We are on fire

Dear Mummies..

I'm keeping with the theme whatever! Ok so here we are another week goes by and i just want to cry. It rhymed but really its true we have seen so many miracles i can barely remember them all, isn't that crazy. I would like to start out with a crazy moment this week that none of us were expecting. So Sister Frye and I went to bed at 10:30 like normal last Saturday night, it was weird cause i fell asleep so fast I was really tired! Well about 2:30 Am we hear this pounding on the door Sister Frye and I woke up, they were screaming open the door! Well we live with the assistants so we see everything. They come in yelling FIRE! The apartment complex next to us was lit on fire. So scary it was a legit fire. We turned on all the lights woke up the assistants and got ready to run. Sister Rodriguez yells pull it! So I ran out and pulled the fire alarm it was like a moment from a movie really. Well all the sisters are like half awake running outside and one of our companionship's was still sleeping so we had to find them. Well we all stood outside of the apartments looking and the fire burning down the next building. There was a huge tree between us and the fire if the tree caught on fire our apts would be gone! We gathered in a circle all half dressed haha and Sister Frye and I led the Zone in a prayer that our apartments wouldn't be harmed! Well about 2 hours later they got it all under control and our apartments weren't even touched. It was a huge miracle. I've never seen a fire so close before. As I was running out of the apartment so many things were running through my head and the only thing I grabbed was my Tagg. It was a moment I'll never forget. Watching it burn and touching my tag knowing the Lord would protect our apartments. I'm so grateful to be here and have these experiences that are shaping my life.

Your Just a Little Lady..

So lets start off with funny moment duh. So yesterday Sister Frye and i finally got sometime in the RC again. I was able to make 4 phone calls and all of them said yes! Every call was truly inspired and i didn't do anything it was all the spirit. So the first one i called was Richard. He is from the deep south and it was so funny deep accent! And I was telling him how i met his brother and his brother is super tall! And he goes well how tall are you? And i said like 5'4 and he goes ahhh ok so you’re just a little lady. hahaha I was laughing so hard! Yeah I'm a little Lady richard your right. And then we were talking about life and he goes, um I'm a street guy i don't do that God stuff. And i said well haven't you ever wondered if there is more to life that girls, drugs, and cars? And he goes probably but I like my moneys. And i said i promise you Richard God knows your better then a street guys. There was a silent pause and he says little lady you might have a point. And i said Richard you are worth so much more then you think. We have an appointment to teach him. He closed with babe I'll talk to you later babe..

Mother Theresa

I talked to a good friend's mom this week. I feel so honored to be entrusted with these people. I love Theresa she is so willing to learn. We talked about the gospel and how she is scared to go to church. But luck Sister Frye and i taught a whole Zone conference on church attendance. The spirit was so strong during those moments on the phone with her. We talked about how it’s hard to forgive ourselves. And I promised her that the Lord would hold her hand if she would move her feet. Hey heart and feet had to be one. We just had some tears and she will be going to church tomorrow and reading the book of Mormon. Such a miracle to hear where she has been from. Her husband was a "member" but an alcoholic and not the best man. What strength it must take to look past that. I love her so much.

I feel it!

So we are teaching this girl named Chelsey which actually Alyssa Lamprecht gave us from Chat. We started teaching her and our first lesson she pulled over on the side of the road and we prayed it was amazing. She said I can feel it. the amazing part was it was only our first time talking and made me realize it doesn't take much we just need to push forward with faith. She went to church and met the missionaries and guess what she is going to be baptized on nov 5!!! We love her!

Matthew

Words cant really express how I feel about this next story. We were about to leave and we got a chat from a man named Matthew. He told us that his father had died 6 days before and when looking in his things he found a Mormon bible. Our eyes got so big. We taught him the basic principals of the gospel. He hadn't talked to his father in 2 years he felt so guilty and he felt was the only thing left of him. I felt so strongly to send alma 40 but the spirit typed, Matthew do you have that Book of Mormon by you? And he said let me go get it. We told him to turn to the page and he just typed, Wow that passage is highlighted in my dads book. We testified to him that God knew him and his father wanted him to read this book. We weren't there we couldn't see anything but the spirit was so strong when i typed those words to find the Book. That is a moment I'll never forget. Matthew then said , " Jenna i want to thank you if you never told me to go to that passage I never would have read it." I knew it wasn't me but God knew his son. We are committing Matthew to baptism this week!

I am a particle

James is an interesting story. We met him on chat and he pretty much thinks there is no point to life. We told him how much God loved him but that didn't seem to matter to him. We kept digging and digging and he said you aren't going to change my mind. We prayed and decided to call him, which he really didn't want but we did it anyways. He is really struggling right now understanding that there really is a purpose that he is here. We each told him how we found God. James is going to start reading the book of Mormon online till the missionaries come. We know that he came on chat for a reason we can see past the surface!

