have understood. I just wish everyone would LISTEN!

We had four investigators that were able to watch general conference, and they all loved it! Erika, 15, came with us to the Saturday afternoon session, and loved it. I was so grateful because we were nervous she might find it boring, or not get anything out of it, but that was so not the case. Afterwards we were talking and she told us all the stories/principles she likes, and how she has officially added to her "bucket list" watching it in the conference center. We can make that happen!

I love knowing that Heavenly Father answers prayers. All of my "conference questions" were answered, and so far everyone I have followed up with has had the same response. Who knows if I will be able to look back in 10 years from now and get the same things out of it, but for now the Spirit taught me things I needed to know now. I loved the call to action from everyone, to choose the right, SERVE others, and truly LIVE the gospel. As I have mentioned many times before, that is what it is all about! The gospel doesn't mean anything if we aren't living it! Many of us have the DESIRE (see Elder Oaks' talk!) to come closer to Jesus Christ, but are we taking the necessary steps to shorten the distance between ourselves and our Savior?

I have seen many other answers to prayers this week. We continue to see miracles daily, and have been blessed to see our investigators continuing to progress toward baptism. We are making a conscious effort to pray more often, and with all the energy of heart (Moroni 7:48) and have secured that blessings that God is so willing to grant (Bible Dictionary; prayer).

I don't have much more news... as you can tell General Conference was the highlight of my week! I would be satisfied to know you enjoyed it half as much as I did! (If you haven't watched all of it yet, don't worry, it's available online at www.lds.org!) Things are great, and I STILL love being a missionary!

Much love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

PICTURE:
This is what we look like at the end of a day of miracles... super excited! :D

Fun in the Sun (3/30)

Another fantastic week in Gilbert, Arizona! I wish you could understand how much I am loving my life right now and how grateful I am for the miracles we continue to see each and every day.

We rode our bikes again this week... usually because we have such a large area (40 sq. miles) we only do it when we are pressed for miles, but this week we were pressed for gas! Even though we said at least four times on Saturday we need to fill up our tank, we somehow ran out of time/forgot and didn't want to completely run out on Sunday. With church meetings and a fireside there's not much proselyting time on Sundays anyway, so it wasn't too bad. We ended up meeting and talking to some really great people on the street, and received several referrals (all for other missionaries, but I'm sure we will be rewarded for our work!)

It was Hermana Adams' first time on a bike in a skirt, which was fun... of course I ended up being the one with my skirt caught in the tire. There's just something about being a missionary on a bike... it makes me feel like a "real" missionary since most of the time we don't have the perils of walking/biking/public transportation.. or bad weather. So blessed! :)

We started teaching these amazing kids this week... Javier and Guillermo. Last Monday as we arrived to dinner, the member we were eating with told us she had good news. She said that the two teenagers that had been coming to church with her son want to get baptized before they return to Mexico in a month, and they already called that morning and asked for permission from their mom. We called their aunt (the member they are living with) and set up an appointment for later that evening. We have been teaching them every few days this week, and they are awesome! They are 12 and 15, and are doing this for the right reasons. I am so impressed with how quickly they learn, and how much they love reading the Book of Mormon. If only all youth were as excited as they are!

Yesterday I had one of the funniest experiences of my life yesterday as we started a lesson with them. We were sitting around the kitchen table and Javier was getting ready to say the opening prayer when all of a sudden his chair broke underneath him and he fell... there wasn't much commotion... was just sitting up like normal, and then all of a sudden he wasn't. We all started laughing hysterically... Javier acted like nothing had happened, picked up the chair and put it in the back yard and came back and sat in a different one. I had a hard time getting ahold of my laughter until we finally said the prayer... and then we had a great lesson. At the end, Guillermo prayed that he was grateful we had been able to come over and teach them, for the the things that they had learned, and that no one else's chair had broken. :)

General Conference is THIS weekend! I am so stinking excited! Something we had been doing with our active and less-active members is inviting them to think of a few personal questions they may have right now, write them down, and go to conference prayerfully looking for answers. I would encourage each of you to do the same. I have my questions ready to go, and am excited to see how the answers come through the words of the prophet and apostles, as well as the Spirit.

Have a fabulous week,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Oh, That I Were an Angel (3/23)

"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!" (Alma 29:1)

I had one of the coolest experiences of my mission this week... in a strange series of events that led us to be EXACTLY where we needed to be to talk to the right person. We had a terrible day yesterday... nothing was working out the way it needed to! We used tons of miles trying to contact people that weren't home, and even got lost a few times. Our dinner was a disaster and all of our evening appointments fell through.

Right after dinner we decided to say a prayer that we would be guided to do the things we needed to this evening, since it didn't seem like anything was heading in the right direction. We were able to see a few of our investigators, and spoke with several people on the street that definitely needed to hear from us. We had one great contact that was finally what I needed where we were able to testify strongly for almost an hour, and invite a less-active member to make the changes in his life to get back on the right path. I would have been satisfied with that experience for the day (in fact it was exactly what I needed after a long day), but the Lord was not done with us yet.

