Laughter and Miracles

What a fun weeks it's been. I haven't laughed this much in a long long time. So for the 4th of July fireworks on the 3rd, Sister Adamson and I decided to dress up like Lamanites!!! WOOP WOOP! It was so fun because EVERYONE WE LOVE WAS THERE... okay... not EVERYONE, but there were so many friends and we had so much fun! This week we made a Cake for the APS- Elder Clayton and Elder Thomas because they beat us in golf a couple of weeks ago, and we hung a Miley Cyrus banner in the mission office for them that says, "Rock-Sensation." I don't think President was very fond of the sign, but he probably thought it was pretty funny!!! President is going to miss me and all of my racket!!! Haha! It's true... We were playing over at Melody and Connie Obergs house. Melody is doing some modeling, and so she was practicing runway in the living room when we showed up... so of course I WANT TO PLAY TOO!!! Then Connie says, "I asked Father God for more kids, and he sent me Mormon Missionaries!" Haha. I'm ridiculous. Sister Adamson and I have so much fun!!! Yesterday for P-Day we went to Barnes and Noble with Katie and Kimbre. We had so much fun in the kids section reading Dr. Seuss as quickly as we could... HILARIOUS!!!!

I LOVE TO LAUGH! In the midst of the miracles of the mission, the Lord also allows us to have joy! I think of moments with Sister Bradley making Valentines Day videos or making our "Love wall"---times when we could not contain ourselves from laughing! Or Sister Smith and her lamp!!! My gosh... I still cant think about that moment without laughing!

I think of Alma 27 where Alma and Ammon (BFFS) had such great joy "even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth." Haha... Remember that times in life when you laugh so hard that you actually hurt yourself??? THOSE ARE THE BEST!!! Two Summers ago at the County Fair on the Zipper... Haha. I really thought I might die! Thank you for those memories!!! I love letters from home with memories that still make me laugh!!! I can't wait to make more memories like that when I get home!!!

Miracles Miracles! Candy Phillips from Great Bend got baptized this week! Sister Bradley and I always knew she'd come around!!! And not so miraculous... President Beck (of the mission presidency) passed away after a long reoccurring battle with cancer. He was an amazing example of devotion to the Lord. He will definitely be missed among all of the missionaries here.

Christy is doing great. Still set for the baptism on the 17th. We went to Liberty Jail with Sadi Cochran this week! I got to give the tour! Probably my last Liberty Jail tour of my mission. The spirit was POWERFUL, we didn't want to leave. But she's doing great as well! I saw Vicki and Richard Andree from 4th ward. They've talked to the Stake President about getting sealed, but it probably will happen in August AFTER I go home. Vicki says that I HAVE TO BE THERE... so hopefully I can make it work.... Anyway...
Another great week in the mission. Only a couple more weeks to go. Happily Ever After... and much laughter awaits!
I love you all! Dream Big. Wish Hard. LAUGH HARDER!!!!
Jessica Rose

Sister Maxfield got kissed!

This week was the one of the most blessed weeks of my entire life. We had a visitor come to our mission, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He just so happens to be my companion's grandfather. Sister Maxfield was so excited to see him! So the first moment I saw him he was helping his beautiful wife out of the car, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson (who is a woman I admire very much! She is best friends with Sheri Dew). Within that moment of seeing him within my heart I KNEW that I was looking at one of the Lord's chosen apostles and his wife was an angel. That is what love looks like. There was an immediate one-ness with them.

Grandfather Nelson greeted Sister Maxfield with a kiss, and asked the three of us to take him on a tour through the Historic Liberty Jail. What an honor it was to stand in that sacred spot and bear my testimony of Christ to one of his Special Witnesses.

Next we all headed down to Independence together for the All-Mission conference. It was great to see all of my friends that have been elsewhere in the mission: Sister Allie Webb is more beautiful than ever! And all my MTC friends! I love those Elders!!! In the conference Elder and Sister Nelson spoke about the past, present, and future of this sacred ground.

