Wednesday, October 29, 2008

October 29, 2008

To my fabulous family!!
Everything has been absolutely wonderful as I continue to count the endless amounts of blessings Heavenly Father has given me and my companion! Maritza was baptized October 18th and she is so incredibly happy! Her baptism was amazing and for a musical number 6 of us Sister Missionaries and her children sang the primary song "When I am Baptized!" It was so perfect and I love the message it has. So much! I know Maritza was looking for rainbows everytime after it rained but she did not see one bright enough until she came to know the gospel of Jesus Christ! I am grateful to witness her see this colorful rainbow and act on it by gettting baptized. As she tells us each time we see her, the rainbow is only getting brighter in her life:) I am grateful I get to continue to see her each week since I did not get transfered!! Yes, so today was transfers and Sister Buhler and I are no longer companions anymore! I have learned SO many things from her and I am forever grateful for the last 5 months together as companions and possibly we will be together again one day! She was in this area for 10 months so I guess we prepared ourselves for this change but it was hard for everyone! Our apartment is so close and sometimes we think it will not be the same. No matter what we think we know this is for the best and inspired! My new companion is...Sister Dantes!! Can you believe it? My Missionary Training Center companion in Utah and here we are again! We have been able to see eachother each week because she was previously just on the eastside of Manhattan and our friendship has just continued from what we had in the MTC and everything that was somewhat difficult has only prepared us for this time now! There is nothing I look forward to more than what will happen as we continue to bring this meassge to those who are waiting for it and so many are! I love it so much! There is nothing that could bring me greater joy in my life at this time than serving a mission! I am so blessed!
I love you all and hope you are having a great week!
Love always,
Sister Miller

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

October 15, 2008

To my family,
I hope all is well and you are having a fabulous day! My heart is filled with gratitude to be able to tell you yet another miracle that has happened. They never stop coming!:)
Maritza has been our investigator for 3 months now and totally shows her love for our Heavenly Father and desires to do what is right. She shows this by coming to church, reading the scriptures, and praying. She has been telling us that she does not want to pray specifically to know if this is the only true church because she is not ready to act on it. As we know sometimes there is a different path Heavenly Father that will only bring us even more joy in our lives and we may not even know it. We went over to her apartment on Friday night and we were going to share our thoughts and how acting on her feelings will only bring her that PURE joy she yearns for, as do we all, in this life and for eternity. We have known it is time to act because Heavenly Father wants this for all of his children, not just a few:) As we talked and taught her this evening the spirit was overwhelming strong! Are we surprised;) She shared with us an experience that happened the previous night that at work: "I was reading the Book of Mormon and this lady saw me reading it and started saying many mean and negative things about Mormons. She(Maritza) was hurt and the moment the lady walked away and went in the elevator I felt peace in me heart I have never felt before!" This church has truth!
Love,
Sister Miller

Friday, October 10, 2008

October 1, 2008

To the best family on earth,
Everything has been absolutely wonderful! This week I had a really neat experience on the train and it truly helped me realize that no matter what someone is doing they can still be contacted to hear this amazing plan Heavenly Father has for his children!! Sister Buhler and I were on the train and I happened to be sitting next to this guy who was listening to his I- POD. The spirit prompted me to write him a note and before I knew it I pulled out a piece of paper and the first thing I said to him is: Who are you listening to? He replied: (Some rappers name) Have you ever heard of him?
Me: No I have not. Have you ever heard of the Mormon Taberbnacle Choir?!
He said: I have heard of them but never listened. Do you have a CD? (As unprepared as I felt) I replied...I am sorry I do not but we would love to have you at church some time. ( I pulled out a card a pointed where he should go and the time it starts) *This is still all passing notes and no talking:)* He replied: Thank you so much. We share very similar beliefs and I promise I will come to church. You will truly be blessed for what you did for me tonight. I replied: Perfect and thank you so much. He was standing up to get off at his stop and took his head phones off and introduced himself, "I'm Antwoin" and gave me a CD album he has out with a group.
It was simple, silent, and sweet but the spirit was so strong. I don't know if he will ever go to church or even get baptized but I do know that I followed the promptings of the Spirit and I was able to nourish a seed that seems to have already been planted. I know as we follow the promptings of the spirit we will continually be blessed and Heavenly Father is guiding us to a more straight and narrow path to pure joy and Eternal life.
I love you all so much and all you do for me, thank you so much! I hope all is well!
Love always,
Sister Miller