At 8:40 we were trying to figure out the most effective way to use the remaining minutes of our evening, since it is a horrible time to be contacting people at home. I said out loud "Where should we go?" and a specific street name nearby popped into my head... so off we went. We drove around and didn't see anyone, but decided that maybe we should walk around the block and try to find someone to talk to. No one was outside, but by 3/4 of the way around the block I was completely convinced that someone that needed the gospel would come outside so we could talk to them.

It didn't happen. And I was admittedly slightly disappointed that my promptings and faith were a fail. I started telling Hermana Adams that I had never had one of those "typical" missionary experiences where the spirit has told me to knock on a certain door and a family of six gets baptized. Still, I have felt the spirit guiding me in many ways that have helped others come unto Christ.

As we arrived closer to home and were about to make the last turn I saw someone walking on the side of the road and said, "That person needs the gospel! Do you want to do a drive-by contact?!" It all happened so quickly poor Hermana Adams was like "What?! What do I do?!" I pulled over, rolled down her window, and told her to start talking! (Thanks to my trainer, Hermana Wilkins, who made me do this every once in a while.)

She struggled for a second, but pulled it off great... especially because it turned out the kid walking was Mormon, and recognized us as missionaries... he even told us we couldn't give him a ride! Anyway, it turns out his name is Mahonri, and he has been inactive for the past two years, but we told him he didn't have to be.

We slowly got to know him and found out he used to attend a Spanish branch (he looked totally white). Perfect! We invited him to church with us on Sunday and gave him the information. He said, "Wait a minute, what's the branch called?" We told him and he said he thought that's where his dad attends church... and yes. We know his dad, in fact he was going to come with us to one of our appointments that fell through tonight! It was so crazy! And way too huge of a coincidence to just be a coincidence! I know that we were sent there specifically to talk to him... we definitely don't normally go around at 9:00 at night to pull over and talk to strangers. I know the Spirit directed us to him, and I am SURE the Lord wanted us to talk to him.

So what did we tell him? I testified that he is a child of God and that Heavenly Father loves him (enough to have sent us to find him) and Hermana Adams testified of the love his earthly father also has for him. He told us that he would love to come to church and sit next to his father, and I know that that will be an answer to his father's prayers.

Mahonri basically had a "Paul experience" (except he was on the "road to Pueblo" instead of Damascus) where we were two angels sent to find him and cry repentance and invite him to change his life. We'll see what he does with that, but my companion and I are pretty convinced he is going to come back to church and then go on a mission. SO awesome.

It is crazy to think how things needed to line up perfectly for everything to work out the way it did. First of all, if our lessons had gone through we wouldn't have been on the street looking for people to talk to. And even though it felt like a failed effort if we hadn't circled the block on that particular street the timing would have been off to talk to Mahonri, and we would have either missed him, or I wouldn't have been so pumped to talk to just one more person.

It is absolutely amazing to see how the Lord literally uses us as his angels to cry repentance with the sound of a trump. If we are completely willing to trust Him and follow His will, he will place us in the exact places and situations we need to be in to do the most good. I know that this is truly HIS work, and I am so grateful that He has chosen me and qualified me to be an instrument in His hands. I am amazed at what measures our Heavenly Father will take to help one of His children in a unique, time-sensitive way, and I feel so blessed to be part of that process on a daily basis.

Love you all,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

PICTURE- It rained! I felt pretty "legit", seeing as most days of my mission we have picture-perfect weather! :)

Going Green (3/16)

When President and Sister Howes arrived to the mission 8 months ago they did a training on "being green" and what it is like to have the fire of coming out on a mission, and how we should never let that die. I like to think I have maintained that excitement, but this week working with Hermana Adams who is truly green (and so excited about missionary work) has made me love what we're doing even more! I feel like I'm green again... well, except for the year+ of experience, which is kind of nice. Anyway our enthusiasm and desire to work hard has brought several miracles this week.

We have been working with a 15-year-old girl named Erika. She is AWESOME! I am so impressed by her desire to learn, and her testimony of the things we have taught her is beyond her years. Yesterday I was blown away in our lesson as she described how "Mormonism" is not just "another religion" but the completeness of the gospel. Yes! That's it!! She was also excited to learn that we have a modern day prophet, and is (almost) as excited as I am for General Conference in a few weeks! :)

Some of the biggest miracles we have seen are from our investigators who are all of a sudden making leaps of progress... what we call Greenie Blessings! It is literally as if someone spread "missionary miracle grow" all over our area. It is incredible to see, and I know that as they continue to keep their commitment they will continue to come closer to Christ and see positive changes in their lives.

One of our investigators, Lily, invited us to a baby shower at Golden Corral this weekend... epic fun. We enjoyed chatting with some of the women there, and it was awesome to see that Lily was confident enough to introduce us to her closest friends. We had a special lesson with her on Monday, when she shared with us how much she loves meeting with us, reading the Book of Mormon, and coming to church. She knows baptism is in her future, and she is praying to know for sure that this is the right step to take. She asked us to also pray for her that she might come to that conclusion. We shared a tender experience with her as she told us how she can see the light of Christ in our faces, and feels that everything we say is coming from our hearts. I was touched by her sincere compliment, as that is exactly what we are trying to achieve.