Sister Wendy Nelson is a stunning amazing woman. I learned some very very valuable life lessons from her in that conference. Some of which I will not share now, but take note that she changed my life this day. But one thing she did speak about was the word "Ebenezer" it's a rock of healing. In a popular LDS hymn- Come thou Fount, it says, "here I raise my Ebenezer." What? Like Ebenezer Scrooge? No! It’s raising your rock. It's saying, "THIS IS THE VERY SPOT WHERE HE HEALED ME. THIS IS THE VERY SPOT WHERE MY LIFE WAS CHANGED BY THE SAVIOR." I too can raise my Ebenezer... Wendy Watson Nelson is an extraordinary woman.

Elder Nelson asked some of the missionaries to come up and share what they have learned about revelations received in this area. I volunteered. "D&C 61- Stay away from the water!"

Following conference, we went with President and Sister VanKomen, and Elder and Sister Nelson out to dinner. WE DID WHAT? I went to dinner with an apostle? Someone pinch me! No... It’s true. It really happened. We went to Jack Stack's BBQ which is like the hype of Kansas City. It was amazing. I was asked to share my conversion story... Yet ANOTHER opportunity to bear my testimony... I sat right across from sister Nelson, which was not a coincidence. She and I had a lot to talk about. She spent most of her life single, but she was successful. As a daughter of God she moved forward with faith and trust in the Lord, AND NOW SHE IS MARRIED TO AN APOSTLE!!! She has this ability to somehow see right into my soul. She said, "If you could only see 10-minutes into your pre-mortal DVD... If you could only see who you are, the covenants you made, who you stood by... sister, the word is extraordinary.'

Elder Nelson spoke of his years growing up. His parents were both less-active practically their entire lives. But they did eventually get sealed in the temple in their late 80's. Elder Nelson wanted to be a doctor. His parents sent him through school and he was one of the pioneers in heart surgery. They first practice surgeries on animals. When Elder Nelson discovered an effective way to operate on the heart on a large dog, he brought his dad in to see the dog. And his dad started to cry. "We sent you through all of that schooling so you could be a DOG DOCTOR???" Haha. His dad was confused... I'm grateful that he has blessed the field of medicine for both veterinarians and human doctors alike. THANK YOU ELDER NELSON!!! He is truly an inspired man of God. He has a spirit and light that is distinct from anyone else I have ever met.

When we said goodbye, Sister Nelson said, "We'll see you again." I said, "I hope so." She said, "You will...We will meet again."

Okay... so that was ONE part of my week.... I hate to overwhelm you all but I have two more stories about this week. (Bear with me! I promise you they are worth reading!!!)>

#1- We got yelled at this week... we get yelled at a LOT. We're missionaries. But this week we experienced one of the meanest people I have encountered on my mission. This man's name is Greg. His daughter who is 18 had expressed interest in learning about the gospel, so we came over. The moment that she saw us, he flipped out. It was really bad... but we moved on... like we must do, forward, boldly, nobly, and independent. Then, three days later, my companions and I were serving that morning in the Liberty Jail, and we see THIS MAN GREG come in. My first thought is that we are going to DIE!!! He sees us and points at Sister Ayala, "You!" He says in such a tone. "About the other night..." Then he scans the room and points to me and says, "And You, Especially you. It really bothered me" ME? UGH! You're kidding me... What did I do? My reaction out of fear was, "I'm SOOO Sorry." He looks at me a little baffled then shakes his head and starts to laugh. "No. Don't apologize to me. I'm here to apologize to you!" ~big breath!~ phew! He explained that it was just a really bad night and he didn't mean to take it out on us, he said he would bring his daughter to the jail sometime to take a tour. WHAT? Crazy amazing miracles. Who actually comes to find missionaries to apologize to them? (The elect?) I hope. We're still praying for them, but for now we're waiting for them to come to us!!! AMAZING MIRACLE. What an amazing humbled man.

THEN, we have an amazing investigator. He is 20 years old and he's Muslim. He was born originally in Pakistan, and became introduced to the church through his friend Brianne, who is in the Carnie 3rd ward. After going to Nauvoo this last summer, he decided to meet with missionaries. So he has been coming to church for the last month, but this week... the plot thickened. I don't know if I can quite put into words the miracle that just came forth, but I'll try my best to put it into words...