Wow..

so i called this women named Chrissy and she is amazing. So sweet has a little girl and has a faith in Jesus Christ we talked about prayer and families and it seemed to spark something. She talked about how she worked in prison and how its hard on her. And i started to bare my testimony on the power of a prophet, very random but she replied, wait a living prophet? As I started to tell her the Joseph Smith story i paused and asked her if she ever received an answer to her prayers. She started to cry and talked about her very rough childhood. i promised her that God had a plan for her and she was not alone in this moment. She said Jenna i don't know you but I feel it. Oh i needed to talk to her cause she taught me many things! We will be teaching her this week!

Well this mission is flying and I'm working so hard. I'm giving my all to every moment and I can feel the spirit work in me. I'm doing everything i can to be worthy for these miracles. And they are coming sometimes I don't feel ready for them but then God qualifies me to do the work. Something i learned actually during a call this week was how important it is to be reconverted everyday. Its not good enough to have served a mission, or had that miracle 3 years ago. Keep building every moment and you will become the strongest version of yourself. The spirit will work softly so listen, let it pierce your heart so the gospel is moving through you.

Helaman 5:30 Feel it for yourself

I love you all !! Love Sister Mettra

Home filled revelation

Dear Pumpkins...

It was time. I have to start using these terms tis the season right! I'll start off by saying that this week has been one of much revelation. Sister Frye and I have had meeting after meeting this week its hard to keep up with ourselves. But little did I know what lay in store with Zone Leader Council. To be honest I never really wanted to be in leadership I'd rather just focus on the work but, I'm becoming more humble every day understanding why it has come now. Monday morning we left our apartment at 8 am and got in the vans and started driving. It was a surprise where we were going none of us really knew. Unfortunately I woke up that morning feeling so nausous and was worried I wouldn't make it through the day. Sister Frye looks at me and says," Sister Mettra your face is so pale you don't feel good do you?." Well I prayed to just make it and that all of this would go away. I remember looking out the window at the beautiful sky reflecting where I was a year ago. That a year ago i wasn't where I am today. Both physically and spiritually. A year ago I was taken in by my hero of a sister that helped me and pushed me to get back on my mission. I remember the first day I got to her house, I cried most of the day. I grew so strong during that moment of time, and would never take it back for anything. God knew I needed that to make me stronger in all aspects of the word. How grateful I am for my sister and what she did for me during those weeks. I learned The Book of Mormon and it changed my life forever. I guess what I'm saying is how grateful I am for the knowledge that God's timing is better then I ever imagined. If it wasn't for those couple of weeks I would have never made it this far physically. And I know i wouldn't be this strong spiritually. I knew my mission wasn't over when I had that medical release but it was all part of the plan. I bore my testimony on Sunday about this and it was very clear to me how important this mission is. I always said, this mission will save my life and so far it has in many ways. Daily I'm having experienced that manifest to me I'm standing in the exact place the Lord needs me. And I'm grateful for the broken road that lead me here. Yes I just quoted Rascal Flatt's but I'm totally ok with it. That song applies to this stage of my mission so much, I would like to share some lyrics.

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through

I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

As i read these lyrics and think about our Savior it just makes sense to me everything led me to this moment of my life. The Loving arms are our Heavenly Father and he is there every step of the way. I know that the Savior has taken my had and helped me move mountains I never thought were possible. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11. I have never enjoyed looking back so much, cause I see the moments that were essential for now.

Now continuing on with Zone Leader Council we pulled up to this huge house and out walks President Holmes! We were invited to his house from 9-3 to study. I still didn't feel well but the moment I walked into that house, my nausea went away. I felt that feeling of home that I haven't felt in almost 18 months. It was a feeling I missed and didn't even know I did till I felt it again. They had made a home cooked breakfast and lunch for us that day it meant more then they will ever know. I needed to feel home for a moment, and the spirit was there I just felt warm. We had an amazing study with President and Sister Holmes words were said that I'll never forget. But the most amazing thing was what i learned from the spirit. As I wrote the spirit taught me in a way I've never experienced before. We studied the God head and I received a lot of understanding that day. I am so grateful for a loving Mission President and his wife. I got to role play inviting for baptism with President and Sister Moore! I will never forget the spirit that was felt. We have changed our mission over to inviting for baptism. That's our goal! We had to build up referrals and IRCs and all these other things but now its time. It was amazing standing beside Sister Moore and teaching with my Mission President. After the meeting President send something so tender. He said, Sister Mettra I wish you could call all of my friends. It just meant a lot coming from him.

I will write more about the stories and miracles we had next week cause I'm running out of time. But just have to share who sister Frye and i met 3 days ago.

