Have Faith

Hi, I love you all.

We had a pretty good week here in the Popondetta area. We went on trade offs again this week with Sister Knight and, oh my, I just love trade offs because so many amazing things just happen.

Friday we went to go visit Rebecca again and almost missed her. We left a Book of Mormon at her door and walked back to the car and as soon as we were about to drive away she pulled up to her house, so we went back and she was so happy to see us. She even let us into her house this time to teach her a lesson. It went so well, and our prayers were answered. She and her daughter are doing so well. I know that God answers our prayers. I have seen so many prayers answered as I have been out on my mission. I have a testimony that as we pray for specific things we will receive specific answers. She invited us over again the next day and we were able to help her study the Book of Mormon and, WOW, the spirit lead the whole thing. God provides us with the words and thoughts we need when we are in certain situations. 

Also crazy news!! While we were in a dinner appointment on Friday night, we got a call from this Fijian man, Emos. We have been trying to visit him ever since I got here. We called him back and he told us that he wants us over to share the gospel with him. We went on Saturday and had a really good lesson about the Book of Mormon and then, on Sunday, Emos talked to bishop and said he wants to get baptized this Saturday, LIKE WHAT! We are going to have to sort out some things and we might have to move the date back, but this was such exciting news. Emos has such a willing heart and he knows the Book of Mormon is true. He told us that he has been to other churches, but this is the only true church. He wants to get baptized, and set the example for the rest of his family back in Fiji. His faith and desire to follow Jesus Christ, strengthens me and my testimony!

As my companions and I have been exercising faith in Jesus Christ, we have seen doors open up. Faith in Jesus Christ brings more power than we know. Faith in Jesus Christ works miracles, and I have seen this on my mission, more than ever before. I love faith!!! What a blessing it is to be able to exercise faith everyday in this lifetime.

I LOVE YOUS. Please email me if you are in need of anything. I care about you guys so much and you all are always on my mind. Thank you for the never-ending love and support. x 

The Trio.

Christmas morning.  Notice the Canadian t-shirt and socks.

Australia Sydney Mission 2019 Christmas Luau.

CHRISTMASTIME AS A MISSIONARY IS THE BEST!

MERRY CHRISTMAS🎄❤ 

We had transfers this week so it has been so fun. Being in a trio has been awesome. Sister Tematuanui who is from Tahiti is so sweet. She's helping me with my French, and we are helping her with her English. 

This week we weren't allowed to leave home for a couple of days because of the fires, the smoke and the heat, so the work was slower. We were at least able to send some messages over the phone though, and we had lots of time to study and bake. 😄 

Yesterday we got to go to the hospital to sing to some people in our ward and it was such a spiritual/special/beautiful experience. We sang Christmas songs and, "I feel my Savior's love." The spirit was so strong, and I just felt so much gratitude for my life, my surroundings, and my Savior. Christmas can be a hard time for some people but in those few short moments, while singing to those families who had loved ones in the hospital, I was reminded of how beautiful this gospel of Jesus Christ really is. Christ is the only one who can bring peace into our lives when our situations seem hopeless. I would invite you all to look to your Savior, especially this Christmas. Turn your heart over to Him, because He is the only one who can heal, uplift, and bring peace. I have seen it in my own life, and I have seen it in the lives of the people I am serving. I love my life because it is centered around Jesus Christ. Make Him your focus, and everything will work out! 

(sorry I haven't been able to send personal emails lately. Know that I read yours to me and that I am so grateful for them.) I love you all with my whole heart and wish you the best during this Christmas season. I pray for you all often. PLEASE email me and let me know if there is anything I can do for you (even if it is just an extra prayer for you or for someone you know)

 LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Singing at the hospital.

My district

Sister Tematuanui made sushi!

Miracles Everyday

Hi everyone! 😊

This week has been filled with caroling AND we set up our Christmas tree!🎄 Sister Marsden and I are staying in the Popondetta ward for another transfer together but we are also getting another sister so we will be in a trio. We will pick up Sister Tematuanui tomorrow!! (She's from Tahiti yay) This week we also had our stake Christmas activity which was so fun because these Islanders know how to have a party, and on Sunday Sister Marsden and I gave talks in Sacrament meeting :) I felt guided by the Spirit during my talk, and my love for this ward just grew even more. I love these people so much!!

Good news!!! Jenny is reading the Book of Mormon! I love that lady. We also found out that her nephew is a member back in Fiji and the missionaries actually live in their granny flat. We got to sing to her and her family this week in their home and it was so sweet. We sang, "I am a child of God" and, "I'm trying to be like Jesus."