I could tell you so much more from this week, but I don't think I could adequately convey my enthusiasm for missionary work and gratitude for the miracles we have witnessed this week. Thank you for all your prayers... we are seeing answers to them daily!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Love always,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Crash (3/9)

Let's see... what happened this week? Well, what DIDN'T happen this week?!

There has been a lot going on - Sunday night we got a "whitewash" call which meant that we had to prepare one of our areas (the English wards) for two new missionaries (Elders). It's been stressful trying to line everything up for them and letting all of our Bishops, Ward Mission Leaders, and Investigators know what's happening. Most of them are not very happy that we're leaving... but we aren't thrilled either. Actually, it's bittersweet. It has been super fun working in this area, but I'm ready to get back to being able to really focus on the Spanish work.

Also, I have a new companion... Hermana Adams. She is fresh out of the MTC, which means I am training! Ahh.. I'm excited, and she seems awesome so we're ready to hit the pavement (hot asphalt) running. I know there are good things awaiting us here in Gilbert.

Aaaannndd... we got in a car accident. Lame. It was Hermana Norton & my last big adventure. Don't worry (Mom) we're all ok... it wasn't a big crash, just a big inconvenience. We were just driving along (through an intersection) and all of a sudden there was a pickup truck in front of us. The lady driving it had rolled through the stop sign and tried to beat us through, but unfortunately that's not what happened. We tried to brake and swerve, but ended up getting her truck with the front of our car. Even though it was annoying waiting for the police, and trying to take care of everything with the mission office, I am grateful that 1. It wasn't my fault! and 2. No one was hurt... milliseconds would have made a big difference in the amount of damage done to the car, or us. We are certainly protected by the Lord in this work.

As I often do, my mind wandered to the gospel analogy here. Sometimes we are just driving along and everything seems to be going smoothly when out of nowhere we get in a "wreck". Often they are caused by someone else's misuse of agency, but cause inconvenience in our lives nonetheless. However, we must accept the problem and recognize that there's nothing we can do about it, and then use the Atonement in our lives to be healed. It is amazing to know that the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is so all-encompassing that it not only covers our sins, but the pain we feel from the sins of others. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for His Son Jesus Christ that want us to be happy and are so willing to fix our cuts and bruises from the crashes in life... those that we cause, and those caused by other hazardous drivers. :) Bottom line... He loves us all.

And I love you too!

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Pictures
Top: Hermana. Norton and I sad about our fender bender.
Middle: Hermana Norton, Lakin, Annika, Me & Mia sad that we are getting transferred. (These are the awesome girls I blogged about a few weeks ago)
Bottom: One more picture just to prove that everything wasn't sad this week! Sisters in the Gilbert Zone.. although after today only two of us remain...

Be Thou Clean (3/2)

A long time ago when I got my mission call, most of you will remember that I was less than disappointed to be going to the Arizona Tempe Mission. Fear not... over the past year I have had so many profound experiences that have helped me understand just how inspired mission calls are, and there are MANY reasons I am grateful to be serving in this mission.

One of those reasons is the diversity of culture we enjoy. I always hoped to go abroad for my mission so I could learn about and experience a foreign culture. An example of the many benefits of serving stateside is that rather than being able to experience one country or culture, it has been fun being exposed to a wide array of places, people, and customs. I love getting to know members from all over the world, trying their food, and learning about their home countries. Most of these experiences have been within the Hispanic culture, but this weekend, we got an inside look to the Navajo Indians. We were invited to a ward activity on Saturday night for dinner, and got to see some hoop dancing - it was fun to "socialize" with members and recent converts within that ward, and experience something new.

Our investigator Manny was baptized this weekend. It has been an interesting process teaching him. He accepted a baptism date in our first lesson with him, but it has still been a journey getting him to this weekend. Suffice it to say he has quite a heavy history, and some things he had to work through. It has been amazing to see how the Spirit has worked through us, blessing us with the gift of discernment to understand his needs, and also see how his testimony of the restored gospel has grown through that same spirit.

During his baptism on Saturday I was impressed by the speaker that gave a talk on the ordinance of baptism. She bore sincere testimony of the power of the atonement and the remission of sins. It really hit me how intense that is - especially for someone like Manny. To know that everything in his past was completely wiped away that day because of his decision to be baptized. He, and everyone that chooses to follow Christ into the waters of baptism, are literally given a "clean slate" and a new life.

On the condition of sincere repentance we are all given that opportunity to "wipe our slates" every Sunday as we partake of the sacrament. Those of us who have made sacred covenants with God renew them as we promise to follow him and always keep his commandments (Moroni 4:3), and as we do that the Lord forgives us of our transgressions and "remember[s] them no more." (D&C 58:42). What an incredible promise - I think with our human minds and memories we are unable to comprehend what exactly that means, but I believe there are lessons we can learn from it.

First, that if Christ is so willing to forgive and forget, we should do the same to our trespassers.... And second, we must remember that this includes forgiving ourselves. If we come to the Lord in sincere repentance, confessing and forsaking our sins he will forgive and we are made whole through his atonement.

Just as we use water to physically clean our homes and bodies, the waters of baptism, and the sacrament represent that cleansing power of our Savior. He is the only one that has power to say: "Be thou clean" and this is the gift he offers us. Take a moment to think about how you can effect the cleansing power of his atonement in your life, and I know you will feel a difference spiritually, just as you would from a physical cleansing.

