I WONDER AS I WANDER

Here's an email we received from a senior missionary who is serving in the office of John Gregory's mission. It was very kind of her to share this moment with us.

Hello Bro. and Sis. Sierra,

Today I had the great privilege of accompanying Elder Sierra on piano while he sang I Wonder As I Wonder for 4 zones of wonderful missionaries in the "Mormon Center", a chapel next to the Temple utilized for special occasions. The missionaries attended the Temple as part of this special day.

Elder Sierra's song was the last musical number on the program, just before the prayer. First there were a variety of musical presentations,  the reading of the Christmas story from the scriptures with missionaries in beautiful costumes, short Christmas videos, and talks by missionaries and Pres. & Sis. Lewis.

Before he sang, Elder Sierra spoke to the missionaries about imagining themselves in the place of the person singing the message, promised them they would be blessed for doing so. Then he sang to a captive group of missionaries, many of whom had tears in their eyes and on their faces before he finished. It was a sacred moment for us all.

All is well in Zion for one more day. That young man shows a lot of promise ahead of him.

Love, 

Sis. Richardson

'TIS THE SEASON TO CELEBRATE CHRIST!

Hey Mom,

I did get the package with the advent chain (makes my day, every night) and the one with the 4th day of Christmas (not opening it until required time, I promise lol). I am not surprised at the fact that you guys are running yourselves ragged again, but I think that's cool how you and Dad are focusing more on scriptures to read than activities. May I suggest a couple of chapters to look at? 1 Nephi 1 (focus on the interpretations) and Alma 7:9-12. Both of those scriptures are the main ones I have been sharing with my investigators and with the people we contact because they talk about the Spirit of Christmas and are from the Book of Mormon. Because the purpose of having the BOM is that it is another Testament that Jesus is the Christ. All of our investigators, especially Marcos and Miguel, have really enjoyed it and felt a sweet spirit enter in. 'Tis the season to celebrate Christ. 

 

Work has been picking up very fast, usually does around December, and we have been VERY busy, whether it's teaching, serving, giving blessings, visiting members that are struggling a little, or helping out other missionaries with their areas, not to mention practicing for the missionary conference (I am singing I Wonder as I Wander and helping put together All For a Baby and Run To the Manger). Also, Sister Lewis asked me to give a talk on the Spirit of Christmas and, the Nativity here asked Elder Sempf and me to give the Nativity tours and be in charge of the dress-up booth. And, to top all that off, we have been asked to be in charge of giving temple tours in español for the next week or so, because so many people, including our investigators, are going on tours. So yeah, we are pretty booked too. 

 

This has been my 2nd-fasted transfer so far. Fastest one is still the one I had with Elder Russel. So, rumors are spreading about transfers again. Everyone thinks I am leaving to go to another area (I will be ENRAGED if that happens to me again!) It would be my 4th time spending only one transfer in an area. My companion thinks I'll train, and my DL wants me to go District Leader. Wouldn't mind it too much, but rather not do it during the holidays. I would be real busy if either of those two things happened. Like I said, 'tis the season... to be working, non-stop. 

 

Well, Mom, that kinda sums it all up. As for sunglasses, I don't care what brand, I just need because I hate having the sun in my eyes all the time. No tree needed; we got a fake one and we will be spending the night at the DL's apartment for Christmas anyway (they have a real tree that the members got them). Thanks for the packages, Mom! Both Elder Sempf and I are doing awesome. Really would like to stay with him one more transfer. Love you Mom.