So Mohammad is the Islamic prophet who wrote the Koran. This investigator has been learning about the Book of Mormon, the two books doctrinally have a lot of comparisons concerning the after-life, but the Koran doesn't testify of Jesus Christ. This week as we taught him about Jesus Christ, his heart was touched. He expressed how he felt at peace. How he felt like this is where he belonged. How he has never been so sure about anything in his life... But then he started to cry even harder. "But I'm scared." He went on to explain about his full name. As Romeo would say, "What's in a name?" Well.... in his case, it means a lot. His last name is a name with a lot of power and money attached to it... it represents a strong family-line, and if he joined the church, it would be seen as a disgrace to his family and to his culture. He would be leaving his bloodline and would lose his inheritance. He could probably never go back home. His middle name means that he is a DIRECT DESCENDANT from the blood line of Mohammad... What? yeah... If the extremists found him... they would kill him... and I felt like I had just gotten stabbed in the heart. He has this desire in his heart, yet... THIS IS HUGE!!! In my head I’m thinking, "It's okay. You don't have to join the church. I don't want you to die!" Ahh! But he said something that I wouldn't have believed that he said except that I heard it come out of his own mouth. In a calm tone he expressed, "It doesn't matter. Even if I have do die, this is where I belong." To hear someone actually say those words, what faith. He's going to wait until March to get baptized, because his mom will be coming to the U.S. from Pakistan. He thinks of anyone in his family, she will understand. But still, going back to his faith, he believes in Christ. And that truth changed his life! Enough that he is willing to lay down his life if it would be required of him... Ether 15:34 "Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God." Genesis 9:5 "And surely your blood of your lives will I REQUIRE... at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man." And I don't know WHY he would require all things... but he has THAT KIND OF FAITH. HE IS A PIONEER. He is inspiring.

This investigator has a testimony of Jesus Christ, as the son of God, the savior of the world. As a Muslim, he believed in the Fall of Adam and Eve, but the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ. Testifies of the way we can OVERCOME the fall. It gives us a perfect faith, hope and understanding. 2 Nephi 9:6-7 "For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great creator, there must need be A POWER OF RESURRECTION, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the lord. Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement." Alma 42:15 "And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also."

The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have of Christ and I know that testimony is strengthened as I read the pages of that book. I know the Lord, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of the world. And that truth changes my life and this investigators life. Yes, Christ changes men. And changed men can change the world! I know that the Lord is guiding this work as it is spread to all the world. To every kindred tongue and people. This is his church and I am grateful to be his disciple, and grateful for this opportunity I have to wear his name upon my heart. I love him. I know this church is true. And I love all of you at home. I hope all is well and have you in my prayers.

Jessica Rose

The dream team!!!!

My two companions and Tara Miller who is my favorite recent convert EVER. Love her!!!!

It's officially cold. It is rumored to be one of the coldest winters in Missouri history. We’re talking, Mississippi River freezing over cold! I'm kidding... but I wouldn't be surprised. If things started going the way I WANTED them to go, I might actually think that something was seriously wrong. Haha. Heavenly Father had many great purposes in sending me to Missouri. That I might be able to feel and understand all that the early saints had to go through. Now I just have to work on adjusting my attitude to that of the early saints because I HATE the cold. Pray for me!