Hey Sisters!

So Sister Frye and I were just walking past the East Gate and then all of the sudden there was a flood of people in suits and everything. We just smiled then we saw a man that looked really familiar and I just smiled really big and said Hi! And it was Elder Scott and he reached out and Shook our hands and said Hello Sisters! It was so fast it was like a dream. But it was a blessing and something that we really needed that day. I felt a peace feel the air, I know he is an apostle of God.

I love you all so much and know God is watching out for you. Never Give up cause when you can't walk another step, he will carry you.

Love Sister Mettra

Every Soul is Great

Dear Friends,

I think I'm sleep typing, yep I think that's what's happening right now ha. I'm so dead my body is mad at me cause well it walked for 14 hours straight for 2 days last weekend and then we were suppose to have make up sleep time but as Zone Leaders there is no time. We spent our make up time doing trainings ha. But you know what I'm smiling and I love it so it's all worth it really! God answers prayers and this work will go forward, no one will stop it. Saturday night we counted up the Member Referrals we were 5,000 short of our goal. President was really stressed out and called us all together to let us know who this is for. "Sisters heaven will accompany us if we will give it our all for them." We prayed and went to work Sunday, my legs and feet were literally numb. Sister Frye and I forgot to eat and just kept going it was amazing the strength we had even though we were half dead. Well we came all together at 9:00pm Sunday night to read the grand total. 9,222 member referrals! Isn't that amazing! Only through heaven was that possible tears of joy swept through the tabernacle. Everyone felt it this was a miracle. Do you understand what that means? 9,222 souls closer to Jesus Christ. I'm so honored to be apart of this mission and really all that is happening to further the work. We are so busy we got over 11,000 referrals from guests in the months of July-Aug. We are still trying to call and teach all of them ha its a great problem to have too many investigators. President wanted to have me be a finder for the mission. Which means I call all of these people and swift the elect. Thank goodness it was changed cause I would have so much weight on my shoulders. Sister Frye and I worked so hard and had quality contacts that's why we felt good when we fell into bed that night. We also got to attend one session of Conference and that was Sunday Afternoon! I loved all the talks and it just felt good to sit down finally. One of my favorites was Elder Richardson about being real. I aways wanted to be a REAL missionary and now I really am one. What an honor and blessing it is to serve so closely with the Savior. I literally feel angels next to me sometimes its hard to explain, but I know that I'm not alone here.

The Osmond's World Wide Fans

Well bless those Osmond's haha they bring some lovely people to Salt Lake City. We were in guest services and guess who called, Marell Osmond and I answered the phone NBD. Well we scheduled this V.I.P tour with his fans from all over the world. He said Sister Mettra make it special i want them to feel the spirit. I wish i could come you sound like an amazing missionary but I trust everything will go well. Ha no pressure at all, they said if this goes well they will bring the group every year. Well Sister Frye and i learned really fast that as soon as we said Osmond they would listen haha. They are like intense fans! So don't doubt I bridged the pioneers to the Osmond's to the Gospel ha. It was the craziest thing I've ever done ha we were laughing most of the time. Don't worry to top this off we had this women that was apparently representing the family. She was a member and guess what she did, tried to seduce the photographer so he would change the course of the tour. Omg Sister Frye and I died haha she was all plastic and so sketchy. Pretty much she was jealous that these people would be close to the family so she wanted to keep them as far away from them as possible. There was legit high School drama cause of her and we had to ignore her and try to bring the spirit. Ah she was nutts!Well we were able to testify so strongly of the gospel and what its meant to the Osmond's haha but really what it means to us. Jennie their tour director said at the end, Sister Mettra you are an angel I wish we got you with us the whole time. So sweet it was hard to be able to invite them cause we were running around but I don't doubt that they felt the spirit so strong. Some of them just met with missionaries cause Donny said it would be great. I hope they lean for the right reasons! But it was good never the less.

Needle in a Hay Stack

So as Sister Frye and I started our Sunday morning at conference we saw literally over 100,000 people there you have to pray for the discernment of who to talk to. Well i looked over and saw these two pollys! So I went for them Sister Frye talked to one I talked to the other. Well come to find out the one i was talking to wasn't a member!! So he started to talk to me about his thoughts on the church and that he wanted to see what conference was like. He said sister Mettra promise me you wont send those elders. And I started laughing oh why oni they aren't that bad. And he put his head down. My heart broke as he said this, " When i first started looking into your church i thought drinking was normal because of those elders, and they invited me to go with them on the weekends to Vegas. I didn't feel right so i didn't go but they make me feel weird." Omg I want to kick those elders apparently they would leave Sunday nights from CA and drive to Vegas and get home late Monday night. We promised Oni we would take care of his and call him. I shared how we all feel the spirit different for me through music. Oni being a polly goes sing for me sista.hha Well I couldn't say no so I did and he had a tear. I said I promise Oni that God won't give you anything you can't handle, we will help you learn the rest. Ah so excited and tender mercy we will teach him this week!