We had some pretty miraculous experiences this week and we were able to meet some new friends who just seem so prepared, it's crazy!

So a few weeks ago while on trade offs with Sister Fukofuka we met this lady on the bus but only got her name, Rebecca Olsen!! Turns out she has been inactive member of the church for around 10 years and she knew that God sent us along her path at this time of her life. We found her address and we were able to catch her again. We were both on that bus at that same time cause God needed us to remind her that He is there for her ALWAYS.

Okay and then on Thursday we got some gas and the cashier at the gas station asked if Sister Marsden and I were best friends cause we were always together and we like "uh yes, but we are also missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" haha! She asked if we had 5 minutes to talk to her. She gave us her number and name and we were able to meet back up with her on Saturday. We gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and she was so excited to read it.

THEN we went door knocking and met this Samoan lady, Touila. She was busy at the time but told us to come back, so we did and one of the first things she asked was for something to read. We gave her the Book of Mormon as well but she also wanted all the pamphlets we had. Wow! We found out that her grandparents are members. She told us she was going to read it all.

God put so many people along our path this week. I have learned the importance of talking with everyone. Everyone needs this good news of Jesus Christ. It is only Jesus Christ that can bring us lasting happiness. I hope that you all can remember Him this Christmas season. Turn your hearts upward. Christ is the Gift that never stops giving. I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and I LOVE YOU ALL! ❤❤❤

  

Cute kangaroo.

Sister Marsden and I.  :)

Our Christmas tree

A lizard and a cat, haha, weird

Sister Sam is in the middle. She's from Cambodia and is an Olympic Ping-Pong player.  She's amazing.  I love her.

Because He Came

Hi miss you all ❤

This week has been crazy busy. Tuesday we had tradeoffs! I got to stay in my area, and I got to be with Sister Fokofuka. She is probably one of the strongest people I've ever met. She has been through so much but still continues onward with so much faith in Christ. She is such an example to me and I'm grateful we got to spend the day together:) We saw more miracles of timing that day. We finally got to meet the Iakopo family. We have been trying to catch them this entire transfer, and our connecting bus ride that day just happened to be right across the street from their house so we decided we would go try and catch them one more time before the next bus. We got there during the mom’s short lunch break. Her and her son let us in and were soooooo kind and we connected with them so well. Her son, Princeton, who is 12 is not baptized so we are going to try and work with them!! SO EXCITING. I am a witness of God's perfect timing and His miracles.

We had a great lesson with this man named Steve. He had been visited by other missionaries once before we visited him. He says that missionaries are just so happy all the time and he doesn't know why. He told us that he doesn't believe in God and that he never will. I was able to testify to him that God IS our loving Heavenly Father, that He lives, and knows us perfectly. I felt so much love for Steve and knew Heavenly Father loved him too. The Spirit was so strong. He told us we could come over anytime. This visit brightened my entire week.

Wednesday we had our mission Christmas conference which was super fun. We had a very spiritual morning and a fun afternoon playing sports in a huge field with the nice and heavy bushfire smoke. Haha. (Hopefully it gets better soon cause boy of boy the smoke is badddd) This weekend we had our ward games night, (didn't really go cause island time is real and they don’t start till late and so we had to go home), our ward Christmas party (we could go for a little bit cause island time again lol) and we went to the temple lights last night with some of our YSA!

My love and appreciation for the Spirit increased this week. In certain lessons I noticed the Spirit working through me. As soon as I opened my mouth and started talking the Spirit brought things to my mind and I was able to share those thoughts with the people we were teaching. I am beyond grateful for these moments, and I'm grateful I can recognize these moments. The Spirit is a gift from God!

I hope we can all see the good in each day. I'm grateful for my family and friends who are supporting me through this journey. I'm grateful for the harder weeks because they allow me to grow and draw nearer to my Savior. I know that true happiness comes only when we choose to forget ourselves, serve others, and follow Christ. I'm grateful for this Christmas season and for the time we get to reflect on why we truly celebrate Christmas. I know that because He came, we get second chances. I know that because He came, we can find peace in this life, and I know that because He came, and I can be happy now and for eternity. I love my life because of Him. 

Sister Marsden and I drinking our koko samoa.

We made loads of cookies for our ward families.

Bushfire smoke.

Our district matching, haha.

Sister Marsden and I again.

Sister Fukofuka and I dying in the hear!!!

Happy December!