This week I found some great scriptures in 2Corinthians 12. Paul is speaking about this "Thorn in the flesh." THIS HARDSHIP he cannot get rid of. How exhausting! And he is tired of dealing with it. So he PRAYS, he PLEADS that it would depart from him. And not just once, THREE TIMES! He must have been pretty desperate. Oh boy... but THEN the answer comes. "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." The Savior is enough. Paul asks for the burden to be taken, and he is told, "Grace." Joseph Smith sitting in the PITS of Liberty Jail after being in that cold dark place for 110 days is told, "Peace." Me? Lately the answers to my prayers have been, "It's going to be okay." no. Not lately, always. haha. From the first time I received an answer from my Heavenly Father, the answer was, "Its going to be okay." and I have no idea what that means... But it's interesting as I pondered that scripture in Corinthians that I came to a great conclusion. That the gospel does NOT protect us from pain and it doesn’t always make the bad things go away, but it gives us perspective to deal with it. None of us are very welcome to change, or hardship... but we have to get over it. So the savior would not take away the thorn from Paul's flesh... but yet his grace IS sufficient. Isn’t it? I’m grateful for the testimony that I have of the savior and all that he has done for me. That the answer, "Its going to be okay," really is enough sometimes. For I declare as did Paul, "For when I am weak, THEN am I strong." I'm becoming strong. day by day. I’m learning that I'm a lot stronger than I think I am.

Missionary work is crazy. Any of you who have been missionaries understand. The ups and downs. The miracles and disappointments... yet in the midst of it all it goes forth boldly nobly and independent...

The work in Liberty 2nd ward is great. And my companions are my angels. I love them both so much and am grateful to be serving with them. We are the dream team!!!!

Love you all at home, hope it was a great week for all of you!

-jessica rose

I have a new LOVE....

So this week was transfers. I remain in Liberty 2nd with Sister Maxfield, with an ADDITION- Sister Ayala! Hooray for Trios! Sister Ayala is this sweet little sister from Guatemala. English is her 2nd language. They typically don't send Spanish sisters up to Liberty, because there aren't a lot of Spanish speaking people in the area... but the day that Sister Ayala got here, guess who we met? Someone who spoke Spanish!?! Not coincidence. She is very very sweet. Just like Sister Maxfield. D&C 84:88 - "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." Sister Maxfield and Ayala are my angels on my right side and my left side. It's pretty great!

President VanKomen came into the jail with all of the missionaries who were leaving this transfer to go home. And it just so happened to be my turn to give a tour. Amazing opportunity. Nerve wracking, but amazing. President said the fact that it was MY TURN was not coincidence either. Nothing is coincidence anymore...

I was told once that watching General Conference as a missionary was like watching Conference on steroids. However... I missed half of it because we were serving at the jail giving tours. Why do members go to visitor centers during conference? So... I'll have to wait for the second half when the Ensign comes.

However, I have no room to complain REALLY because I still heard some AMAZING talks. Elder Holland? Yeah. Powerful talk! I love the part where he said, "The midst of darkness obscures our view. Resist all distractions- Stay on the course." Well, I'm not really sure if that is exactly what it said, but that is what I have written in my journal... Elder Holland’s testimony of the Book of Mormon was powerful! I add my testimony to his. The Book of Mormon is true. When we learn about what Joseph Smith and the other Early Saints of the church endured, it MUST be true. When I think about all that I AM doing in Missouri, I know it's true.... I could (wish I could) run away everyday but I know I would be accountable for that. The Book of Mormon IS TRUE. This is God's kingdom here on the Earth today. Being a missionary is an amazing thing but it's still hard for me to adjust, even after 8 months...

I also loved President Uchtdorf's talk. I love love. "Love is the guiding light." TRUE STORY! Amen and Amen!

But I was reading in Nehemiah this last week. I have a new LOVE for Nehemiah. So, he is building up the wall to the city and people come MOCKING HIM, taunting him, threatening to kill him. Yet, he says to them "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down." (Neh. 6:3) No more distractions. I am focused. I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Onward... with Helmet in place, with sword in hand.

Love ya'll.

Jessica Rose

The "work" continues

Me and Sister Blunt (see how long my hair is!!!)

Baptism of Michael Struzinski, he is amazing!!!

Me and Elder Swayt (my little flounder!)

GREAT investigators

So I have an investigator coming into town this upcoming weekend. Her name is Sarah Black. She's 18 and a total doll. She is pretty much already a member she just doesn't want to get baptized until she has finished the Book of Mormon. She is a lot like my sister Sara. She's super funny and very earth friendly. She wants to be either a park ranger or a vet for a zoo. Haha. This week we taught law of chastity and she said, "Boys are intimidated by my backpack. Let alone my brain." Sister Maxfield and I were on the floor laughing!!! It was great!