V.I.P Intensity

So the assistants called us in and told us that we would be taking a really intense V.I.P Tour at the humanitarian Center and then Temple Square. These weren't just people they were the heads of all the countries in which we DON'T have missionaries. We had to leave a good enough impression that they would allow missionaries in the near future to come. No pressure right. Well thats not all, we had Elder Hinckley aka son of the prophet and head of the missionary department accompany us making sure we were correct in all things. We prayed so hard to remember all of our facts and to bring the spirit. I swear the minute they came I forgot everything I was so nervous. And in V.I.P Tours you aren't aloud to teach gospel at all. As i was talking about the New Born Kits my mind shut off and I felt the spirit so strong and i said, these blankets hug someone in another country, and is God's way of telling us he loves us and we are never alone. Ah my eyes got so big I looked at Elder Hinckley and he just smiled. uhhhh was that ok I'm thinking oops. After words Elder Hinckley came up to me and said Sister Mettra that was perfect what a wonderful spirit you have. Well that calmed me down a lot thank goodness. Then the prime ministers in Nambia wanted to invite me and Sister Frye to the Lunch in with the Prophet and the Twelve NBD. I wish! I was so humbled and honored to take this very important group around and truly believe that they went home a different person. I love my mission!

Baptism!!

So Accosh was baptized last Friday such a tender experience. It was amazing to see someone that I had met and taught I little be baptized. He gave a talk after his baptism it was so powerful. He spoke about this is not all, he is looking forward to a new life! He is really smart and wants to know everything. Something that was hard for me is that in a lot of ways the YSA in that ward were treating this like a social event. Right after he was baptized they were just playing the piano it was so peaceful i could feel the spirit so strong testify of the truthfulness of everything that had taken place. We were in a rush sadly so we didn't get a picture before but after we did really fast! I'll try to send it. Just that small moment will change his life forever!

So many more life changing moments this week but I'm totally out of time! Sometimes I wish i could write this email forever and share all the Lord is blessing us with. Do you know that God loves you? I had a moment last night it was really stressful and I just wanted to cry honestly. As Zone Leaders you have so much to do and have to understand that its not just about you and your companion anymore we have 20 other sisters now. Sister Frye and i just talked about why we came on missions and what our purpose is. I know that the Lord called me here at this time to do amazing things. If there is ever a time I doubt or feel overwhelmed I just remember these words, " Fear not I am with thee oh be not afraid." I have grown a love for the Lord in a way that wouldn't have been possible if I wasn't serving right here right now. My desires and passions have changed this work will go forth. And my testimony is growing everyday.

I love you all and I'm praying for you.