September 10, 2008

To the most wonderful family ever,
Can you believe it? My mission is almost too perfect and I love it so much! This last weekend the mission had 26 baptisms total and it has tied the mission history of baptizing in one week! For the month we have had a goal of each companionship baptizing which would be 80 baptisms all together and the number of dates we have are 93! Can you imagine this happening all over the World? Before we know it we will take over the Earth!! :) The church is so true and what a blessing it is to share this message with those who hunger for it. I love this Gospel!
Lisa's baptism was Saturday and it went so good! She was so excited and as you can imagine the spirit filled the room. I must say I felt the spirit leave the room for a moment when I got up to bare my testimony and as a I walking up a little boy in our Ward Rueben was running across the front and I totally TRIPPED THE TODDLER! I felt so bad and he looked at me like I was crazy. Thankfully, I am close with his parents and I did not get sent home:) It was in front of my Ward and seriously I felt so bad the rest of the day but I talked to his parents at church the following morning again and they reassured me he is fine and now he knows not to run in church...so sad! Lisa bore her testimony at her baptism and at Fast and Testimony meeeting Sunday! She was an answer to many of our investigators prayers as she told them her story and she has never felt better in her life than to stand before everyone and know that this is the only true church. How amazing. As I reflect upon the miracles we have I continually think "Because I Have Been Given Much I too must give" and there is no greater gift I have ever received in my life than this gospel. We are teaching a lady named Maritsa and her niece and nephew who live with her. Her nephew is gay and we are trying our best to help him recognize the Saviors love for him and he can overcome this. We have also been teaching a guy named Chris for the last 3 months who is on Probation and he recently decided he wants to get baptized as soon as possible. Because of the probation we are going to take the steps to see if it can take place before he is off of probation. The process might take long but it is something for him to work towards and by writing a letter to the first Presidency will help him strengthen his testimony even more.
I am hesitant to think I could get transfered next Wednesday and no longer be able to teach these amazing people. As hard as that is, people are still waiting for this message everywhere we walk. I am excited to find out and let you know! I wish I had time to write more....so much to tell, so little time! I love you all so much and thank you for all you do for me each day. I am SO blessed!
Love always,
Sister Miller
Single Sister Miller
Sister Hot Tamalie

September 3, 2008

To the best family on Earth,
I can not believe all the amazing things that continually happen each day! I truly stand all amazed at the wonderful blessing this mission has been in my life and I just love it.
Although there is much rejection there is much acceptance also. People truly have a desire to know of this truthfulness. Brian did not come to Church again this week and we are sad for him but one day he will have that desire in his heart to follow Christ's example and enter the waters of baptism. There is nothing more important for him to do it when he has the desire in his heart so he can continually receive the blessings of this gospel. Someone we are teaching who truly has a desire is Lisa. She is wonderful! She just moved to New York to go to school at Columbia and she came from Gautamala. When she was there she met with the missionaries for about a year and was taking the lessons but never received an answer to her prayers if Joseph Smtih really did see God and Jesus Christ and if he was called to be a prophet and restore this gospel. She went to Washington where she is originally from before coming to New York and locked herself in her bedroom and prayed. She got her answer like she never has before as she felt peace in her heart and so much joy as she was praying. She went online gave her info on the church website and the referral was sent to us through text. We have been meeting with her the last 3 weeks and going over everything and she will be baptized this Saturday! I will be sure to send pictures:) And for those who choose not to listen... I am grateful to be able to plant a seed or water one that has already been planted. I love you all and thank you for all you do for me!
Love always,
Sister Miller
P.S. Did anyone take family pictures this summer?! If so, I would love to see them. Will you please mail them to me so I can put in on my desk:)

