Fort Collins Letter #16

We make sure to have fun when it's appropriate :) this pose was not my suggestion.... I'm not really sure how I ended up there.

Not as easy to remember as the last one, but oh well. I'm really excited for the new mission to be official and to meet President Brown.(Note my new address in the address box.) I feel like this is where I was supposed to be from the beginning. It just feels right. My ankle is doing great. Bruised still... but fully functional with minimal pain. 

This week has been incredible. We've had dinner with a family that is friends with our ward mission leader. We have a couple other members in our ward that are inviting their friends to feed us. It's really neat to be able to get into people's homes in such a relaxed way and give them an opportunity to feel the spirit when if we tracted into them they probably wouldn't have let us in. We also had dinner with the L family. They always remind me of living in Tennessee with the Davidsons. I love the South and miss it quite a bit. They continue to keep an open mind to the things we share and have such good hearts. I just love them. They haven't been to church again yet, but are doing their best to read the Book of Mormon.

We have 4 new investigators this week. FOUR!!!! Heavenly Father loves us. Sister Rosier and I are frequently amazed with how much He trusts us with. S, I told you about last Monday, M came back into the picture, a husband of a member in our ward accepted the invitation to take the discussions, and H, a woman that we found and taught last night agreed to meet with us again. 

The Temple owas the highlight of my whole week. It feels so much like home, I didn't want to leave. It is so easy to let myself put importance on things that really don't matter. The Temple always reminds me of what is most important. My Heavenly and earthly family came to mind a lot. I also read the first few chapters of Ephesians while I was in the Celestial Room. Chapter one is incredible. Chapter 3 verses 16-17 are really powerful too. I took from reading those passages, that Heavenly Father works through us. The inner man as it states in chapter 3, made me think of the part of us where faith resides. Each one of us has the light of Christ within us. The more we exercise our faith and rely on that part of our being (or the more we rely on Him), the more we can accomplish, especially when it comes to serving others. I have been able to feel how much more the spirit guides my thoughts and actions when I have the benefit of others on my mind. 

We were able to volunteer to help out with a triathalon. We got cool blue shirts and were responsible for passing out water/gatorade to the runners during that section of the race. We also got to dump water on anyone that asked for it... that was my favorite part. I even ran after a guy that wanted to be splashed but was running so fast that we missed him the first time. I'm quite positive that he'll remember the effort that one missionary put into cooling him off a little bit and join the church soon. 

Our last mission Denver North Mission Conference. The girls on the left will be south in the Denver area. Sister Gregory, Haas and I on the right will be in the Fort Collins mission. It was cool to see everyone one last time before the split

Helping out with the Triathalon. Sister Gregory, me, Sister Nolin, Sister Rosier and three young women from a local ward. 

Fort Collins Letter #15

Ok.... to answer your questions really quick that I may or may not have gotten to yet.

The members we are living with are letting us borrow their bikes. I've been keeping my eye out for one (sort of... not really haha there's no time) but I'll have to get one in a few weeks I think. An Elder told me about CTRbikes.com so I'm going to ask President if I can check that out. 

C left to go on a mission trip in Eastern Europe and we're not really sure where he is at with things. 

S and her kids thought church was a little crazy. "That is nothing like I've ever seen before" were her words.... not necessarily the best comment, but we gave her a friend magazine and she was really excited. There is still hope :) There are sooooo many kids in our ward that she and her girls were a little overwhelmed. 

I love the story of the wolves. That was neat. I'll continue to try and feed the positive wolf. I got a fortune cookie recently that said, "your days will be filled with sunshine and happiness" So I'm thinking it shouldn't be too hard. I also found a really cool wolf shirt at a thrift store recently and I'll think of that story every time I see it now, it will be my reminder to be positive. Maybe I'll wear it all the time. To bed, under my proselyting clothes, working out, always. Hahah gross.

We are going to the temple this Friday!!! I'm so excited. We aren't sure if we will be able to go once the mission splits, so Sister Rosier, Gregory, Nolan, and I decided to go just in case it's our last time till we go home. 

We have been working with members a lot and guess what?!!?!?! We got a new investigator last week and another one today. REFERRALS!!!! Both of them!! I feel so blessed each time we get an opportunity to teach somebody. I know this is Heavenly Father's work and it's so humbling. I want to encourage everyone to be a part of it. 75% of baptisms come from member referrals.... let it sink in for a minute..... yeah, now you have to find someone to invite over to your home to take the missionary discussions. Simple as that. :)

We were playing ultimate frisbee last P-day and an Elder threw it to me. I jumped up to catch it but apparently an Elder behind me had the same plan. He basically landed on top of me, I heard a nice crunching sound, and my ankle was huge by the time we got to dinner. It's only sprained but it made riding a bike a little difficult. Most importantly, however, I caught the frisbee! :) My ankle is pretty bruised and still a little swollen, but it doesn't hurt nearly as much now. 