Love Sister Mettra

You are not forgotten

Dearest Favs... Oh how i love you all so much! This week has been very surprising with transfers and things happened that i really never expected that's for sure. So we were all sitting as a Zone at transfer conference and my name was read first ahhhh. Sister Mettra your new companion is Sister Frye! i thought I would have stayed with Sister Mata'utia but I guess the Lord had a different plan. Well i thought that was it i would just stay as a District Leader and carry on. Nope we are now the Zone Leaders over the Extended Zone aka the hardest haha. We are in charge of all venues on Temple Square which includes, Beehive House, West Gate, Guest Services, Humanitarian Center, Welfare Square, Hospitality tours. So intense and kinda overwhelming but I'm so humbled I know that God called me in my weakness again but I'm learning so much already. I loved Sister Mata'utia but we needed to share the wealth she is amazing and someone else needs her! I've grown to capture the atonement in a different way this week, humility is HUGE in leadership even when you know that actually nothing you did was wrong. Sister Frye and I promised each other we were going to change this zone and teach love at its finest. Although I'm very overwhelmed by this assignment and don't quite understand why I was chosen, I'll humbly accept it and embrace the change. We live with the Assistants now and are very busy I feel like I never sleep but i like it cause I know that I am literally giving everything to the Lord. General Conference is this weekend and I'm so so EXCITED. But sad its my last one on the square, Conference will never be the same to me the rest of my life. There are over 100,000 people coming to the square this weekend seeking direction from a living prophet! How amazing is that can you just pause and think about it! The gospel is so true I've never felt this passionate about something in my life. I thought that music was something that meant the most to me, but now its the gospel everything I do and say is of Christ I love it. I would love to share some tender moments from this week that really opened my eyes to how our actions effect others. Craving Oranges.. Well about 5 months ago i was on exchanges with Sister Dantas and Sister Gunter and we were shopping at WalMart. We were just about to leave when i felt the sweet taste of an orange in my mouth it was strange but i was craving oranges. Well we walked over and I started to pick out some oranges when a man looked at me and i started smiling and said hi. He walked over and stared and my eyes then down at my tagg he said what does that mean? We all three started sharing the gospel and teaching him of our purpose as missionaries. He said I've seen so many of you walking around but there was something in your eyes when you smiled. Well Sister Gunter and Dantas started teaching him and I was there when they took him on a tour and everything. Well months past and guess what i found out.... Tonight he is being baptized in SLC and I get to go!!!!! I'm so humbled right now I always dreamed of being able to attend a baptism of someone i found. I'll send pictures next week... Never forget who you are when you think no one is watching! Your Voice So that guy I shared about 2 weeks ago kevin who is leaving for iraq soon. Well I think i called him Kevin again i respect his privacy if he ever reads this but I talked to him this week and it was an answer to prayer yet again. Wow I'm so grateful for the power of prayer and I really know that God's timing is important. I called him all last week and he never answered which broke my heart but I had a strong impression try again! So I did and he answered and it was truly amazing. He asked me how he would know if one church was really true? I was able to bare powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon and prayer. I prayed so hard for inspiration and God did his part. He stopped me and said, jenna I like the way you talk. I feel peace and love in a way I never have before. And then he said how do I get that always? And i said when you gain a testimony of these things you can be baptized and have it forever. He said what i really want is to feel home in a religion. And i said, The gospel is home. I boldly said, I know that this is the home you've always dreamed of let God bless you. He is going to watch general conference this weekend with his wife!! You are not Forgotten We had an opportunity to attend the relief society broadcast last week and I'm so grateful for it. I don't think I told you fully but there was a sister in my district last transfer that would run away. And I mean like run past the capital and in the middle of the night I would have to go out running to try to find her. I spent about an hour driving around downtown Salt Lake in my Pjs looking for her early in the morning. Well that's how I started my day last Saturday it was crazy. I do know that it was inspired i was her district leader because i learned a lot of patience! She was sent home on Wednesday after the 10th attempt to runaway. Sister Mata'utia had maybe 2 hours of a P-Day Last week due to that. And she even decided to run when me and her comp had dye in our hair so we couldn't run out of the salon haha. Well Sister Mata'utia and I had about an hour till we had to be at the square for another tour and we were walking and get stopped by a member and his friend. They wanted us to take them around and I'm so grateful we sacrificed our Pday to take him because he refereed for missionaries and we will be teaching him this week. He said I'm on a Journey of finding myself and the most I've learned so far has been today with you two. Tender! Well then we took another tour with this tour group who called into church hospitality specifically for us. his name is Bruce and he said that he wanted me to take the tour. Well in the Tabernacle he said Sister Mettra will you sing for us I've been waiting 2 weeks for you. I met him earlier and sang to his group and he fell in love with us. He said you have made my season I'll never forget you Sister Mettra. You are a very special young Lady I really hope you know and understand that. Thank you for being so loving to every one of us, our lives are blessed because of who you are. I'm a better person. Thank you. What a blessing it was to take them around and share the gift the Lord has given me. After that amazing moment we sprinted home and got our tickets and ran back down in barely enough time to get in. Again my prayers were answered, we are not forgotten. There were a lot of moments that happened where I thought it was possible. But the moment President Uchtdorf spoke I knew I wasn't alone. God was preparing me for my new assignment. I love this mission and the gospel. I've never loved something so much in my life and wanted to give it to everyone I meet. We are not forgotten the Lord will not fail us, we can do hard things. I love you all wish i could write more, don't stop believing! Enjoy the Journey, I sure am Love Sister Mettra

How will you know?