August 20, 2008

To my Family!
I miss you all so much and thank you for the letter Kim and the e-mails! I continue to love Manhattan and this work! Each day Heavenly Father puts something in my path to remind me of the truthfulness of this Gospel and there is nothing I love more! I am so grateful to to be here and sharing this joy with everyone we come in contact with! OUr investigators are amazing and the church just continues to grow as Heavenly Father is putting people in our Path. Brian was supposed to be baptized this Saturday and talk about mission Drama! He decided last night he wants to put it off. The best part is is that he told us he is looking for fireworks for an answer and we reassured him it is within the small and simple things. He feels he has not completely done his part either because he has not been reading the BoM enough and praying specifcaly to know if he should be baptized. I know as he does Heavenly Father will answer specificaly but he really has already gotten his answer. He has had dreams about the only true church and it makes him have a great day!! Isn't that good enough?!;) As for the trasfer story, Sister Buhler and I were praying like crazy we would not get transferred. Sure enough we didn't! We are 1 of the very few companionships who were covering 2 Wards and we just love it. Especially church for 6 hours on Sunday!It was the best! Part of the transfer is that we got the Singles Ward taken away from us and that meant 2 amazing investgators that I felt soo close with. Kentor and Edward are both friends and they love everything we share with them. They ask amazing questions, keep there committments,and not only that but they come to church EVERY week! (That is typicaly the speed bump in the road) I was sad/bummed at first but now I have come to understand why we get transfered. It is easy to get attached. Not only that but obvoiusly I need to remind myself that it is in the Lord's hands and that is what really matters. I love the Sisters who are taking over and they will be perfect for the 2 of them! Thankfully we live with them so we can still hear how everything is going! Plus we can go to their baptism because it is still the same area:) I am so blessed! Lesson learned from this: Heavenly Father has a hand in all that we do and I just need to have faith in him! I wish I had time to tell you everything else! It is time to go enjoy the rest of P-day with all of the Sisters but I love you all so much and thank you so much for all you do for me!
Love always,
Sister Miller
Choose the Right:)

August 13, 2008

To the best family on Earth:
Everything is so amazing as usual and I just love this mission more than anything! I have never been happier! I am totally on the go because of P-day but I can't wait to tell you about the miracles we witness everyday! The sweet part of the title is that Sister Buhler and I did not get transferred and we still get to serve in the best area of Manhattan for at least another 6 weeks!The bitter part of the title is because we lost our Singles Ward in the area and with that, 2 of the best investgators ever! The best part is is that it is all in the Lord's Hands! I'll tell you details next week for sure. I love you all so much!
Love always,
Sister Miller

July 30, 2008

Mi Familia!
Can you tell I am trying to learn Spanish? ;) It is the funniest thing when I attempt to contact someone who no habla english and all I know how to say is "Me encanta El Libro De Mormon!" giving them a big smile and telling them to call "el numero" on the pass along cards. You can only imagine what they are thinking!
Everything has been fabulous this week! Brian is getting baptized August 23rd and Sister Buhler and I are very excited for him! His faith amazes me and he continues to progress every minute! When he was at church this last week the guy teaching Priesthood asked him what Ward he was visiting from because he is that good and fits right in!:) Sister Buhler and I often say, "Lets find a Brian today!" We stopped at his apartment on our way home last night to see how his day was and he told us one day he wants to be in the Seventy to get work off and serve for the only true church the rest of his life. Amaizng right?!? He totally will too:)
This morning was the first time I got to go to the Manhattan temple and I loved it. Everything about it was perfect and I must say it is my favorite temple thus far! My favorite thing about it is that the tellestial, terrestrial, and cellestial rooms are all different and they are gorgeous in their unique ways! I just love New York, serving, and there is no other place on Earth I would rather be! This church is so true and everyone needs to know it because of the happiness it can bring as people allow it to. The rejection is an everyday thing but the best part is witnessing people who have not rejected and the pure joy they feel after they have come to know these things are true. Like BrIan:) I love you all so much and miss you too!
Love always,
Sister Miller

July 16, 2008

Hello everyone!
I can not believe another week has come and gone!! Time is flying by! Everything just keeps getting better and better and I am so blessed!