 

Elder Sierra

IT'S GONNA BE AN AWESOME CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

Dear Mom,

I'm happy to hear Thanksgiving went great for you guys. It had to be if Uncle Bob and Aunt Angela came up to visit. How are their kids doing? They still cute as a button? And also, thanks for showing me pics from family. I really needed to see that. Thanksgiving without seeing family kinda stinks lol. But, I had my companion to spend it with and he is real cool. Elder Sempf hails from a small town in Wisconsin. A red cheese head by far (the guys a ginger) and is full of patience, having a positive outlook on everyone. He is kinda teaching me a thing or two about how to control my temper a bit. It's hard for me to be mad, though, especially since we just had Marcos and Miguel show up for church, and they loved EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! Man, I love these guys! After the first couple of hymns, Marcos turned to me and said, "Las canciones estan perfecto. Me gusta el sentimiento de gozo que siento." (The songs are perfect. I like the feeling of joy I feel.) (awesome comment # 1). During sacrament, he asked me some pretty inspired questions pertaining to the Atonement and, after answering them, he says, "Oh I get it, so we are saved after ALL we do. Jesus makes up the difference (and that He does. awesome comment # 2). They were completely bewildered by the testimonies during the first hour and by the end of the meeting they looked at us and said, "THAT'S IT?!! That went by WAY too fast. Will it be like this next week, same time?" (I couldn't believe it cuz to me it was kinda long. Miraculous awesome comment # 3 and *ding* *ding* *ding* we have a WINNER!!) Both of them asked us when we could stop by again we told them Friday (usually when we see them). Miguel then asked, "Friday is fine, but can you come Wednesday, too? We should be done with homework by 3." My companion and I looked at each other and were like, "Uhhhh....sure thing." (This usually NEVER happens). So, Elder Sempf and I are PUMPED!! And we can't wait to continue teaching them. They are bright, young men and, in fact, our branch president was their middle school teacher. He took us aside and said, "Those boys always stood out in my classes. You make sure you teach them well." Yeah so....no pressure whatsoever. 

 

We have been adding many families. Our teaching pool is now 16 people/families and we are excited for what the mission and the Lord brings. It's gonna be an awesome Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone and I sure do think of all of you in my hearts, especially you Mom. Love you all.

Elder John-Gregory Sierra 

I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Here's Elder Sierra's letter from last week.

Hey Mom,

Sorry for forgetting to tell you that I wouldn't be able to write to you last Monday. And unfortunately, I couldn't get enough time to email you today due to all the chaos of Thanksgiving, but I received permission to talk to you tomorrow so don't worry I will have a real conversation with you. Anyhow, I would like to share with you a miracle. We have been working with the Familia Guerra for quite some time. They all love what they are learning and have a desire to go to church. Each of the family members has accepted a baptismal invitation, but just a few days ago, we invited Marcos and Miguel to be baptized on December 21st and they have accepted. The Spirit was very powerful as both brothers (they remind me of Benjamin and me) looked at each other, and then at us, and exclaimed that they wanted to be baptized into la Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos de Los Últimos Días. Everyone told me that I wouldn't be able to get much work done here, that West Sacramento was in a drought. Elder Sempf and I proved them ALL wrong. We are excited to have a REAL White Christmas by helping to bring two truly converted souls unto Christ. Mom, Dad, Benjamin, Ralynne, family, friends, Happy Thanksgiving! You are what I am thankful for. I love you all so much. It hurt a little to wake up and to remember that I would not be eating in a home or at a table surrounded by my loved ones from home. However, there are many loved ones that I have here that need me. Happy Holidays. Felíz Día de Gracia! Les Amo!

Elder Sierra

IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Dear Mom,

This week has been interesting for me. I have been switched back into Spanish work and it is the opposite of English work and 6 weeks is more than enough time to lose your touch. However, the Lord has blessed me with another awesome companion, Elder Sempf, and I can't be more grateful (although, I will admit that I was a bit worried coming here.) All the Spanish missionaries I knew told me that the 7th Branch was hard to work with: the members aren't that helpful in the work, the branch president is very difficult to work with, and the people living in the area are very stubborn. After being here for almost 6 days, I want to [go back to] every elder that told me those things [and set them straight]. The people here are wonderful, I love the branch president and am excited to work with him, and the members and their families here are beautiful and have such joyful spirits. We meet in a humble building that is very old, but I have never seen a brighter and happier branch in all my life. They are all so humble and willing to serve everyone, especially us.