Dearest Lovers... Time is flying I can barely keep up. This week presented many miracles and many moments of deep reflection. Sometimes we get to the point of complete exhaustion when we really think we can't go another step, but that is when the true test comes and blessing comes when you endure. Sister Mata'utia and I have literally laid on the floor at Welfare Square after taking 6 tours back to back we were so spiritually and physically exhausted. Also seeing the fact it was almost 5 and last time we ate was 7:30 that morning. All the tours were amazing and the spirit was so strong in each of them but we still knew something was missing. We were so tired and then in the distance we see this couple walking towards the visitors center they wanted a tour. We both looked at each other with huge eyes and said are you ready for this can we do it? Sister Mata'utia just started laughing, i did a somersault to wake up and said this will be an amazing tour. The couple came in and we were standing ha don't worry and started the tour they were lovely members from Alaska that had always dreamed of coming to Welfare Square so drove across the whole country to do so. That in itself was humbling and we started waking up. Then we were half way through the tour and this young guy walks up to me and says hey can I join your tour? I said sure come on over. in reality Sam is what was missing he understood Gods Love. Now Sam wasn't a member but sure spoke like he was. We got to the last part and wanted to take Sam back to the parts he missed. We were alone with him in the Warehouse and i could feel the spirit filling that huge building. I had the strongest impression i needed to sing to him. But I was semi nervous well kinda ha not really. Actually I was nervous because in that moment i wanted to do Gods will for him not mine. Well just then my companion looked over and said Sam Sister Mettra is now going to sing for you. He was an actor and said oh no she doesn't have to I've been put on the spot before. I said oh just for you Sam i will ha. i took a breath and prayed with all i had that the message i sang would touch his heart. I've never starred so deep into some one's eyes while singing he just smiled and put his hand over his heart. When I finished the sound echoed and he said, i feel like I'm sitting on a Lake at 7 am looking out. It sounded like a glassy lake perfect and beautiful. He said I'll never forget how I'm feeling right now. We testified it was the spirit and it was so powerful because it was a simple testimony that he lives. I'm so grateful for the spirit felt and my companion felt it too. When you think you've given everything God will give you miracles. I really learned how to endure this week. Its so crazy the min we met Sam all my physical pains went away the feeling came back in my legs and I was able to walk. I know that its cause my heart was in it, God granted us many miracles in that our. Funnies.... Well we also had some funny moments this week of course i cant leave those out i would be jipping you of some good stories haha. Welfare Square i a different world we meet people fresh out of prison that have killed people to transvestites and plenty of thugs. Well this week we were blessed to meet all three types. One of my favorites had just become a women about a year ago. Her name use to be Josh now its Krystial she says she use to be gay but now is a straight women. I really prayed not to say anything offensive she was sitting in the visitors center. She said some interesting things to us. Actually a Wicken and foretold Sister Mata'utias future, she is going to be a prophet who would have thought hahaha. Well she also sang to us which was interesting. Although it was so hard to listen to her without gagging cause she must have walked through dog poop or something and it smelled so bad and i was sitting the closest to her. But never the less i was able to tell her she wasn't alone and that God loved her. She said that the Mormon church is the closest thing she feels to love or God. Her priest actually rapped her when she was 15 and has a hard time with God since. We gave her a pass along card and she left but I could feel the deep sorrow inside her it was strange. But my heart really went out to the thing. Honestly I'm not being rude haha i don't know whether to say him or her cause we could see both sides that's all I'll say ha. We were walking home and i saw some guy that looked identical to my brother Zach. HAHa i was so confused and i walked all the way to him cause I really thought it was. Well come to find out it wasn't and it makes for a funny story cause i got really close to this guy then turned around. We ended up going back and I told him why I was staring at him. And he goes oh really I look like your brother? I must be a babe hahha. Then he confessed that when him and his friends are ever in town for business they stop by temple square to see all the hot " Momos." haha they aren't members but I guess recognize the spirit in the women of the church ahahha. This straight up thug ALWAYS checks Sister Mata'utia and i out at welfare square. He is from Compton NBD. Well the other day we cleaning up from eating and he comes running in and he goes wait your done already? I ran here to eat lunch with you hahahaha. We told him to come to temple square and we could teach him more about what he do. And he goes i don't know Sister missionaries are easier to talk to and they glow a little too. He is coming tomorrow and we are going to show him why we glow!! Legally Blonde We were walking into the NVC and all of the sudden this guy starts waving at us. So we walked over and talked to him he wanted to know where he could get a tour... Uh here we are!! His name was Lance and he is the tour director for the musical Legally Blonde haha. When I looked in his eyes I knew that we needed to drop the things we were scheduled to do and take this man around. I made some phone calls and cancelled somethings and ended up taking him around. We started downstairs and taught the restoration so clearly I was reconverted it was strange I've never said things like that before. He said its tender to actually think a 14 year old boy would have such a desire to know truth. He understood and was really thinking about it. Then we took him to the prophet display and had him select a topic. ( Which is perfect cause then we know what he needs) Well he selected Love at home. Tears just came to my eyes as I testified the power of a forever family. Then we took him to Gods Plan where he started to cry the spirit was so clear i cant really describe it. Then in the last room we promised him that if he asked he would receive an answer. He said I'm really going to ask God about this, cause if what I'm feeling is true i need to act on it. I know I was suppose to meet you two thank you so much. We are going to be teaching him!!! How will you Know? We had a member tour this week that honestly changed my life. Missionaries tend to get in this routine that members aren't souls but in fact they are and can teach you so much. His name is James and is amazing. He is only a member of 3 years joined the church in Chicago in college. The questions asked were so inspired I felt the Lord was taking us by the hand and leading us everywhere we went. As we came to the paintings of Christ the spirit intensified and I knew that Christ lived stronger then I've felt in a while. I asked James what thoughts come to his mind when he sees the painting... No words were said for 3 min we all stared at the painting and one by one all of us had tears streaming down our face. Pausing lets the spirit testify to your heart in a way words don't. I've never felt the spirit like that before it was overwhelming honestly. Then we walked up to the Christus and as we sat James asked us, how would you recognize the Savior if he came right now? As I thought about it, i responded when I looked in his eyes I would know and the way I felt next to him. When you look into someones eyes you feel things and I believe I would know because he is my Savior and I love him. How would you recognize him? I've grown close to the Savior this week truly purifying all that I do and say. We watched as a mission 17 miracles and I am so humbled to serve in the exact place millions set their finish line on. We are so blessed to have those pioneers and their examples. Sister Mata'utia and i decided that it takes different faith to be a pioneer. I know we can make it through anything in our lives if we will humble ourselves and turn to the Savior. Every trial we face is truly a blessing to draw closer to him. Sister Brevard my bestie here went home this week due to back problems just like me almost to the date last year. She told me Sister Mettra this isn't apart of my plan its just not... I've prayed so much for her this week and feel as though one of the many reasons I had to experience that trial one year ago was to help my dear friend. What a blessing it was to look in her eyes and know she was struggling and put my arms around her and say I've been there its going to be ok. I really thanked the Lord for this tender mercy. Its all worth it to me now to be able to help someone I love feel comfort. And I would do it all over again if only just for that moment. Through this whole experience I've come to this simple conclusion.." Things that happen in our life may never be apart of our plan, but they are ALWAYS apart of his." - Sister Mettra I'm so excited for General Conference and invite you all to have a question in your heart and I promise God will give you clarity on the matter at some point in the conference. I remember 1 year ago today when I received such a powerful witness God answers prayers. It was at the relief Society broadcast I was feeling so judged at that time by many people and it was really getting to me. My heart was burdened and I needed divine help. I remember praying for a message to be about judging anything at all something to plead with these people not to do so. After all the talks by the Relief Society, President Monson stood up and said.... " Sisters we need not to judge, when you judge you leave no room to Love." Tears filled my eyes and a quiet assurance that not only was he a Prophet of God, but that indeed my father in heaven heard my silent prayer. Be faithful he knows you and Loves you. I'm so grateful to be apart of over 100,000 people this weekend coming to hear a prophets voice. Although my legs may possibly be numb by the end of this conference walking 14 hour days, it will be worth it I'll be smiling. Even if my feet are bleeding whateves :) Faith in every footstep right? I love you All So much and pray for you Daily.. Love Sister Mettra ps transfers are Monday :( pray I stay with my POLLY!!!