Love you tons,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Richelle Singing (2/27)

I think I did it! I'm entering a new realm of techno-savviness! (is that a word??) This is a video of Richelle practicing a song she sang at a Missionary Fireside on February 27, 2011. The lady she lives with sent it to me this morning.

ENJOY!

Love,

Pat Ouellette (MOM!)

The Real Pursuit of Happiness (2/23)

OK... Best surprise of my mission EVER!: On Saturday afternoon I'm sitting in our kitchen (in our members' home) waiting for my broccoli to steam (yum!) and the doorbell rings. I think nothing of it because it's not my home, and the door is never for us... but I heard whoever answer it say "I think the missionaries are in the kitchen." Hmm... who in the world? I turn around for the biggest, best surprise of my life to see my trainer aka Hermana Wilkins aka Shanell Dunn standing right in front of me!! Are you kidding me?! Best day of my life. We hugged forever and even cried a little and then immediately got to catching up on her life. I got to meet her husband... they are so perfect for each other and so happy, which just made me so happy!

Besides that tender mercy for me there are so many miracles happening in our area. We have been teaching this awesome girl, Lakin, a friend of a recent convert, Annika, who was baptized in December. They are both 18 years old and the lessons we've had with them are awesome - the spirit is so strong, and the love and support of her friends Annika and Maddie is perfect.

This weekend we completely inundated Lakin with Church activities - Friday we brought her to a baptism, Saturday - the visitor's center, and Sunday our mission president's fireside. We were a little nervous that it might be a little much since she hadn't even been to Church with us yet, but that was not the case. She told us she really enjoyed her weekend, and was disappointed when she had to work on Sunday instead of being able to come to Church with us! The lesson we had with them on Monday was amazing... we talked about the plan of salvation. Annika's sister Mia has also been sitting in and came with us this weekend, and we are seeing changes in her as she starts to want these things more and more.

As we taught about the plan of salvation I could see how things clicked for them. Especially for Mia - their grandfather just passed away this weekend, and as with any death it has been hard for their family. However, Annika shared her testimony of the plan of salvation and how she's not as sad because she understands the plan and the way everything will work out. It was such a tender experience to see how the plan of happiness really does bring peace into our lives - especially as we talk about the healing power of the atonement, and the comfort that the spirit can bring in times of difficulty and grief.

As we were teaching I had sat on the floor directly in front of the couch the four girls were sitting on and laid out the plan visually in front of them. I was struck by two thoughts: 1. These girls are awesome. They are beautiful, fun, teenage girls and they were choosing to spend their evening (and their entire weekend!) with the missionaries instead of any other activity that probably would have been more entertaining. And number 2. These things we teach are real - They wouldn't do that if it wasn't true... The blessings we talk about of peace and comfort are so real they are almost tangible - I could feel it in myself, especially as I felt God's love for each on of them and saw it working in them to bring them answers and give them peace.

Our investigator Heidi and her two sons Alec and Tyler were baptized this weekend (see picture above). I've been saving her "story" until now. It all started with an 8-year-old missionary Solomon... right after Heidi and her family moved in next door to them he and Alec quickly became friends and one day when they were all outside Solomon told Alec "Alec, I know you don't got to my church or anything, but I reeeaaaalllly want you to get baptized." Direct. To the point. :) He then invited the family to Church... Heidi says she was slightly uncomfortable and didn't know how to tell a child "no, she couldn't come because she isn't Mormon." Well... it was all downhill from there. Alec and Tyler first started coming to scouts with the neighbor boys, then church, and eventually Heidi started coming with them.

They loved it from the beginning, and soon became regular "church-goers". As we taught them the principles of the restored gospel, they learned quickly and began to see changes in their lives. They steadily developed faith, repented and progressed toward baptism. Their baptism and confirmation were special experiences, but what is most exciting is that they recognize that this was only the opening of the gate to put them on the path that leads to eternal life. They are experiencing true happiness, and I know they will continue to grow as they come even closer to Christ.

Annika has one of my favorite descriptions of the blessings of the gospel... she always talks about how freakishly happy it makes her, and it's TRUE! There is nothing in this world that provides the lasting peace and happiness that the gospel brings into our lives. I know that as we do the things that develop our relationship with our Savior, including sharing the gospel, we are blessed with a joy that can not be described or compared. Annika and Alec (and I) are experiencing that happiness that comes from sharing the gospel, and the best part is that as they do that their friends experience that same joy and happiness.

"Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness." (Alma 27:18)

Be Happy! I love you,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Happy Valentine's Day (2/9)

As I've mentioned before holidays don't really mean much for missionaries, but this week I am looking forward to heart-attacking some people and delivering lots of yummy treats to our investigators and the other families we're working with!

We recently received texting on our phones... and it is awesome! Just another tool to help the work along! When Elder Evans (of the Seventy) came to visit he told us that Elder Scott has said we are doing missionary work in the twenty-first century with nineteenth century methods! He's the oldest living apostle, and he's the one fighting to get us up to date! There's so many new things available with the updates on mormon.org and new commercials, etc. We can already see how it's all positively affecting missionary work.