Look up Catalpa trees!!!! They are so pretty! They have huge leaves and white flowers. 

We had the most amazing stake conference. Elder Stanfield and Elder Switzer of the seventy spoke as well as the former and new stake presidencies. I will send you some really cool notes via snail mail as soon as I can. 

Always remember your Savior and love Him enough to bare testimony of Him through your thoughts, words, and actions. 

I love you! Love, Sister Rashauna Hoer

(Note: Here's the Catalpa Tree thar Rashauna referred to in her letter.  It really is pretty!)

Fort Collins Letter #14

Last week flew by. Right after I emailed last Monday we went to do our shopping (in the car) and saw a girl stuck in the right turn lane of a busy road. I was driving and immediately pulled off the next chance I got and said, "I'm going to get her out of the road, who's with me?" The three other sisters in the car agreed. We hurried to her car and noticed she had been crying and was understandably a little upset. We just calmly told her to put the car in neutral and we would push it where ever she needed to go. Everything is going to be alright. Thankfully she believed us and we (skirts, missionary tags, ballet flats, and all) started pushing. We got going so fast that we were all running and couldn't help but laugh at how silly we probably looked. A man came out of no where and started to help us push. It was an incredible experience to see good people come together when a need is presented. I have really been able to see the miracles that come from what most people would classify as "bad" situations. There is good everywhere, and that is because God is everywhere. We pushed her to a nearby parking lot where she would be able to think clearly and not be worried about all the cars zooming around her. It felt so good to help somebody. It felt so good to be reminded that amazing things come out of every situation.

Sister Rosier and I get along great. We laugh all the time and are just happy. Times are hard sometimes but we know why we are here, we know that the message we share is true, and we know how much it has the potential to benefit people. That keeps us going. 

Remember J and S?? Well, we stopped by on Thursday. S answered the door and immediately said, "Come on in!" She and their kids, finally moved here and they accepted and acted on an invitation to come to church on Sunday. So cool.

We taught a young man named C Friday morning. He responded well to the message and sincerely agreed to read the Book of Mormon. He is really involved in his church currently, but asked some insightful questions and I think has an open mind. 

Sister Rosier and I make bets on what we are having for dinner occasionally. Loser has to use a word (that the other person chooses) during our dinner conversation. I had to use the word "gum-shoe" which Sister Rosier had to explain to me because I had never even heard of it before. So that was interesting. I did the best I could but probably sounded like a weirdo. What's new :) 

Sunday was great. D didn't show, but S and her kids came to church as I already mentioned. Then we had a lesson with G afterward. She didn't have a lot of time so we made it short but I think she's coming to church two weeks from now (she didn't want to commit to come on Father's Day). 

Life is good. Love you guys. Loved your letter about the temple Mom. It really changed my perspective out here. Heavenly Father puts us in families to learn and grow. It's amazing (but not surprising) to see how inspiring we all are to each other. 

Sister Hoer. 

Fort Collins Letter #13

 Rashauna with Sister Rosier

Rashauna & sister missionaries at the Fort Collins, Colorado Temple
(Elder Heywood, mentioned last week who reminds Rashauna of Seth, is on the left)

I'm so excited to meet President Brown, our new mission president who will be here in July!! We have been praying for him and his family. How exciting that he knows Uncle Mike.

I've been reading "with" you guys. I was in 2 Nephi but I just started over. I actually forgot to start on June 1st but read 12 pages yesterday to catch up. :) I'll remember from here on out. 

This week has been really good. We've been trying to balance our time with members and our own finding efforts in order to bring about the work in this area. We have quite a few potential leads and Sister Rosier is amazing!!! It took us a little bit to really get our footing and blend our styles of working. Sister Rosier and I have been talking to EVERYONE. I know it will be hard sometimes, but I couldn't be happier about not being in a car full time. (Did I tell you that last week? Yeah, we're getting bikes today!!!)

I was trying to get Sister Rosier to invite someone to be baptized while tracting one night and I realized however, that I had never even done it. So we knocked on a door and I invited. The woman, D, smiled, looked at both of us, and then realized we were serious. She told us she was already baptized. We asked what baptism meant to her. We then expounded on her good, but basic description and bore testimony about the Holy Ghost and the restored Priesthood. I invited her again. She said that she wanted to come to church first. We are expecting her on June 9th. I love D and I love being a missionary!! Inviting in a loving way leads people to have an increased intent to know for themselves and I was able to see that. 