Stand in the light

Dear Friends.... Because I only wrote a couple of days ago due to some emergency tours I needed to take. I decided to attach some of my favorite clips that we love to share with our investigators. Something that I've really learned on my mission is where light comes from. Not just brightness in contrast to darkness but virtually every happy thing that brings Joy in our hearts. There are so many in this world in literal darkness because they don't know where the true and everlasting light is. I have grown to be closer to the Savior then ever before. I feel like the Light of Christ is really apart of me now. When we teach our investigators over the phone its almost like I'm not talking at all. When i testify of him it feels so much more real then it ever has before. No matter who we are or where we come from, Jesus Christ's atonement is real. Things that happen in our life may never be apart of our plan, But they are always apart of His. God has a plan for each of us and as we trust in him, things will fall into place. This week I was speaking with Joan one of our investigators and she kept saying, "if it be his will, I'll do it." And i said Joan the Lord will bless you for it i promise you. She said Jenna you sure have been through a lot serving a mission why is that? And I felt so peaceful just saying, "because its his will and I'm stronger because of it. Joan the atonement is real and I'm grateful for the moments of pain, despair, and disappointment because I'm becoming a true disciple." I'm so grateful to be serving here and would love to share one of my favorite stories about the pioneers in conclusion. A man who crossed the plains in the Martin handcart company lived in Utah for many years. One day he was in a group of people who began sharply criticizing the Church leaders for ever allowing the Saints to cross the plains with no more supplies or protection than a handcart company provided. The old man listened until he could stand no more; then he arose and said with great emotion: “I was in that company and my wife was in it. . . . We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? . . . [We] came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities. “I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it. . . . I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there. “Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company.”1 Light Happiness This last quote is probably one of my favorites, anything we go through is not in vain. It is a privilege to serve a mission and teach the gospel. Nothing I've been through is too much, for the spirit I feel everyday and the closeness i feel with him. As we turn to the Lord and trust in him, we get to know him better. I am so grateful for the pioneers and the path they paved for each of us. We are modern day pioneers and grow closer to the Lord every day. Much Love Keep the Faith Love Sister Mettra

Never a better hero.