We committed one of our GREAT investigators to be baptized on Sept. 19th. He's great!

We also had CRAB LEGS at a members home this week. It wasn't the blue shell.... I think it was Alaskan crab. But oh boy did I struggle with it! Haha. It made me really miss Maryland.

We've been busy which is good. Really good. Keeping my mind a little more distracted. But this week I was reading in the Book of Mormon in 1Nephi 7:6-13 and it says.

6 And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the daughters of Ishmael, and the two sons of Ishmael and their families, did rebel against us;

7 And it came to pass in the which rebellion, they were desirous to return unto the land of Jerusalem.

****And I don't blame them for wanting to go back to Jerusalem. Back in Jerusalem they had their riches, they had their friends... and their father Lehi DRAGS them to America because it was the commandment of the Lord. They leave everything behind and then come to this lame land... I feel a lot like Laman and Lemuel. And they are the "bad guys" in the story.... haha. So we'll continue...

8 And now I, Nephi, being agrieved for the hardness of their hearts, therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even unto Laman and unto Lemuel: Behold ye are mine elder brethren, and how is it that ye are so hard in your hearts, and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that I, your younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an cexample for you?

9 How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord?

10 How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?

***I haven't seen an ANGEL. but I know that I HAVE been PROMPTED by the spirit. I have been given a witness that I should serve a mission. I'm still fighting it... but I know I'm supposed to be here. My Patriarchal blessings makes it pretty clear as well.

11 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?

12 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.

13 And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise;

***The Lord has done so much for me. He died for me so I should live for him. And I know that he has a great promise awaiting my sacrifice and service.

Dream big, wish hard, love always

-Jessica Rose

This week is transfer week! We'll find out today if I'm staying or going...

I received a blessing from president this week. In his blessing he assured me that "all would be well with me." For those of you who know me, "It's going to be okay" is a pretty common theme in my life. Haha. Sometimes I want better than okay... but humility is something I'm learning. He also gave me other blessings I have been waiting for. I'm grateful for President VanKomen. He is a truly inspired man and I love him very much.

We had a great teaching week. One of our investigators named Angie gave the sweetest prayer. She said, "Hey God... it's me again, Angie." Then in closing she said, "Okay. That's all. I'll talk to you again in a few minutes God. Amen." She has a beautiful heart. Her prayer was darling. Just thought I'd share.

I also had the opportunity to show the Munos family the Joseph Smith movie in the jail last night. Her brother is from New York and has been inactive for 25 years. Last night was a life changing night for him in the jail. There are a lot of details that I wont go into at this time, but I am grateful to be used by the Lord as his instrument. Sometimes I don't know how or why he uses me. But last night the spirit was with me so strong. I was very grateful, and the spirit really touched him.

Another tender mercy is being around Sister Webb. I love her. She's not my companion, she's serving in Carnie... but she's a friend from home. I've seen her a lot recently. I think it's because I need someone who can relate with me. And Allie knows everyone I know. We both worked at Studio 600 together. I'm grateful for her love and friendship.

Sister Brooks is going home in TWO DAYS!!!! AAHHHH!!!! What am I going to do without her? I don't know. But I'm excited for her. She is the most amazing Sister missionary I have had the opportunity of serving around.

I had the opportunity to bare my testimony at the Presidents Fireside on Sunday. That is typically open for brand new members, converts. But health reasons left two of the speakers at home, so President asked me to speak. I remember as Miss Murray I would do firesides the topic almost ALWAYS being based on my conversion. It felt good to be able to bear it in that setting again. It was a great privilege.

I've been learning so much lately. I LOVE studies. I could just study all day. There is never enough time on the computers to cover the full bases. But one day when I get home, we'll all chat!!!