For example... last week we were at a lesson with our investigator Ryan and we start to look up a scripture. Ryan pulled out his phone and in seconds had accessed the verse we were going to read. Ok, so I've seen plenty of members with scriptures on their phones/ipads, but never someone we are teaching! He has all of the scriptures, plus the gospel principles book, and with access to the church website he has access to the gospel (and the spirit) at his fingertips 24/7. Awesome!

I heard a story this week from a lady that lives in Hawaii... She talked about her friend that came to visit her and wanted to go seashell hunting on the beach. She wandered along the shoreline looking for large seashells (which have mostly disappeared because of other tourists like her!). Another friend, who was a native Hawaiian, began to dig in the sand, and ended up finding some of the most valuable (but tiny) seashells that exist in the world. She made the point that we need to not miss the small and valuable things in our search for something bigger (kind of like the parable of the marshmallow.)

It made me think... but THEN... last night we were teaching a lady that would basically not let us share the lesson we had in mind because she was stuck on the meaning of a scripture in Revelations. Normally I'm all about answering their questions and teaching to their needs, but it was frustrating because we spent the entire time talking about the symbolism of white horses, etc. and didn't get to share with her the beautiful message of the plan of salvation. When we left we were talking with the member that was with us (Bernice - recent convert). We decided that she was getting too caught up on little details, and was missing the big picture of the entire plan of salvation and knowledge that we have of these things because of the restoration of the gospel.

I was thinking about this last night and thought how these two stories, or ideas are somewhat contradictory. They both speak of perspective and how we need to not miss the little things... but also don't forget about the big picture. OK... so where do we focus? I decided that BOTH ideas are equally important. We have to have not just perspective, but the appropriate perspective based on the situation. As we go to our Father in Heaven in prayer He will guide us and show us how to view what lies in front of us. I know that as we follow the spirit we will not miss one important detail as we look at the whole big picture of life.

Have a love-ly week. :)

Love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Be Thou Humble (2/16)

I learned a good lesson this week about being humble. We had a zone conference (a meeting with our mission president and about 36 other missionaries) and we were trained on some more of the new material from Fundamentals of Preach My Gospel (our guide to missionary work - new and improved :)

We spent the morning talking about goal-setting, and I was humbled to say the least. Many of the things President Howes talked about seemed to be a direct chastisement for me. It kind of brought me to a low, and made me realize a lot of the things I needed to do differently. It was eye-opening to say the least and kind of painful to hear.

The best part of the experience though was that during the afternoon session of the training, my heart was softened and my mind open for revelation. I received many promptings from the spirit to enable me to set some new goals for myself, and for my area. I received specific inspiration for some of our investigators, as well as promptings concerning some things that I need to do more diligently (some not even directly related to the training).

Sometimes the Lord brings us down to the depths of humility so that he can raise us back up and tell us the things he needs us to hear. I also saw this pattern this week in my Book of Mormon reading in Ether 2. The brother of Jared was chastened by the Lord for three hours because he had forgotten to call on his name. My chastening was rough, but I think it's safe to say it wasn't as intense as this was for him! But the brother of Jared responded well... he was humbled, and repented, and because of his willingness to follow the will of the Lord he received revelation on how to build the barges and cross the ocean.

We have been teaching two young girls (Irene (12) and Ariana (8)) whose grandma is a member. We have just about come to the end of the lessons with them and the natural step for most investigators would be for them to be baptized, but their parents (divorced) have said that can't happen. We talked about this with our ward mission leader and together we decided we needed to approach the mother, Carol, (whom they live with) and see if we could dig up some of her doubts.

We were kind of nervous for this conversation, but it ended up going NOTHING like we had planned. Instead of being cold or stand-offish, Carol completely opened up to us, and even started crying as she described some of the difficulties she has been having. She told us about her "come to Jesus moment" that she recently experienced and the stress that has been weighing on her mind. She knows what she needs to do, but doesn't feel like she has the strength to do it.

We were able to talk to her about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how no matter what she is going through right now, the things we want to teach her will bless her life! She didn't accept the missionary lessons, but she also didn't say no. It was hard to see and feel her pain (she is an incredibly strong woman), but I recognized that the Lord has been preparing her to finally accept the gospel (her mom has been a member for 16 years). The Lord chastens us because he loves us (Helaman 15:3) but he does it so we will come to him (1 Nephi 16:39, Ether 12:27) We are praying that she will now let us teach her and allow peace come into her life through the gospel.

Remember that when you are chastened, or experience a trial - make it a "come to Jesus moment" and think about what you need to do to align your will with his more perfectly with His. Then He will bless you with personal, relevant, revelation for yourself and your family, as well as the temporal and spiritual blessings you need. "Be thou humble in thy weakness... and the Lord thy God shall teach thee." (Hymns, 130).

Love always,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Picture: Valentine's Day--The remains of cookies taken to a district meeting!

There Can Be Miracles (2/2)

A NOTE FROM RICHELLE'S MOM: PICTURE ABOVE....AS RICHELLE ENJOYS WARM ARIZONA, WE HAVE BEEN DUMPED ON BY 4 SNOW STORMS IN 7 DAYS...OVER 36" OF SNOW IN OUR YARD (AND ROOF)! ARIZONA IS LOOKING BETTER AND BETTER......