Dear Friends.... Sister Mata'utia and I are seeing miracles together and I'm so grateful for her testimony side by side mine. I was thinking this week about the Hero's in my life and what attributes they have. And in turn of course wanted to obtain those same qualities and wondered what a Hero really is. Some say its someone who saves you, an example, helps you reach your full potential. When i think of a real Hero i think of the Savior. Many of my calls, contacts and tours were centered around the Savior this week and i felt as though he is truly my best Friend and Hero. No one quite understands to the fullness of our pain like he does. Many have asked why I'm serving a mission and that is because I Love my Savior. He is my Hero and has saved my heart many times i will never deny the love i have for him and till testify it to the whole world. This week has been very intense as it always is but I learned something this week, silence brings blessings. I don't like to hear myself talk the whole time I'd rather the guest talk but sometimes the best voice to hear is the spirit speaking to these hearts. I just want to be closer to the Savior everyday and so most of my study is on the life of Christ because when you understand Jesus Christ's purpose, you gain your own especially as a missionary. I feel Warm..not cause its hot outside Well Sister Mata'utia is very bold ha lets just say that but only with Pollys and she is one so she can say whatever she wants. Tavita is our new project lets just say cause he is less active ha but has been for about 10 years. We took him on a tour here and oh btw he is 7 feet tall. I felt really protected standing next to him. Well as we walked around we realized he needed to feel more and see less. We sat with him in the conference center and pretty much laid it all out to him and he was laughing and some tears. He needed it and we were asking inspired questions I'm sure of it. The Spirit was so strong and he said I just feel something i haven't in a while. Then we walked to Gods Plan but didn't turn it on we sat in the first room and Sister Mata'utia said now Sister Mettra is going to sing amazing grace haha. I decided i would and the minute i started singing he put his head down and was saying wow. i said your lost Tavita but through this gospel you can be found. He said he felt warm and had chills and we testified it was Gods way of telling him he was loved. Glowing Zach the tour guide I've become good friends with he is from Korea and he said that he missed me at the West Gate which was tender. He then went on to say, Sister Mettra you glow every time you have this light, I will miss you. God bless you. And i said Zach God be with you till we meet again. Tender moment just by smiling. Loss of Words We are teaching this guy in the south he is an angel and has really good questions. We started teaching him about there being a modern day prophet and he just kept saying wow really? The spirit was pouring out to this mans heart and we could feel it and so could he. As we taught him about the power of prayer he realized that there really was a God. This was amazing neither of us really wanted to speak. He said I'm at a loss of Words right now I don't know what to say. We then told him we were going to pray with him and as we started... SATAN hung up the phone! The spirit was so strong and the phone was disconnected so crazy. We called him back and apologized for Satans rude behavior. The we prayed with him and he said he would pray about these things cause he wants to know! I love you Baby So we have an investigator named Anna and she is the sweetest Texas lady and I wish i could teach her in person. She honestly makes me laugh so hard when she talks. So always say hunny its Jenna she is saving me today o baby i love you haha. And we are teaching her about The Book of Mormon and she is just shouting oh my sugar I love you. Jesus is healing me today bless the Lord! Thank you Jesus . Ha i love her and we call each other babe so its really fitting. VIP Tour 2.0 Well Sister Mata'utia and I had taken 5 back to back tours and were so hungry when all of the sudden the missionary department decides to walk in and have a surprise audit. Keep in mind that we have only been there now for a total of about a week. Everything we said they followed with really are you sure? hahaha I'm just about to die here no worries. We were so nervous and prayed the entire tour to be led by the spirit. Well the Lord blessed us with having a very spirit led personal tour at Welfare Square. I've never felt so connected with this place as I did during that hour. We both cried testifying on the power of prayer. I can look back and remember the moments when the spirit was the strongest and that was only when w followed the spirit. President talked to us yesterday and said they were very impressed and loved the tour they thought we had been serving there our whole mission. Phone call made in Heaven Last night I talked with a guy who will remain nameless. It was amazing and I felt the spirit testify so strongly of the power of Love you can really have for someone. My heart just went out to this guy he was young and just got divorced. He was searching for something I could feel it and we had the deepest conversation about Christ's love. i started to cry speaking of how my heart has been broken by friends in the past and the only way it was possible to heal from all that was through the atonement of Christ. I can't really express how i felt but I needed it just as much as he did. Sadly satan hung up the phone right in the middle of the conversation and I couldn't get a hold of him again but I have faith that he will answer again and learn of these things. God loves him and I could feel that. There was never a Better Hero then Jesus Christ. And I strive to be like him everyday. The closer I come to him, the more I miss him really. He is my hero and I love him. What an honor it is to serve him everyday. I love you all Love Sister Mettra