Love you all! SO SO SO MUCH!
Jessica Rose

This week the Liberty Jail walls that are my mission continue to close in on me. I can no longer go to starbucks. Someone tattled on me and I guess it was discussed that it looks bad for a missionary to go to Starbucks, even if it is for a caramel steamer, extra caramel. MAN! Starbucks is one of my comforts. Oh well. As it is said, give up the WHOLE natural man. As C.S. Lewis would say, "rip out the whole tree."

And I lost my quote book... Haha. It's quite the tragedy. It feels like I lost about 300 treasures. It's okay though. I will just have to start a new one. So if you have any good quotes send them my way because I'm buying a new quote book today! Hooray! I'm TRYING to be like Polyanna. Lol! GLAD GAME!!!!!

Glad game for this week:

-Last P-day I tried on a pair of Jessica Simpson Stilettos. Of course I didn't buy them, but it brought me great joy. There was a 2008 Audi A4 parked at the Jail! I screamed! It was silver, so it wasn't the EXACT same car as mine, but it was such a tender mercy to see something that even RESEMBLED my car. I love my car. I'm grateful my dad is taking such good care of it while I'm gone.

-We had two SUPER powerful lessons this week with our investigator Michael who is 25 and dating a member. I love it when investigators are dating members. Flirt to convert!!! I'm kidding! He is actually very incredible. He's been religious in the past but has never felt like any of the churches felt right. He thinks that this one does! We're going to commit him for baptism. Next appointment! I'll keep you posted!

-We found a new investigator named Roxy who is 89 years old. SHE approached us as we were leaving a Less-Actives house. We talked to her about the Book of Mormon and she believes it's true!!! NO JOKE! We're excited to keep teaching her.

-Sarah Black wants to get baptized but feels like she NEEDS to read the WHOLE Book of Mormon before she can get baptized. We know that is not one of the Lord's requirements, so we're trying to convince her to get baptized sooner than later. She is so funny. She wrote all of the missionaries from Liberty 2nd ward introducing herself as a new member of the ward even though she has never met them. She is just incredible.

-I got to go on exchanges with Sister Brooks this week. It just doesn't get better than Sister Brooks. True tender mercy. She is going home in 10 days!!! I started the countdown for her. She appreciates me because we are both trunky (as they say). I'm excited for her new adventure away from control-top nylons.

-WE WENT TO SAMARI CHEF WITH THE ELDERS AFTER DISTRICT MEETING! Oh man! One of my favorite moments of the mission so far. It's a lot like Benihana’s and Teppanyaki. Anyway, oriental food that they cook right in front of you with the cool knife tricks. IT WAS SWEET!!!!

So, I've been thinking A LOT. We all know I'm struggling. Being a missionary is HARD WORK! On top of the hard work it feels like my every dream come true has FALLEN APART! My Disney Princess Heart is BROKEN! But yet, there must be a purpose in all things. I'm grateful to be serving in the jail because the jail is exactly what I need right now. Why? WELL BECAUSE I AM IN LIBERTY JAIL! And "the very jaws of hell are gaping open the mouth wide after me." SERIOUSLY! It really feels like it would be easier to just crawl into a corner and DIE! Okay. So now what? I'm staring this big evil grizzly bear right in the face. He's roaring with his big old mouth and by the way his breath smells TERRIBLE. Haha. (Just go along with me on this one.) And it sounds ridiculous, but I've finally realized THIS IS A TEST. I GET IT! And life as we know can be a very hard teacher. The test is to TRUST IN THE LORD, even though EVERYTHING around me seems to be falling apart. When crawling into a hole and dying seems easier, trusting that the promises he makes are true.