Hi everyone! ❤❤❤

My comp and I had a pretty great week. Missionary life is the best. We met four new friends! What a miracle. We met Jenny door knocking! As soon as we introduced ourselves, she asked if we wanted to come in and talk. She told us she has three kids. One in NZ (where my comp is from) one in Canada (where I am from, AGH!) and one in Australia. Having connections make things so much better. She was so sweet and so willing to hear what we had to say. She told us that she believed in God and in Jesus Christ and was interested in learning more about Christ and His teachings. We had just the right book for her, haha. We gave her a Book of Mormon and testified of its truthfulness. She asked us how much it would cost! When we told her it was free, and she was so grateful. God had prepared her for us, and I am so excited to get to know her better. God guided us to her, and it was so beautiful. 

We went and visited some friends, Byran and Jennifer. Byran is 10 and he hasn't been baptized yet. When we went and visited and one of the first things that Byran said to us was, "I can't believe I'm 10 and not baptized yet." That took us by surprise. We are going to start teaching him and Jennifer, his mom, the lessons so that they can be baptized in the upcoming year. This experience was also a testimony to me that God is preparing people. 

We went and saw the Pule's, an inactive family! They have been inactive for over 10 years. They had been thinking about coming back to church for the past three weeks. With certain family situations going on they have felt promptings to return. They told us that our visit was the confirmation they needed, and they came to church!!! We also had this other older Samoan man in our ward who has been inactive come to church for the first time in almost a year. He is the best and I absolutely love talking with him. He brings so much joy into my day!

I love this work and I know God is guiding me every day. Life is so beautiful :)) I hope all is well at home. I pray for you all often. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you, and HAPPY DECEMBER! 🌲 (the best time of the year) Love you all loads!!! 

He Provides a Way

Friends and family! 

I've had a great week! I've been able to see so many tender mercies. The families take care of us and are so loving. The scripture that has been on my mind the most this week is 1 Nephi 9:6. It reads, "but the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he PREPARETH A WAY to accomplish all His works among the children on men; for behold, He hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words." I have a firm testimony of this. As we went about our week, we were able to see the Lord's hand in this work. He will provide a way. He always has, and He always will.

We went and visited lots of inactive members this week. Thursday night we went to see a certain family. We tried knocking but no one answered. As soon as we were about to leave, the dad pulled into the driveway. We introduced ourselves and quickly got to know him and his family a bit more. He told us that he was just running home quick to grab some clothes for his son who was in the hospital. We let him know that we had prayed and felt directed to his family in particular. We had no idea his family was going through this stressful time. He had been at the hospital all day and was going back to the hospital to spend the night with his son, and we just happened to be at his house at that exact same time. I am beyond grateful for the spirit and its ability to direct us. God is in this work, and I am grateful I get to be a part of it.

Okay, I absolutely love this quote and I read it almost every morning. My missionary commission is, "to do what He wants done; to say what He wants said; to be a living modern witness in word and in deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous Latter-day work. HOW GREAT IS MY CALLING!" ❤This gives me motivation and fills me with so much love! I pray that we will all be able to emulate the Savior's example more this week. I love my life because it is centered around Jesus Christ. The Lord will provide a way, so keep trusting in Him. He is the light!!

LOVE YOU ALL LOADS. Have an amazing week and let me know if there is anything I can do for you!!

(Also, I tried koko samoa for the first time. Very good! AND I killed my first cockroach. Yikes)

Happy missionaries

She made me a cake.  What an angel.

A reindeer pop.

Missionaries helping the sweetest lady move.

I'm in Australia now :))

Hello everyone!! The past two weeks have been so exciting. SO many changes. So many new faces and so many new places haha!

I finally made it to Australia. I got to see and visit with Laura Mulholland at the SLC airport before heading off! The whole situation was a miracle! I am grateful for all her love. Seeing her definitely made the whole trip a lot easier. I know Heavenly Father was aware of us at that moment because I think we both needed that extra love.

The flight was soo long but so worth it. It is beautiful here and the weather is amazing. I am obsessed with the palm trees. It is a bit strange seeing Christmas decorations in this hot weather since I've only ever experienced Christmas in the snow, lol. This time change has been hard, but I am getting used to it.

There is so much smoke in the air from all the bushfires, but we are safe! My companion is from Brisbane Australia, so she already is a pro at driving on the opposite side of the road and she is great at killing spiders and cockroaches. (SO THANKFUL) She is originally from Hamilton New Zealand! She is the sweetest and I love her. I am in Hebershem [suburb of Sydney], in the Popondetta ward. My entire ward is Samoan except for two Australian families. They feed us loads. People call my district the Heber-fat district because missionaries in my area are known for gaining weight. Oh well, haha. I have a full stomach all the time, so I have no complaints. The other night I had three huge dinners, all from the same family!!!! So awesome, haha.