Some Highlights:

  • Thursday was my first day of complete rejection all day and all of our appointments fell through...that means miracles are right around the corner!
    Saturday, we walked through Central Park when Bon Jovi was here and I have never seen so many people! Do not worry, he was not performing yet so I did not hear music...just little parts of practicing!
  • On Sunday Sister Buhler and I had 4 investigators at church and they are doing so great, they will all be getting baptized soon, so soon!
  • Monday we came home from our lovely day of spreading the word and as we were walking up to our apartment 5 fire trucks pulled up and firemen began rushing into our apartment. They put out a fire in the garbage shoot and we were able to go in about an hour after they got there. I have confirmed my thoughts on how I want to marry a mormon fireman...keep and eye out;)
  • Wednesday we found out our Zone is number one in the mission and our Zone Leaders told Sister Buhler and I "we are leading the Zone"...what a blessing, Heavenly Father has put the most amaxing people in our path:)
  • Last night Glenn Beck came and spoke out What Mormons Believe and his conversion story and it was so incredible!! He was an answer to a lot of our investgators prayers because they wanted to hear a testimony of a convert! Heavenly Father uses all of us as tools to other peoples prayers:)

Am I not in the best mission?! I hope all is well is all of you! Love you bunches!
Love always,
Sister Miller

July 2, 2008

Hello to the best family on Earth! How are you?! Everything is absolutely amazing here and there is nothing I would want to be doing at this time!! I LOVE it here. Everyday I am learning something new and this week has been spiritually perfect! On Friday the 27th President Uchtdorf came to the New York New York North Mission to speak to us while he was on vacation with his wife and 2 grandkids. Can you believe it? He spoke about he and his wife's conversion story and the blessings they have received throughout their lives. The spirit he brought into the chapel is something I have never felt before and when I shook his hand and felt of his love, I could not help but think of the day I am reunited with my Heavenly Father and I get to shake his hand and be in his presence for eternity. The spirit I feel within me now is nothing compared to that day. How blessed are we to have the restored gospel in our lives and know of the truth? I love it. Saturday was my first baptism and I must say I did not have any part in teaching this lady but to be a part of this fabulous time in her life and to witness her be baptized into the only true church testified to me that that is why I am here. To invite others to come unto Christ and be baptized in his name. On Sunday I had a blast at Church and the wards we cover are great and so unique! We cover a family ward and singles ward and in my singles ward I have a friend from Idaho! His name is Adam Benton and it is so funny to talk to him because we just talk about home and somehow tie it in with missionary work!:) There are so many single successful men, I am amazed! Last night Sister Buhler and I were teaching a guy named Brian and I invited him to be baptized for July 19th and he is still waitng to get an answer but I will be sure to let you know the progress. He is so interested in our Saviors church and expresses much happiness within his soul as he reads the Book of Mormon so I know he will receive the anwer he is supposed to. If not it is just not his time:) We are going all around Manhattan for our P-day so time to go!! I love you all so much and hope all is well!!
Love always,
Sisiter Miller

June 25, 2008

Hello Everyone!!
I arrived in New York yesterday afternoon and have loved every second of it!...so far:) After we arrived the 2 assistants took all of us straight to the Bronx and we immediatly started contacting! I thought it was an amazing experience and there is so much I wanted to say to everyone! I often found it hard to come up with the words because there is so much to say but I know that as I pray for the spirit and share what I know in my heart then my tongue will be loosed! Last night The Elders and Sisters had dinner and a sleepover at our mission Presidents and it was amazing!! Sister Searle cooked a very healthy meal and it reminded me of dinners from home:) Completely different from the fattening food at the MTC! This morning we had breackfast and went straight to my first transfer meeting!! There were SO many Elders and sisters there and I could not be more excited to find out where my first area was gonig to be! I got called to the Manhattan South area and my trainer is Sister Buhler! We have had P-day all day so I have been unpacking and enjoying getting to know the area. We have actual appointments in like 20 minutues which I am looking forward to so much! I can't wait to tell you how they go and everything else that I am feeling but we only had 10 minutes for the computer today! I love you all and thank you for all you do!!:)
Love always,
Sister Miller:)