There was another woman that we talked to for a little bit and then left her door. A few doors down Sister Rosier and I stopped and looked at each other. Sister Rosier said, "We have to go back don't we?" I immediately said yes and we returned and invited the woman, G, to hear a short message. She agreed and we have an appointment next Sunday. The spirit truly guides this work. 

Oh and Sister Rosier and I's first day of missionary work together consisted of tracting.... normal. However, a wet dog ran up to us and was dripping water all over our feet! When he slowed down enough for us to pet him we were puzzled to find out that he was completely dry and that the liquid on our feet was actually urine.... not normal. We didn't know what else to do but laugh and keep tracting so that's what we did. 

Hope all is well, I sure love you guys.

Sister Rashauna Hoer

p.s. I LOVE 2 Nephi 4.... So great. 

Fort Collins Letter #12

I read something really neat the other day in a talk by Elder Scott. He spoke about the blessings that come when we serve others. Shining a light on ourselves only blinds us, however, when directed outwards that light will illuminate our path.

 

 

I was able to go to the Denver Temple on Friday with Sister O'Donovan. It was her 'departing trip' that I got to tag along for. I never wanted to leave. It is the most peaceful place. I read the last part of Alma 34 while I was there and some things really stuck out to me. Particularly not contending with the Holy Ghost, if something is good (no matter how difficult, unconvenient, unpopular, awkward, etc.) do it. Simple as that. Oh and I got to see Elder Heywood, the missionary that reminds me of Seth. I'm not sure if I told you already but, in the MTC I told him not to get weirded out but "you remind me of my little brother..." He surprised me when he said, "No way! You remind me so much of my older sister!!!" Well needless to say, he was just as excited to see me as I was to see him there. So we took a professional picture together (and Sister Gregory of course).
 

I'm officially in the Fort Collins Mission. Have I told you that already? I found out last Saturday that I will be staying in the same area (Stetson Creek Ward in the Loveland Zone) and training!!!! Well I'm excited, terrified, nervous, and calm all at the same time. I got to meet Sister Rosier, my new companion, yesterday. She is amazing. I am really looking forward to getting to know her better, but I feel like I already love her. There is something really neat about her. I know she is here for the right reasons and that in itself gives us a lot in common.
 

The weeks keep speeding up. It's been an incredible last few days though. I've really had a peace come over me that is directly related to my testimony of Jesus Christ. There is so much to learn still, but I know that through Him all things are possible. I know that my weaknesses will never hinder His purposes. I have felt so peaceful and sure of what I am doing with each day I'm out here. Heavenly Father really loves us. I can feel it.

 

I'm excited to read along with you in the Book of Mormon starting June 1st. It will be fun to see how many people join in! Keep me posted.

 

I sure love you guys, I have to tell you a cool story. I was at the mission office yesterday picking up my new companion and there was a huge table where they had the mail for the week. Instead of forwarding it, they just let us pick our letters up while we were in town. I hadn't made it over that way yet (I got distracted by several of the missionaries I was in the MTC with!!! I love seeing them!!) when I heard, "Who is Sister Hoer (pronounced incorrectly), she gets all the mail!" Family and friends, I cannot adequately describe what all your support has meant to me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about each one of you and how lucky I am. Thank you so so so very much. You mean the world to me.

 

Sincerely,

Sister Rashauna Hoer

Fort Collins Letter #11

Sorting donated items at Habitat for Humanity

(Rashauna on the right)

WEEKLY UPDATE: 

Monday: Made some crock pot veggies and a bunch of quinoa for easy meals for the rest of the week. 

Tuesday: Left a Book of Mormon in the library of an Elderly care center where we visited a member of our ward. I may or may not have said see-eth instead of see during our dinner message..... evidence that I've been studying the scriptures a lot but embarrassing nonetheless haha. 

Wednesday: We volunteered at Habitat for Humanity restore (thrift store) and climbed to the top of the pile of bags of donated clothes. (Yes in skirts - the clothing manager got some pictures of that as well that I'll try and get to you) I also found some cute skirts while sorting through clothes. 