Here's this week's update from Richelle:

Another week... this one with some ups and downs, but I'm learning a lot!

We have been teaching this sweet 19 year-old girl named Francisca from Chile for about a month. She has been here on an extended vacation, visiting a family of members. When we met her she was familiar with the Church and her family has known the missionaries in Chile for years. Some other Elders passed her on to us with the specific instruction that she would get baptized, because how they found her was an answer to one of their prayers (a whole different story...)

Anyway, we started teaching Francisca and we love her! She has such a sweet spirit and loves learning about the gospel. We had invited her several times to be baptized before she left for home, and she assured us that if she received the answer she was hoping for then she would. We kept working with her encouraging her to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. She finally decided she would like to be baptized here, but out of respect for her parents she wanted to ask their permission before going forward with it. However, we were quickly running out of time before her departure date... last Monday.

We have been praying for her this whole time, but when we talked to her on Saturday she still hadn't been able to ask them, so we decided we would need a miracle to pull this all off in a day. We began a fast, and I felt full of faith and knew that things would work out the way they should.

Sunday was our typical long day at Church (7am-4pm), but as you do when you fast I felt especially close to the Spirit and full of God's love. Awesome. Then we had a few minutes after church before dinner, and went to an apartment complex to contact a family. They weren't home, but we started talking to another guy... we had a good conversation with him, and aside from sharing the gospel, we left with almost $300 worth of cosmetics from the company he works for. Sweet.

Dinner time: We ate with a great family (former Branch President) and met a friend from Argentina that is living with them, Carolina. She also has a very sweet disposition (very similar to Francisca) and we were touched by the strength of her testimony as she shared with us her conversion story. Hermana Norton and I looked at each other and realized we were thinking the same thing - Carolina was an answer to a prayer... she was perfect for Francisca so we invited her to come to our 6:00 lesson and share her testimony, with the assumption that after the lesson we would be pulling together a very last minute baptism.

Now, I'm sorry to tell you that this story isn't going to end the way you are probably hoping it will. When we got to Francisca's house Sunday evening no one was home. The family didn't answer their phone, and although we kept trying for the rest of the night we couldn't get in touch with her. Much to our disappointment, she left for Chile Monday without us even getting a chance to say goodbye.

I was sad... I really felt I had had the faith that things would work out! But on the way home I learned that things really did work out... EXACTLY the way the Lord wanted them to. Carolina shared the rest of her story - her family's conversion, which took place over a period of almost 20 years. She and her sister were the first to be baptized.. and they prayed for a long time to see the rest of their family come into the gospel. Finally, little by little her father, then a brother, after years her mother, and most recently her oldest brother were baptized. Now they have plans for their entire family to be sealed together in the temple toward the end of the year (after her brother has been a member for a year).

Sometimes the Lord works in mysterious ways - and He ALWAYS works on His own time. He knows Francisca's needs, and there is no doubt in my mind that she will be baptized when the timing is right. Sometimes we have to trust on the Lord that he knows what's best, but if things are good and right then they will "come to pass".

I also saw how the Lord knew exactly what I needed. The simple act of placing both Francisca and Carolina in my path taught me some very valuable lessons. At a time when I could have easily been frustrated, Heavenly Father placed someone in my path to strengthen my testimony and offer me peace. I've found that he often works in this way, and is so aware of each and every one of us and our individual needs.

Later that night, as we were looking through our new collection of lotions I had to smile as I realized one of the product names was "Miracle". So perhaps I didn't get exactly what I thought I had been praying for... But "who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles?" Because to me that day truly "there were many mighty miracles wrought".

"Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?" (Mormon 9:16-18)

Love always,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Things I never thought I'd do....(1/26)

Today was transfer day... and we're staying! I'm so excited... transfer call night (the Monday before transfers, every six week) has been a horrible experience for me for the past five or six transfers. This is the first time I haven't had a change of area, or companion, or both. It's such a relief to know that with things going so well we get to actually enjoy it for at least another six weeks. Yay! :)

Hermana Norton and I were talking the other day about things that we never thought we'd do... and how a lot of them have happened on our missions. Among many very random things there was one in particular that we thought was pretty funny. It had to do with how when we were younger our moms got a little upset when we tried to invite ourselves over to our friends' houses. And to their credit, it is pretty rude. However, it seems that we do a lot of that.. inviting ourselves in or over. We have pretty much become professional "inviter-overs". It's hilarious how our normal social boundaries are completely out the window, but the best part is knowing that we have the spirit to back us up! We have had some incredible experiences this week getting into homes we weren't expecting and have had some amazing lessons with new investigators. I love them all already!

Another thing I thought I'd never do... carry around a pack of cigarettes. We have an investigator, Manny, that has quit smoking so he can be ready for his February 5 baptism. He gave us his last pack and wrote and signed an "oath" on it that he would quit. We're so excited for him, but as soon as we got to the car with the cigarettes we kind of looked at each other like what do we do with these? I'm not sure what is the most "green" way of disposing of cigarettes, so for now they're just sitting on our counter top! Gross!