We have been doing great work here so far. We have already picked up 5 people/families and one in particular, Elena Leyva, has already accepted a date for this November. Yesterday was a special experience that I'd like to share. While we were tracting, we found a girl named Kylee (another English one) and she opened the door excitedly. She said that she always wanted to know why we knock on everyone's door. We began to teach her about the Restoration that soon transitioned into the Plan of Salvation after she asked several questions about the purpose of life and the life that awaited after this one. While we were explaining to her that, after this life, we are reunited with our bodies in a perfect, resurrected state, she began to cry (uncontrollably). We were stunned. We had no idea what to say. My companion asked her if everything was okay. She then explained that she has chronic meningitis and is in pain almost every day. She used to be a soccer player and can't play anymore because neither her nor her family can afford the medication that she needs. She passes kidney stones frequently and gets very fatigued very easily and she just wants to be normal again. It was hard for us to hold back our tears. A thought then reminded me of Kim and I explained to her how I knew of someone that was in the same struggle as her. I told her how Kim, even though she was feeling pain that has sent her to the hospital numerous times and has passed many kidney stones, as well, that through all of her trials I have never seen her get discouraged, ever. She always presses on, never giving up. Seeing that really inspired me to continue through some difficulties I was going through at the time, as well. Kylee asked me, "How is she always happy?" "I don't know actually. I don't know how she does it. I'm sure she has gone through quite a few rough patches, but I guess, maybe, she got tired of letting it affect her happiness. She's just always smiling, as if she never was sick. It's incredible. One day, maybe I'll ask."

We ended the lesson sharing a scripture from D&C 122: 7-9. (7. And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

 8. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

 9. Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.)

Afterwards, she asked us, "Can I get baptized?" We laughed and said, "What a coincidence! We were just about to ask you the same." She is set for Dec. 7th. We are very excited for what more we can do in West Sacramento.

I love you, Mom. As far as the Christmas list you wanted me to send, I wouldn't mind some guitar/ukelele books. I don't know what else to ask, really. Love you Mom.

Elder Sierra   

(ties sound good, some vocal point cd's, $$ or gift cards, Spanish music that is uplifting is approved.)

A BLACK EYE AND TRANSFERS

Elder Sierra's letter from last week

Dear Mom,

My transfer call was this.

"Elder Sierra you have been called to go back into Spanish work. Your new assignment is West Sacramento. Your new companion will be Elder Sempf and you will be serving in the Sacramento 7th ward."- President Lewis

Me - "Alright, cool."

Pres. - "That's all you have to say?"-Pres.

"Yep."

"No yelling, no defying, nothing?"

"Nope."

"Well, Elder I am impressed. And you may not want to get too comfortable being in West Sacramento either. We may have plans for you."

So, yeah, I am back in Spanish work and from what President is telling me, I will probably only stay there for, like, a transfer (two if I get lucky). I am driving and from what Zone leaders are tellin me, they think I'll go train next transfer, or something like that... but all is well. I have done quite a bit here in Folsom and am excited to go back into Spanish work. My Spanish has been getting a bit rusty. So, my Thanksgiving will be in a Spanish ward and district. I am looking forward to it, though. Everyone says Sac 7th is the best Spanish ward. And, I know who my companion is and he is pretty awesome, so it will be fun. 