Another great lesson I learned this week. Thinking about the early Saints of the church. Because I've really been thinking... for me, 6 months is a long time to sacrifice for the Lord in missionary work. And I feel like my sacrifice is sufficient. I mean, it's been a pretty HARD and HUGE sacrifice to get me this far. But thinking back to the early saints. They sacrificed a HUGE amount to get to Kirtland. I mean, they left EVERYTHING they had. And yet, when they GOT to Kirtland they were only a third of the way done with their journey. That is where I stand in my mission now. I'm in Kirtland. And I believe that the Lord appreciates all that I've done so far. And if I quit here, he would still acknowledge my sacrifice, and it would be enough. But there are more blessings that awaited those who crossed the country to SLC. Even though leaving Kirtland they would also face MORE HARDSHIPS and MORE PURSECUTION and MORE SACRIFICE, they knew that had to keep going because it was what the Lord required. That was just the type of faith that they had. And certainly there were those who fell away. And we don't blame those who fell away. The early saints suffered HUGE amounts of trial and hardship. But as for me, I know that there is a greater blessing awaiting my family if I make it all the way to SLC, the whole 18 months. Even though I don't necessarily look forward to the journey I acknowledge that the Lord can use these experiences to benefit my life. And in the meanwhile, I can be an instrument in his hands to bless the lives of others. Yay! Thank you SPIRIT! I could have never come up with that on my own.

Love you all dearly.

-Jessica Rose

I would like to make an announcement! I come home July 21, 2010. If anyone is looking at a calendar that would be ONE YEAR FROM TODAY. Ahh!!! I cannot wait to come home!!! Let the countdown begin!!!

Missouri is an interesting place. It is the Garden of Eden, but besides the beauty and the greenery, it is also CURSED LAND. THERE ARE BUGS EVERYWHERE!!!! It's disgusting... That's my vent for the day.

We've been working with an investigator named Sarah Black. She is great. She is quickly gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon and we should commit her for a baptismal date this week.

I love the apartment with all of the sisters. Sometimes the only thing I like about being a missionary is being with the other sisters. I love friends! There are six of us that live in the same house, INCLUDING SISTER BROOKS. I don't know if I've written a lot about Sister Brooks, but she is my favorite sister in the entire mission (okay that's not fair. I have a few favorites: namely Sister Webb and Sister Black). So Sister Brooks and I get to have SLUMBER PARTIES for the next five weeks, but then she is going back home to Provo. Sad day for Sister Wathen when Sister Brooks goes home. Maybe she'll take me with her in her suitcase.

Anyway. Love you all. Hope home is lovely. I'm sure it is. Tell it hello for me. Tell it not to change too much while I'm gone. Even though one more year is ETERNITY, Elder Nelson (the VC director) told me to GRIT MY TEETH AND GRIN AND BEAR IT. Fake it till I make it is my current motto. I'll let you all know how it goes... All my love to SLC.

-Jessica Rose

I LOVE THE JAIL

Hello friends and family at home-

I'm still in Missouri. That has not changed. But I got transferred from Independence to Liberty. Visitor Center to Liberty Jail. I LOVE THE JAIL. I feel like I'm in a whole new mission. I really do love relating to the experiences Joseph had while he was here for four months. More details on the lessons learned later. I have so much to say.

I have a new companion. Sister Maxfield. She is amazing. She is from Sandy, UT. Graduated from Brighton. She is cousins with a bunch of people I know from Murray. She is SUNSHINE. She reminds me of Danielle Nicole Bozarth in the way that she glows. I love her very much.

We went to the St. Louis Temple today and did baptisms with Cassandra. Sorry I haven't written home in a while. Cassandra was baptized about a month ago by the Blue Mills Elders, but I was able to develop a pretty close relationship with her during zone conference and several visits to the Visitor Center. The elders couldn't take her so they asked if we could. It was pretty cool. It took pretty much our entire P-day, so I'm exhausted. But it's the life.

We have another recent convert we're working with named John, who was baptized last Saturday. He is 84 years old and has twinkly eyes like Grandpa Wathen and Elder Wirthlin. He makes me cry a lot. Just because he is so sweet. His sweet wife passed away four years ago and they were never able to have any children. So sister Maxfield and I said we would be his grandchildren. We now call him Grandpa John. I love him.

One more thing to add to my list of things I love about Missouri. The RAIN STORMS. They are amazing. Have any of you ever seen the Notebook? It's like that. Amazing. Warm. Clear skies. Then those clouds come rolling in and it just POURS. It's beautiful and amazing. I love it!

That's in summary of what has happened this week. A lot of change.

Love ya'll.