As far as something I never thought I would actually be able to do - I translated for a fireside on Sunday night. It was actually from Spanish to English (which is easier to do) but I got the head set and everything! It is so cool to recognize the gifts that Heavenly Father has given me to help in his work. I am so grateful!

I also thought I'd never go a winter without snow... Everyone keeps telling me how much snow you all are getting back east! Ah! Everyone should live in Arizona! I never want to see another winter below 60 degrees again!

Life is great and the mission is the best thing EVER!

Love you all,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

Fort-ifications (1/19)

I can't actually remember everything that happened this week, so I guess that means everything went well! I had some special, somewhat non-mission related experiences this week. I've finally accepted that it's about time to figure out what I'm going to do when I get home, since it's approaching more quickly than I'd like. It's something that I'd typically stress about, especially because I have almost no time or resources to do anything about it as a missionary.

The past couple weeks have been kind of stressful in the few spare moments I have thinking and planning what I have been wanting to do with the rest of my life. However, I've also felt so blessed to really feel like the Lord has been guiding me and once again putting the right people in my path to help me make the right decisions. I finally realized that we tell people all day every day to pray about things like this, and the Lord WILL answer our prayers. Was I doing that? Yes, I was praying for guidance, but it was pretty open-ended... it wasn't until I made some concrete decisions and asked for Heavenly Father's "approval" that I felt the peace I was looking for. The same day I finally did that, we had interviews with our Mission President who said a few things that once again helped me confirm my choice... tender mercy for me! - I like to be 110% sure! :)

Monday night we made a fort... yes, that's right. We are clearly very easily entertained, and we had a few extra minutes before bedtime after we had planned for the next day. So, we got some extra sheets, and with the help of Ellen (the member who lives upstairs) and her friend Sabrina we constructed quite the edifice. We then made popcorn and watched "Together Forever" a church movie about families.

The fort reminded me of a lesson we sometimes do with families. We read Alma 50 and discuss the fortifications Moroni makes around the city to protect it from the Lamanites. We then compare the city to our family and the heaps of earth, timbers, pickets, and towers to things such as the scriptures, the gospel of Jesus Christ, prayer, priesthood, tithing, baptism, Family Home Evening, temples, a prophet, etc... the things we have in our lives that protect us from the "spiritual Lamanites". I know that as we build these fortifications around our homes and families we will be protected from the "stones and arrows" of our enemies. If we let even just a few of these slip, it creates an entry for Satan to enter into and corrupt our homes.

Our families are important to God, and that is why he has provided us with all these means to protect and strengthen them. I have seen the application of this principle within the walls of literally hundreds of homes over the past year. Families that make these things a priority are happier, and more successful than those who don't... there is a different (almost tangible) feeling within their home. I know that as you make an effort to focus on that which protects your family - "principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" (i.e. fort-building) you will recognize a change and feel more peace and harmony within your home and family.

Love always,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

The Parable of the Giant Marshmallow (1/12)

The weeks are flying by! One year ago today I arrived in Arizona as a new missionary... even I can't believe how much I have changed since then... all good, of course :)

Monday night we had a Family Home Evening with Heidi, her two sons Tyler and Alec, and their next door neighbors. We watched the video of the Restoration to review, and for our activity roasted marshmallows in their fire pit in the back yard. The lesson/spiritual thought went well, but I can't lie, I was pretty excited to make s'mores, especially when I realized that we would be using GIANT marshmallows! At first appearance, the ginormous marshmallow appears better than a regular marshmallow in every way possible - fatter, squishier, sweeter, etc. However, after a careful attempt at roasting and creating the perfect s'more, I was pretty disappointed when I finally tasted it! Big let down... It was NOT any better and I would have been much happier with one regular, white, jet-puffed, perfectly-toasted mallow.

It seems that this happens many times in life... things aren't always what they appear. We see others around us who are more attractive, more talented, have nicer things and we want it.. all of it! Satan is also especially good at making things of the world appear more attractive to us. We need to recognize "things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13) and not take for granted the many gifts we have been given. Yesterday, as we were teaching an eight year old girl the 10 commandments, she wisely taught us that not coveting means being thankful for the things we have. And she is right, we are so blessed and need to be careful not to take for granted what we have been given on our quest for something bigger, better, or squishier.

With all of the blessings we have been receiving recently my heart has been so full of gratitude. I have been thinking about what it means to really BE grateful, and the power that can have in our lives. I have a quote from President Hinckley written in my scriptures: "When we fill our hearts with gratitude, there will be no room for unhappiness." But what I am learning is that when we fill our hearts with gratitude, there is also no room left for doubt, despair, fear, judgment, or unkindness. And as we express our gratitude to Heavenly Father through prayer, He is even more willing to bless our lives further.

I know that our Heavenly Father loves us, and because of that love He wants us to be obedient and worthy to receive the blessings He has in store for us. I know that as you make an effort to be more grateful, you will feel His love more abundantly in your life, and will recognize His hand working for your good. Remember to look for the good in what you have and always be thankful for the blessings you have been given... giant or small.

Much love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

White New Year (1/5)

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2011 already! Where did 2010 go?!