But in all seriousness, I love it here. It is hard sometimes when I think about how far away I am from home, but I know this is where the Lord wants me to be. I am surrounded by so many loving families and I know my Heavenly Father is watching over me. 

My comp had the worst cough this week and it was affecting her teaching, so she decided to get a priesthood blessing. After the first lesson we walked out of the house and my comp looked at me and said, "Sister Louder, I didn't have to cough once that entire lesson." This was a tender mercy from our Heavenly Father, and I know that there is power in priesthood blessings. When we humble ourselves and ask for His help, He will help!! Our Father in Heaven loves us, and He will strengthen us so that we can move forward.

We did lots of finding activities this past week. The reality of rejection hit me, but I know that there is always that one person looking for the truth and joy that comes only through the gospel of Jesus Christ and I know Heavenly Father is preparing them for us. Inviting others unto Christ and helping them feel more happiness is the best. There is nothing I would rather be doing than this work right now. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I know that it is only through Him that we can receive the comfort we need and the courage to push on when things seem too tough. Turn to Him and rely on His mercy and love, always. Continue to look for the small miracles every day. They are everywhere.

I think about you all often. Make this week a good one and try to see the good in every situation. I JUST LOVE YOU ALL SOO SO MUCH! Take care :))) Also my Pday will normally be on Monday (Sunday for you) just so you know!!

My comp and I

"Koko" [cocoa], can you believe this becomes chocolate!

Soooo much food.

My MTC district... Miss them :(

Laura and I at the airport in Salt Lake City

The Mailo family <333

From President and Sister Runia:

"She made it and we love her already"

On Monday the 11^th class was interrupted around 3 PM when someone from the travel office at the MTC came to let the Jessie and Sister Christensen know it was time to leave for the airport.  They were the only two from their district of 12 to be going to Sydney and were the first of their group to leave.  After a tearful farewell, the two of them waved goodbye to the others as the elevator doors closed.

Once at the travel office the girls met up with 13 missionaries heading to Sydney, four other sisters and nine elders.  After receiving instructions and a ride to the Frontrunner train station, somehow the group managed to wrestle their luggage on board.  They traveled north to Salt Lake City where Jessie again struggled to get her three bags off the Frontrunner and on to the Trax train going west to the airport, but everyone finally made it.  Jessie was happy to check her two biggest bags in and to only have her carry-on to drag around for the rest of the trip.

Once she’d passed security and connected to the airport Wi-Fi, Jessie was able to make a video-call home.  Anne and I answered and to our surprise, sitting right next to Jessie was our good family friend, Laura!

Laura had been in Utah visiting her daughter and was traveling home to Calgary Monday evening.  While sitting at her gate she noticed a group of missionaries sitting nearby so she approached one of the elders and asked, “Are you heading to Calgary.”  The missionary responded, “No, we’re going to Sydney Australia.”  Laura said that, without thinking, her immediate reaction was to loudly cried out, “JESSIE LOUDER”.  A few steps away a startled Jessie turned around and in disbelief recognized a very familiar face. What a wonderful surprise and blessing!

It was wonderful to get to talk to Jessie for a few minutes prior to her boarding the plane for the first leg of her trip.  The first flight took her to Los Angles where she had a short layover.  From there Jessie and her group boarded a Boeing 777 for the trans-pacific flight to Sydney.  The plane took off just 10 PM.  The flight lasted about 15 hours passing Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand, crossing the international date line along the way, finally landing at Australia’s busiest airport.

We hope more news will follow soon, but we did receive a text and a photo from President and Sister Runia who had welcomed her. They said, “She made it and we love her already!!”

A happy encounter with Laura Mulholland at the SLC airport.

Over Samoa and Fiji.

Nearing Sydney

After leaving North America on Nov 11, Jessie arrived in Australia on Nov 13th, skipping the 12th somewhere over the Pacific Ocean.

In front of the Sydney Opera House with President and Sister Runia.

The Lord's Work

Hi everyone!! I had another wonderful week here at the MTC. We got to welcome in the new missionaries in our zone. It is so fun hearing where everyone is from, and where everyone is going. So crazy to think that I leave for Australia in 6 days now! My time at the MTC has been the absolute best and I am so grateful I've been able to meet so many amazing missionaries. I just love my zone and all the beautiful sisters around me. I know that God placed me here in the MTC surrounded by these people for a specific reason. He is in the details of our lives. 