Unfortunately, I don't have too much to write about other than the fact that I had a little sparring match with a random guy I met on the street the other day (I was close to Ranch Cordova area). These guys were amateur boxing and my companion and I were on splits (it always happens on splits) and these guys were antagonizing us to box with them quick. My zone leader was looking at me cuz he knew I was not one to shy away from a challenge and was like, "Remember, fight the good fight elder. Don't give in." So I was gonna ignore it, then he commented about Joseph Smith. That was it for me. I told him alright, I'll take you on. If you beat me, I'll give you my wallet and my name tag, if you lose, you listen to the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He said, sure, and we can all kinda guess who won. So, we taught the restoration with a black eye that was oozing a bit (I did punch a little too hard in that little scuffle, but I thought he could handle it)) and he and his friend have a date for December. HAHAHAHA!!! Man, I love being a missionary. I love you Mom. Hope you ain't mad!

Elder Sierra "your wonderful, beautiful, angel son"

A follow-up to mom's concerned reply:

Mom,

Everything is fine. That was the first time in a LONG time that I have had an incident like that. And you know what, maybe that was or wasn't the best way to do it, but in the end, it is what I was impressed to do. I did not turn to him to beat him up because I was angry that he insulted Joseph Smith. I could've done that without putting on gloves and taking time to set up a deal with him. Honestly, it's the way the Spirit works through me (no lie). I felt prompted to go and box with him. It is the truth. Afterwards, I got him ice, sat him down, hugged him, shared the wonderful message of Christ, and he was crying. I told him how much I loved him and he replied, "How? You don't even know me!" Me: "Of course I do! You're my long lost brother that I just found. I loved you before I even started talking with you." I should've included that because I realize it probably does sound more like a conquest when I didn't include that. 

BITS AND PIECES OF MULTIPLE EMAILS TO FAMILY LAST WEEK

Elder Sierra has transfers this week so his letter will come on Tuesday. Here are some thoughts from last week:
 10/28/13
Ralynne, 
...I have been tirelessly trying to do everything I can to Find, Teach, and Baptize. I have reached my 8 month mark, so I am 1/3 of the way finished. It' s kinda sad because I truly do love my mission with all my heart and the time seems to go by faster and faster. [Here's] a little quote I thought of: "Take the mission day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, then your done." It's a little bittersweet, but it does ring true to how short a time we have here...

Dear Mom,
I can barely recognize that kid [Benjamin]!!  ....Well, thanks for sending the package. I'll call the office to make sure they have it. To confirm the claim that Benjamin made about me learning the ukelele, it is true, although I have been putting aside the uke so that I can learn to play guitar. I can play quite a few songs and some of the members want to get me a book so that I can keep teaching myself how to play. By the time I am off the mission I should know how to play guitar, the uke, the harmonica, and the piano decently. I [want to] perfect them when I return home, along with playing bass guitar and the actual BIG Bass (always wanted to play that). So, yeah, been trying to stay musical...

As far as the work here goes, Linda is doing great; we have another lesson with her tomorrow night. We also have a new referral by the name of Kevin. He referred himself to us from Mormon.org (those are usually the best). We also have Nick Nelson who now has a date for the 30th of November and Steve Grove who is progressing well, he just doesn't have a date yet (haven't felt impressed to push him to do that yet). That is all the updates on our investigators right now. We are doing good and are still going strong. It's a lot of fun out here in Folsom and I am hoping I stay for at least one more transfer. I really want to see this zone baptize. I love you Mom.

Elder Sierra

Hey Dad,
I just heard about Benjamin's last game. It sounds like he has really  been coming along. I can see him one day playing in college like I
did. 
I am happy to say that the Mission President and I are just fine. We have our differences and still view things differently, but we are
still of one purpose in bringing souls to Christ. I think in either the next transfer or the transfer after he is going to make me a leader
of some sort. I'd rather just go senior because, like you said, I just got the mechanics down and am working on improving certain areas. 1/3 of my mission is now officially complete. It's kinda sad. The time just keeps on slipping away. I can't believe Ralynne is about to go home from hers. 

Well Dad, I received your letter and thank you. I like the hand-written stuff you send me... Thanks for the sweet quotes. The work here is goin good. Talk to you next week. Christmas is almost here. I will be able to skype again then.

Elder Sierra