This has been a super fun, and a super blessed week... and it was white! It snowed like crazy! Ok... in the mountains, but from a few reports there were actually a few areas in Mesa that saw a couple dozen snowflakes... it was definitely cold enough. Friday night (New Year's Eve) we went to the temple to work at the Christmas Lights display and even though we practically froze to death it was way fun! We met lots of interesting people, and I feel strongly that several of them were placed in our path.

That has kind of been a theme of this week. We have truly felt like instruments in the Lord's hands! It is so rewarding to recognize that you are an answer to someone's prayers and that the Lord is using us as His hands to do His work. We have seen so many answers to prayers - our own and those of others... from little tender mercies, to complete miracles, and somehow it amazes me every time.

Bernice (I've talked quite a bit about her) was baptized on New Year's Day - as we started a New Year, she also started a new life. We had asked her to share her testimony during the baptism program, which she agreed to do, and it was incredible. She shared how when she first met with us her only intention was to prove that her brother (who is a member) was in the wrong. She told how she accepted the Book of Mormon so she could read it to find something wrong with it... but she couldn't find any error! On the contrary, for the first four nights that she read she dreamed of the things she had been reading. She would wake up with a pounding heart and an overwhelming feeling that what she was reading was true. She would then read and pray in the middle of the night, which calmed her enough so that she could sleep. She didn't stop reading until she reached the end (in 2 weeks!), and hasn't stopped since then - she is so hungry for the truth, and so confident that she has found it. We love having lessons with her because she always seems to have more to teach us than we teach her, and she is so willing and excited to learn! Her testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel always strengthens ours, and we are so blessed to have had the privilege of sharing it with her.

The Lord has been pouring out blessings on us, and providing people for us to teach that are SO prepared. We are so grateful, and are trying to be continually obedient and diligent... like Nephi and Lehi who strove "with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth" (Helaman 15:6). Verses 7-8 talk about how these people are made free as they study the scriptures, develop faith, repent, and come unto Christ. These are the changes we see in people's lives every single day, and it is AMAZING! I love being a missionary, and wish I could just have a 14 year mission like the Sons of Mosiah... but maybe that wouldn't be long enough!

I hope you have all started the year of with a bang! Happy 2011!

Love,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette

PICTURES:

TOP: I found snow in Arizona! One of the mission vehicles that came down from the mountains left this little piece of snow in a church parking lot... I was pretty excited - I think this might be the only exposure I get to snow this year. Then again, not really complaining about that!

CENTER: Our feet at the Temple Lights Display- FREEZING!! The Elders brought us gloves, but we put them on our feet because our toes were way colder than our fingers! Every few minutes we discovered we had an extra toe or two!

BOTTOM: Bernice's baptism! Yay!

HIGHlights (12/29)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! It's so weird on your mission because we are not focused at all on the "normal" Christmas-time things. Sure, we've been listening to Christmas music since Halloween, and we have had a tree up since Thanksgiving, but even with all the talking about Christ it never really felt traditional. Actually, what was really interesting to me was the fact that the only time I thought to myself, "yeah, THIS feels like Christmas" was when we were stressing out Christmas Eve trying to get every one's presents ready for them. Interesting... it was the feeling of stress that made the holiday seem "normal". I guess that's what I've come to associate this season with (and I'm sure I'm not alone in that). Makes me want to do some things differently next year, especially because I'll be back in the real world.

Thank you to those who sent cards and gifts. I appreciate your love. The best gift I received, however, was also Christmas Eve, when we went to visit Bernice, our investigator that is getting baptized on Saturday. Hermana Norton and I had bought her a nice set of scriptures and had her name engraved on them, and went over to give her the gift. She was so touched by our act of love, and shared her testimony of the things she has learned and come to find are true over the past couple months. She appreciated the scriptures, but was more grateful for the gifts we have given her by sharing the message of the restored gospel with her.

Bernice has the sweetest spirit and incredible faith. I am grateful to know that her testimony was recorded by angels, because I want to hear the words she said again, and would love for all of you to be strengthened by them as well. There really is no joy greater than inviting someone to come unto Christ! The love and happiness I feel when someone accepts that gift is indescribable. This evening was one of the spiritual highlights of my mission.

Change of tone: yesterday, I enjoyed one of the non-spiritual highlights of my mission! We were walking through a neighborhood and saw a guy working on some bikes. Of course we talk to everyone, but I was DEFINITELY not going to pass up the opportunity to speak with this guy, because these were no ordinary bikes (see picture!) They are called high bikes, and most of them (he has 15!) consisted of frames from two or more bikes welded together to make different shapes and themes. He gladly explained how this hobby came about, and was happy to give us a demonstration of how to ride them. We waited outside while he went to go grab a business card (don't worry we traded it for a mormon.org card!) and while he was in I decided I wanted to try and ride one. I figured it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and since I'm not on a foreign mission experiencing all kinds of weird things I have to take advantage of situations like this!

So, he held the bike for me while I got on and I rode up and down the street once. Turns out it's as easy as... riding a bike! We've been trying to bike more to save on miles and get some exercise, but this literally takes things to a whole new level!

Hope you all are having as much fun as I am! :) Best wishes for the New Year!

Love always,

Hermana Richelle Ouellette