Last Tuesday we had a devotional from a member of the Seventy. My love for the Seventy changed after this devotional. I know that they are called of God. They truly do emulate the Savior's example. As we were praying to begin the devotional, someone in the stands had a seizure. We were all extremely worried but the President handled the situation so well. He told us all to bow our heads and say a prayer for this one Elder in the stands. I can't describe how powerful this experience was. Every single person in that room was praying for him and for his health. The love and the spirit in that room was so strong. There is power in prayer. I know Heavenly Father was aware of us and He was aware of this Elder. The Elder is okay, and is still here. This is a miracle to me, and it shows how much Heavenly Father loves each of His children and is sending help all of the time. 

Later on in the week my companion and I got to teach some amazing people. Their faith and eagerness to learn more strengthens my testimony. For one of our lessons with Olivia my companion and I were so uncertain as to what to teach in the lesson just minutes before going in. Neither lesson we had prepared  seemed right but we went in and the spirit guided us the entire time. We never ended up talking about the two lessons we were confused about. Instead we talked about what she had read in the Book of Mormon and her needs for the whole lesson. I know that this really is the Lord's work and that we are His representatives. He is guiding us and helping us, help others to receive this beautiful restored gospel. We are instruments in the Lord's hands and so all we can do is put our faith and trust in Him, put in the effort, and He will do the rest. 

I hope you all have an amazing week. I still think  of you and pray for you all often. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life because it is what brings me the most happiness. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! I am sending so much love your way. This really is the Lord's work and I love what I'm doing.

Sister Jessie Louder

Australia Sydney Mission

Our district in front of the Provo temple.

Me, trying to point out the Canadian flag.

Halloween cookies from Crumbl.

Me and my companion, disguised as a pumpkin for Halloween... orange and green... get it?

The obligatory traditional photo in front of the map.

With my roommates at the temple.

The Good News!

Hello family and friends!! The Missionary Training Center is amazing. I am surrounded by some of the greatest people and I have the absolute best teachers. Since I got set-apart last Monday, I have felt so much happiness and peace. I really have been able to see others with so much more love. I love this gospel and there is nothing else I would rather be doing than this work right now. 

My companion, Sister Christensen, and I received so many warm welcomes the first day we got here. Haha. Everyone has been so kind to us. 

As soon as we arrived we started class. We met our district and I love them all. We have such a strong connection already and it has only been a week!! I am learning and growing so much here. My companion and I get to welcome in the new missionaries tomorrow already!  Thursday we met our Branch Presidency and they just went over how the next couple weeks would go. 

One of my favorite parts of the week was definitely Sunday night when we got to listen to a devotional, and Elder Bednar's devotional about the character of Christ. It changed my perspective about a testimony and what true conversion is and it motivated me to be more Christ-like.

As I have been learning and studying more about this beautiful gospel, my love for my Savior has grown even more. We have been able to teach the sweetest girl here in the MTC. It has been very humbling and eye opening. Being able to represent Christ is one of the greatest feelings. I am so grateful I have the opportunity to help others come to know their Savior. The more I learn, the more I come to know how true this gospel really is. I know that it has been restored to the earth and that it is the one way we can receive true happiness in this life. God IS in the details of our lives and He is aware of each one of us. The definition of the gospel is "GOOD NEWS." I know this is true. Jesus Christ is the good news, and He is the way and the light. 

I think about you all often and am grateful I have you all in my life :) You all are amazing!!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Sending so much love your way!!!

Sister Jessie Louder

Australia Sydney Mission

With my companion Sister Makenzie Christensen.  She's from Washington DC and is also going to Sydney!

My MTC district.

One of my roommates, Sister Claire Hancock, from Las Vegas, going to Colorado.

Called to serve...

All is Well

On Wednesday morning, Jessie slept in for the last time in 18 months!  😊 She requested lunch at Zupas as her last meal before entering the MTC.  From there, she and Sarah drove to the Provo temple to take a few pictures before the drop-off and final goodbyes.

At the appointed time, they arrived at the underground parking lot at the MTC, where a kind Elder helped off-load Jessie’s bag.  After a hug farewell from her big sister and a quick photo, she was off.

A couple of hours later, the following email came.

“My companion is Sister Makenzie Christensen! SO AWESOME! She went to BYUI and we are both going to Sydney. We have not taken a picture yet. I love my district and my teacher seems very nice. I am feeling so great and I was welcomed by so many! All is well."

Lunch at Zupas

Ready to go!

In the MTC underground parking - the drop-off.

Away she goes...