Thursday: Zone Conference. All the missionaries in the Loveland area got together and had a very uplifting meeting. The whole first part was all about our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love being reminded of what every message we share is really centered around. Faith in Christ keeps us moving forward. It doesn't mean that life is going to be easy, but it ensures us that we will be facing the right direction. My companion and Sister Gregory's companion are 'Sister Trainer Leaders' (Very silly name, but they are essentially Zone Leaders for the sisters) and go on exchanges with other sisters so starting right after our conference, Sister Gregory and I were left as companions for a full 48 hours. We tracted all that evening. We really enjoy each other's company, but more importantly, we teach very well together. We are almost always on the same page and had some really neat gospel conversations. 

Friday: Tracting again. Sister Gregory broke somebody's doorbell but you could tell that it was in the sun for most of the day and therefore brittle. The man was very kind and said not to worry about it when we offered to replace it. We ate lunch at a restaurant called Rustic Oven when a woman named Robin Bowler called. (This whole time I thought it was Robin Fuller until I read your email haha) She met us at our next appointment and delivered flowers, fruit tarts and a card. I felt so special. Thank you mom and dad!!!!.... however, I'm pretty sure that's not allowed (even if I don't know them). Haha I think that was our one freebie.... Sister Gregory and I then walked several miles tracting and were very sweaty. I don't know how much we walked but I do know that we probably looked pathetic. We gave out some Book of Mormons and bore testimony of the truths we have come to know as often as possible. There are random pianos all over Fort Collins. They are all painted differently and are just outside on the street for anyone to play. SO COOL! We had dinner at Panera Bread with some members in Sister Gregory's ward and saw one. This town is incredible. We tracted some more in the evening. 

Saturday: Have I told you about justserve.org yet? Well it's so neat!! It's a website that anyone can post service opportunities to. We (as missionaries) have been encouraged to find service projects and help out the community whenever we can. We were able to help out a Lutheran church in the area that was getting a huge garden planted. All the food produced will go directly to the food bank. Not only was it nice to do some real work but it was incredible to think that we were helping to feed people in the future. If every church (not just Mormons, but everyone) did this, think how many people we could feed. We also were able to have several positive conversations with other people serving due to the relaxed environment and obvious common ground (service-oriented Christians). After dinner we switched back to our original companions. 

Sunday: Church gets better and better each week. We had a lesson on faith during Sunday School and a lesson on temples in Relief Society (we get to go to the temple this Friday!!!). We just talked about the basics. We talked about the blessings that come from faith and regular temple attendance. I've decided faith is a choice (at least at first). We have to choose to have faith or rather focus on what faith we do have to see the blessings and make the connection that they are indeed from our Heavenly Father. As we apply our faith by acting according to what we know, we see blessings, we recognize miracles everyday, and we experience growth. Choose to believe everyday and you'll see miracles according to your faith.

Today: HIKING!!!!! It's been way too long. Sister Soulier (Soo-lee-"A") took us and the other sisters up to hike Horsetooth rock. I couldn't stop smiling. Colorado is so beautiful. Cool note: A less active member in our ward (that we've been working extensively with) told us recently that she asked her fiance how he would feel if she started going back to church!!!!! I couldn't be more excited. 

Love you all. Love the updates. Love the letters. Love your prayers. 

I pray for each of you every night and think about you even more. Keep on keeping on.

Love, Sister Hoer

 

Fort Collins Letter #10

I thought about you a lot yesterday mom. During Sacrament meeting talks, sunday school, relief society, member visits. I think about you all the time, but I hope you know how grateful I am for you. You are such a good example of unconditional love, one lesson I truly cherish and will never forget. You inspire me to be better. Thank you and happy mother's day (again). Stay groovy ;)

 

I can't tell you how neat it was to hear all your voices. It reminded me of why I'm here. It reminded me of the blessings that come from living the gospel. It reminded me of what I am here to offer to others, or more correctly stated, what Heavenly Father has to offer.

 

In Relief Society, Sister Jensen (is an amazing teacher) led the lesson on families. We talked all about how our relationships are actually strengthened after this life. I just kept thinking about how much I care about my family, about how much they care about me, and how much we have to look forward to.

 

I also read Grandpa Hoer's sacrament meeting talk on patience and persistance this morning. It was so motivating and just what I needed to hear, just like this email was. I feel like all my prayers are being answered. Being a missionary is amazing. Amazingly hard and amazingly humbling and amazing in every sense of the word.
 

We are starting to meet with members as we have been discouraged from tracting. It has been going so well. Members are so supportive and I can't tell you how important they are to seeing the work progress and truly bringing people unto Christ.

 

Love you,

Sister Rashauna Hoer

 

(Pray for missionary opportunities!!!! Everybody!!! and then take advantage of them when they come)